Festivals: 2007 – 2008 Rules

I. Purpose of WSMA Festivals
II. 2007 – 2008 WSMA Festival Rule Changes
III. WSMA Events and Classes Defined
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. Purposes of WSMA Festivals

The purposes of all WSMA Festivals are to:

A. Improve students’ music performance;

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. 2007 – 2008 WSMA Festival Rule Changes and Handbook Updates

WSMA Festival Rule V.A. (changes noted in italics)
School Eligibility Requirements

To enter a WSMA-sanctioned Festival, a school must be a paid member of WSMA for the current academic year.
To enter WSMA Solo & Ensemble events, each school must participate in a WSMA-sanctioned Concert Festival, Clinic Festival or Alternative Clinic Festival 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 or Clinic Festival a minimum of once every two years.
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.
Failure to meet the concert group participation requirement for TWO consecutive years will result in a letter to the 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.
Failure to remove the final probation status may result in the suspension of Solo & Ensemble Festival participation for the member school.
Waivers to the above requirement may be granted if the school has no concert group which meets the minimum size requirement. Waiver requests must be made in writing to WSMA. See Rule VI.C.2.
Any school, concert group, solo or ensemble event who does not meet the WSMA eligibility requirements will not be scheduled for participation in a WSMA Music Festival.

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.

Events 101 – 517 = Solo Events (Brass, Woodwind, String, Piano, Vocal, Percussion)
Events 520 – 989 = Ensemble Events (Percussion, Brass, Woodwind, String, Vocal)
Events 1072 – 1089 = Misc. Ensembles, Jazz Ensemble, Ethnic, Folk, Heritage Ensembles

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

Event 2000 = Concert Band
Events 3000 – 3004 = Orchestra (Full, Chamber, String)
Events 4000 – 4006 = Choir (Mixed, TTB, SSA, Middle School/Junior High)

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

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

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

A. Concert Group Festivals

At least three member schools are required to form a WSMA District Concert Festival.
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 Members Only section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
WSMA assigns all adjudicators for Concert Group Festivals.
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 costs.
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 hired to serve as a clinician only.
2. WSMA will send 75% of all entry fees to the Concert Festival Manager to support festival
  expenses.
3. The Concert Festival Financial Report must be submitted to WSMA within two weeks after the
  Concert Festival.
Each group must perform either:
1. One selection from the current WSMA Concert Group Festival Music List - Events 2000, 3000, 3002, 3004, 4000, 4002, 4004 or 4006 for the corresponding concert group from the class entered and two selections of the directors choosing;
  
  OR
2. One selection from the current WSMA Concert Group Festival Music List for the corresponding concert group, plus one or two selections of the directors choosing which equal or exceeds the minimum performing time requirements listed in Rule VI. C. 9.
3. The selected number(s) may be from the current WSMA List (but may not be from a lower class) or any other source. The selected number(s) must be of the same class difficulty as the required number.
4. An original student composition may be used as a selected number. It is not necessary to send the selected number(s) to WSMA for permission.
5. Concert groups who perform one multi-movement selection from the current WSMA Festival Music List which 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.
Registration timelines for Concert Festivals are established by the Festival Manager.
1. Concert Festival Registrations must be sent to WSMA and a copy to the Concert Festival Manager.
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 from all participating schools.
4. No refunds will be made for the withdrawal of any WSMA entry within three (3) weeks of the Festival.
Students are required to listen to a minimum of one other performing group and to critique the performance using the Student Comment Forms in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: 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.
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.
Each Concert Festival is encouraged to set a policy regarding the video taping of performances. The video taping of critiques or clinics must have prior approval of the adjudicator(s) involved.
Pre-recorded, taped, or sequenced accompaniments are not permitted for Concert Group Festivals.
One ensemble member or the conductor 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).
Published accompanist parts for WSMA choral groups may be performed by students or adults in WSMA Concert Festivals.

