ISSMA Solo and Ensemble
MVHS Choir 2026
What is Solo and Ensemble?
Each year, the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) hosts the Solo and Ensemble contest for young musicians. Students participating will perform as either a soloist or as a member of a small ensemble (3 or more) for judges who will score their performance and give constructive feedback. This event is open to all students involved in the music programs at Mt. Vernon High School.
When and Where is Solo and Ensemble?
The event takes place at New Palestine Intermediate School on Saturday, February 7th. Group I participants who earn a Gold at District are eligible to advance to State on Saturday, February 18th. Registration is due TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH.
Is Solo and Ensemble a Competition?
Participants do not compete against other soloists/ensembles, though it is sometimes referred to as Solo and Ensemble “Contest.” A judge will be present at your performance and will give you an individual rating (Gold, Silver, or Bronze). You will receive feedback from your judge after your performance. Students who earn a Gold rating in Group 1 will advance to State “Contest.”
How do I prepare for the event?
Participants in the Solo event will prepare one solo piece to perform at the District event, chosen through collaboration with either Mrs. Anderson or his or her voice teacher. Participants in the Ensemble category will sing in a group of students and choose a song with Mrs. Anderson.
Group I (advanced) soloists should ideally be taking voice lessons from a solo voice teacher. Students in Group II or III (Intermediate and Beginning Levels) are encouraged to take lessons as well. Students at the Group II or III level will have either a song chosen for them or may choose a song from the provided list of songs for his or her voice part. Group I level singers must choose a song from the Group I required list ONLY. (this list is shared with students on Canvas and online)
Should I do a Solo or an Ensemble?
Students should only opt to sing in an ensemble if they have a group of singers in their choir who will all commit to practicing regularly and contributing to the ensemble. If a singer is not confident that they have a group who will do this, they should opt to sing a solo. Ambitious students are allowed to do both a solo AND an ensemble, but may not perform more than one solo or in more than one ensemble.
Accompanists
A live accompanist is required for Group I participants and is recommended for all participants. Students choosing to use a recorded accompaniment must bring their own speaker/bluetooth device to the Solo and Ensemble contest.
NEW FOR 2026: Payment for accompanists is due along with the Solo and Ensemble registration fee. You will not be registered if you do not pay for your accompanist fee upfront.
Divisions and Categories
* Mrs. Anderson will help first-time performers decide which Group is best for them *
Group III: First-time high school participants (middle school Solo and Ensemble does not count) who are NOT currently in private voice lessons.
Group II: Students performing medium to medium difficulty music, and who do not take private voice.
Group I: Reserved for students performing high level literature. Students in Group I should be taking vocal lessons regularly, and must be willing to work independently on their music. This requires a high level of commitment, and is not meant for a beginning-level voice student.
There are four categories available in which to perform
1. Vocal Solo
2. Small Vocal Ensemble (3 to 6 performers)
3. Large Vocal Ensemble (7 to 20 performers)
4. Barbershop Quartet (Men’s or Women’s / 4 voices) : upper-intermediate/advanced singers only
Solo and Ensemble Schedule of Events
Important Dates
Tuesday, November 25th Registration form and Fees Due (no late submissions)
Saturday, February 7th District Solo and Ensemble Contest (New Pal Int. School: Times TBD)
Saturday, February 21st State Solo and Ensemble (qualifying Group 1 participants)
Fees (Checks payable to MVHS Choir Boosters OR Pay online at www.mvhschoirandtheatrebooster.com)
Solos --------------- $18.00 per solo event
Ensembles -------- $10.00 per member
Accompanist —-- $30.00 flat fee (Includes recital performance, one or two practice sessions, and the formal Solo and Ensemble performance.
*Only students who have paid the choir fee for the year are eligible to register for Solo and Ensemble. If you need assistance with payments and want to participate, contact Mrs. Anderson. We want EVERY student to have the opportunity to sing in Solo and Ensemble.