Festivals: 2008 - 2009 Rules

I. Purpose of WSMA Festivals
II. 2008 - 2009 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. Purpose of WSMA Festivals

The purpose of all WSMA Festivals is 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. 2008 - 2009 WSMA Festival Rule Changes and Music List Header Updates

WSMA Festival Rule Changes (changes noted in italics):

IV.B "Clinic Festival" has been changed to "Clinic Performance Assessment."

IV.D "Clinic Festival Alternative" has been changed to "Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment."
(Please see rule IV.B.1-10 & IV.D.1-2 for further procedures and requirements)

VI.A.5.b - Music Theater
As in all other Solo & Ensemble Events, students performing in Event 408/409 will give an introduction. This introduction should include: performer name, accompanist name, name of school, title and composer of the selection to be performed. Instead of describing a significant aspect of the piece, students will then "set the scene" by describing which character is singing the song, why the character is singing the song, and to whom the song is being sung. Students may do this in character or as a narrative. The introduction does not need to be memorized nor is it part of the overall rating.

IX.D - Original Compositions

Original compositions written by currently enrolled students may be submitted for permission in all WSMA Solo & Ensemble 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."
All original compositions for Solo & Ensemble Events must be submitted to WSMA for permission. (Please see IX.A.1-4)

WSMA Festival Music List Header Updates (changes noted in italics):

Event 500 - Concert Snare Drum
2. Event 500 should be performed on the appropriate instrument. Rudiments should be played closed unless otherwise indicated in the music.

Event 502 - Parade Drum
2. Event 502 should be performed on the appropriate instrument. Rudiments should be played open unless otherwise indicated in the music.

Event 561 - Misc. Percussion Ensemble
3. For 3-28 players on common and/or ethnic percussion instruments.
6. Music must use at least three different common and/or ethnic percussion instruments.
(Ex.Agogo Bells, Bass Drum, Bongos, Castanets, Caxixi, Claves, Congas, Cowbell, Cymbals, Dawuro, Djembe, Djun-Djun, Drumset, Gankogui, Ganza, Guiro, Maracas, Marimba, Pandeiro, Parade Drum, Shekere, Snare Drum, Surdo, Tamborim, Tambourine, Temple Blocks, Timpani, Triangle, Timbales, Vibraphone, Woodblock, Xylophone, etc.)
a. Household items (i.e. trash cans, buckets, brooms, etc.) and body percussion are not permitted.

Event 970.3/970.4 - Vocal Ensembles
970.3 - For 3 singers performing 3-part music in any combination not provided for in other events.
970.4 - For 4 singers performing 4-part music in any combination not provided for in other events.

Event 733 - Saxophone Trio
Music may be transposed to accommodate any combination of three Saxophones.

Event 744 - Woodwind Quartet (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon)
Bass Clarinet may be substituted for Bassoon.

Event 920-971 - Vocal Ensembles
Class A and B ensembles must sing unaccompanied (a cappella) any selection that states, "accompaniment for rehearsal only." Class C ensembles are exempt from this rule.

Event 922 - Male and Female Vocal Duet (ST, SB, AT, AB)
Voice parts should be assigned to best accommodate the tessitura of the performers.

Event 943 - Barbershop Quartet and Event 944 - Treble Barbershop Quartet
Doubling parts on Class C barbershop quartets is allowed.

Event 881 ("Pop" Strings)
"Pop" Strings has been changed to Alternative String Ensemble.

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 - 1088 = 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 Festivals
B. Clinic Performance Assessment (for Concert Groups)
C. Informance (for Concert Groups)
D. Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment (for Concert Groups)
E. District Solo & Ensemble Festivals
F. State Solo & Ensemble Festivals

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 Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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 expenses.
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. Concert Festival Managers are responsible for all communications with WSMA and deadlines as outlined in the Festival Managers Handbook.
4. The Concert Festival Manager must submit the Concert Festival Financial Report to WSMA within two weeks after the Festival.
Concert Festival performance includes:
1. One required 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
  One or two selected number(s) of the directors choosing that equals or exceeds the minimum performing time requirements listed in Rule VI.C.9. (Please note that the standard format is one required number plus two selected numbers.)
2. The selected number(s) may be from any other source including the current WSMA List, but may not be selected from a lower class. The selected number(s) must be of the same class difficulty as the required number while providing a diverse and contrasting program. It is not necessary to send the selected number(s) to WSMA for permission.
3. An original student composition may be used as a selected number.
4. Concert groups that perform one multi-movement selection from the current WSMA Festival Music List that 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 Guidelines for WSMA Concert Festivals include the following:
1. Concert Festival Registrations must be sent to WSMA and a copy to the Concert Festival Manager at least three weeks prior to the Concert Festival.
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 each participating school.
4. No refunds will be made for the withdrawal of any WSMA entry within three (3) weeks of the Festival.
5. Registration guidelines may be altered at the discretion of the Festival Manager with prior approval by the participating schools and WSMA.
Students are required to listen to a minimum of one other performing group and to critique the performance using the Student Comment Form in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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.
A student 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 choral groups participating in a WSMA Concert Festival may be performed by students or adults.