B. Clinic Festival (For Concert Groups)

At least two concert groups of each type (Band, Choir or Orchestra) are required to form a WSMA Clinic Festival.
To meet WSMA concert group requirements (see Section V. Eligibility), schools must register their Clinic Festival with WSMA three weeks prior to the clinic. WSMA Clinic Festival Registration Forms are found online in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
When schools enter more than one group of the same type (Bands, Choirs, Orchestras), the school only needs to pay the registration fee for one of the same type of group.
Each group must perform at least one selection from the current WSMA Concert Group Festival Music List - Events 2000, 3000, 3002, 3004, 4000, 4002, 4004 or 4006. See Section VI.C. Concert Group Requirements for additional information.
Clinic Festivals must use Comment Only adjudication forms. No ratings are given, and no concert plaques are awarded. Comment Only forms are found in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
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 web site: 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 a regular rehearsal soon after the festival.
A minimum of 20 minutes of clinic time (not performance time) must be provided for each performing group.
The Clinic Festival organizer is responsible to hire and pay clinician(s) and cover all costs associated with the Clinic Festival. Clinic Festival organizers are encouraged to contact WSMA for clinician(s) suggestions.
Send a copy of the first page of the completed adjudication form, along with the WSMA event, class and selection number of the repertoire performed, to WSMA within five days of the completion of the festival.
Published accompanist parts for WSMA choral groups may be performed by students or adults in WSMA Clinic Festivals.

C. “Informance”

A Clinic Festival may be incorporated as an integral part of a traditional school concert. 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. Clinic Festival Alternative (For Concert Groups)

This option allows schools to meet the WSMA Concert Group requirement by participating in alternative music festivals. The following criteria must all be met:
1. Each concert group must perform at least one selection from the current WSMA Concert Group Festival Music List - Events 2000, 3000, 3002, 3004, 4000, 4002, 4004 or 4006.
2. The director must register the Alternative Clinic Festival with WSMA at least three weeks before
  the festival. Use the Alternative Clinic Festival Registration form found in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
3. Students are required to listen to a minimum of one other performing group and to critique the performance using the Student Comment Forms in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: 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.
4. Send a copy of the first page of the completed adjudication form, along with the WSMA event, class and selection number of the repertoire performed, to WSMA within five days of the completion of the festival
All costs associated with the Festival are the responsibility of the participating school(s).

E. District Solo and Ensemble Festivals

At least three WSMA member schools are required to form a District Solo & Ensemble Festival.
If your school plans to change district membership, WSMA, the former District Festival Manager and the new District Festival Manager must be notified at least eight weeks prior to the current year’s WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Festival dates are established by the participating schools. Districts may choose to create WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festivals, Concert Group Festivals, Jazz Ensemble/Show Choir/Vocal Jazz Ensemble Festivals, Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festivals, and/or WSMA Piano Festivals with at least three member schools participating in each type of festival.
All District Festival dates and the list of participating schools must be submitted to WSMA by October 1st of the current school year.
All 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 District.
WSMA assigns all adjudicators, collects fees, enforces rules, provides a subsidy and offers awards for WSMA District and State Festivals. The subsidy amount is 2/3 of all entry fees.
Supplementary income to support festival costs may be generated by adding a surcharge to individual or class fees, offering concessions, charging admission fees, program fees, etc.
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 costs.
Registration timelines for District Festivals are established by the Festival Manager.
1. District Festival Registration Forms must be sent to WSMA and a copy to the District Festival Manager.
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 from each participating school.
4. All Solo & Ensemble events must be registered online via the Teacher Online Data Entry link found in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: 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.
When a school needs 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 web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
2. The director that is transferring the student(s) to the new festival site must complete and mail the District Solo & Ensemble Transfer Form to the Festival Manager of the new festival site. This form is available in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
3. Registration information must be provided to the transfer Festival Manager at least four weeks prior to the transfer festival date for manual entry into the Festival Manager program.
All WSMA Solo & Ensemble events are open to the public. It is not appropriate to clear any room prior to or during a performance.
Each Solo & Ensemble Festival is encouraged to set a policy regarding the video taping of performances. The video taping of critiques or clinics must have prior approval of the adjudicator(s).
Read Section V. Eligibility and Section VI.A. B. Performance Requirements for additional instructions.
No refunds will be made for the withdrawal of any WSMA entry within three (3) weeks of a District or State Festival.

