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Music Vocal: Contemporary​

Description:

The art of performing with the human voice with rhythmic tones or sounds to produce popular music with the tones of the present.

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Overview:
This competition focuses on the art song repertoire of the late 20th, and 21st centuries, emphasizing balance, clarity, and moderation.

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:

 

1. Song Selection: Choose one song that does not exceed three and half (3.5) minutes in length.

  • Note: Exceeding this time limit will result in point deductions.

 

2. Accompaniment:

  • National Competitions: Accompaniment will be provided.

  • Contestant Provided Accompaniment:

    • If you choose to bring your own accompanist, please ensure they are prepared to perform without a backing track.

  • Contestants are permitted to perform to a backing/accompaniment track. All sound should be clean and 
    not distorted. 

 

3. Sheet Music: Submit one copy of your sheet music.

4. Memorization: The performance must be memorized.
 

5. Costumes: Costumes are optional.
 

6. Instrument: The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano.
 

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.

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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.

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  • 1 Sound System w/2 Speakers, a microphone, and necessary cables that is electricity based, not battery powered

 

  • Laptop w/charger or Phone w/Charger

    • Dongle Adapter for Macbooks

 

  • Aux Adaptor for playback from phones

    • USB C to 3.5 mm Aux Jack (most modern devices)

    • Lightning to 3.5 Aux Jack (older apple devices)

    • Aux cable

 

  • 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

 

10 Points: Choice of Music

  • Selection of a suitable repertoire piece  
     

25 Points: Diction

  • Correct pronunciation and articulation 

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10 Points: Interpretation 

  1. Expressive performance

  2. Phrasing and adherence to historical style and tempo

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10 Points: Intonation 

   Accuracy of pitch

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10 Points: Stage presence

  1. Confidence, 

  2. Poise

  3. Connection with the audience

 

10 Points: Technique

  1. Breathing

  2. Posture

  3. Rhythm

  4. Accuracy

 

25 Points: Tone quality

  1. Beauty of sound

  2. Voice Control ​​​

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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 Vocal—Contemporary Contestants


Choose Wisely: Select a song that showcases your strengths and aligns with your vocal range and style.


Practice, Practice, Practice: Consistent practice is key to mastering your piece.


Know Your Music: Understand the historical context and stylistic nuances of your chosen song.


Master the Text: Pay close attention to diction and pronunciation.


Connect with the Music: Convey the emotions and story of the song through your performance.


Mind Your Body: Maintain good posture and breath control.


Stage Presence Matters: Project confidence and engage with the audience.


Embrace Feedback: Use feedback from judges and coaches to improve your performance.


Enjoy the Experience: Have fun and let your passion for music shine!

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