BHS Students Shine at OMEA Solo and Ensemble Contest

BEACHWOOD, OH – The Beachwood High School Music Department recently had a very successful day at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble Contest. Students from the BHS choir, orchestra, and band participated in a total of 28 events, showcasing their talent, preparation, and dedication to music.

Held on January 17 at Madison High School, the contest included all schools in OMEA District 7. Students performed repertoire selected from OMEA’s required list and, for solo events, prepared scales or drum rudiments. Events are classified by difficulty level, including A, B, or C, with A representing the highest level of challenge.

Performances are evaluated on a scale of I to V, and are described below. All Beachwood performers received a rating of I or II, marking an exceptional achievement for all of our students and staff. A complete list of BHS performances also follows.

• Rating I (Superior): An outstanding performance with very few technical errors and exemplifying a truly musical expression. This rating should be reserved for the truly outstanding performance.
• Rating II (Excellent): An unusual performance in many respects, but not worthy of the highest rating due to minor defects in performance, ineffective interpretation, or improper instrumentation.
• Rating III (Good): An acceptable performance, but not outstanding. Showing accomplishment and marked promise, but lacking in one or more essential qualities.
• Rating IV (Poor): A poor performance showing many technical errors, poor musical conception, lack of interpretation, incomplete instrumentation, or lacking in any of the other essential qualities.
• Rating V (Very Poor): A very poor performance indicating deficiencies in most of the essential factors, and indicating that much careful attention should be given to the fundamentals of good performance. This rating should be used sparingly and only when it is possible to cite major faults.

A complete list of students who participated and their ratings earned can be found here.