F. State Solo & Ensemble Festival

Schools are assigned to a State Festival site by WSMA. Please check the WSMA website for your assigned State Festival site (www.wsmamusic.org).
WSMA schedules all State Festival events, and posts them on the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
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 WMEA State Music Conference in Madison.
Friday night State Jazz Ensemble/Show Choir/Vocal Jazz Ensemble Festivals help alleviate conflicts on the Saturday festivals for busy students, and provide another way for communities to support their students. Currently, Friday night State Jazz Festivals take place in Green Bay. Directors assigned to any State Site may request their Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Combos, Show Choirs, Vocal Jazz Ensembles, or Jazz Improvisation Solos to perform at a Friday night State Festival site of their choosing.

V. Eligibility Requirements
A. School
B. Student
C. Home-schooled
D. State Festival
E. School/Student Transfer Requests

A. School Eligibility Requirements

To enter a WSMA-sanctioned Festival, a school must be a paid member of WSMA for the current academic year.
To enter WSMA Solo & Ensemble events, each school must participate in a WSMA-sanctioned Concert Festival, Clinic Festival or Alternative Clinic Festival 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 or Clinic Festival a minimum of once every two years.
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 the 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.
Failure to remove the final probation status may result in the suspension of Solo & Ensemble Festival participation for the member school.
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.
Any school, concert group, solo or ensemble event who does not meet the WSMA eligibility requirements will not be scheduled for participation in a WSMA Music Festival.

B. Student Eligibility Requirements

To participate in a WSMA-sanctioned Festival, students must be enrolled as full-time or part-time students in a WSMA member school.
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.
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 which 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.
Piano students who are not members of a regularly scheduled school music performing group 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.
In addition to meeting the above requirements, 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
when at least 50% of the ensemble members are in grade 7 or above.
Students in grade 6 or above may participate at a WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival for Comment
Only.
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.
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).

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

Students who are home-schooled or who attend a non-WSMA member school may participate in WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festivals (District and State). There is a $45 registration fee to participate. The initial registration includes the first event (solo or ensemble) entered. Additional costs include $7.00 for each Class B or C solo entry and $8.00 for each Class A solo entry. Ensemble events are an additional $12 for each entry. Ensembles must be formed with siblings (brothers or sisters) also registered as non-members.
Parents should Email Rosalie Richardson at: rrichdsn@wsmamusic.org, (or mail a letter to 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. Include the student’s name, age, grade in school, parent name, address, phone, and Email of the contact person. All registration forms will be emailed or mailed to the parent(s) when the above information has been received.
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 pay the State registration fees. Call WSMA for more information.
Home-schooled students registered for WSMA Festivals must follow all WSMA participation requirements. (See Rules VI.A.1- 17 and VI.B.1 - 28)

D. State Festival Eligibility Requirements

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.
Students must meet all eligibility requirements stated in Section V.B.1 – 8.
Directors must register for WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival online within five business days following your last District Festival. A late fee of $10.00 plus $5.00 per entry will be assessed to schools submitting online registrations beyond five business days following the District Festival. Please note that District Festival Managers are required to Email results to WSMA within 48 hours of the conclusion of the District Festival. Directors will not be able to register for State until all District results have been received and processed by WSMA. If there is a delay in the posting of the results from a District, directors will be allowed five business days after the results are posted to complete registration with out penalty.
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.
The time limit for instrumental solos at WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals has been extended to 10 minutes to allow for more comments from State level adjudicators. Qualifying students need not prepare additional music for the State Festival.
Ensemble music performed at State Festival must be the same as was performed at District Festival.
Ensemble members must be the same for both District and State Festivals. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Time requests cannot be honored for any accompanist with more than 15 accompaniments at a WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival. Other accompanist time requests will be honored when possible.

