Music Competition

Music Competition

The purpose of the Music Competition is to encourage students to explore and develop a relationship with the music/style of Shakespeare’s era.

We are pleased to add that now any piece from a later musical period may also be used, provided that the text is drawn from the works of William Shakespeare.

MUSIC RESOURCES FOUND HERE.

Music Events

In an effort to establish parity among music performances we are splitting the music portion of the competition into two divisions: Small Schools and Large Schools.

Division I - consists of the smallest half of schools registered to compete in the music competition.

Division II - consists of the largest half of schools registered to compete in the music competition.

Troubadour

One entry per school. A solo or small ensemble of 1-5 individual parts. Groups may be a mixture of voice and instrument, all instruments, all voices, or unaccompanied/accompanied solo.

Performance includes one piece up to 5 minutes. Groups will have 15 minute slots including onstage comments from adjudicators.

Live accompaniment only; all performers must be students only. This includes accompanists.

Repertoire: Any piece (sacred or secular) composed in the Renaissance style.

Minstrel

One entry per school. A small ensemble of 6-10 people. Groups may be a mixture of voice and instrument, all instruments, or all voices.

Performance includes one piece up to 5 minutes. Groups will have 15 minute slots including onstage comments from adjudicators.

Live accompaniment only; all performers must be students only. This includes accompanists.

Repertoire: Any piece (sacred or secular) composed in the Renaissance style.

Canzonetta

One entry per school. A choral group of 10-16 people with or without piano accompaniment.

Performances include 1-3 pieces up to 10 minutes. Groups will have 15 minute slots including onstage comments from adjudicators.

Repertoire: Any piece (sacred or secular) composed in the Renaissance style.

Live accompaniment only. Must be a student.

Madrigal

One entry per school. A choral group of 17+ people with or without piano accompaniment .

Performances include 1-3 pieces up to 10 minutes. Groups will have 15 minute slots including onstage comments from adjudicators.

Repertoire: Any piece (sacred or secular) composed in the Renaissance style.

Live accompaniment only. Must be a student.

Music Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria

Music will be evaluated based on:

  • Tone
  • Intonation
  • Technique
  • Balance & Blend
  • Interpretation/Style
  • Rhythmic Accuracy
  • Overall Musical Effect

Adjudication Rubric can be found HERE

Please see our sample music ballot.

Regulations

It is requested for schools to provide 3 copies of the music for the adjudicators.

Any performance going over or under time will result in a 7 point deduction.

Material performed by a participating school in the last 3 years, should not be repeated by that school. It is encouraged that schools use a variety of works from year-to-year to expose students to various works. Utilizing the same material within a 3 year time period could result in disqualification.

NOTE: Repertoire of the period with any instrument combinations is desired. Creativity in combinations is encouraged.

Awards

Awards for first, second, and third place will be given in each of the 4 music categories.

A music sweepstakes award will be given for the school with the highest cumulative score from each of the 4 categories.

A separate choral awards ceremony will be held on the Friday night of Competition (Oct 3).

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