The Rocky Point School District had close to 150 students perform in the New York State School Music Association Solo/Ensemble Evaluation Festival on May 19 and 20. The purpose of the NYSSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival is to provide the students the opportunity to perform for a certified music educator/adjudicator so they may receive an objective evaluation of their musical proficiency and aptitude. This evaluation not only reinforces the positive aspects of a student’s performance, but also offers helpful suggestions for improvement. Students receive an evaluation sheet that includes written comments and an assessment on their performance. Students are evaluated on several categories including accuracy of notes/rhythms, tone, technique, intonation, scales and sight singing. Students learn what they did well and also what they can do to further their musical growth and development.
Students prepared solo and small ensemble pieces of music from the NYSSMA-approved manual of repertoire in difficulty levels I-VI, where VI is the most advanced. Additionally, 14 students prepared a Level VI All-State solo, with the hopes of being invited to participate with one of the NYSSMA All-State performing ensembles next December. Levels I-IV are evaluated on a rating scale of 1-28 and Levels V-VI are evaluated on a scale of 1-100.
The evaluation categories for NYSSMA Levels I-IV are:
26-28 Outstanding; 21-25 Excellent; 16-20 Good; 11-15 Satisfactory. An Outstanding Rating is given only to a performer who displays a distinguished level of accomplishment.
The evaluation categories for NYSSMA Levels V-VI are:
A+ 97-100, A 93-96, A- 90-92, B+ 87-89, B 83-86, B- 80-82
The Rocky Point music department is proud to announce that 69 students received an “Outstanding” rating and 30 students received an “Excellent” rating for Levels I-IV, while 28 students received an “A+” rating and three students received an “A” rating for Levels V-VI. This includes 32 perfect scores!
A congratulatory message from Rocky Point music department chairpersons Mr. Craig Knapp and Ms. Amy Schecher read: “We are very proud of all of the students that performed at the NYSSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival. Your hard work, ability and dedication help contribute to the wonderful music program we have in Rocky Point. We are extraordinarily proud of you! We would also like to thank our incredibly conscientious, hardworking and devoted music faculty for helping to prepare the students for this special event. Thank you also to the families of these talented students for all of their support and encouragement. Thank you to all involved. Our performing arts programs could not be a success without you. The students are to be applauded and congratulated for their amazing achievements!”
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Date Added: 5/26/2023