Solo Judging for UIL

I just finished judging solos for the Baytown region, and this year's crop of singers really did a fine job.  Most of the singers were well-prepared, and it made grading (and listening) much easier.  Here are some of my observations to help out my younger students.

1) While it is important to sing loud, don't forget the soft sections!  So many singers just seemed to forget whenever the music required the singer to be quiet.  Singing tenderly is as impressive, if not more, then singing as loud as you can.

2) Be sure you can pronounce the title of your song correctly, and be able to summarize the message of your song in less than 10 seconds.  If you know what your foreign language song means, it gives you Brownie points AND allows you to sing with more expression.

3) Please dress somewhat formally...unless they are REALLY nice jeans, this is not the time to go casual.  Dressing casually immediately creates an expectation of under-performance.

4) Stay positive!  Just because you think you messed doesn't mean the judge noticed it!  The judge has so much to listen to that if you fake confidence, the mistake will likely not matter in the end.

5) It is okay to perform a song that is 'easy.'  I would much, MUCH rather hear a beautifully sung Class 3 piece than a mediocre Class 1 piece (1 being the hardest, 3 the 'easiest'.)

6) Come in with a smile.  If you are happy (or faking confidence), it immediately cheers me up after a long day and gives you a few extra points.  If you can get the judge in a good mood, you will get a better grade.

DWS