Are ensemble allowed in the 2020-2021 Virtual Festival?
Yes, as stated in Festival Rules, teachers and participants should follow their local or tribal health department guidelines regarding COVID-19 and have permission from their school administration for the recording of ensembles.
My students are required to wear masks. Is it ok to submit performance videos with performers wearing masks?
Yes, as stated in Festival Rules, teachers and participants should follow their local or tribal health department guidelines regarding COVID-19. Adjudicators are prepared to view, evaluate and provide feedback for performers wearing masks. There is no penalty for wearing a mask in any event.
Do I need to register and upload all of my students' performance videos at the same time?
No, the Virtual Festival Cycles are designed with multiple weeks of open registration for teachers to register events when students are ready to record their performance.
Do Festival Rules still apply to the Virtual Solo Festival?
Yes, but with some modifications for the virtual format. Please view Festival Rules here.
Do schools need to register through a 'host' school' or coordinate with other schools to form a festival?
No. Schools/teachers can register events for the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival independently. Festival registrations and video submissions will be accepted through the online platform provided by WSMA. WSMA will assign adjudicators to each event and notify teachers when evaluations are completed.
Have registration fees changed due to the virtual format?
No. Standard event registration fees apply. Please view the Dues and Program Fees webpage for more information.
Does a student have to participate in Cycle A Festival in order to be eligible to participate in Cycle B Festival?
No, a student is not required to participate in both cycles. It is an option.
Do I need accompaniment for my solo?
For the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival, accompaniment is optional for all events, including music theater. The accompaniment is not included on the rubric and not considered in the evaluation. If you choose to use a an online or pre-recorded accompaniment, please manage the recording as best as you can to follow performance instructions and ‘cuts’ to the music. Be sure to spend plenty of time playing along with the recording.
Consider the following alternative options to a live accompaniment:
- Use a pre-recorded accompaniment provided by a private teacher or school music teacher.
- Download the Appcompanist app (available in iTunes or GooglePlay store)
- Subscribe to Virtually Vocal
- Download accompaniments from Piano-Accompaniments.com
- Check YouTube for available accompaniments (double check edition)
Can I use the same video for state that I submitted for district?
Videos submitted for District Festival should not be submitted for State Festival. A new performance video should be recorded following the District Festival for State Festival adjudication. Students should apply feedback received at the district level to their continued practice of music literature as described in the primary goals of WSMA Festivals and CMP Standards.
My solo has lots of rests. Should I count through those? Or cut those measures and come in again when my part resumes?
Please use your best judgement. WSMA recommends the following: If there are multi-measure rests longer than 3 measures, these may be omitted. Please mark this in the score or announce this during your introduction.
Do I need to provide an original piece of music for the adjudicator?
Yes, WSMA received permission from publishers to include their selections on the Festival Music List providing original music was still required as a part of Festival Rules.
Do I still have to submit a 'classical' vocal solo in order to submit a music theater solo?
Yes, students are required to submit a classical solo in addition to their music theater solo at the District level.
Can I register an event as Comments Only? I'm just interested in feedback, but no rating.
Yes, this option is available in the festival registration software.
Are Virtual Solo Festival events eligible for Exemplary Performance Nominations and Awards?
WSMA Exemplary Performance Recognition will not be available for the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Can I post or share my performance video publicly?
WSMA does not endorse the sharing of the performance video outside of the festival due to copyright.
