Nearly 70,000 District Solo and Ensemble events representing thousands of music students at nearly 300 WSMA Music Festivals made 2011-2012 another successful year for WSMA member schools, music teachers and students. As WSMA prepares for another festival season, we thank you for your past contributions, and proudly offer these tools to assist in making 2012-2013 another rewarding season of music experience.

Thank you for making a positive difference in preserving our proud musical heritage. Should you have any questions or need assistance in any of your adjudicator needs, please email Tim Wurgler - WSMA Program Director

Role of WSMA Adjudicators

• Maintain consistency by following WSMA rules and procedures;
• Clarify expectations and standards of quality in various aspects of performance;
• Provide constructive comments and suggestions for improvement on student performance;
• Encourage students to continue in their musical development and participation;
• Assist students in understanding the relationship between festival and other music experiences.

Adjudicators often make a significant impact on students and music teachers which continues long after the music festival is past. Professional and friendly demeanor is expected throughout the day. WSMA adjudicators attend training workshops every four years to refresh their skills and review adjudication expectations, and are paid for sharing their expertise and talents with our state's young musicians.

Purpose of WSMA Festivals

• Improve students' music performance through assessment;
• Increase students' understanding of music literature and music concepts;
• Motivate students to continue their study of music;
• Establish standards of excellence in music performance;
• Provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.

WSMA Adjudicator Availability

Please remember that your availability is due by November 1st to ensure consideration in the first round of festival contracts.

WSMA Adjudicator Availability may be submitted on-line but this format requires your persoanl adjudicator number.  If you do not know your adjudicator number, simply email Tim Wurgler.  To use this on-line format Click Here.  

If you would rather submit your availability using a paper form, please click below for the PDF version.  

2012 - 2013 On - Line Adjudicator Availability - Click Here

2012 - 2013 Adjudicator Availability Form (Downloadable PDF) - Click Here

It is not necessary to make multiple submissions (online, mail, fax) of the information.

WSMA Adjudicator Workshop Online Registration

Please click here to be taken to the online registration for 2012 - 2013 Adjudicator Workshops. You will receive a confirmation email when the registration process is complete.  Approximately one week prior to the workshop you will receive an email from WSMA with information including directions.  If you encounter difficulties in using the online registration please contact WSMA for assistance or simply use the printable version of the registration form.

Register Online 
Paper Registration Form

Criteria for Adjudicator Levels

The levels and associated criteria below are intended to provide access to those seeking to become or continue as active WSMA adjudicators, while also recognizing training, continued service and experience.

Step One-Submit an Adjudicator Registration Form and attend an Adjudicator workshop    Download a Registration form

1. Attendance at an Adjudicator Workshop is expected for all new adjudicators to complete their initial training.
2. All adjudicators are expected to attend a workshop at least once every four years to maintain their experience level. Those not attending a workshop within this time frame receive reduced compensation.
3. New adjudicators and those that have not attended an adjudication workshop or have not met sufficient criteria are placed in the Level IV supplementary adjudicator category. Adjudicators in this entry-level category are assigned only in emergency situations until step two is completed.

Step Two-Mentoring process qualifying for Level III-Registered Adjudicator

1. Meet at least one of 1a, 1b or 1c:
   a. Undergraduate degree in music or music education or
   b. Four years of teaching experience in a studio or professional music education setting or
   c. Music performance experience at a professional level.
2. Successful participation in a WSMA Adjudication Workshop.
3. Training or experience (choose one of the following)
   a. Participation at a festival as an adjudicator trainee with a Master Adjudicator (mileage paid) or
   b. Complete evaluations of videotaped S&E performances after the Adjudicator Workshop or
   c. Submit WSMA rubric evaluations on your students preparing festival materials (pre-approval required) or
   At least seven years experience with WSMA festivals as a teacher or festival manager
4. Demonstrated knowledge of rules and procedures. (Written Quiz #1)
5. Recommendation by Master Adjudicator (upon completion of training) or
   recommendation by review of evaluations.
6. Annual re-certification on rule and procedure changes. (Yearly update quiz)

3. Step Three-Advancing to Level II-Certified Adjudicator

1. WSMA Adjudication Experience.
   a. Three years as an active WSMA adjudicator and nine WSMA assigned festivals or
   b. 63 hours of adjudication or
   c. Nine years as an active music teacher in a school setting.
2. Acceptable evaluation record as a WSMA adjudicator.
3. Provide contact information for two references who represent the categories below:
   a. Administrator or supervisor (for school music teachers) and
   b. An active WSMA Adjudicator, school music teacher or music department chairperson.
   *Private music teachers or others not employed by a school need to have two recommendations from the sources identified in 3b.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of rules. (Quiz #1&#2)
5. Annual re-certification on rule and procedure changes. (Yearly update)
6. At least 3 years of experience in preparing students for music festivals.

4. Step Four-Achieving Level I -Master Adjudicator

1. Undergraduate degree in music or music education.
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of procedures (Written Quiz #1, #2 and #3)
3. WSMA Adjudication Experience:
   a. Seven years as an active WSMA Adjudicator AND twenty-one WSMA assigned festivals or 147 hours or 15 years as an active music teacher in a school.
4. Annual re-certification on rule and procedure changes. (Yearly update)
5. Meet a minimum of two of the following:
   a. Evidence of professional development or
   b. Awards or recognition in the education or music profession or
   c. A minimum of 7 years of experience preparing students for WSMA festivals or
   d. Evidence of continuing activity as a professional musician.