Description
A musical composition
entry may be for voice, instruments, or a
combination of voice and instruments. Lyrics may or may not be included
in vocal compositions. The composition is not to exceed five minutes.
The use of composition software is permitted. Students are strongly
discouraged from submitting highly edited MIDI sequences or audio
files. The recording submitted must capture performers in real-time.
The entry may not include imported MIDI or other source files, or use
algorithmic composition software.
Use of notation software for the purpose of creating scores and printed
parts is permitted. Whether the score is handwritten or
computer-generated, appropriate instrumentation and voicing are
required for the performance.
Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it
will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her
artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more
important than technique.
Originality
Each
entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the
creative integrity of a student’s
work. Because the program is designed to encourage
and recognize each student’s individual creativity,
help from an adult or collaboration with other students
is not allowed. Use of copyrighted
material is prohibited.
Musical composition entrants are not to borrow from copyrighted
material.
Plagiarism is defined as taking and
using another person’s ideas,
writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries
will be disqualified and returned to the students.
Entry
Form
All participants are
required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who
have not completely filled out
the form will not be eligible to participate in the program.
In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form
or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s
name.
Students
have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official
Entry Form and must answer a few questions about how they created their
works (see Required Information).
Return
of Artwork
The national PTA
office does not return musical composition entries.
Judging
All national entries
are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and
interpretation of the theme.
Presentation
- Students must submit
musical notation as required by their grade divisions.
- Primary and
Intermediate: No notation is required. Iconic notation may be
submitted. Iconic notation is “made-up” notation.
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- Middle/Junior and
Senior: Notation, either traditional, tablature, or electronic, is
required. The notation should aid
the listener and serve as a guide through the piece.
- Adults may not
assist. Physically challenged students may
dictate to another person who may write the notation. The
quality or accuracy of the notation and performance support the musical
idea, but they are not considered judging criteria.
- Entries may not
exceed five minutes.
- Students are not
required to perform their own compositions. A
student’s composed work may be performed by a group.
- Score size
- Entries should be no
larger than 11 inches by 14 inches.
- Band and orchestra
compositions may be 11 inches by 16 inches.
- Do not mount or bind
the scores.
- Recording requirements
- All grade divisions
must submit an audiocassette or CD recording of the composition.
- Submit the
audiocassette or CD in a plastic or cardboard
container; identify both the audiocassette/CD and container with the
student’s name, grade division, state, and year.
- Pack the
audiocassette or CD with the score (if required) in a large envelope.
- Secure the Official
Entry Form to the outside of the envelope with masking tape.
Recommendations for
quality recordings
- Make the room you
record in as quiet as possible. Close windows and turn off all
noise-making devices in the room (air
conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.). Do not place the recording
device on top of an instrument or speakers.
- If recording on
cassette, use Dolby B Noise Reductions to reduce background tape hiss.
- Don’t record at too
loud (in the red zone on the meter) or too soft
(meter barely moving) a level.
- Record a short test
and listen to it while watching the meter. If
needed, improve recording quality by changing the record volume or
microphone location.
- If recording on
cassette, rewind to the beginning, record 15 seconds of silence, and
then begin performing your composition. Finish with another 15 seconds
of silence. CD submissions may reduce silence to two seconds.
Required
Information
On the Official Entry
Form, please answer the following:
- Who performed your
composition?
- Did you use
traditional instrumentation or a synthesizer?
- If you used MIDI,
what software and hardware did you use to compose your work?
- If you included
lyrics, how do they work with your composition?
Optional Artist
Statement
On the Official Entry
Form, describe what inspired you to create
this work. |