Elkins High School Band

Solo Contest

The Solo Contest is an event that is important for the development of individual playing skills. Playing a solo challenges students to learn more music, collaborate with pianists, and become better musicians. Through this contest, students have the opportunity to earn an award of distinction that can be put on resumes and can be counted towards letterman jacket points. The contest will be on Friday, February 20th, 2026, at Elkins High School. More information about the contest day will be sent out closer to the contest date.

SOLOS

Unless there is an extenuating circumstance, the Solo Contest is required for students in Private Lessons. Students not enrolled in private lessons can participate with director approval.

Most solos require piano accompaniment. An additional fee, explained below, will be paid directly to the accompanist at the first rehearsal. We will arrange the piano accompanist, or you may use your own. If you choose to provide your own accompanist, be certain that he or she is experienced at doing accompaniments. Someone with less experience in accompaniments may not be able to do an adequate job, which will affect your overall performance.

If you choose to use our accompanist, you will get two 15-minute accompaniment rehearsals starting 2 weeks before the contest. Payment for the accompanist’s services will be due at the first rehearsal the week of February 9^th.

The fee for the accompanist is $80. This is a separate fee from your entry fee that is paid directly to the accompanist. Do not pay this now!

Students should have already ordered and turned in the original copy of their solo. If the student has not turned in their original copies, they will not be entered into the contest. Please double check to make sure that all required materials are turned in.

The entry fee for the contest is $20.00.

All entry fees are due by Friday, January 23, 2026 and fees are non-refundable.

If you have questions regarding Solo Contest, please email us at joseph.chen@fortbendisd.gov, hannah.scott1@fortbendisd.gov, or christopher.dial@fortbendisd.gov.

If paying by Credit Card:

Select Pay in Full. In the Zelle Confirmation space, put CC.

If paying by Zelle:

At check-out, select "Pay Later" and then transfer money to the email address: elkinsbandzelle@gmail.com. Use the name Elkins Band Booster Club. Put your student's name and "solo." (e.g. Sue Smith - solo). Zelle: elkinsbandzelle@gmail.com. Add the Zelle confirmation number into the field where asked. You will receive an invoice, but you don't have to do anything since you already paid via Zelle.