Music Selections:
Vocal and instrumental selections will be from the following types of music: Spiritual, Semi-Classical, or Classical. The term “Classical” will not be limited to music from that period of history but will apply to selections of a classical nature as opposed to those of popular music. Piano selections must be appropriate or classical according to the rules of the category.
Music selections must be related to the theme.
Participants are to avoid contemporary movie themes, and songs produced and/or popularized by current pop or rock stars. However, the instrumentals to these songs may be used if the instrumentals are appropriate for the church environment.
Medleys are acceptable.
Language:
Songs chosen must be in one of the following languages: English, French, or Coptic.
Use of the Arabic language is only permitted for those who are using the Arabic Mahragan books (Arabic adults & seniors)
The Competition Director, with counsel from the music panels, will have the authority to disqualify any participant or group based on performance or selection, or any other rule violation.
Accompaniment:
Each participant or group may provide an accompanist who will not be considered as part of the group in size determination or grade level requirements.
Performance Guidelines:
- Time limits: Going over the time limit by 2 minutes or less will result in an automatic 5 per cent deduction; by more than 2 minutes will result in an automatic 10 per cent deduction.
- For children and youth age groups, the selection does not have to be memorized.
- All music selections whether lyrics and/or sheet music must be submitted to the competition director no later than two weeks prior to the competition.
Music Rules by Category:
Choir Group:
- Choir Age Group:
- SK
- Grades 1&2
- Grades 3&4
- Grades 5&6
- Grades 7&8
- Grades 9 to 12
- Seniors
- Selections must be spiritual and related to the theme
- The choir should declare which level they are competing for
- If the church has combined age groups, it will be judged based on either the higher number of kids per age or the highest grade, according to the judge’s discretion
- Each choir group will perform two to three numbers within 12-15 minutes (Including the time to come up and down from the stage and check the sounds)
- Soloist parts will not exceed more than 15% of the performance time (we are encouraging more group performance).
Female/ Male Vocal Solo or Duet:
- Selection must be spiritual, and related to the theme.
- The soloist (or Duet) will perform one (1) selection or medley within three (3) minutes.
Brass Solo/ Woodwind Solo/Piano Solo/ Acoustic Guitar Solo:
- The soloist will perform one to two selections or medleys within three (3) minutes.
- Although it is not mandatory for the selections to be memorized, judges will award points to those who have memorized their selections as this is a sign of more preparation.
String Solo I:
- This category is for bowed, orchestral stringed instruments only.
- The soloist will perform one to two selections or medleys within three (3) minutes.
- Although it is not mandatory for the selections to be memorized, judges will award points to those who have memorized their selections as this is a sign of more preparation.
String Solo II:
- This category is for bowed, orchestral stringed instruments only.
- The soloist will perform one to two selections or medleys within three (3) minutes.
- Although it is not mandatory for the selections to be memorized, judges will award points to those who have memorized their selections as this is a sign of more preparation.
Small Instrumental Group
- The Small Instrumental Group consists of two (2) to six (6) instruments.
- The group will perform one or two selections or medleys within three (3) minutes.
- Although it is not mandatory for the selections to be memorized, judges will award points to those who have memorized their selections as this is a sign of more preparation.
Small Group:
- The group may consist of a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 8 participants
- The title of the song must be submitted two weeks before the competition