2027 State Solo & Ensemble Festival

Overview

The State Solo & Ensemble Festival is open to all Maryland public and private school music students in grades 6-12 who have earned a Superior (I) rating on a solo or ensemble performance of a music grade 2 or higher at the 2026-2027 Maryland District Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students must perform music from the MMEA State Repertoire Lists.

In June of 2026, MMEA announced several updates to the 2027 State Solo & Ensemble: State Solo & Ensemble Festival Update - 2026-2027 School Year

Qualifying Solos & Ensembles must have earned a Superior (I) rating in one of the following 2026-2027 district/county events:

District 1 – Prince George’s County

District 2 – Montgomery County

District 3 – Anne Arundel County

District 4 – St. Mary’s County

District 5 – Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties

District 6 – Harford County

District 7 – Baltimore County

District 8 – Carroll County

District 9 – Allegany and Garrett Counties

District 10 – Baltimore City

District 11 – Charles County

District 12 – Calvert County

District 13 – Howard County

District 14 – Frederick County

District 15 – Washington County

District 16 – Cecil County

The Goals of the Festival are to:

Provide an opportunity for wind, percussion, vocal, and string students to select, prepare, and perform solo and ensemble literature for performance and evaluation.
Encourage students to perform solo literature.
Provide a formative tool so students can self-evaluate and receive quality feedback about their technique and performance.

Date & Location

Saturday, May 15, 2027

All Components: MBDA (Band), MODA (Strings), and MCEA (Chorus)

Center for the Arts, Towson University

Please note: Individual performance times will be released with the schedules. Caregivers will be able to request a time slot during the registration process. Students performing in more than one solo or ensemble must coordinate with their fellow performers and accompanists to make sure all request the same performance time. Scheduling requests are not guaranteed.

Festival Application Timeline

State Solo & Ensemble Registration Deadline
Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Important Note: Only ONE registration/payment is required per ensemble (duet, trio, quartet, or larger)

Late Registration Window

Thursday, March 18 to Wednesday, March 31, 2027

Schedules Published to the Public/Participants
April 30, 2027 - Two weeks prior to the festival

Festival Date
May 15, 2027

Eligibility

The eligibility rules for this festival are as follows:

To participate in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival, a student must attend a public, parochial, or independent (private) school in Maryland.
Students must be enrolled in their school band/chorus/orchestra class or school sponsored ensemble in the appropriate grade to participate in statewide activities. If a high school uses an alternative scheduling model, students can participate in the years in which they receive full credit for ensemble classes.
Instrumental and vocal students in grades 6-12 who have earned a Superior (I) rating at a 2026-2027 Maryland District Solo and Ensemble Festival on music grade 2 through 6 may register for the State Solo and Ensemble Festival.
A single student may perform in up to three (3) events. If a district allows more, a single student's participation will still be limited to three (3) events at the state festival.
For ensembles, the performer(s) who qualify at the district level must be the same persons who perform at the state level. There are no substitutions. If a person is missing or substituted, the ensemble will not be graded, and will only be able to receive comments.
- This does not apply to the piano accompanist for solo or ensemble performances. A piano accompanist can change.
Music educator membership in MMEA/NAfME is not required but encouraged. Click here to join/renew.

Repertoire

All music performed must be listed in the MMEA State Repertoire Lists for Instrumental or Vocal. When registering, list the ID number (column A), title, movement or selection (if applicable), and composer/arranger exactly as it appears on the lists.
Performers must present a selection at the same music grade level with which they qualified at the district level. Students/Ensembles are welcome to change repertoire, but it must be the same qualifying music grade level.
Compositions may not be more than 10 minutes in length. If a composition is over 10 minutes in length, the adjudicator will determine the length of music to be played.

Music Copyright Compliance

In order to remain compliant with copyright laws, an original copy of the music must be presented to the adjudicator. The only exception for this policy is if the music falls under Public Domain.
To maximize time with the adjudicator during the performance, students/educators are still asked to number the measures of the copy of music provided to the adjudicator. Points will no longer be deducted if this is not completed.
Music purchased online as digital copies should clearly indicate ownership/performance permission.

Accompaniment

Music with published accompaniments must be included in the performance. Students and ensembles must provide their own accompaniment, either live in-person or recorded. Live in-person accompanists’ name and contact information must be provided in the registration form. While live in-person accompaniment is encouraged, students may bring recorded accompaniment.

