Mock Solo and Ensemble Contest
Prepare for Solo and Ensemble contest with coaching from UTEP Voice faculty!
Our goal is to provide a "dress rehearsal" for El Paso area high school singers and offer them constructive feedback before the actual UIL Solo and Ensemble contest the next weekend. Each student will perform for a UTEP Voice faculty member, and then receive a brief coaching.
Saturday, January 28, 2023 (Time slots start at 9:00 a.m.)
First Baptist Church, 805 Montana St., El Paso, TX 79902
Registration
- High school choir directors should email Prof. Brian Downen at bgdownen@utep.edu immediately for registration materials.
- Schools will be assigned blocks of time, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
- The schedule will be determined by the order of registration. Register early for maximum flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the choir director have to attend the event with their students?
Yes, we ask that teachers attend and supervise their students throughout the event.
What about accompaniment?
Teachers should ensure that their students' actual contest accompaniment is used at our event, whether recorded tracks or in-person pianists. It is the teacher's (high school's) responsibility to compensate the pianist. If using tracks, teachers should bring a suitable playback device, similar to what will be used at the actual contest.
What is the cost?
This is a free event sponsored by the UTEP voice faculty and hosted by First Baptist Church of El Paso.
Who is the UTEP Voice faculty?
Professors who teach applied voice and related classes at UTEP will be the judges/clinicians for this event. They include Brian Downen, Cherry Duke, Diana Esparza, Phillip Hill and Alexander Kariotis. Elvin Porflit will help with site coordination. For more information on the UTEP Voice faculty and various singing programs at UTEP, please visit utep.edu/voice.
How do I get a time slot?
Each participating school will be assigned a block of time for their students, beginning at 9am. Times will be assigned on a first come first served basis based upon receipt of registration. High school choir teachers/directors should email Brian Downen at bgdownen@utep.edu to begin the registration process.
How many students may attend?
There is no limit to the number of students a teacher may register.
How long is the coaching that the student receives?
Each coaching will be no more than 30 minutes. However, the length of the coaching may vary based on the duration of the song, the punctuality of the performer, and overall registration numbers.
- Learn more about majoring in music at UTEP. We offer undergraduate degrees in performance, education, and commercial music, and graduate degrees in performance, composition, and choral conducting. Our faculty is comprised of world-class performers, pedagogies, and scholars.