Test pieces have been chosen specifically for every instrument and age group (Open and Junior: U/19). Soloists generally perform their piece with piano accompaniment and are scored out of 100 points. A soloist may only play the instrument specified for the section.
The following sections will be contested at the 2018 Nationals in both Open and Junior categories.
| Brass | Woodwind | Percussion |
|---|---|---|
| Eb Soprano Cornet | Piccolo | Side/Snare Drum |
| Bb Cornet | Flute | Mallet Percussion |
| Trumpet | Clarinet | Timpani |
| Flugel Horn | Bass Clarinet | Multi Percussion |
| Eb Tenor Horn | Alto Saxophone | |
| French Horn | Tenor Saxophone | |
| Baritone | Baritone Saxophone | |
| Tenor Trombone | Oboe | |
| Bass Trombone | Bassoon | |
| Euphonium | ||
| High Tuba (EEb & F) | ||
| Low Tuba (BBb & C) |
Accompanists
An official accompanist will be provided for all solo sections free of charge. Competitors may use their own accompanist provided that the chosen accompanist is available when the competitor is due to perform. Should the nominated accompanist be unavailable the competitor may elect to use the official accompanist provided.
Champion of Champions
Brass & Woodwind
For the competitors who win their respective solo championships they are then invited to compete in an additional Champion of Champions event (participation is not compulsory). This event showcases the best of the best and let’s competitors perform a piece of their own choosing. Champion of Champion events are held for Open Brass, Open Woodwind, Junior Brass and Junior Woodwind sections.
Points are not allocated for Champion of Champions events and only first place is awarded.A maximum time limit of 10 minutes applies. A copy of the solo part should be provided for the Adjudicator(s).
At a National contest, no soloist shall play any music with which that soloist has won any national contest in any country in the prior 24 months, unless that music is set as a test piece.
Percussion
The Champion Percussionist is determined by allocating 5, 3 and 2 points to competitors who come 1st, 2nd and 3rd and 1 point to competitors who don’t place in each of the four Open and Junior percussion sections. Those points are then aggregated to determine the Open and Junior Champion Percussionist.
