Families – we have our final schedule for ISSMA Contest. ALL FOUR orchestras will be performing on Friday, March 20th. Our performance this year is at Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate & Junior High School, in the “auditeria.” The schedule for the weekend is as follows:
FRIDAY, MARCH 20th
5:00 pm – CHAMBER Orchestra needs to be at HIJH {room TBD}
5:20 pm – CHAMBER Orchestra warm-up
5:50 pm – CHAMBER Orchestra performance (on stage)
6:15 pm – CONCERT Orchestra needs to be at HIJH {room TBD}
6:40 pm – CONCERT Orchestra warm-up
7:10 pm – CONCERT Orchestra performance (on stage)
7:45 pm – SYMPHONY Orchestra needs to be at HIJH {room TBD}
8:05 pm – SYMPHONY Orchestra warm-up
8:35 pm – SYMPHONY Orchestra performance (on stage)
9:00 pm – PHILHARMONIC Orchestra needs to be at HIJH {room TBD}
9:20 pm – PHILHARMONIC Orchestra warm-up
9:50 pm – PHILHARMONIC Orchestra performance (on stage)
Parents and families are welcome to attend the performances. Note that if you arrive after a group starts, you will not be allowed in until after the end of the group’s performance.
Since we are performing within Fishers, I am not doing busing. I am asking students to arrive at HIJH on their own. This honestly saves a lot of time and hassle for everyone. I encourage carpooling if work schedules are an issue – students absolutely CANNOT be late. I will have information on what door to enter and where to go as soon as I can. Students will also be welcome to leave once their orchestra finishes. (Or they can also stay and hear other performances!) Cellos and basses may bring their home instruments, or may use a school one. We will load up any school instruments to be sent over to HIJH on Friday after school.
And don’t forget, our ISSMA Preview Concert is on Monday, March 16th, at Riverside. Chamber and Symphony will be at 6:00pm (arrival at 5:30pm). Concert and Philharmonic will be at 7:15pm (arrival at 6:45pm).
ISSMA FAQs
What is ISSMA Contest?
ISSMA Contest is not like a typical competitive activity, in that we are not in competition against other schools; rather, we are competing against ourselves to perform at our highest level. Music is extremely subjective to judge, and there is no perfect system. The system ISSMA has created (with input from directors) is a nine-category evaluation. The lower the score in each category, the better (a score of 1 or 1.5 is awesome, 4 is not so great). Based on this rubric, groups are given a gold, silver, bronze, or participation rating. We have a proud tradition at Riverside of earning nearly all gold ratings; this is due to your child’s hard work and dedication!
Is My Student Required to Attend?
Absolutely, yes. I know that that lives are busy; however, this is a co-curricular event. Orchestra is a class, not an extra-curricular activity. There is no way to recreate the experience of a performance; no make-up assignment that can suffice. In addition to that, orchestras are TEAMS! We have been working so hard as a team, to learn our music and be the best ensemble we can. It is so vital we have every student in attendance, to truly be at our best. Attendance is expected of every student.
Am I Allowed to Attend?
Yes! Parents (or grandparents, siblings, etc.) are welcome to attend the performances. Please know that ISSMA has strict guidelines. Parents and families are not allowed in the warm-up areas and “holding rooms” (until after the performance). Performances begin in the auditeria of HIJH at 5:00pm on Friday, and 8:30am on Saturday. You are welcome to listen to any and all groups. Please know that if you arrive after a group starts, you may not be allowed in the auditorium until after that group finishes. Plan to be early for your child’s performance!
What Should My Child Wear?
Just like any other concert, students are expected to wear their full Riverside Orchestra uniform. That is our RJH Orchestra black shirt, black dress pants or skirts, black dress shoes and socks. Please, I ask no jeans, leggings, jeggings, sweats, sneakers, or other casual-looking attire. One of our judged categories is “Other Factors,” which includes appearance.
What If Family Members Can’t Be There on Friday Night? Can They Still Hear The Music?
Yes! You should also have a concert on your family calendar for Monday, March 16th. That is our ISSMA Preview Concert, here at Riverside. Chamber and Symphony Orchestra perform at 6:00pm, Concert and Philharmonic Orchestra perform at 7:15pm. This concert gives a chance to play our ISSMA Contest music before the big day. I also ask colleagues of mine to listen and provide us feedback, in a “mock judging” set up. The feedback gives us valuable information we can use in the next few rehearsals to fine tune our pieces for the main event.
I know this is a lot of information. I appreciate your taking the time to read through. If you still have questions, please contact me!