E. School or Student State Festival Transfer Requests

Schools who must transfer all State Festival entries to another State site in emergency situations must contact WSMA in writing by November 15. State Festival Transfer Requests will not be granted for schools who schedule another music event or tour on the same
day as their assigned State Festival. Contact Jeff Gretzinger, WSMA Program Director at jgretz@wsmamusic.org for all emergency State Festival Transfer requests.
Any State Festival transfer requests received by WSMA after November 15 will be assessed a $5.00
per entry surcharge.
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 fax or Email to Rosalie Richardson at: rrichdsn@wsmamusic.org and must include the reason for the emergency request.
2. On-line registration is required for all qualifying State events from the member school. Written request (V.E.3.a) must clearly indicate specific events and students to be transferred to an alternate State site.
3. Any State Festival transfer request, including 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 and therefore no permission is required.
Students who miss their performance the first weekend of State Solo and Ensemble Festival may not reschedule for the second week of State Solo and Ensemble Festival.

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

A. Solo Requirements

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 four weeks prior to the District Festival in order for the performance to receive a rating. 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.
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.
Students must perform different music at successive WSMA District Festivals to encourage musical growth.
A vocalist may enter up to three vocal solos: one from Events 401, 402, 404, 405, or 407; one from Events 408 or 409; and one from event 417. A student is required to perform a Class A solo from Events 401, 402, 404, 405, or 407 in a WSMA District Music Festival to enter and perform in Music Theater Events 408 or 409.
\Student soloists 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. The student introduction is a required part of the performance and rating in Events 408 and 409. The introduction should include performer and accompanist names, school, title of piece, name of the show, composer, and a significant aspect of the piece (style, form, harmony, melody, or technique) and must set the scene for the song. Introductions may be done in character or by describing the character’s role and setting prior to performing the song in character. The required introduction does not need to be memorized.
Memorization of the selection is required in Events 408 and 409 in order to receive a rating. Memorization is optional in all other WSMA events.
Accompaniment for all soloists is strongly encouraged, but not required except in Events 408 and 409. Taped, pre-recorded, or sequenced accompaniments are permitted for solos and regular ensembles, but not for special ensembles. Alternative accompaniment instruments may be substituted for piano in solos and regular ensembles.
Class A and B vocal solos may be transposed up or down as much as a minor third into a key which best accommodates the tessitura of the voice. There are no transposition restrictions in Class C vocal solos or in all classes of Event 407.
If English and another language are printed on the vocal solo, the student may select either language.
Play two contrasting movements on all multi-movement selections unless other instructions are specified.
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.
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.
If there is a discrepancy between the printed WSMA Music List and the online version of the Music List, print the online version and bring it to your festival. The online version is the most current.
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.
Students who have been identified by school officials as having special or exceptional educational needs, such as physical or mental disabilities, are welcome to perform in WSMA events. Solo & Ensemble music may be edited or adapted by the teacher to accommodate special needs children. All adapted music must be submitted to WSMA for permission four weeks prior to the District Solo & Ensemble Festival, including a full explanation and reasons for the editing. The Permission Form may be found in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
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, ensemble, or concert group will be prevented from performing for violation of a WSMA Festival Rule.
A second performance is not allowed under any circumstance.

