The annual music competition or Solo & Ensemble, is a yearly opportunity for kids in music programs to perform a solo, duet, and/or a small ensemble piece and get some feedback from a judge. 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 2025-2026 Maryland District Solo & Ensemble Festival.
The goal of the festival is to encourage students to perform solo literature, and provide a formative tool so students can self-evaluate and receive quality feedback about their technique and performance. High school students especially participating in the solo/ensemble event offers students the opportunity to express themselves through creating beauty, building self confidence and to be affirmed as a singer/artist.
The Maryland state solo/Ensemble Festival was held on May 9 for Strings and took place at The Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts, University of Maryland, College Park. On May 16 it was held for Band/Chorus groups at Towson University, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Center for the Arts, Towson University, Towson.
After earning superior (1) ratings at the BCPS Festival in February students Heritage Somoye and Hailey Alvarado in orchestra represented Kenwood High School, at the world famous Clarisse Smith Performing Arts Center at University of Maryland, College Park.
While the state solo/ensemble festival is a great chance for students to show and express their true artistic/musical nature, there are also some other opportunities that could present themselves. Heritage found it a great opportunity to meet new people, sharing, “I love meeting new people.” Some of the students at the state solo/ensemble festival also may find that some of the music is a bit challenging, as it may be a usual step up from some of the music they’re used to playing as Heritage adds, “The music is going to be a little bit challenging.”
Overall, the state solo/ensemble festival is one of the most impactful events a middle schooler/high schooler could go through in music as it sets the stage for many opportunities for students to go to many different events that challenge their music styles, artistic/musical expressiveness, and teamworking skills.
