Solos
Steps to Selecting a Solo
Check with your private lesson teacher or clinician for suggestions that might be good for you.
Browse the school's collection of solos and play through any that might interest you. Feel free to look up solos on YouTube, but beware, not all performances are of high quality or correct.
Check the UIL PML to make sure the solo you've picked is allowed. Check all parameters as many solos have the same title.
Solo Classifications
Solos are classified by Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3. Class 1 solos are the most difficult, while Class 3 are the easiest. You should pick something on the same level or one level harder than you did last year. You need to challenge yourself, but don't pick something unattainable. If in doubt, ask a director! You can push yourself by trying to perform a Class 2 by memory, or attempting a Class 1 without memory.
If you have earned a Division 1 rating in a classification, you may not play anything in the classification below it the next year. For example, if you earn a Division 1 on a Class 2 solo or ensemble, you may not perform a Class 3 solo or ensemble.
In order to advance to State on a solo, you must meet the following requirements:
Play a Class 1 solo from memory OR Play a Class 1 No Memory Required solo
Earn a Superior Rating (I) on your performance.
Important Notes Regarding Solos
You may not perform two solos on the same instrument.
A soloist may not repeat a selection performed by him or her in a previous UIL contest.
A wind or percussion player may also enter a string solo and/or a string small ensemble in addition to the events listed above. (If you are in orchestra, you may do three events.)