8th Grade Concert Band:
2025 performance date and time tbd

7th Grade Concert Band:
2025 performance date and time tbd

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What is the MSBOA Band & Orchestra Festival?

The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Band & Orchestra Festival is an annual event where school bands and orchestras from across the state come together to perform and be evaluated by expert adjudicators. This festival gives student ensembles the opportunity to showcase their hard work, receive feedback from professional musicians, and celebrate musical achievement.

The festival is divided into two main components:
1. District Festival: Local bands and orchestras participate within their assigned MSBOA district. Ensembles that perform well may advance to the State Festival.
2. State Festival: Ensembles that qualify at the district level perform again at the state level, where they are judged by a new panel of adjudicators.

Why Participate?
The MSBOA Festival is a chance for students to experience:
• Growth and Development: Performing at the festival encourages students to reach higher levels of musicianship. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, receive constructive feedback, and improve their ensemble playing.
• Expert Feedback: Ensembles are evaluated by experienced music educators who provide written and verbal comments, offering valuable insights that help the ensemble improve.
• Teamwork and Pride: The festival fosters a sense of unity within the band or orchestra, as students work together toward a common goal and take pride in their shared accomplishments.
• Recognition: Schools that perform at a high level receive ratings that reflect their hard work, often earning recognition both within the school community and beyond.

How Does the Festival Work?
The festival process involves preparation, performance, and evaluation in several categories:
1. Preparation:
Bands and orchestras prepare a program of three pieces, often including:
• One required piece selected from a list provided by the MSBOA (graded by difficulty level).
• Two additional pieces of the ensemble’s choice that demonstrate a range of musical styles and technical abilities.

2. Performance:
At the festival, ensembles perform their prepared pieces in front of a panel of three judges. The judges evaluate the group on several criteria, including:
• Tone Quality
• Intonation
• Rhythm
• Technique
• Expression
• Interpretation

3. Sight-Reading:
After the prepared performance, ensembles participate in a sight-reading component. This challenges the students to perform a piece they have never seen before, under a time constraint. The sight-reading performance is evaluated separately, assessing the group’s ability to quickly interpret and play unfamiliar music.

4. Evaluation and Rating:
Ensembles are rated on a scale from 1 (Superior) to 5 (Poor):
• Division I (Superior): The highest rating, indicating an exceptional performance with only minor issues.
• Division II (Excellent): A high-quality performance with some minor issues.
• Division III (Good): A solid performance but with noticeable areas for improvement.
• Division IV (Fair): A performance that shows basic understanding but has significant areas for improvement.
• Division V (Poor): A performance that demonstrates major issues in multiple areas.

Festival Timeline
• Preparation Season: Bands and orchestras typically begin preparing for the festival months in advance. Rehearsals focus on perfecting the selected repertoire and improving ensemble skills.
• District Festival: The District Festival usually takes place in March. Schools perform within their MSBOA district, and those that receive a Division I rating may qualify for the State Festival.
• State Festival: The State Festival is held in April and features the top ensembles from the District Festival. It is a prestigious opportunity for groups to perform in front of a new set of adjudicators and aim for top ratings.

Benefits of Participation
• Enhanced Musical Skills: The preparation for festival performances helps students refine their technical skills, musicianship, and ability to play cohesively as an ensemble.
• Constructive Feedback: The detailed comments from adjudicators help both students and directors identify strengths and areas for growth, improving the overall quality of the ensemble.
• Goal Setting: The festival provides a clear goal for students to work toward, motivating them to improve their performance and meet high musical standards.
• Recognition of Excellence: Earning a high rating at the festival is a source of pride for both the students and the school. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for the event.

How to Prepare for the MSBOA Festival
1. Consistent Rehearsals: Regular practice and rehearsals are key to ensuring the ensemble is well-prepared. This includes sectional rehearsals for specific instrument groups and full ensemble practices.
2. Focus on Sight-Reading: Since sight-reading is an important part of the evaluation, students should practice sight-reading regularly, learning to quickly interpret new music accurately and confidently.
3. Listen and Critique: Directors often record rehearsals or performances so students can listen back, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments.
4. Mock Performances: Holding a mock performance or practice concert for an audience before the festival can help students get used to performing under pressure.

Celebrate Music and Achieve Excellence!
The MSBOA Band & Orchestra Festival is a rewarding experience that challenges students to push their musical boundaries and perform at their best. Whether you’re performing for the first time or returning to improve on past success, the festival is an exciting way to develop your talents and celebrate the joy of making music together!

AFAMILYGUIDETOMSBOABANDFESTIVAL.pdf