The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) sponsors festivals each spring at which students have the opportunity to perform a solo for an impartial adjudication. Judges, most of whom are chosen from outside the area, hear each student play a graded selection from the NYSSMA manual, prescribed scales, and a short sight reading selection (8 measures). Students are then given a written report with comments on their performance and a grade. Grades range from the relatively rare Outstanding through Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Fair, and Needs Improvement (A+ through D- in Levels V and VI). In the case of a serious problem with the performance or a serious infraction of the festival rules, a student may not receive a grade. Levels of difficulty range as follows:
Level I very easy-elementary
II easy-advanced elementary, middle school
III medium-middle school
IV medium difficult-advanced middle school, high school
V difficult-advanced high school
VI very difficult-only for the most advanced students
NYSSMA festival grades provide a standard that is useful for students to evaluate their own playing. These grades serve as benchmarks that students and teachers can use to evaluate progress.
Students participating in the NYSSMA festival (and their parents) should be aware of the following:
The 2012 festival for piano students only (Levels I - VI) will be held at Jericho High School on March 16 & 17, 2012.
The 2012 festival for all other instruments and Jazz (Levels I-IV) will be held at Cold Spring Harbor High School on March 9 & 10, 2012.
The 2012 festival for all other instruments and Jazz (Levels V-VI) will be held at South Woods Middle School on May 4 & 5, 2012.
All solos must be listed in the current NYSSMA manual, Edition 29, effective 07/09.
Two copies of the solo must be provided (one for the student and one for the adjudicator). Photocopies are not permitted.
Participation fees:
Piano participation fees: Level I-IV $19.00; Level V-VI $26.00
All other instruments: Level I-IV $14.00; Level V-VI $26.00
Please print the NYSSMA application, complete, and attach a check for the correct amount payable to East Woods School. Click here for application.
The deadline to return completed applications with checks to Mr. Oechslin is no later than Wednesday, January 11, 2012.