Music Instrumental/Classical

Music Instrumental: Classical

Description:

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 10, 2027 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.

7. Contestant Introduction: State your introduction in full, per the Contestant Introduction Script, before beginning your performance.

8. Statement of Integrity: Submit a completed Statement of Integrity Form with your application

Necessary Equipment:
This equipment is provided and standard at the national competition.

Note: Contact your local ACT-SO Chairperson to see if this equipment is available at the local level.

1. 1 Sound System w/2 Speakers that is electricity based, not battery powered

2. Laptop w/charger or Phone w/Charger
a. Dongle Adapter for Macbooks

3. Aux Adaptor for playback from phones
a. USB C to 3.5 mm Aux Jack (Most modern devices)
b. Lightning to 3.5 Aux Jack (older apple devices)

4. Aux cable

5. Outlet Surge Protector

Required Submissions

• Bio (PDF) → First_Last_Bio
• Contestant Photo (PDF) → First_Last_CP
• Statement of Integrity (PDF) → First_Last_SOI
• Sheet Music (PDF) → First_Last_Sheet Music
• Accompanist Music (MP3) → First_Last_Accompanist Music
• Audio File (MP3) → First_Last_Audio

When uploading your documents, you must name each file exactly as shown above in order for it to be properly uploaded and integrated into our automated system.

Example: John_Doe_WP (using your own first and last name, followed by the file label shown for your category).

Note: If files are not received in these formats, they are out of compliance and ineligible until rectified. If they are not corrected before the deadline, the contestant will no longer be able to compete at this year's iteration of the National Competition

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

20 Points: Interpretation, Expression, Tempo, Phrasing, and Historically appropriate style

20 Points: Intonation and touch (piano)

20 Points: Stage presence, choice of music

20 Points: Technique, articulation, Breathing, Rhythm, Facility and Accuracy

20 Points: Tone quality, Beauty, Control and Characteristic timbre

100 Total Points

Point Deduction -0.25 per 15 sec

For every 15 seconds the performance exceeds the allotted time limit (5 minutes), 0.25 point is deducted

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.