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Festivals: 2010 - 2011 Rules

I. Purpose of WSMA Festivals
II. 2010 - 2011 WSMA Festival Rule Changes and Music List Header Updates
III. WSMA Events and Classes
IV. Description of WSMA Festivals
V. Eligibility Requirements
VI. Performance Requirements
VII. Adjudication
VIII. Awards
IX. Permissions, Transfers, Original Compositions
X. WSMA Festival Music List Revision Schedule

I. Purpose of WSMA Festivals

The purpose of all WSMA Festivals is to:

A. Improve students' music performance through assessment;

B. Increase students' understanding of music literature and music concepts;

C. Motivate students to continue their study of music;

D. Establish standards of excellence in music performance;

E. Provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.

In preparation for WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festivals, directors are encouraged to remember that the smaller the ensemble, the more musical growth takes place in the student and the school music program.

II. 2010 - 2011 WSMA Festival Rule Changes and Music List Header Updates WSMA Festival Rule Changes (changes noted in italics): IV.E.2: Schools petitioning to change district festival membership must receive approval from WSMA, the school principal, the District Festival Manager of the former site and the new District Festival Manager. Notifications must be completed by September 15. V.B.9: Two schools may form a Co-op Concert Group (Concert Band, Full Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, Mixed Choir, TTBB Choir, SSAA Choir, or Middle School Choir) under the following conditions: Permission is requested and granted by WSMA four weeks prior to the Concert event; and Participating students all attend WSMA member schools; and Music directors and principals from the participating schools submit written approval; and Registration is processed from each participating school. V.D.4 (Formerly Rule V.D.5): The time allotted for several instrumental events at WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals is slightly longer than district. Qualifying students and events need not prepare additional music for the State Festival. V.D.5 (Formerly Rule V.D.4): Soloists who qualify for the State Festival may perform a different solo at State. However it must be chosen from the current WSMA Festival Music Class A List for the same Event. No Permission from WSMA is required. V.D.6: Ensembles who qualify for the State Festival must perform the same selection(s) at State as was performed at District Festival, with the following exceptions: Vocal Jazz Ensembles, Show Choirs and Alternative String Ensembles who qualify for the State Festival may perform a different selected number at State. However the revised selection must still fulfill the style requirement as outlined in the event header. Jazz Ensembles who qualify for the State Festival may perform a different selected number at State. However the revised selection must maintain the swing tune requirement as outlined in the event header. V.D.8: Individual students who qualify for State Festival may enter a maximum of 10 (ten) total events per State Festival date. Students qualifying in greater than ten events may transfer solo events to alternate State Festival dates as permitted in WSMA Festival Rule V.E.2-3. V.E.1: Requests to transfer all of a school's state festival entries to another State Festival site must be submitted to WSMA in writing by November 15. WSMA retains the sole discretion to grant transfer requests, and may limit transfer locations based on space available at a given State Festival site. Generally, requests will not be granted for schools that schedule another music event or tour on the same day as the assigned State Festival. State Festival Transfer Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any State Festival transfer requests received by WSMA after November 15 must be submitted in writing via email and will be assessed a $5.00 per entry surcharge.

WSMA Festival Music List Header Updates (changes noted in italics): Event 1914 Misc. Vocal Quartet:     Transfer from events 1414 or 1424 (Barbershop Quartets) are not allowed. Event 2119, 2219, 2319 and 2419 (String Choir events with 4-16 performers)     These events, now considered Special Ensembles, are allotted 12 minutes to set-up and     perform one piece. A director is also allowed. Event 3839, 3849, 3859, 3869 and 4859 (Woodwind and Brass choirs)     No piano accompaniment is allowed. Event 4211     Horn in F is now French Horn. Event 8212, 8213, 8214 and 8218 - Classical Guitar Ensemble has been changed to Guitar Ensemble. Event 8221 - Bass Guitar Solo has been changed to Electric and Bass Guitar Solo Event 3222 Double Reed Duet, Event 3223 Double Reed Trio and Event 3224 Double Reed Quartet:     New events have been added for these types of ensembles. Event 5833 (Keyboard Mallet Ensembles) has been divided in the following manner:     Event 5833-Keyboard Mallet Trio, Quartet is for 3-4 performers and is a Regular Ensemble.     Event 5839-Keyboard Mallet Ensemble is for 5-28 performers and is a Special Ensemble. Event 8118 is replaced by the following new handbell events:     Event 8111 - Handbell Solo     Event 8112 - Handbell Duet     Event 8113 - Handbell Trio     Event 8114 - Handbell Quartet     Note: Event 8119 Handbell Choir (5 - 16 Ringers) remains unchanged.

III. WSMA Events and Classes A. Solo and Ensemble Events B. Concert Group Events C. Classes Defined

A. WSMA Solo & Ensemble events have three classes: A, B, C

1. Solo Events (Vocal, String, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Piano, Guitar, Handbells)
2. Ensemble Events (Vocal, String, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Piano, Guitar, Handbells)
3. Misc. Ensembles, Jazz Ensemble/Vocal Jazz, Show Choir, Ethnic Heritage and Electronic Ensembles

B. Concert festival groups include four classes: A, B, C and M

1. Concert Band
2. Orchestra (Full, Chamber, String)
3. Choir (Mixed, TTBB, SSAA, Middle School)

C. Classes are based on approximate years of experience on a musical instrument or voice:

1. Class M = Middle School (up to and including 9th grade students)
2. Class C = One or two years of musical experience
3. Class B = Three or four years of musical experience
4. Class A = Advanced high school literature

IV. Descriptions of WSMA Festivals A. Concert Group Festivals B. Clinic Performance Assessment (for Concert Groups) C. Informance (for Concert Groups) D. Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment (for Concert Groups) E. District Solo & Ensemble Festivals F. State Solo & Ensemble Festivals

A. Concert Group Festivals

1. At least three member schools are required to form a WSMA District Concert Festival.
2. Festival dates are established by the participating schools. All Concert Festival dates must be submitted to WSMA by October 1st of the current school year. WSMA Concert Festival Registration forms are found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
3. WSMA assigns all adjudicators for Concert Group Festivals.
4. Concert Festival Managers are responsible for sending accurate and timely information to adjudicators, scheduling concert festival events, communicating with participating schools, providing facilities, and paying all festival expenses.
   
