Extracurricular Activities

Solo and Ensemble Festivals

MCPS hosts annual festivals that allow student to perform a solo piece or to gather a small ensemble and perform a selection before a professional judge. The soloists and ensembles are judged in the same way that a school group is adjudicated: ratings are given using a numbering system from I to V; a "I" represents a superior rating, "II" represents an excellent rating and so forth. Students who receive superior ratings are then eligible to participate in the State MBDA or MODA solo or ensemble festival.

Students interested in participating in the MCPS solo or ensemble festivals are encouraged to select their music from the approved Maryland State list found on the Maryland Music Educators website under the "Music List" tab. If performing "for comments only" at the County level, students are not required to select their music from this list. If, however, students aspire to continue to the State festivals, music from this list is required.

Below is information regarding this year's MCPS solo and ensemble festivals and the related registration forms:

Parent Letter (to be provided when available)
Solo Registration Form (to be provided when available)
Ensemble Registration Form (to be provided when available)

The Registration forms are to be given to the music department at the given due date (see Calendar page for festival and entry due dates).

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All-County and All-State Ensembles

Each year Walt Whitman High School has many students audition for county and state ensembles, with tremendous success. We encourage all music students to consider auditioning for one or more ensembles. 

The audition process for county and state ensembles is not complicated. Here are a few tips:

Audition materials for county, state and local community ensembles will be made available the first week of school. Materials for state and county are the same so it is a one-time preparation. Those materials are also available on the Maryland Music Educators Association website, linked here.

Prepare! Don’t procrastinate. Find out the dates for this year’s auditions. County jazz auditions are usually in September, while junior and senior county and state auditions are generally in November. These auditions are very competitive and cramming your preparation at the very end will reduce your chances of success dramatically. Set up a practice calendar and pace yourself. Periodically record your efforts and critique your progress. Practice in front of a mirror and in front of friends and family.

Seek help! Your private teacher is your best resource! If you are looking for help in finding a teacher, please talk to Mr. Allen, Ms. Alvey, or Mr. Chadwick as soon as possible.

Dress professionally. Remember that you have only one chance to make a first impression. However, some of the auditions are behind screens. It makes sense to find out ahead of time so you know what to expect.

Act professionally. Remember to act professionally, with an air of confidence, not arrogance. Take your time and think before you play.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

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Pit Orchestra

Students in the Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra are eligible to play in the Pit Orchestra for Whitman’s fall musicals. Anyone who is interested in participating should speak to Mr. Allen or Ms. Alvey.

The 2009 musical, Into the Woods, will be performed Thursday through Saturday, November 19-22 at the Daryl Shaw Auditiorium.

Past musicals that Whitman’s outstanding musicians have accompanied include:

2009:  Into the Woods
2008:  Damn Yankees
2007:  Aida
2006:  Funny Girl
2005: West Side Story
2004: Les Miserables
2003:  Fiddler on the Roof
2002:  42nd Street

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