Try playing from beginning to end WITHOUT STOPPING! Don't go back and fix any mistakes, because you won't be allowed that opportunity at NYSSMA.Ħ) Remember that music is fun. Look for time signatures, key signatures, dynamics, accidentals, articulations and any other important information.
Look through it for about a minute or so without playing. Solo info: Students must perform a solo that is listed in the NYSSMA Manual (Edition 32 2018) If a student performs a solo that is not in the NYSSMA Manual, they receive Comments Only no score. Use your lesson book, open up to a page you have not practiced, or haven't worked on in a while. (Percussionists, check with me on which rudiments you must memorize).ĥ) Sight reading. For Level III - IV you must memorize any 7 scales and Level V - VI you must memorize all 15 scales. For Level I - II you must memorize any 3 scales.
(If you do not have a metronome, buy one, it will be a great help to you).Ĥ) Practice your scales everyday as a warm-up. Once you have done that.ģ) Start by playing from beginning to the end with a metronome. Once you know it, then start to increase the tempo, then move on to the next 4 measures (continue this until you reach the end of the solo). NYSSMA Solo Festivals take place all across the state annually. I recommend at least 2 hours a week.Ģ) Take things sllllloooWork on 4 bar phrases until you know them perfectly at a very slow tempo. Last weekend, many of our performing artists attended the Level 5-6 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival at West Genesee High School. In order to be prepared for NYSSMA you must increase your practice habits. Here are some helpful suggestions that will lead to a successful experience at NYSSMA.ġ) Practice EVERYDAY!! Now I am sure some days this is not a realistic goal, but even 10-15 minutes on those really busy days will help. You can find several recordings to listen to that will help you while preparing for NYSSMA. Welcome to the newly created NYSSMA page. Language Immersion - General Information.Elementary Counseling and Wellness Center.At solo and small ensemble festivals, students are given a performance evaluation that involves playing a graded solo from the NYSSMA Manual, playing scales and sight reading.
NYSSMA sponsors approximately 145 solo & small ensemble and major ensemble festivals in New York State each spring. Students should wear clothing that is neat, clean and reflects a serious attitude. Last year, 43 All-State audition sites were scheduled in schools throughout the state.īesides, what should I wear to the Nyssma?Īlthough there is no particular style or color of dress required for NYSSMA, most teachers would agree that NYSSMA is a special occasion and should be treated as a performance. These zones represent geographic areas within the state and also take into account the student populations within these zones. on a scale of 1- 100 with 100 being a perfect score.Īlso, what is Area All State Nyssma? New York State is divided into 15 regional zones by NYSSMA. Level 5-6 music is rated as A+, A, A-, B+, B, etc. on a scale of 1-28 with 28 being a perfect score. Level 1-4 music is rated as “Outstanding, “Excellent”, “ Good”, etc. One of the easiest ways to get points during your performance is by knowing your major scales. NYSSMA adjudicators evaluate students sight-reading using the following criteria: Accuracy of Notes - The performance of notes as. The earlier you start looking at your performance piece, the more time you'll have to learn it inside out.