Music Instrumental/Classical

Music: Instrumental-Classical

Perform classical music from the Western Hemisphere using an instrument of your choice with or without accompaniment.

Overview
Perform classical music from the Western Hemisphere using an instrument of your choice with or without accompaniment. This style of music is defined by its focus on balance, clarity, and moderation, requiring you to showcase your technical precision and artistic interpretation from the original composer's manuscript/sheet music.

Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 5 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 5-10 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10-15 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements

Solo Performance: Your musical selection must be one specifically written for a solo performance.

It may be an excerpt but should not exceed 5 minutes. Exceeding this limit will result in point deductions.

1. Digital Sheet Music: Submit a clear, well aligned digital copy of your sheet music.

Email sheet music to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com by the March 20 Deadline

2. Authentic Performance: If your selection requires piano accompaniment, please perform it as such.

3. Appropriate Choice: Ensure your chosen composition aligns with the instrument's nature and your musical proficiency.

4. Your Artistic Expression: The choice of music and instrument is entirely yours.

5. Provided instrument: No instruments will be provided. Only a piano will be provided at the national competition.

6. Live Accompaniment: Live accompaniment is permitted.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

Interpretation, Expression, Tempo, Phrasing, and Historically appropriate style (20 pts)

Intonation and touch (piano) (20 pts)

Stage presence, choice of music (20 pts)

Technique, articulation, Breathing, Rhythm, Facility and Accuracy (20 pts)

Tone quality, Beauty, Control and Characteristic timbre (20 pts)

Point Deduction

-1 to -5
In the event the student performance exceeds 5 mins one point will be deducted for every minute over up to five points.

Tips for Instrumental Classical Contestants

Choose Wisely: Select a piece that showcases your strengths and aligns with the competition's historical focus.

Practice Makes Perfect: Dedicate ample 􀆟me to practice, focusing on technique, musicality, and historical style.

Master the Instrument: Develop a deep understanding of your instrument's capabilities and limitations.

Embrace the Stage: Project confidence, engage with the audience, and let your passion for music shine.

Seek Feedback: Consult with experienced musicians or teachers to refine your performance and address any weaknesses.

Embrace the Historical Context: Research the historical period of your chosen piece to be􀆩er understand its stylistic nuances.

Enjoy the Experience: Remember, the most important aspect is to have fun and share your musical talent with others.