MUSICAL COMPOSITION RULES
DESCRIPTION
A Musical
Composition entry may be for voice,
instruments, or a combination of both.
Lyrics may or may not be included in vocal compositions. The composition is not to exceed five
minutes.
Use of notation software is permitted. The entry must be played in real time and
prepared by hand or on computer paper appropriate for instrumentation and voicing.
Whether an entry uses a variety of
techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the
student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. Technique is less important than a well-developed
concept.
PRESENTATION
*Adults may not assist.
*The entry must be longer than 1
minute and may not exceed 5 minutes.
*Students are not required to
perform their own compositions. A
student’s composed work may be performed by a group.
*Score
size:
-Entries should be no larger than 11 inches by 14 inches
-Band and orchestra compositions may be 11 inches by 16
inches
-*Do
not mount or bind the scores
*Recording
requirements
-All age divisions must submit a CD
recording of the composition
-Submit CD's in a plastic or cardboard
container, both identified with the student’s name, grade division, school,
year and entry’s title.
-Pack the CD with the score (if included)
in a large envelope. Make sure the CD cannot fall out accidentally.
-Secure the Official Entry Form to the outside of the
envelope. (We recommend that the Entry
Form be placed in a plastic page protector.)
Recommendations
for quality recordings
1. Make the room you record in as
quiet as possible. Close windows and
turn off all noise-making devices in the room such as air
conditioners, fans, telephones, etc. Do
not place the recording device on top of an instrument or speakers.
2. Don’t record at too loud a level
(in the red zone on the meter) or too soft (meter barely moving).
3. Record a short test and then
listen to it while watching the meter.
If needed, improve recording quality by changing the record volume or
microphone location.
4. Have 2 seconds silence at the beginning and ending of the recording.
*Keep a copy of your work, DO NOT
SEND US THE ONLY COPY.
*Students
must adhere to the General Rules, as well as the Musical Composition Rules.
click here for a printable version