   1. At the discretion of the Concert Festival Manager, one of the adjudicators may also serve as a clinician; OR the clinic responsibility may be rotated among the adjudicators; OR an additional person may be contracted to serve only as a clinician.
   2. The subsidy amount is 3/4 of all registration fees and is sent to the Festival Manager when WSMA has received all payments.
   3. Concert Festival Managers are responsible for all communications with WSMA and deadlines as outlined in the Festival Managers Handbook.
   4. The Concert Festival Manager must submit the Concert Festival Financial Report to WSMA within two weeks after the Festival.
5. Concert group festivals should be scheduled based on the following recommended times:

6. Registration Guidelines for WSMA Concert Festivals include the following:
   1. Concert Festival Registrations must be sent to WSMA with payment and a copy to the Concert Festival Manager at least three weeks prior to the Concert Festival.
   2. Concert Festival Managers have the option to deny late entries.
   3. Subsidy checks cannot be sent to the Festival Manager until WSMA receives a copy of the Concert Festival Registration Form and payment from each participating school.
   4. No refunds will be made for the withdrawal of any entry within three (3) weeks of the Festival.
   5. Registration timelines may be altered at the discretion of the Festival Manager with prior approval by the participating schools and WSMA.
      
7. Students are required to listen to a minimum of one other performing group and to evaluate the performance using the Student Comment Form in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org, or may use another form of the director's choice. These forms are retained by those listening and not given to the performing group. Directors should schedule time for discussion of student critiques during regular rehearsal soon after the festival.
8. Except for the optional Concert Festival sight-reading event, all WSMA Concert Festival events are open to the public. It is not appropriate to clear any room prior to or during a performance.
9. Each Concert Festival is encouraged to set a policy regarding the audio and video recording of performances. The recording of critiques or clinics must have prior approval of the adjudicator(s) involved.
10. Pre-recorded, taped, or sequenced accompaniments are not permitted for Concert Group Festivals.
11. A student is expected to introduce the ensemble at WSMA Concert Festivals, including school name, title of piece, movements being performed (if appropriate), composer, and a significant aspect of the piece (style, form, harmony, melody, or technique).
12. Published accompanist parts for choral groups participating in a WSMA Concert Festival may be performed by students or adults.

B. Clinic Performance Assessment (For Concert Groups)

1. At least two concert groups of each type (i.e. 2 Bands, 2 Choirs or 2 Orchestras) are required to form a WSMA Clinic Performance Assessment.
2. To meet WSMA concert group requirements (see Section V.), schools must register their Clinic Performance Assessment with WSMA three weeks prior to the date. Registration Forms are found online in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
3. When schools enter more than one group of the same type (Bands, Choirs, Orchestras), the school only needs to submit the registration fee for one of the same type group.
4. Each group must perform at least one selection from the current WSMA Concert Group Festival Music List - Events 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 2000, 2010, 2020 or 3000. See Section VI.C.1-18 for additional information.
5. Clinic Performance Assessments must use Comment Only adjudication forms. No ratings are given or implied and no concert plaques are awarded. Comment Only forms are found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
6. Students are required to listen to a minimum of one other performing group and to evaluate the performance using the Student Comment Form in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org, or may use another form of the director's choice. These forms are retained by those listening and not given to the performing group. Directors should schedule time for discussion of student critiques during regular rehearsal soon after the festival.
7. A minimum of 20 minutes of clinic time (not including performance time) must be provided for each performing group.
8. The director organizing the Clinic Performance Assessment is responsible to contract and pay clinician(s) as well as cover all expenses. Directors are encouraged to contact WSMA for clinician(s) suggestions.
9. Clinic Performance Assessment participants must send a copy of the first page of the completed adjudication form to WSMA within five days of the clinic.
10. Published accompanist parts for choral groups participating in a WSMA Clinic Performance Assessment may be performed by students or adults.

C. Informance (For Concert Groups)

1. A Clinic Performance Assessment may be incorporated as an integral part of a traditional school concert. In this setting the clinician not only works with the students but also communicates with the audience. When incorporated into a public concert setting, the clinic option is referred to as an Informance. All aspects and requirements of WSMA Festival Rule IV.B are applicable.

D. Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment (For Concert Groups)

1. This option allows schools to meet the WSMA Concert Group requirement by participating in an alternative music experience not provided for in other Concert Group options. The following criteria must all be met:
   1. No later than six weeks prior to the start of the introductory activity the director must submit a portfolio to the WSMA Permissions Chair. This portfolio should include:
      1. A description of the parameters and activities
      2. A time-line of the activities including specific calendar dates
      3. A description of the introductory activity
      4. A description of the culminating activity
      5. A description of the listening component and how it will be integrated
      6. A clearly defined evaluation of the culminating activity
      7. Outline of music to be used including copies of scores
         (Scores for titles on the current WSMA Festival Music List need not be submitted)
   2. Following portfolio review by the Permissions Chair, WSMA will send an Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment Registration form to the director. The registration form must be returned to WSMA with payment no later than three weeks prior to the introductory activity.
   3. Students are required to participate in a listening component as part of the Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment. Directors should schedule time for discussion of student evaluations during regular rehearsal.
   4. Within five days of completion of the culminating activity, the final evaluation as outlined in the Alternative Clinic Portfolio must be submitted to WSMA.
2. All expenses associated with the Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment are the responsibility of the participating school(s).

