Choir students have been preparing for the Solo and Ensemble Contest, held on Feb. 21 where students perform a song for a judge and receive a rating from one to five, one being the best and five the worst.
“It’s really fun because I’ve done it for three years of high school, so it’s like a tradition now to do it every year,” senior Nishi Pahuja said.
The competition requires several hours of preparation, especially if students choose to do a harder song. Difficulties range from one to three, with one being the hardest and three the easiest.
“We have to prepare for two months, and me and my voice lesson teacher meet once a week to go over things I have to do,” Pahuja said. “I practice at home and have to memorize it [the song], and then we work on adding dynamics and stylistic stuff.”
Senior Bhavna Ramesh has competed before and feel less nervous for this year.
“When I was a freshman, I used to be really scared before I went in and I would be shaking, but now I don’t care as much,” Ramesh said.
In addition to the Solo and Ensemble Contest, students have the option to participate in the TMEA All-State Choir auditions earlier in the year, where they learn techniques to help them with their solo, including asking for help when they need it.
“Freshman year I did All-Region and I didn’t make it past the first round,” Pahuja said. “I was so disappointed. I thought I could just do it by myself and I didn’t get any help, but that was such a big mistake, and then solo ensemble I didn’t even try because I [thought] I was going to get a five. Sophomore year I didn’t do All-Region because I was still bummed out, but second semester, I [thought], ‘I’m going to get help from Ms. Landrum, I’m going to do good.’ Then I got a one.”
Students who didn’t participate in All-State use Solo and Ensemble as a chance to make up for that.
“Since I was sick this year, I never got to finish it [region] off, so I feel like Solo and Ensemble sort of makes up for that,” Ramesh said.
After the competition ended, students reflected on their journey, from learning their song this year to how they have grown through the years.
“As a senior, it’s so nice to get that one and [think], ‘yay, all three years I got a one,’” Pahuja said. “But what’s truly important is that I grew in those three years.”
