top of page

Competition Categories

Contemporary Band

Summer Music Performance

  • Styles:

    • Rock

    • Pop

    • Indie

    • Alternative (covers and/or originals)
       

  • Set length:

    • 8–12 minutes
       

  • Judging focus:

    • Musicianship & tightness

    • Arrangement craft

    • Stage presence

    • Audience impact
       

  • Production option:

    • If a school brings a supervised student sound/lighting crew, the act can earn production points:

      • Mix balance

      • Cueing

      • Lighting looks

      • Transitions

    • Acts run by the house crew are not scored on production
       

  • Backing Tracks & Electronics (all divisions):

    • Backing tracks are allowed where stylistically appropriate

    • No lead vocal may appear on the track

    • Submit WAV/AIFF files in advance

    • Stems are recommended when the track is critical to the arrangement

Original Music
 

Band Practice

  • Content:

    • 100% original material
       

  • Set length:

    • 8–12 minutes
       

  • Judging focus:

    • Songwriting & lyrics

    • Originality

    • Live execution

    • Dynamics & cohesion
       

  • Production option: 

    • If a school brings a supervised student sound/lighting crew, the act can earn production points:

      • Mix balance

      • Cueing

      • Lighting looks

      • Transitions

    • Acts run by the house crew are not scored on production
      ​

  • Backing Tracks & Electronics (all divisions):

    • Backing tracks are allowed where stylistically appropriate

    • No lead vocal may appear on the track

    • Submit WAV/AIFF files in advance

    • Stems are recommended when the track is critical to the arrangement

Jazz Ensamble

Band Performing

  • Formats:

    • Big band

    • Combo

    • Fusion
       

  • Set length:

    • 8–10 minutes
       

  • Judging focus:

    • Ensemble blend & balance

    • Swing/feel

    • Improvisation quality

    • Dynamic control
       

  • Production option: 

    • If a school brings a supervised student sound/lighting crew, the act can earn production points:

      • Mix balance

      • Cueing

      • Lighting looks

      • Transitions

    • Acts run by the house crew are not scored on production
      ​

  • Backing Tracks & Electronics (all divisions):

    • Backing tracks are allowed where stylistically appropriate

    • No lead vocal may appear on the track

    • Submit WAV/AIFF files in advance

    • Stems are recommended when the track is critical to the arrangement

Choir & A Cappella

Choir Performance

  • ​Formats:

    • Accompanied

    • A cappella
       

  • Performance time:

    • 5–7 minutes
       

  • Judging focus:

    • Tuning & intonation

    • Blend

    • Diction

    • Arrangement craft

    • Stagecraft
       

  • Production option: 

    • If a school brings a supervised student sound/lighting crew, the act can earn production points:

      • Mix balance

      • Cueing

      • Lighting looks

      • Transitions

    • Acts run by the house crew are not scored on production
       

  • Backing Tracks & Electronics (all divisions):

    • Backing tracks are allowed where stylistically appropriate

    • No lead vocal may appear on the track

    • Submit WAV/AIFF files in advance

    • Stems are recommended when the track is critical to the arrangement

bottom of page