B. Ensemble Requirements

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. 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.
Regular ensembles may not be conducted.
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 Events 670.2, 670.3, 670.4, Events 770.2, 770.3, 770.4, Events 1072 and 1074 (Misc. Ensembles) more than once as long as the number and combinations of performers differ for each entry, and; Special Ensemble exceptions as outlined in Section VI.B.5.
Students must perform different music at successive WSMA District Festivals to encourage musical growth.
Students may perform only once in the same Special Ensemble event. Exception: 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.
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.
Ensemble music performed at the State Festival must be the same as was performed at the District
Festival.
Ensemble members must be the same for both District and State Festivals. No exceptions.
Accompaniment, when written for ensembles, is strongly encouraged, but not required. Taped,
pre-recorded, or sequenced accompaniments are permitted for regular ensembles, but not
for special ensembles. Alternative accompaniment instruments may be substituted for piano in regular ensembles.
Class A and B vocal ensembles may be transposed up or down as much as a minor third into a key which 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.
If English and another language are printed on the vocal ensemble, students may sing in either language.
Play two contrasting movements on all multi-movement selections unless other instructions are specified under the selection listing on the WSMA Music List.
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.
If there is a discrepancy between the printed WSMA Music List and the online version of the Music List, print the online version and bring it to your festival. The online version is the most current.
These Instrumental Special Ensembles are required to set-up and perform one piece within 12 minutes:

561 Misc. Percussion Ensemble	771 Woodwind Ensemble	1074 Misc. Special Ensemble
571 Handbell Choir	772 Flute Choir	1076 Creative Electronic Instrument Ensemble
581 Steel Drum Band	773 Saxophone Choir	* 1084 Mostly Brass Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
661 Brass Ensemble	775 Recorder Ensemble	* 1085 Mostly Woodwind Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
662 Brass Ens. with Percussion	805 Classical Guitar Ensemble	* 1086 Mostly String Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
671 Brass Choir (Like Instruments)	861 String Choir	* 1087 Mostly Vocal Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble
761 Clarinet Choir	871 Misc. String-Wind Ensemble	* 1088 Mostly Perc. Folk, Ethnic, Heritage Ensemble

* Events 1084, 1085, 1086, 1087 and 1088 must perform for a minimum of 5 minutes, or another selection must be added.

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

950 Madrigal Ensemble

952 SSAA Madrigal Ensemble

971 Misc. Vocal Ensemble

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

881 Pop Strings	985 TTB Show Choir	1081 Jazz Ensemble
981 Mixed Show Choir	986 Mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble	1082 Jazz Ensemble – Open Class
982 Mixed Show Choir – Open Class	987 Mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble – Open Class	1083 Jazz Combo
983 SSA Show Choir	988 SSAA Vocal Jazz Ensemble
984 SSA Show Choir – Open Class	989 SSAA Vocal Jazz Ensemble – Open Class

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 the current WSMA List (but may not be from a lower class) or any other source. The selected number must be of the same class difficulty and idiomatic integrity as the required number. It must also complete the contrasting style or tempo requirement. It is not necessary to send the selected number to WSMA for permission.
Event 1083 – 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.
A Special Ensemble with more than 5 members may be conducted by an adult, except for 950 Madrigal Ensemble and 952 SSAA Madrigal Ensemble. Madrigal ensembles must be conducted by a student from within the ensemble. An adult may conduct event 775 Recorder Ensemble.
An adult piano accompanist may be used in the rhythm section of Events 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988 and 989, however, all other members of the ensemble must be students. Pre-recorded accompaniments are prohibited for Events 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988 and 989.
A student may perform in only one Show Choir, one Madrigal, or one Vocal Jazz Ensemble event.
A MIDI wind controller may be used in Events 1081, 1082 or 1083 as a solo instrument, but not as a substitute for an instrument that has a written part.
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 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.
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.
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.
Any violation of a WSMA Festival rule on the festival day will result in the performance receiving a Critique Only, (no rating). No student, ensemble, or concert group will be prevented from performing for violation of a WSMA Festival Rule.
A second performance is not allowed under any circumstances.

