IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival

Site assignments are in progress.

Site assignments are in progress.

Site assignments are in progress.

• Complete five years of teaching or instruction in a specialized area of the marching arts
• Complete the “Music Adjudication” course offered through the National Federation of High Schools at nfhslearn.com and send course completion certificate to the IHSMA Office.
• Complete a new W-9 and send it to the IHSMA Office.
• NEW ADJUDICATORS: Request that two (2) currently approved adjudicators for the IHSMA write letters of recommendation for you on your behalf and send them to the IHSMA Office.

Adjudicators for the IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival are experienced music educators selected for their expertise in performance, teaching, and music adjudication. They understand the educational purpose of the festival and are committed to providing every student with meaningful, constructive feedback that supports continued musical growth.

IHSMA adjudicators typically possess:

• A strong background in instrumental or vocal music education and performance.
• Experience teaching and directing school music programs, collegiate ensembles, or professional performing organizations.
• Expertise within the specific performance area they are evaluating, including vocal, band, orchestra, jazz, percussion, piano, or chamber music.
• Knowledge of the IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival rules, procedures, repertoire expectations, and evaluation standards.
• Current training in IHSMA adjudication practices, including calibration and consistency in scoring and written commentary.
• A commitment to providing objective, respectful, and educational feedback that encourages students at every level of development.

Unlike competitive events that rank performances against one another, IHSMA adjudicators evaluate each performance on its own merits using established performance standards. Their role is to recognize achievement, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide comments that help students and directors continue developing their musicianship.

Every evaluation is intended to reinforce IHSMA’s mission of supporting excellence in music education through thoughtful assessment, professional expertise, and encouragement for lifelong musical growth.

The State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival is an educational event designed to promote musical growth through performance, evaluation, and reflection. While each performance receives a rating, the greatest value of the festival is the feedback students receive from experienced adjudicators.

Adjudicators evaluate each performance against established IHSMA standards—not against other performers. This standards-based approach recognizes achievement while providing an objective assessment of how effectively the selected literature was performed. Ratings represent a summary of the overall performance and should always be considered alongside the adjudicator’s written comments.

The written evaluation provides specific observations about musical strengths and identifies opportunities for continued improvement. Comments may address areas such as tone quality, technique, intonation, rhythm, balance, interpretation, style, musical expression, and overall performance effectiveness. These observations are intended to guide future practice and support continued development rather than simply justify a rating.

Students and directors are encouraged to review the evaluation together after the festival. Meaningful discussion of the adjudicator’s comments can reinforce successful preparation, identify instructional priorities, and help establish goals for future performances. Even outstanding performances often include suggestions for continued refinement, because musical growth is an ongoing process.

While ratings recognize a level of achievement at a particular moment, they do not define a student’s potential or overall musicianship. The preparation required to perform, the experience of sharing music with an audience, and the opportunity to receive professional educational feedback are the lasting benefits of participation.

The Iowa High School Music Association believes the most valuable outcome of the State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival is not the rating itself, but the learning that results from thoughtful preparation, reflective evaluation, and a continued commitment to musical excellence.

The IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival is an opportunity to share the results of your preparation in a positive, educational environment. Festival day is designed to help you perform at your best while receiving valuable feedback from experienced music educators.

Before your scheduled performance, arrive with plenty of time to check in with your director and locate your assigned performance room. Make sure you have everything you need, including your instrument, music, required equipment, and any accompanist or ensemble members. Dress appropriately according to your school’s expectations and be ready to perform at your scheduled time.

When it is your turn, you will enter the performance room, be introduced by the room chair, and perform your selected literature for the adjudicator. The atmosphere is professional, supportive, and focused on allowing every student to perform to the best of their ability.

Following your performance, the adjudicator will complete a written evaluation of your performance. Unlike some other IHSMA festivals, the State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival provides written comments rather than an immediate verbal clinic. These comments are intended to recognize your accomplishments while offering thoughtful suggestions that will help you continue developing as a musician.

After your performance, your director will receive your rating and adjudication materials according to festival procedures. Be sure to take time to read your evaluation carefully with your director. The written feedback often becomes one of the most valuable learning tools from the festival experience.

Most importantly, remember that festival day is about much more than a rating. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your musicianship, gain valuable performance experience, and celebrate the hard work and dedication you have invested throughout the rehearsal process.

The IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival is designed to provide every student with a professional, organized, and educational performance experience. Understanding the flow of the event will help you feel prepared and confident on festival day.

After arriving at your assigned festival site, check in with your director and confirm your performance schedule. Your director will provide any final instructions and ensure you know where your performance room is located. Plan to arrive at your room several minutes before your scheduled performance time.

When your event is called, you and your accompanist or ensemble members will enter the performance room and prepare to perform. The room chair will introduce your event to the adjudicator and help keep the festival running on schedule.

You will perform your selected solo or ensemble exactly as you have prepared it. The adjudicator will listen carefully, evaluate your performance using IHSMA standards, and make written comments throughout the performance. Their evaluation considers both the technical and musical aspects of your presentation while recognizing the level of difficulty and style of the selected literature.

After your performance is complete, you will thank the adjudicator, gather your materials, and exit the room so the next performers can prepare. The adjudicator will finalize your written evaluation and assign a rating according to IHSMA evaluation standards.

