Last week, I went over some (hopefully) helpful information regarding ISSMA solo and ensemble contest, particularly for those of you who are novices. This week, I wanted to delve a little bit more into the process of choosing a solo piece. You and your student will be playing and listening to the piece you choose many, many times over the next few months, so selecting one that is technically appropriate, fun, and just the right amount of challenging is very important.
As I mentioned last week, there is no substitute for private instruction to help a student progress on his or her instrument, particularly during contest season. Private teachers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to appropriate pieces, as well as recognizing the strengths of each individual player and repertoire that will best suit their needs and highlight those strengths. If your student does not have a private teacher, encourage them to talk to their band director–many of them have a plethora of solos in their libraries for a variety of instruments. No matter what level (V-I) your student is entering, make sure that they select a piece that is appropriate for their skill level. A piece that is too easy will make them bored very quickly, while one that is too challenging will bring about immense frustration and possibly a lower score than the student could earn with a more appropriate piece.
Students who are competing in Group I: make sure your piece is on the required list!! This link provides a complete list of pieces that are allowed for Group I performance:
http://www.issma.net/downloads/woodwindmanual.pdf
From my years as both a performer and an educator, here are a few quick tips to help you select a Group I piece:
1. Venture off the beaten path!
Absolutely, every student should have experience with Bach, Mozart, and the other greats. But consider styles or composers that may not catch your eye right away. Always finding yourself playing classical-era music? Consider a new piece by Ian Clarke or something from the early 20th century. Do you always gravitate to fast, exciting pieces? Consider a piece such as the beautiful Copland Duo for Flute and Piano. YouTube is a fantastic way to preview pieces to see what jumps out at you.
2. Accompanist or solo piece?
Consider both options carefully. Choosing an unaccompanied piece does afford a bit of convenience if you do not have a piano player in your family, but many people are surprised at just how nerve-wracking it can be to play a solo piece without accompaniment. I always encourage players not to choose a piece solely based on that criteria. That being said, there are lots of unaccompanied pieces, from Telemann sonatas to the ultra-modern Density 21.5.
3. One movement or multi?
Playing 2-3 short movements of a piece is a great way to show off a range of techniques, from slow and beautiful to fast technical passages. Always be aware of requirements for specific pieces and time restrictions. For example, some multi-movement pieces on the required list specify that only certain movements may be played.
If you have any other questions as you venture on this exciting journey, don’t hesitate to call Erin! Happy hunting!