The Mission of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA®) is to advocate for and improve music education across New York State by promoting and producing appropriate activities and programs for its membership and students in member school music programs. NYSSMA sponsors approximately 145 solo & small ensemble and major ensemble festivals in New York State each spring. At solo and small ensemble festivals, students are given a performance evaluation that involves playing a graded solo from the NYSSMA Manual, playing scales and sight reading. At major ensemble festivals, school bands, choruses and orchestras are evaluated. 

For more information visit NYSSMA.org