E. District Solo & Ensemble Festivals

1. At least three WSMA member schools are required to form a WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival.
2. Schools petitioning to change district festival membership must receive approval from WSMA, the school principal, the District Festival Manager of the former site and the new District Festival Manager. Notifications must be completed by September 15.
3. The participating schools establish all District Festival dates and formats.
4. All District Festival dates and the list of participating schools must be submitted to WSMA by October 1st of the current school year.
5. All WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festivals with Class A entries must take place at least three (3) weeks prior to the assigned WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival for that school.
6. WSMA assigns all adjudicators, collects fees, implements rules, provides a subsidy and offers awards for WSMA District and State Festivals. The subsidy amount is 2/3 of all registration fees and is sent to the Festival Manager when WSMA has received all payments.
7. Supplementary income to support festival expenses may be generated by adding a surcharge to individual or class fees, offering concessions, charging admission fees, program fees, etc. All supplementary income is at the discretion of the District.
8. District Festival Managers are responsible for sending accurate and timely information to adjudicators, scheduling festival events, communicating with participating schools, providing facilities, and paying all festival expenses.
9. District Festival Managers are responsible for all communications with WSMA and deadlines as outlined in the Festival Managers Handbook.
10. Registration Guidelines for WSMA District Festivals include the following:
    1. District Festival Registration Forms with payment from all participating schools must be sent to WSMA and a copy to the District Festival Manager at least three weeks prior to the District Festival.
    2. District Festival Managers have the option to deny late entries.
    3. Subsidy checks cannot be mailed to the Festival Manager until WSMA receives a copy of the District Festival Registration Form and payment from each participating school.
    4. All Solo & Ensemble events must be registered online via the Teacher Online Data Entry link found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
    5. District Festival Results must be reported to WSMA within 48 hours of the conclusion of the District Festival.
    6. District Festival Financial Reports must be submitted to WSMA within two weeks after the District Festival.
    7. Registration timelines may be altered at the discretion of the Festival Manager with prior approval by the participating schools and WSMA.
11. When a school petitions to transfer student(s) to another District Festival site due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts, the following steps must be followed:
    1. Permission must be granted from the festival manager at the new festival site. A list of all registered WSMA Festival sites and dates is available on the Dates and Locations page of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
    2. The director that is transferring the student(s) must complete and mail the District Solo & Ensemble Transfer Form and payment to WSMA. A copy of the form must also be sent to the Festival Manager of the new festival site. This form is available in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
    3. Event information, including student and accompanist names, must be provided to the transfer Festival Manager at least three weeks prior to the transfer festival date for manual entry into the Festival Manager program.
12. All WSMA Solo & Ensemble events are open to the public. It is not appropriate to clear any room prior to or during a performance.
13. Each Solo & Ensemble Festival is encouraged to set a policy regarding the audio and video recording of performances. The recording of critiques or clinics must have prior approval of the adjudicator(s).
14. Read Section V. and Section VI.A & B. as well as the Event Headers for additional instructions.
15. No refunds will be made for the withdrawal of any entry within three (3) weeks of a District or State Festival.

F. State Solo & Ensemble Festival

1. Schools are assigned to a State Festival site by WSMA.
   1. State Solo & Ensemble Festivals are held the last Saturday of April and the first Saturday of May annually.
   2. Please check the WSMA website (www.wsmamusic.org) for assigned site.
2. WSMA schedules all State Festival events and posts them on the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
3. Each adjudicator is allowed to select a limited number of Exemplary Soloists from the State Festival. Selected students receive a certificate of recognition from WSMA. A limited number of these students are invited to perform at the October Wisconsin State Music Conference in Madison.
4. Directors assigned to any State Site may request that their Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Combos, Show Choirs, Vocal Jazz Ensembles, or Jazz Improvisation Solos perform at a Friday night State Festival.

V. Eligibility Requirements A. School B. Student C. Home-schooled or Non-WSMA Member Student Participation D. State Festival E. School or Student Festival Transfer Requests

A. School Eligibility Requirements

1. To enter a WSMA-sanctioned Festival, a school must be a paid member of WSMA for the current academic year.
2. To enter WSMA Solo & Ensemble events each school must participate in a WSMA-sanctioned Concert Festival, Clinic Performance Assessment or Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment with at least one group each year. In addition, one concert group of each type (Band, Orchestra, Choir) is required to participate in a WSMA Concert Festival, Clinic Performance Assessment or Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment a minimum of once every two years.
3. Failure to meet the concert group participation requirement for ONE year will result in a letter to the teacher and school administration placing the school on probation. The probation will be removed by fulfilling the concert group participation in the subsequent school year.
4. Failure to meet the concert group participation requirement for TWO consecutive years will result in a letter to school administration placing the school on final probation. Final probation removal requires the school to complete two WSMA concert group activities during two consecutive school years.
5. Failure to remove the final probation status may result in the suspension of Solo & Ensemble Festival participation for the member school.
6. Waivers to the above requirement may be granted if the school has no concert group that meets the minimum size requirement. Waiver requests must be made in writing to WSMA. See Rule VI.C.2.
7. Any school, concert group, solo or ensemble event that does not meet the WSMA eligibility requirements will not be scheduled for participation in a WSMA Music Festival.

