In conjunction with the celebration of the National High School Activities Month, the Colorado High School Activities Association is excited to announce that they are creating a statewide virtual solo and ensemble festival this year.

The CHSAA recognizes that nothing is the same during these challenging times, but they want to support and offer encouragement to our directors across the state. This virtual festival is easy, simple to use, available for all schools — elementary, middle school, and high school! Even those in a virtual or hybrid model, and this would be a great evaluation tool for both the student(s) and the director.

“We are really excited to be able to offer this music opportunity for everyone in the state,” said CHSAA assistant commissioner Bethany Brookens. “They strongly encourage everyone to sign up as soon as possible to ensure they get a spot.”

HeartOut will be the digital platform of choice. This is a free app that students, directors and judges will be using. This is an asynchronous opportunity to participate. Students and directors will have an entire week (Monday-Friday) in March to upload their best performance, and then the judges will login soon after the deadline to provide a quality overall rating and give comprehensive written feedback on the recorded performance.

The second virtual CHSAA Solo & Ensemble Festival will be March 1-5, 2021. If you would like to take part, and these dates absolutely don’t work, please let Brookens know and they will be happy to schedule more opportunities. Registration is now open, CHSAA Solo & Ensemble Registration Form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdM6vSKLExmsqJRiq3njaKW-x9i999byxl-vKqfl8A4Tpextw/viewform.

This festival is available to all students in elementary, middle school, and high school. Solos and ensembles (up to 16 students) are allowed. The events are Vocal, High Brass (trumpet/French horn), Low Brass (trombone, baritone, tuba), High String (violin, viola), Low String (cello, bass), Piano, Percussion, Flute, Saxophone, Woodwind (clarinet, oboe, bassoon), Mixed Ensembles, Guitar, and Ukulele.

Entry costs for solos and small ensembles (less than 10 students) are $10/each, and ensembles 11-16 students are $15/each.

Worried about memorization? Not required. Is your school still virtual, or in a hybrid model?  No problem — students can easily upload their performances on their own, or you can help them their day at school. Is there a required music list? Nope, music just must be festival appropriate. More questions? Please visit our FAQ page at https://chsaanow.com/2021-02-09/qa-chsaa-solo-ensemble-festival-1-march-1-5-2021/.

CHSAA contacts for this festival are Bethany Brookens and Sandra Williamson. They look forward to hearing from you.