Meyzeek Middle School Bands
Solo & Ensemble
On the 28th of February, there will be almost one thousand students from all over Louisville at Atherton High School for the annual Solo & Ensemble Contest.
​
Students bring their prepared music to Atherton and perform in front of one professional musician who rates their performance (Division ONE is the best rating..."Distinguished.")
​
This is a low-pressure event:
there is no audience.
there is no bright spotlight.
This is an opportunity to grow as a young person and especially as a MUSICIAN.​
​​​
Here are several tips to help you and your student:
​
1. I will NOT be at Meyzeek on Saturday morning. The students are to take their instruments and music home on Friday, the 27th!
​
2. “Dress for success:" wear the same uniform from the Winter Concert.
​
3. Warm-up at home, first. Yes, there is an opportunity to warm up in their cafeteria, but it can be plenty loud in there!
​
​​​4. The contest is held at Atherton High School, which is located at 3000 Dundee Road. Please park on the EAST side of the school, NOT in the loop (FIRE LANE) on the West side! It is possible that you will be TOWED!
​
5. Plan on arriving at Atherton about 45 minutes to an hour BEFORE the performance time. Remember to allow for traffic and parking.
​
6. First thing when you arrive: find the judge’s room where you are to perform. This way, you aren't getting stressed as you search for it just before you play.
NOW you have time to RELAX!​
​
7. Reed players, don't forget to keep your reed wet!
​
8. Don’t forget to BREATHE! Remember, deep breathing will slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and make you play better, since AIR is what makes the wind instruments work!
​​
9. DYNAMICS, DYNAMICS, DYNAMICS!!! Be a MUSICIAN!
​​
10. Relax and make MUSIC! Always remember: you are an artist!
​​