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solo ensemble question

Posted by solo ensemble on 12/15/2024, 3:14 pm

Question about the pml.

Can you follow what the score says on a piece about instrumentation or do you need to follow what the piece is listed under in the pml.

Example

A piece is under the flute trios on the pml - but score says option to have 2 flutes and 1 clarinet - can you perform it with 2 flutes and 1 clarinet or does it have to be played as a flute trio.

Re: solo ensemble question

Posted by Beecher on 12/18/2024, 7:47 am, in reply to "solo ensemble question"

I would email UIL a copy of the solo and ask about it. Many of the other ensemble codes have "any published instrumentation may be performed" following them. If the score has a mixed instrumentation then it seems the PML has it miscategorized in 234 instead of 230.

It took me a bit to find those extra rules years ago - I hate how they are buried in the PML page under a separate tab instead of listed on a page on the UIL music site like the marching/concert/sightreading rules and requirements.

Re: solo ensemble question

Posted by Him on 12/16/2024, 9:46 pm, in reply to "solo ensemble question"

Does that piece exist on the PML under a different category, like a misc woodwind trio, with that instrumentation?

In a woodwind quartet you can choose any option that's given in the score, eg many quartets have the 2nd part as either flute 2 or oboe. Some brass ensembles have parts that could be trombone or baritone. You can make whatever choice of instruments you need in those cases. But in this case, a flute trio is no longer a flute trio if it includes a clarinet.

Re: solo ensemble question

Posted by Me on 12/16/2024, 6:51 am, in reply to "solo ensemble question"

Unless the PML says that it can be performed with that instrumentation, it can’t.

You can request a variance.

Re: solo ensemble question

Posted by Respectfully on 12/16/2024, 1:49 pm, in reply to "Re: solo ensemble question"

This is why I wish publishers were doing more "flex scoring" in small ensemble music and then submitting those songs to the PML. Many smaller schools simply don't have enough players to put together a Woodwind Quintet - but perhaps they have a two each of really good flutes and clarinets. But the PML as it exists only really supports traditional instrumentation.

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