Because the State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival emphasizes written educational feedback, there is typically no verbal clinic immediately following your performance. Instead, your written comments provide detailed observations and recommendations that you and your director can review together after the festival.

Throughout the day, be mindful of other performers by remaining quiet in hallways and common areas, following directions from festival personnel, and helping maintain a respectful environment. Every student’s performance deserves the same level of concentration and professionalism.

From arrival through your final performance, the festival is designed to provide an organized, positive experience that celebrates preparation, encourages musical growth, and helps you become a more confident performer.

When you perform at the IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival, adjudicators are evaluating much more than whether you play or sing the correct notes and rhythms. They are listening for a complete musical performance that demonstrates preparation, technical skill, and expressive artistry appropriate to your selected literature.

Some of the areas your adjudicator will evaluate include:

• Tone Quality – A characteristic, well-supported sound that is appropriate for your instrument or voice.
• Technical Accuracy – Correct notes, rhythms, intonation, articulation, diction, fingerings, stick technique, and overall command of the musical demands.
• Rhythmic Precision – Steady tempo, accurate pulse, and rhythmic consistency throughout the performance.
• Musical Expression – Effective use of dynamics, phrasing, style, articulation, tempo changes, and musical interpretation to communicate the intent of the music.
• Balance and Blend (for ensembles) – Listening to one another to create a unified ensemble sound where all parts contribute appropriately.
• Ensemble Precision (for ensembles) – Strong communication, coordinated entrances and releases, rhythmic unity, and musical cohesion among all performers.
• Interpretation and Style – An understanding of the historical period, genre, and stylistic characteristics of the selected work.
• Stage Presence and Professionalism – Confidence, poise, focus, proper performance etiquette, and respectful interaction with the performance environment.

Adjudicators also consider the overall effectiveness of the performance. They recognize when musicians perform with confidence, demonstrate thoughtful preparation, and communicate the musical character of the piece—not simply when every note is perfect.

Remember that adjudicators want you to succeed. Their written comments are intended to acknowledge what you do well while providing specific suggestions that will help you continue growing as a musician. Every performance is an opportunity to learn, improve, and build confidence for future musical experiences.

The IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival is a professional educational event that brings together thousands of student musicians from across Iowa. Every participant contributes to creating an environment where all performers can be successful. Demonstrating respect, responsibility, and professionalism is an important part of the festival experience.

As a participant, you are expected to:

• Arrive prepared and on time. Know your performance schedule, allow time to locate your room, and be ready to perform when called.
• Treat everyone with respect. Show courtesy to adjudicators, room chairs, site staff, accompanists, fellow performers, directors, and audience members.
• Maintain a quiet environment. Hallways and waiting areas should remain as quiet as possible so performers can concentrate and performances are not disrupted.
• Demonstrate professional performance etiquette. Enter and exit the performance room respectfully, acknowledge the adjudicator appropriately, and remain focused throughout your performance.
• Support your fellow musicians. Encourage others, celebrate their accomplishments, and recognize that every student is working toward personal musical growth.
• Represent your school with pride. Your attitude, appearance, and behavior reflect not only on you but also on your music program and community.
• Follow directions from festival personnel. Room chairs, site managers, and volunteers help keep the festival running efficiently and ensure a positive experience for everyone.
• Accept feedback with a growth mindset. Every written evaluation is intended to help you become a stronger musician. Be open to suggestions and use them as motivation for future improvement.

Professionalism extends beyond your performance. The habits you demonstrate on festival day—preparation, responsibility, respect, and collaboration—are the same qualities that lead to success in rehearsals, classrooms, performances, college, careers, and everyday life.

The State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival is an opportunity to showcase not only your musical abilities but also your character. By approaching the day with professionalism and a positive attitude, you help create an outstanding experience for yourself and every participant.

The IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival is about far more than earning a rating. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself, demonstrate your musical growth, and develop skills that will benefit you throughout your life.

Preparing for a solo or small ensemble performance requires dedication, discipline, and personal responsibility. Unlike large ensemble performances, every individual musician has a unique role and a greater level of personal accountability. The preparation process teaches you how to set goals, practice effectively, solve musical challenges, and take ownership of your performance.

Festival day provides the opportunity to perform for an experienced music educator who offers thoughtful, objective feedback. The written evaluation you receive is designed to reinforce your strengths while identifying specific areas for continued growth. Learning to receive constructive feedback and apply it to future performances is an important part of becoming a successful musician.

Performing as a soloist builds confidence, independence, and expressive musicianship. Performing in a small ensemble develops communication, listening, leadership, and collaboration, as every performer contributes directly to the success of the group. Both experiences strengthen skills that carry into large ensembles, future performances, and everyday life.

The festival also encourages students to explore quality musical literature and strive for a high standard of artistic excellence. Through careful preparation and public performance, you develop technical skills, musical understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the art of music.

Most importantly, the State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival celebrates growth. Whether this is your first state festival or you are a returning participant, success is measured by the progress you have made through preparation, performance, reflection, and continued learning. Every performance represents another step in your musical journey and another opportunity to become a more confident, capable, and expressive musician.