C. Concert Group Requirements

Students and schools must meet all WSMA eligibility requirements. See Section V.A. and V.B.
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 and Ensemble Festival.
One ensemble member or the conductor 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
Electronic substitutions for traditional instruments and wind substitutions for written instruments in WSMA Concert Festivals require written permission from WSMA four weeks prior to the festival.
There is no limit on the number of concert groups a school may enter in a WSMA Concert or Clinic Festival.
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.
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 SSA or SSAA Choir) is determined by the choice of required music chosen from the current WSMA Concert Festival Music List - Events 2000, 3000, 3002, 3004, 4000, 4002, 4004 or 4006. The Selected Number(s) can be from the current WSMA List (but may not be from a lower class) or any other source. The Selected Number(s) must be of the same class difficulty as the required number. It is not necessary to send the selected number to WSMA for permission.
If there is a discrepancy between the printed WSMA Music List and the online version of the Music List, print the online version and bring it to your festival. The online version is the most current.
Concert groups should set up and perform according to the following requirements:

Event #	Event Name	Maximum Set-Up Time	Minimum Performance Time	TOTAL Minimum Scheduled Time
2000	Concert Band	10 minutes	Class B, C, M = 10 minutes Class A = 15 minutes	Class B, C, M = 20 minutes Class A = 25 minutes
3000	Full Orchestra	10 minutes	Class B, C, M = 10 minutes Class A = 15 minutes	Class B, C, M = 20 minutes Class A = 25 minutes
3002	Chamber Orchestra	10 minutes	Class B, C, M = 10 minutes Class A = 15 minutes	Class B, C, M = 20 minutes Class A = 25 minutes
3004	String Orchestra	10 minutes	Class B, C, M = 10 minutes Class A = 15 minutes	Class B, C, M = 20 minutes Class A = 25 minutes
4000	Mixed Choir	5 minutes	Class B, C = 8 minutes Class A = 10 minutes	Class B, C = 13 minutes Class A = 15 minutes
4002	TTBB, TTB Choir	5 minutes	Class B, C = 8 minutes Class A = 10 minutes	Class B, C = 13 minutes Class A = 15 minutes
4004	SSAA, SSA Choir	5 minutes	Class B, C = 8 minutes Class A = 10 minutes	Class B, C = 13 minutes Class A = 15 minutes
4006	Middle School/ Junior High School Choir	5 minutes	Class M = 8 minutes	Class M = 13 minutes

To meet WSMA Concert Group requirements (see Section V.A.2), schools must register Concert Festival dates with WSMA by October 1st. All WSMA Festival Registration Forms are found online in the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
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.
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.
A brief pause between numbers is allowed and is at the discretion of the director.
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 web site: 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.
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 pay an additional $25 for these services.
Taped, pre-recorded, or sequenced accompaniments are not permitted for concert groups.
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, ensemble, or concert group will be prevented from performing for violation of a WSMA Festival Rule.
A second performance is not allowed under any circumstances.

D. Accompanist Requirements

An accompanist must not exceed fifteen (15) accompaniments at a single District or State Festival. Accompanists who violate this rule often cause delays in other festival rooms creating additional stress for students. Therefore, 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 encouraged to bring their own boom box or other portable player to the Festival.

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

Adjudicators are trained, assigned and monitored by WSMA.
WSMA compensates adjudicators according to levels of experience, expertise on WSMA rules, and colleague recommendations.
Adjudicators are required to attend a WSMA Adjudicator Workshop once every four years to maintain and/or improve their adjudication status. Failure to attend a workshop within the four year time period will result in contract compensation being reduced by one level.

B. Adjudicator’s Role

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 provided is the original, publisher printed copy of the matching edition of the music to be performed.

C. Elements of a Proper Adjudicator’s Comment

The three elements of a proper adjudicator's comment are:
1. Identify what you hear (Rubric forms are designed to help you with this step).
2. Inform the performer why you feel this is happening. Be specific.
3. Offer suggestions on how the student can improve, or reinforce the positive musicianship you heard.
A professional and friendly demeanor is expected throughout the day. Negative attitudes, sarcasm, and a lack of specific comments adversely affect the performer, audience members, and the impact continues long after the music festival is over.
While making comments on the adjudicators original, publisher printed copy of the matching edition is not prohibited, teachers and students would be best served by noting comments directly on the back of the rubric form.
As an adjudicator at WSMA-sponsored music festivals, your attire is an important component of your role. Business attire is appropriate. Clothes do not make us who we are, but they indicate a respect for the festival participants and your role as a professional adjudicator. Your perception of a performer is affected by their attire and demeanor, and the same is true of their perception of you as an adjudicator.