B. Student Eligibility Requirements

1. To participate in a WSMA-sanctioned Festival, students must be enrolled as full-time or part-time in a WSMA member school.
2. Students must be enrolled and regularly attend concert group rehearsals (Band, Orchestra, Choir) at their WSMA member school. Exceptions to this rule are outlined in Section V.C.
3. School music teachers or administrators may submit a written request to waive the above requirement if one of the following conditions exists:
   1. There is a schedule conflict with a required class for graduation;
   2. The school does not offer an appropriate group in which the student may participate. In this case, a student may be eligible to participate in a WSMA festival by completing one or more of the following:
      1. Enroll in and complete an independent music class;
      2. Participate in a WSMA-member school music ensemble that rehearses regularly throughout the school year;
      3. Serve as a coach (tutor/peer coach) for other music students.
   3. The written waiver must be submitted to WSMA at least four (4) weeks prior to the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival.
4. Piano students who are not members of a regularly scheduled school music performing ensemble may participate in a WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival by accompanying at least two solo and/or ensemble events. Class C piano students are exempt from this requirement.
5. Students must be in grade 7 or above to receive a rating in a WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. Sixth grade students may participate in a rated ensemble only when at least 50% of the ensemble members are in grade 7 or above.
6. Students in grade 6 or above may participate at a WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival for Comments Only.
7. Students performing together in ensembles must be from the same WSMA member school. An exception is allowed only if all students in the ensemble are brothers and sisters from the same immediate family.
8. Two or more schools may form a Co-op Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, or Show Choir under the following conditions:
   1. Permission is requested and granted by WSMA four weeks prior to the District Festival; and
   2. Participating students all attend WSMA member schools; and
   3. The participating member schools do not have a similar ensemble opportunity; and
   4. Music directors and principals from the participating schools sign the Co-op Ensemble Registration Form; and
   5. Registration is processed through one school only and lists the name of the participants and their school(s).
9. Two schools may form a Co-op Concert Group (Concert Band, Full Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, Mixed Choir, TTBB Choir, SSAA Choir, or Middle School Choir) under the following conditions:
   1. Permission is requested and granted by WSMA four weeks prior to the Concert event; and
   2. Participating students all attend WSMA member schools; and
   3. Music directors and principals from the participating schools submit written approval; and
   4. Registration is processed from each participating school.

C. Home-schooled or Non-WSMA Member Student Participation Requirements

1. Students who are home-schooled OR who attend a non-WSMA member school may participate in WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festivals (District and State) with the following conditions:
   1. Payment to WSMA of a $45 registration fee to participate.
   2. The initial registration includes the first event (solo or ensemble) entered.
   3. Additional expenses include $8.25 for each Class A solo entry and $7.25 for each Class B or C solo entry. Ensemble events are an additional $12.25 for each entry.
   4. Ensembles must be formed with siblings (brothers or sisters) also registered as non-members.
2. Parents should contact WSMA stating that their student is home-schooled or attends a non-WSMA member school (name the school) and wishes to participate in a WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival. Please include the student's name, age, grade in school, parent name, address, phone, and email. All registration forms will be sent to the parent(s) when the above information has been processed by WSMA.
3. When home-schooled students qualify for the WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival, each must register online within five days after the completion of the District Festival and submit the State Festival registration fees. Please call WSMA if more information is required.
4. Home-schooled students registered for WSMA Festivals must follow all WSMA participation requirements. (See Rules VI.A.1 - 17 and VI.B.1 - 26)

D. State Festival Eligibility Requirements

1. Students must receive a starred (*) I rating in a Class A event at a sanctioned WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival in the same school year as the State Festival.
2. Students must meet all eligibility requirements stated in Section V.B.1 - 9.
3. Directors must register online for WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival within five business days following the posting of the schools last District Festival results. A late fee of $10.00 plus $5.00 per entry may be assessed to schools submitting registrations beyond five business days. Directors will not be able to register for State Festivals until their District results have been received and processed by WSMA.
4. The time allotted for several instrumental events at WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals is slightly longer than district. Qualifying students and events need not prepare additional music for the State Festival.
5. Soloists who qualify for the State Festival may perform a different solo at State, however it must be chosen from the current WSMA Festival Music Class A List for the same event. No permission from WSMA is required.
6. Ensembles who qualify for the State Festival must perform the same selection(s) at State as was performed at District Festival, with the following exceptions:
   1. Vocal Jazz Ensembles, Show Choirs and Alternative String Ensembles who qualify for the State Festival may perform a different selected number at State. However the revised selection must still fulfill the style requirement as outlined in the event header.
   2. Jazz Ensembles who qualify for the State Festival may perform a different selected number at State. However the revised selection must maintain the swing tune requirement as outlined in the event header.
7. Ensemble members must be the same for both District and State Festivals. There are no exceptions to this rule.
8. Individual students who qualify for State Festival may enter a maximum of 10 (ten) total events per State Festival date. Students qualifying in greater than ten events may transfer solo events to alternate State Festival dates as permitted in WSMA Festival Rule V.E.2-3.
9. Time requests for the WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival must be submitted in writing via email. Time requests will be honored on a case-by-case basis.

E. School or Student State Festival Transfer Requests

1. Requests to transfer all of a school's state festival entries to another State Festival site must be submitted to WSMA in writing by November 15.
   1. WSMA retains the sole discretion to grant transfer requests, and may limit transfer locations based on space available at a given State Festival site.
   2. Generally, requests will not be granted for schools that schedule another music event or tour on the same day as the assigned State Festival.
   3. State Festival Transfer Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
   4. Any State Festival transfer requests received by WSMA after November 15 must be submitted in writing via email and will be assessed a $5.00 per entry surcharge.
2. A limited number of entries may request to be transferred to another WSMA State Music Festival location. Requests are honored on a case-by-case basis. Split sites (one member school requiring entries at two State Festival sites) should follow this procedure:
   1. Requests must be submitted in writing by email and must include the reason for the emergency request.
   2. Online registration is required for all qualifying State events from the member school. Written request must clearly indicate specific events and students to be transferred to an alternate State Festival site.
   3. Split site requests received after November 15 will be assessed a $5.00 per entry surcharge.
   4. Please note that Friday night Jazz Festivals that are held in conjunction with Saturday events are not considered a split site. No permission is required or surcharge is assessed.
3. Students who miss their scheduled performance the first weekend of State Solo & Ensemble Festival may not reschedule for the second week.