If recorded accompaniment is used, students must follow these policies:

A student or ensemble that utilizes recorded accompaniment is responsible for bringing an appropriate device(s) to play and amplify the recording.
- The recording must NOT rely on Wifi access. (recorded files must be downloaded on the device)
- Devices may include, but are not limited to, a phone and bluetooth speaker, a laptop with speakers, a small amp, etc.
- The device(s) must be ready to play at the scheduled time and require minimal set up/testing.
MMEA will be unable to help troubleshoot, so the student is encouraged to practice with the device(s).
- If technical difficulties arise and the recording is unable to play, the student must be aware that ”Failure to provide an accompanist will result in a penalty of one rating lower.” (Quote from Solo & Ensemble Policy)
If needed, an individual may assist the student/ensemble during the performance to operate the device(s).
MMEA will not be liable for damage or loss of any device(s).

Scales and Sight-Reading

Scales and sight-reading will not be required at the 2027 State Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Ensemble Size

Ensemble size is limited to no more than 16 performers. Ensembles are encouraged to perform music with one student per part/voice. Conductors (student or educator) are permitted for ensembles with at least 10 performers.

Percussion Instruments

Review the List of Percussion Instruments provided by MMEA and Towson University. Requests for specific instruments can be made on the registration form.

Piano - Important Note

Piano is used only as accompaniment in the State Festival. It is not included as a featured solo or ensemble instrument. MMEA does not maintain a State piano repertoire list. Piano students are encouraged to explore events hosted by the Maryland State Music Teachers Association (MSMTA).

Adjudication, Comment Sheets, & Certificates

Performances will be judged by MMEA qualified adjudicators and comment sheets will be provided to the performers. Click here for the scoring rubric. Certificates will be provided to the performers on-site.

Medals

Medals will be available for purchase at the event after the students receive their results. Medals for Superior (I) and Excellent (II) ratings can be purchased for $15. Students will show their comment/score sheet to purchase the appropriate medal.

Registration Fee

$20 for solo performances

$30 for duet/trio performances

$40 for ensembles of four (4) or more performers

IMPORTANT: Only ONE registration is required for duets, trios, or ensembles of four (4) or more performers. Do not submit multiple registrations.

Festival registration fees are non-refundable in the event of student cancellation. There is no flexible pricing for the State Solo & Ensemble.

Late Registrations (March 18-31) - There is a $5 late fee for each registration. Scheduling will be on a space-available basis. If a room/instrument is full, MMEA will notify the registrant. Refunds of the registration fee will be issued If a student/ensemble cannot be scheduled by MMEA. Registration fees must be paid by credit card at the time of submission. Invoicing is not available for late registrations.

Invoicing (Educators Only) - MMEA will provide a check-out code that will be sent to Public School Supervisors/Coordinators for any schools/districts who wish to pay the registration fee for their students. Private schools should email MMEA to request the code prior to student registering. Invoicing is only available during the regular registration period. Invoices will be sent electronically after March 29th.

Late Fee Policy (Educators Only) - Invoices not paid within 60 days will be assessed a late fee. Invoice totals of $100 or less will be assessed a late fee of $20. Invoices over $100 will be assessed a 20% late fee, not to exceed $500.

Registration Forms

Registration will open Mid-January.

MMEA Accessibility/Accommodations Request Form

MMEA remains committed to advancing diversity and inclusion throughout music education to foster a welcoming and inclusive organization. Integrating the various learning needs and accommodations for students with a disability, IEP, or 504 is of the utmost importance. We continue to develop and implement operational policies and procedures for MMEA programs, products and services.

Accessibility/Accommodation requests must be submitted by completing this form by May 3, 2027: MMEA Accessibility/Accommodations Form. Documentation must be provided. All requests are addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Questions and Communication

Please consult your student’s school music educator with any questions. If the question is not answered, contact MMEA Staff at mmeamarylandinfo@gmail.com.

When communicating with MMEA Staff regarding the State Solo & Ensemble Festival, please include the student’s full name, grade, and instrument/vocal part. Copy the student’s school music educator on all messages to ensure transparent and accurate communication. MMEA staff will extend the same courtesy in the event staff needs to communicate with caregivers and/or students.

State Solo & Ensemble Committee

Jenny Wegman-Ey; Solo & Ensemble Chair,, Howard County Public Schools
Amy T. Hairston; MMEA President, Montgomery County Public Schools

Susan Eckerle; MBDA President, Montgomery County Public Schools

Charnice Frazier; MCEA President, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Stephanie Mayer-Sattin; MODA President, Montgomery County; Private School

Christina Donall Lebovitz; MBDA Solo & Ensemble Chair, Baltimore County Public Schools

Hannah Flach-Goff; MCEA Solo & Ensemble Chair

VACANT, MODA Solo & Ensemble Chair

Anthony Conto; MMEA Executive Director

​​2027 State Solo & Ensemble Festival