D. Adjudication Forms

Rubric forms are used at all WSMA sanctioned festivals.
Comment Only forms use the same format as the rated forms, except no rating numbers are printed on the Comment Only forms.

VIII. Awards
A. Descriptions
B. Order Forms

A. Descriptions

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 purchase the following:
1. District Medals - WSMA offers attractive engraved medals representing class entered with gold, silver, and bronze medals for I, II, and III ratings received at District Solo & Ensemble Festivals. Students proudly display these awards on their school jackets or instrument cases.
2. Participation Pins – Participation pins are a great way to recognize Comment Only performances. Smaller than District medals, participation pins can also be attached to school jackets or instrument cases.
3. Special Ensemble Certificates – Schools may purchase these single certificates to commemorate performances of Special Ensembles at District and State Solo & Ensemble Festivals.
4. State Medals – The attractive 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 attractive wooden plaques, cut in the shape of Wisconsin, feature the year and the rating earned.
6. Concert Medals – Concert medals, formed in the shape of Wisconsin, can be attached to school 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. Order Forms

Order forms for all WSMA awards may be found in the Members Only section of: www.wsmamusic.org.

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

D. Original Compositions

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.
2. Print and copy the 2007 – 2008 WSMA Permission Instructions and Permission Form from the Members Only section of the WSMA web site: 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 fax, email or mail permissions to: FAX: 608-850-3515; Email: permissions@wsmamusic.org. 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 Permission Approved email, and attach it to the judge’s copy of the music for the District (and State) Festival.
3. If your permission request is denied, directors will be notified by phone
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 check the corresponding box on the Permission Form.
Pre-Approved Permission List – A. Additional titles that have been pre-approved for permission for the following events are easily accessible on the Music List portion of the WSMA web site 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.

Event Number and Name:
561 Percussion Ensemble	771 Woodwind Ensemble
661 Brass Ensemble	772 Flute Choir
662 Brass Ensemble with Percussion	773 Saxophone Choir
671 Brass Choir (Like Instruments) Trumpet and Trombone Choirs	861 String Choir
761 Clarinet Choir	1084 Mostly Brass Ethnic, Folk, Heritage Ensemble

Transfer – 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.
Original compositions written by currently enrolled students may be submitted in all WSMA events, including those designated as “No Permission or Transfer.” Original compositions written by adults or former students may only be submitted for permission in events designated as “Permission Allowed” or “Permission Required".

X. WSMA Festival Music List Revisions Schedule

Solos and Ensembles 2007 – 2008 Solos and Minor Corrections 2008 – 2009 Minor Corrections 2009 – 2010 Ensembles and Minor Corrections 2010 – 2011 Minor Corrections	Concert Groups and Special Ensembles At least five concert group selections in each class are replaced every year. The same is true of Special Ensembles in Events 881, 981, 983, 986, 988, and 1081.
If you would like to be a Music List Reviewer, please Email your name, major instrument or voice, and your area(s) of interest to Theresa McKinley. Your involvement is needed and appreciated!

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 should be asked to supply an original, printed score for the judge. If an original, printed score, including exact times printed on e-Print scores, is not given to the judge, the performance should be evaluated for Critique Only.

PLEASE NOTE: Music lists for Concert Groups (Events 2000, 3000, 3002, 3004, 4000, 4002, 4004, 4006) and Ensembles (Events 520-1088) are now listed exclusively online: www.wsmamusic.org.

ALSO: For information on becoming a WSMA Adjudicator, please visit www.wsmamusic.org/festivals/adjudicator.html. Your expertise and involvement are needed!

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