VI. Performance Requirements A. Solo Requirements B. Ensemble Requirements C. Concert Group Requirements D. Accompanist Requirements

A. Solo Requirements

(For additional requirements, please read the event headers found in the WSMA Festival Music List.)

1. Each soloist must perform one selection chosen from the current WSMA Music Festival List. If permission is allowed in the solo event, the music must be approved by WSMA in order for the performance to receive a rating. See Rule IX.A.1-4. If transfer is allowed, music may be transferred to the event from the current WSMA Music Festival List and does not need to be sent to WSMA for permission.
2. An individual student may enter a maximum of ten (10) Solo & Ensemble events per District Festival, but can only enter once in the same solo event.
3. Students must perform different music at successive WSMA District Festivals to encourage musical growth.
4. A student may enter up to three vocal solos: one from Events 1111, 1121, 1211, 1221, or 1231; one from Events 1311 or 1321 (Music Theater); and one from event 6211. A student is required to perform a Class A solo from Events 1111, 1121, 1211, 1221, or 1231 in a WSMA District Music Festival to enter and perform in Music Theater Events 1311 or 1321.
5. Students are expected to introduce their solo performance to the adjudicator and audience including the following information at both District and State Festivals:
   1. Performer and accompanist names, name of school, title and composer of solo (and, if appropriate, the movements being performed), and briefly describe a significant aspect of style, form, technique, harmony, rhythm or melody in the piece.
   2. As in all other Solo & Ensemble Events, students performing in Event 1311/1321 (Music Theater) will give an introduction. This introduction should include: performer name, accompanist name, name of school, title and composer of the selection to be performed. Instead of describing a significant aspect of the piece, students will then "set the scene" by describing which character is singing the song, why the character is singing the song, and to whom the song is being sung. Students may do this in character or as a narrative. The introduction does not need to be memorized nor is it part of the overall rating.
6. Memorization of the selection is required in Events 1311 and 1321 (Music Theater) in order to receive a rating. Memorization is optional in all other WSMA events.
7. Accompaniment for all soloists is strongly encouraged but not required except in Music Theater Events 1311 and 1321. Taped, pre-recorded, or sequenced accompaniments are permitted in all solo events. Alternative accompaniment instruments (i.e. guitar, harp, SmartMusic, etc.) may be substituted for piano.
8. Class A and B vocal solos may be transposed up or down as much as a minor third into a key that best accommodates the tessitura of the voice. There are no transposition restrictions in Class C vocal solos or in all classes of Event 1231.
9. When English and another language are printed on the vocal solo, the student may select either language.
10. Perform two contrasting movements on all multi-movement selections unless other instructions are specified under the selection listing on the current WSMA Festival Music List.
11. If the length of the music exceeds 3/4 of the allotted performance time (Class A = 8 minutes / Class B and C = 6 minutes), the music may be cut to stay within the time limits.
12. The adjudicator must be given an original, publisher printed copy of the matching edition of the music to be performed. Teachers and students should follow all Federal copyright laws in providing music for all performers. Label all scores with school name, class entered, and the soloist's name. Number all measures to facilitate judging procedures. Clearly mark all cuts in the original music presented to the adjudicator.
13. If there is a discrepancy between the printed WSMA Festival Music List and the online version, the online version is the most current and therefore takes precedence.
14. Tardiness in reporting at the scheduled performance time may result in the performer being placed in the schedule at the convenience of the Festival Manager or Event Chairperson.
15. Solo & Ensemble music may be edited or adapted by the teacher to accommodate student's special or exceptional needs that have been verified by school officials through an identification process. All adapted music must be submitted to WSMA for permission four weeks prior to the District Solo & Ensemble Festival including a full explanation for the editing. See Rule IX.A.1-4. The Permission Form may be found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
16. Any violation of a WSMA Festival rule on the day of the festival will result in the performance receiving a Critique Only (no rating). No student will be prevented from performing for violation of a WSMA Festival Rule.
17. A second performance is not allowed under any circumstances.

B. Ensemble Requirements

(For additional requirements, please read the event headers found in the WSMA Festival Music List.)

1. Each regular ensemble must perform one selection from the current WSMA Music Festival List. If permission is allowed in the event, the music must be approved by WSMA four weeks prior to the District Festival in order for the performance to receive a rating. See Rule IX.A.1-4. If transfer is allowed in the event, music may be transferred from the current WSMA Festival Music List, and does not have to be sent to WSMA for permission.
2. Regular ensembles may not be conducted.
3. An individual student may enter a maximum of ten (10) Solo & Ensemble events per District Festival, but can only enter once in the same ensemble event. Exception: Students may enter Event 3222, Event 3223, Event 3224, Event 3912, Event 4912, Events 9118 and 9119 (Misc. Ensembles) more than once as long as the number and/or combinations of instruments differ for each entry, and coincides with Special Ensemble exceptions as outlined in Section VI.B.4.
4. Students may perform only once in the same Special Ensemble event although an instrumentalist may perform in the same instrumental ensemble more than once provided he/she performs on a different instrument that does not duplicate the performance technique.
5. Students must perform different music at successive WSMA District Festivals to encourage musical growth. An ensemble whose membership remains substantially the same in the next year must perform a different selection than was performed at the prior District Festival.
6. Ensemble members must be the same for both District and State Festivals. No exceptions are allowed.
7. Accompaniment, when written for ensembles, is strongly encouraged, but not required. Taped, pre-recorded, or sequenced accompaniments are permitted for regular ensembles, but are not permitted for any special ensembles. Alternative accompaniment instruments (i.e. guitar, harp, SmartMusic, etc.) may be substituted for piano in regular ensembles.
8. Class A and B vocal ensembles may be transposed up or down as much as a minor third into a key that best accommodates the tessitura of the performers voices. There are no transposition restrictions in Class C vocal ensembles. Doubling parts is allowed in all Class C vocal duets and Class C Barbershop Quartets.
9. If English and another language are printed on the vocal ensemble, students may sing in either language.
10. Perform two contrasting movements on all multi-movement selections unless other instructions are specified under the selection listing on the current WSMA Festival Music List.
11. If the length of the music exceeds 3/4 of the allotted performance time, the music may be cut to stay within the time limits.
12. If there is a discrepancy between the printed WSMA Festival Music List and the online version, the online version is the most current and therefore takes precedence.
13. These Instrumental Special Ensembles are required to set-up and perform one piece within 12 minutes:

2119 Violin Choir	3859 Saxophone Choir	8119 Handbell Choir
2219 Viola Choir	3869 Recorder Ensemble	8218 Guitar Ensemble
2319 Cello Choir	3878 Woodwind Ensemble	8318 Creative Electronic Instrument Ensemble
2419 String Bass Choir	4858 Brass Ensemble	9119 Misc. Special Ensemble
2859 String Choir	4859 Brass Choir (Like Instruments)	* 9218 Mostly Winds Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
2938 Misc. String-Wind Ensemble	4868 Brass and Percussion Ensemble	* 9228 Mostly Perc. Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
3839 Flute Choir	5839 Keyboard Mallet Ensemble	* 9238 Mostly String Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
3849 Clarinet Choir	5859 Steel Drum Band	* 9248 Mostly Vocal Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
	5918 Misc. Percussion Ensemble

* Events 9218, 9228, 9238 and 9248 must perform for a minimum of 5 minutes or another selection must be added.

14. These Vocal Special Ensembles are required to set-up and perform one piece within 10 minutes:
    

1519 SSAA Madrigal Ensemble

1529 SATB Madrigal Ensemble

1918 Misc. Vocal Ensemble

15. These Special Ensembles are required to set-up and perform two contrasting style or tempo pieces within 20 minutes:
    

6118 SSA Show Choir	6228 SSAA Vocal Jazz Ensemble	6448 Jazz Combo
6119 SSA Show Choir Open Class	6229 SSAA Vocal Jazz Ensemble Open Class	6458 Jazz Ensemble
6128 TTB Show Choir	6238 Mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble	6459 Jazz Ensemble Open Class
6138 Mixed Show Choir	6239 Mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble Open Class
6139 Mixed Show Choir Open Class	6329 Alternative String Ensemble

16. In Special Ensembles required to perform two selections, the required number determines the class entered and must be chosen from the current WSMA Festival Music List for the corresponding event. The selected number may be from any other source including the current WSMA List, but may not be selected from a lower class. The selected number must be of the same class difficulty and idiomatic integrity as the required number and must complete all contrasting style or tempo requirements as stated in the event headers. It is not necessary to send the selected number to WSMA for permission.
17. Event 6448 - Jazz Combo Improvisation requirements are:
    Class C - One soloist must improvise for a minimum of 24 measures on at least one tune.
    Class B - Two soloists must improvise for a minimum of 24 measures each on at least one tune.
    Class A - Students must create their own introduction and coda for both tunes consistent with the style(s) they have chosen to perform. In addition, at least three soloists must improvise a minimum of 24 measures each on at least one tune.
18. A Special Ensemble with more than 5 members may be conducted by an adult except for Event 1519 (SSAA Madrigal Ensemble), Event 1529 (SATB Madrigal Ensemble) and Event 1918 (Misc. Vocal Ensemble). A student from within the ensemble must conduct these ensembles.
19. An adult piano accompanist may be used in the rhythm section of Events 6118, 6119, 6128, 6138, 6139, 6228, 6229, 6238 and 6239 however all other members of the ensemble must be students. Enhanced pre-recorded accompaniments are prohibited for Events 6118, 6119, 6128, 6138, 6139, 6228, 6229, 6238 and 6239. Sequenced and pre-recorded versions of the printed accompaniment are acceptable.
20. Students may perform only once in any Show Choir, Madrigal, or Vocal Jazz Ensemble event.
21. A MIDI wind controller may be used in Events 6448, 6458 or 6459 as a solo instrument, but not as a substitute for an instrument that has a written part.
22. A student member of the ensemble is expected to introduce their performance to the adjudicator and audience including the following information at both District and State Festivals:
    1. Performer and accompanist names, name of school, title and composer of ensemble (and, if appropriate, the movements being performed), and briefly describe a significant aspect of style, form, technique, harmony, rhythm or melody in the piece.
23. The adjudicator must be given an original, publisher printed copy of the matching and correct edition of the music to be performed. Teachers and students should follow all Federal copyright laws in providing music for all performers. Label all scores with school name, class entered, and one performer's name. Number all measures to facilitate judging procedures.
24. Tardiness in reporting at the scheduled performance time may result in the performers being placed in the schedule at the convenience of the Festival Manager or Event Chairperson.
25. Any violation of a WSMA Festival rule on the festival day will result in the performance receiving a Critique Only, (no rating). No ensemble will be prevented from performing for violation of a WSMA Festival Rule.
26. A second performance is not allowed under any circumstances.

C. Concert Group Requirements

(For additional requirements, please read the event headers found in the WSMA Festival Music List.)

