How does registration work for the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival? Do I need to register and pay for events in advance?
In the WSMA Festival App, registrations can be started and submitted at the same time (video performance and music PDF required) OR registrations may be started and saved as a draft.
Each event registration is submitted individually. Once all information is entered for an event, you can choose the “Submit for Evaluation” option that appears at the bottom. (Note: This will not close registration for the entire school, like it does in a typical year)
Schools will be invoiced after registration closes on March 31.
We do not require payment prior to the event being evaluated, and most evaluations are completed and returned within 4 business days.
Please note: These procedures apply to the 2021-2022 Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival only
Do I need to register and upload all of my students' performance videos at the same time?
No, you may register events when students are ready to record their performance. It is HIGHLY recommended that you enter events as soon as possible. The uploading of videos takes some time, and the deadline for submissions cannot be extended.
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.
Can a student perform at an in-person festival and submit a performance for the Virtual Festival?
Students may NOT perform the same music at an in-person festival and the virtual festival. Example: At an in-person festival, a student was able to perform their vocal solo, but there was a member of their barbershop quartet missing and they could not perform. The barbershop quartet can be recorded with all original ensemble members (even those who performed their solo at an in-person festival) and submitted for a rating.
What video file formats are acceptable?
The Festival App will accept a direct video upload of most common video file types: mp4, mov, wmv, avi. You can also submit an Unlisted YouTube or Private Vimeo Link.
Should I set up an external microphone?
You can, but it’s not necessary. The sound quality captured by a smart phone, iPad or tablet is usually high quality. Whatever method you choose, be sure to do a test before recording the entire performance. You may find that you need to reposition the recording device farther from the accompanist and/or closer to the performer(s).
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.
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.
Are percussion instrument substitutions allowed?
If a student does not have access to a specific piece of percussion equipment, an appropriate substitution can be allowed. For example: A concert snare is an appropriate substitution for a parade drum. Contact your school music teacher for more guidance.
How can students scan their music at home and share it with their teacher?
One suggestion is to use the Genius Scan app. Click here for instructions.
My students are required or prefer to wear masks. Is it ok to submit performance videos with performers wearing masks?
Yes. 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 obtain permission from the publisher to submit a video performance?
If the music selection is not on the current festival music list, then teachers must obtain permission from the publisher to submit a video performance prior to submitting the WSMA Permission Request Form. Without prior publisher approval, the permission request will be denied. A template for this request is available here. The approved list of publishers is available here.
