The band program will hold an ensemble showcase tomorrow from 5-9 p.m. in the auditorium featuring live performances from several student-led groups.
“When [students] are in small ensembles, they learn to communicate better when they’re playing,” private lesson teacher Michelle Shaheen said. “They have to have visual cues, they have to make eye contact a lot more and they have to be more sensitive. But also, they have to be really independent and confident with their [music.]”
The event will prepare students for the Lewisville ISD solo and ensemble competition on March 2. LISD solo and ensemble is an event that allows students from different bands to collaborate.
“[Ensembles] really have to work together and make sure we’re playing at the right speed, right dynamics [and] all together musically,” senior Jose Gallegos said. “I think [this opportunity] really strengthens a student’s musicality because it gives you perspective of what music can be outside the band setting.”
For the past several months, students have been rehearsing after school or on the weekends in preparation for the competition. These ensembles can consist of any instrumental variation and size. Gallegos has been involved in the same woodwind quintet for the past two years.
“It really forces me to practice because in these small ensembles, you really stick out and you don’t hide easily like you do in a big band setting,” Gallegos said. “In small ensembles, you have to be more disciplined in your part. A single mistake can ruin the whole ensemble, [so] you have to be independent.”
There will be 49 ensembles performing on Thursday. Students will receive feedback for their performance from judges and be given a first, second or third division. The divisions indicate the level of preparation and execution of an ensemble’s music piece, with a first division being the best. Anyone in the community is able to come and watch the performances.
“[This event] allows students to get a performance in front of people, both that they know and they don’t,” Shaheen said. “It allows them to get their nerves out and perform in front of a big audience – that makes it a little less intimidating in front of a judge.”
