Music Competition

General Description/Regulations 

The music competition is open to piano, instrumental, vocal, and ensembles. An 'ensemble' is defined as two or more performers.  An accompanist will be allowed if needed. 

Contestants will be judged in the following categories.

1. Accuracy
2. Rhythm 
3. Musicianship
4. Technique
5. Other Performance Factors 

Awards for Music Competitions

Students are judged on their own performance, not compared to other performers. Awards will be given for blue ribbon winners. The judges' rating sheets, with valuable comments, will be sent to each school at the closing of L.E.S.T.

Piano, Instrumental, and Instrumental Ensembles

1. Regarding the use of Arrangements:

   Literature played must be written for the instrument and not an arrangement from a different genre (i.e. theme from a piano concerto, movie theme, etc.). Contestants may play an arranged piece and be evaluated, but they may not be eligible for an award.  Transcriptions of music after the year 1900 are allowed, but these entrants should realize that they are competing against other students who play music by Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Clementi, and other classical composers.  The decision of the judges is final. The L.E.S.T. reserves the right to make adjustments on requirements for this competition from year to year.

2. About the Schedules:

   Since all of the performances will be pre-recorded, the schedule will contain the login information so the performance can be viewed during its scheduled time by whomever would like to view the show.  

3. Contestants must provide an original piece of their music for the judge and should be emailed to [email protected] by 3/31/2021. Send the music score with the music registrations electronically to: [email protected] – music downloaded from the internet will include the copyright.

   NO PHOTOCOPIES.  This is illegal and would violate U.S. Copyright Laws. 

4. Instrumentalists must provide their own accompanist (if needed).  Instrumental pieces, which were written with an accompaniment, must be heard that way.  Only pieces which were truly written as "solo" may be heard without accompaniment. 
5. Memorization of music is strongly encouraged. 
6. Each contestant should begin with the announcement of his or her name, their school name and location, followed by the title and composer of their piece. 
7. Total time for each performance may not exceed six (6) minutes. 
8. Due to the ‘virtual’ format for the 2021 L.E.S.T. please do the following:
   • Ensembles can be composed of no more than 2 students.
   • ALL performances will be pre-recorded with the following instructions:
     i. Video tape with landscape/horizontal
     ii. Be within at least 3 ft. of the camera for achieving audio quality
     iii. Videotape hands playing only on instrument(s). If vocals –from the neck up.
   • Send the music score with the music registrations electronically to: [email protected] – music downloaded from the internet will include the copyright.

Schools participating in Handbells/Handchimes should send the Handbells/Handchimes Registration Form to Mary Schuldheisz at [email protected] by 3/31/2021. Schools will be guaranteed a spot for at least one Handbells/Handchimes group, but can submit registration forms for up to three groups. The additional groups will be included on the performance schedule if there is enough time for each group.

How to Participate in Piano and Instrumental Events

Pre-registration is necessary for proper planning of this event. Please list performers on individual registration forms. PLEASE FILL THE REGISTRATION FORM OUT COMPLETELY. The registration for Ensembles has a different registration form than individual performers. Because of limited time and facilities, there is a limit on the number of entries from each school. The following formula for the 5th and 6th grade competition in piano, instrumental, vocal, and ensembles, and the 7th and 8th grade competition in piano, instrumental, vocal, and ensembles will be used:

• Schools with enrollment of 75 students or less in grades 5 - 8 = 8 participants in each grade combination (i.e. - 8 in 5th/6th and 8 in 7th/8th) for instrumental, 8 participants in each grade combination for piano, and 4 ensembles for grades 5 - 8.
• Schools with enrollment of more than 75 students in grades 5 - 8 = 10 participants in each grade combination (i.e. - 10 in 5th/6th and 10 in 7th/8th) for instrumental, 10 participants in each grade combination for piano, and 5 ensembles for grades 5-8.

Individual adjudication forms should be filled out on the top half and sent in with the L.E.S.T. Registration Form by 3/31/2021. Any adjudication forms received after 3/31/2021 might not be able to be included in the final schedule for participation in the L.E.S.T.

• The top of the adjudication form needs to be completely filled out.

Solo Vocal and Vocal Ensembles

The vocal competition is open to solo and small vocal ensembles (groups). “Ensembles” are made up of two or more singers. Music for the Vocal Ensemble groups should be written in two or more voice parts, (i.e., soprano and alto), not just in unison. If a piece is written with a piano accompaniment, a piano accompanist must be used.

Contestants will be judged in five categories:

1. Intonation and Musical Accuracy
2. Diction (pronunciation)
3. Breath Control
4. Vocal Quality (clear tone)
5. Stage Presence (posture, presentation, facial expression)