1. Students and schools must meet all WSMA eligibility requirements. See Section V.A. and V.B.
2. Instrumental groups must have a minimum of 20 performers; Vocal groups must have a minimum of 16 performers. Groups not meeting the minimum number of performers must submit a written request to WSMA to waive the concert requirement to participate in a Solo & Ensemble Festival.
3. A student is expected to introduce the ensemble at WSMA Concert Festivals including school name, titles of the selections, movements to be performed (if appropriate), composer, and briefly describe a significant aspect of the style, form, harmony, melody or technique in the selections to be performed.
4. Electronic substitutions for traditional instruments and wind substitutions for written parts in WSMA Concert Festivals require written permission from WSMA four weeks prior to the festival. See Rule IX.A.1-4.
5. There is no limit on the number of concert groups a school may enter in a WSMA Concert Festival.
6. A student may participate in more than one concert group as long as he/she is regularly enrolled in each concert group at the school.
7. Assignment to Class A, B, C, or M (Middle School) and concert group name (Concert Band, Full Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, Mixed Choir, TTBB Choir, or SSAA Choir) is determined by the choice of required music chosen from the current WSMA Concert Festival Music List - Events 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 2000, 2010, 2020 or 3000. The selected number(s) may be from any other source including the current WSMA List, but may not be selected from a lower class. The selected number(s) must be of the same class difficulty as the required number while providing a diverse and contrasting program. It is not necessary to send the selected number to WSMA for permission.
8. If there is a discrepancy between the printed WSMA Festival Music List and the online version, the online version is the most current and therefore takes precedence.
9. Concert groups will perform 3 selections; but may perform only two selections if the combined performance time equals the minimum times listed in the table below.

	Minimum Performance Time
Ensemble Type	Class B, C, M	Class A
Instrumental	10 minutes	15 minutes
Choral	8 minutes	10 minutes

1. One required selection from the current WSMA Concert Group Festival Music List - Events 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 2000, 2010, 2020 or 3000 for the corresponding concert group from the class entered;
        AND
   One or two selected number(s) of the directors choosing that equals or exceeds the minimum performance time requirements listed in the table.
2. The selected number(s) may be from any other source including the current WSMA List, but may not be selected from a lower class. The selected number(s) must be of the same class difficulty as the required number while providing a diverse and contrasting program. It is not necessary to send the selected number(s) to WSMA for permission.
3. An original student composition may be used as a selected number.
4. Concert groups that perform one multi-movement selection from the current WSMA Festival Music List that meets the minimum time requirement should perform another short selection (possibly a concert march for bands or a chorale for choirs) to provide students with expanded learning opportunities.

10. To meet WSMA Concert Group requirements (see Section V.A.2), schools must register Concert Festival dates with WSMA by October 1st. WSMA Festival Registration Forms are found online in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
11. There are four award divisions and a Comment Only option in WSMA Concert Festivals based on the total score found on the Concert Festival Rubric Forms. Concert groups earning a I, II or III may order a plaque from WSMA.
12. A complete score of all music to be performed must be presented to each adjudicator and clinician. All choral scores must be original, printed music. Instrumental groups at a Concert Festival may use photocopied scores. Label all scores with school name, class entered, and director's name. Number all measures to facilitate judging procedures.
13. A brief pause between numbers is allowed and is at the discretion of the director.
14. Students are required to listen to a minimum of one other performing group and to critique the performance using the Student Comment Forms on the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org or use another form of the director's choice. These forms are retained by those listening and not given to the performing group. Directors should schedule time for discussion of student critiques during regular rehearsal soon after the festival.
15. Sight-reading is not required, however, directors may request a sight-reading experience as part of the Concert Festival. The Festival Manager should provide sight-reading music if time and space are available. Concert groups requesting to sight-read must submit an additional fee as outlined by the WSMA Schedule of Dues & Fees for these services.
16. Taped, pre-recorded, or sequenced accompaniments are not permitted for concert groups.
17. Any violation of a WSMA Festival rule on the day of the festival will result in the performance receiving a Critique Only (no rating). No concert group will be prevented from performing for violation of a WSMA Festival Rule.
18. A second performance is not allowed under any circumstances.

D. Accompanist Requirements

1. An accompanist must not exceed fifteen (15) accompaniments at a single District or State Festival. Festival Managers are not responsible for schedule conflicts in accompanist's schedule that violate this rule. Teachers are strongly encouraged to pursue other accompaniment options, including synthesized accompaniments, pre-recorded CD's or tapes provided by publishers on many song collections, and/or computer software programs. If pre-recorded accompaniments are used, students are asked to supply their own playback equipment.

VII. Adjudication A. Adjudicator Training and Compensation B. Adjudicator's Role C. Elements of a Proper Adjudicator's Comment D. Adjudication Forms

A. Adjudicator Training and Compensation

1. Adjudicators are trained, assigned and monitored by WSMA.
2. Adjudicators are compensated according to levels of experience, expertise on WSMA rules, and colleague recommendations.
3. Adjudicators are required to attend a WSMA Adjudicator Workshop once every four years to maintain and/or improve their adjudication status.

B. Adjudicator's Role

1. An adjudicator's role at a WSMA festival is to:
   1. Maintain the consistency of festival protocol by following WSMA rules and procedures;
   2. . Clarify expectations and standards of quality in various aspects of performance;
   3. Provide constructive comments and suggestions for improvement on student performance;
   4. Encourage students to continue in their musical development and participation;
   5. Assist students in understanding the relationship between the WSMA Festival and other life experiences.
   6. Verify that the music to be performed is from the current WSMA Festival Music List and is the original, publisher printed copy of the matching edition.

C. Adjudicator's Protocol

1. The three elements of a proper adjudicator's comment are:
   1. Identify what you hear
   2. Inform the performer why you feel this is happening.
   3. Offer suggestions on how the student can improve, or reinforce positive musicianship.
2. A professional and friendly demeanor is expected throughout the day.
3. Teachers and students are best served by making all written comments directly on the back of the rubric form rather than on the printed music.
4. As an adjudicator at WSMA-sponsored music festivals, business attire is appropriate.

D. Adjudication Forms

1. Rubric forms are used at all WSMA sanctioned festivals.
2. Comment Only forms use the same format as the rated forms except that no rating numbers appear on the form.

VIII. Awards A. Descriptions B. Order Forms

A. Descriptions

1. It is WSMA's belief students should receive recognition for their accomplishments at WSMA District, Concert, and State Festivals. To reward student achievement at WSMA Music Festivals, teachers and/or school districts are encouraged to provide the following:
   1. District Medals - WSMA offers engraved medals representing class entered with gold, silver, and bronze medals for I, II, and III ratings received at WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festivals.
   2. Participation Pins - Participation pins are available to recognize Comment Only performances.
   3. Special Ensemble Certificates - Schools may purchase these single certificates to commemorate performances of Special Ensembles at WSMA District and State Solo & Ensemble Festivals.
   4. State Medals - The red, white, and blue ribbon WSMA State Festival medals are attached to engraved gold, silver, and bronze medals for I, II and III State ratings earned.
   5. Concert Festival Plaques - These wooden plaques feature the year and the rating earned.
   6. Concert Medals - Concert medals can be attached to jackets or instrument cases.
   7. Nine Year Concert Plaque - A brass plate noting the class and rating earned is added to this wooden plaque each year as an attractive way to display continuing achievements.

B. Ordering Process

1. Ordering instructions for all WSMA awards may be found in the Member Schools section of: www.wsmamusic.org.

IX. Permissions, Pre-Approved Permissions, Transfers, Original Compositions A. Permissions B. Pre-Approved Permission List C. Transfers D. Original Compositions

1. Permissions - Music not from the current WSMA Festival Music List must be sent to WSMA for permission in events designated as "Permission Allowed" or "Permission Required."
   1. WSMA must receive Permission Requests no later than four weeks prior to the District Festival. You will receive an email confirmation upon receipt.
   2. Print and copy the WSMA Permission Instructions and Permission Form from the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org. For fastest response time, each permission request(s) must include a completed Permission Form and a copy of the music. You may send permissions to:
      
      
      FAX: 608-850-3515
      Or
      EMAIL: permissions@wsmamusic.org
      Or
      MAIL: WSMA Permissions Chair
      1005 Quinn Drive
      Waunakee, WI 53597
      
      Within two weeks after WSMA has received your completed Permission Request, you will receive an email from WSMA if your permission has been approved. Print the "Festival Music Permission Approval" form and attach it to the judge's copy of the music for each and every Festival.
   3. If a permission request is denied WSMA will contact the director.
   4. If you wish to perform a different edition of a piece that is already on the WSMA Music Festival List, follow the above procedures and timeline utilizing the Alternate Edition Request Form found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
2. Pre-Approved Permission List - Additional titles that have been pre-approved for permission for the following events are easily accessible on the Festival Music List portion of the WSMA website www.wsmamusic.org. When directors select one of these Pre-Approved Permission titles for performance at District and/or State Festival, it is not necessary to send them in for permission. All titles on the Pre-Approved Permission List are published and available.

3. Event Transfers - Music from the current WSMA Festival Music List may be used in events designated as "Transfer Allowed." It is not necessary to send transferred titles to WSMA for permission. Follow the instructions on the Teacher's District Festival Online Registration Program.
4. Original Compositions
   1. Original compositions written by currently enrolled students that meet Eligibility Requirements (Please see V.A-B) may be submitted for permission in all WSMA Solo & Ensemble events, including those designated as "No Permission or Transfer."
   2. All other original compositions or arrangements may only be submitted for permission in events designated as "Permission Allowed" or "Permission Required."
   3. All original compositions for Solo & Ensemble Events must be submitted to WSMA for permission. (Please see IX.A)

X. WSMA Festival Music List Revisions Schedule

Solos and Ensembles 2010 - 2011 Ensemble Lists and Minor Corrections 2011 - 2012 Minor Corrections 2012 - 2013 Solo Lists and Minor Corrections 2013 - 2014 Minor Corrections 2014 - 2015 Ensemble Lists and Minor Corrections	Concert Groups At least five concert group selections are replaced every year. Please Note: An asterisk denotes new selections on the WSMA Festival Music List.
If you would like to be a Festival Music List Reviewer, please email your name, major instrument or voice, and your area(s) of interest to WSMA. Your involvement is needed and appreciated!

Alternate Editions at WSMA Festivals Teachers from member schools may request to use an alternate edition of a selection on the current WSMA Festival Music List. This option applies to all events including non-permission events. The Alternate Edition Request Form may be found in the Member Schools area of the website: www.wsmamusic.org. If the submitted version is comparable, you will receive approval via e-mail to use the alternate edition. Print the "Festival Music Permission Approval" form and attach it to the judge's copy of the music for each and every Festival. If the submitted version is denied use as an alternate edition, WSMA will contact the director. For further information, please see Rule IX.A.1-4

E-Print Music and WSMA Festivals Several publishers now offer e-Print music, allowing customers to view and purchase sheet music online. There is a licensing page included with each e-Print order explaining how e-Print music complies with Federal copyright laws in greater detail. Specifically, there is a copyright notice printed at the bottom of the page stating the exact date and time the music was printed. If a time does not appear on what appears to be a photocopied piece of music, the performer will be asked to supply an original, printed score for the adjudicator. If an original, printed score, including exact times printed on e-Print scores is not given to the adjudicator, the performance will be evaluated for Critique Only.

WSMA Festival Music Lists are listed online at: www.wsmamusic.org. If you would like to purchase a printed version of the Festival Music List please contact Theresa McKinley. For information on becoming a WSMA Adjudicator, please visit www.wsmamusic.org/festivals/adjudicator.html. Your expertise and involvement are needed!

Wisconsin School Music Association • 1005 Quinn Drive • Waunakee, WI 53597
608-850-3566 • 800-589-9762 • Fax: 608-850-3515 •