B. Clinic Performance Assessment (For Concert Groups)

At least two concert groups of each type (i.e. 2 Bands, 2 Choirs or 2 Orchestras) are required to form a WSMA Clinic Performance Assessment.
To meet WSMA concert group requirements (see Section V. Eligibility), schools must register their Clinic Performance Assessment with WSMA three weeks prior to the date. Registration Forms are found online in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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 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 Performance Assessments must use Comment Only adjudication forms. No ratings are given and no concert plaques are awarded. Comment Only forms are found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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 website: 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 Performance Assessment organizer is responsible to hire and pay clinician(s) and cover all expenses. Organizers are encouraged to contact WSMA for clinician(s) suggestions.
Clinic Performance Assessment participants must send a copy of the first page of the completed adjudication form to WSMA within five days.
Published accompanist parts for WSMA choral groups may be performed by students or adults in WSMA Clinic Festivals.

C. Informance

A Clinic Performance Assessment 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. Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment (For Concert Groups)

This option allows schools to meet the WSMA Concert Group requirement by participating in an alternative music experience not provided for in other Concert Group options.
The following criteria must all be met:
1. The director must register the Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment Activity at least eight weeks before the start of the introductory activity. Use the Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment Registration form found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA web site: www.wsmamusic.org.
2. No later than six weeks prior to the start of the introductory activity the director must submit a portfolio to the WSMA Permissions Chair. This portfolio should include:
  1. A description of the parameters and activities
  2. A time-line of the activities including specific calendar dates
  3. A description of the introductory activity
  4. A description of the culminating activity
  5. A description of the listening component and how it will be integrated
  6. A clearly defined evaluation of the culminating activity
  7. Outline of music to be used including copies of scores
    (Scores for titles on the current WSMA Festival Music List need not be submitted)
3. Students are required to participate in a listening component as part of the Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment. Directors should schedule time for discussion of student critiques during regular rehearsal soon after the festival.
4. Within five days of completion of the culminating activity, the final evaluation as outlined in the Alternative Clinic Portfolio must be submitted to WSMA.
All expenses 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 WSMA 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, 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.
All District Festival dates and the list of participating schools must be submitted to WSMA by October 1st of the current school year.
All WSMA 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 school.
WSMA assigns all adjudicators, collects fees, implements 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 expenses may be generated by adding a surcharge to individual or class fees, offering concessions, charging admission fees, program fees, etc. All supplementary income is at the discretion of the District.
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 expenses.
District Festival Managers are responsible for all communications with WSMA and deadlines as outlined in the Festival Managers Handbook.
Registration Guidelines for WSMA District Festivals include the following:
1. District Festival Registration Forms from all participating schools must be sent to WSMA and to the District Festival Manager at least three weeks prior to the District Festival.
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 Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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.
7. Registration guidelines may be altered at the discretion of the Festival Manager with prior approval by the participating schools and WSMA.
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 website: 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 and WSMA. This form is available in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: www.wsmamusic.org.
3. Registration information must be provided to the transfer Festival Manager at least three 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

1. Schools are assigned to a State Festival site by WSMA. Please check the WSMA website for your assigned site (www.wsmamusic.org).
WSMA schedules all State Festival events and posts them on the WSMA website: 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.
Directors assigned to any State Site may request that their Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Combos, Show Choirs, Vocal Jazz Ensembles, or Jazz Improvisation Solos perform at a Friday night State Festival. Friday night State Jazz Festivals help alleviate conflicts on the Saturday festivals and provide another way for communities to support their students.

V. Eligibility Requirements
A. School
B. Student
C. Home-schooled or Non-WSMA Member Student Participation
D. State Festival
E. School or Student Festival 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 Performance Assessment or Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment 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, Clinic Performance Assessment or Alternative Clinic Performance Assessment 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 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 that 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.
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 only 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 Comments 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

1. Students who are home-schooled or who attend a non-WSMA member school may participate in WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festivals (District and State) with the following conditions:
1. Payment to WSMA of a $45 registration fee to participate.
2. The initial registration includes the first event (solo or ensemble) entered.
3. Additional expenses 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.
4. Ensembles must be formed with siblings (brothers or sisters) also registered as non-members.
Parents should contact Rosalie Richardson 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. Please include the student's name, age, grade in school, parent name, address, phone, and email. All registration forms will be sent to the parent(s) when the above information has been processed by WSMA.
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 Festival registration fees. Please call WSMA if more information is required.
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 the schools 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 Festivals until their District results have been received and processed by WSMA. If there is a delay in the posting of the results from a District Festival, directors will be allowed five business days after the results are posted to complete registration without 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. No permission from WSMA is required.
The time allotted for instrumental solos at WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals is 10 minutes. 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 for the WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festival must be submitted in writing via email to Tim Wurgler. Time requests will be honored on a case-by-case basis.

E. School or Student State Festival Transfer Requests

Schools who must transfer all State Festival entries to another State Festival site in emergency situations must contact WSMA in writing by November 15. State Festival Transfer Requests will not be granted for schools that schedule another music event or tour on the same day as their assigned State Festival. Contact Jeff Gretzinger in writing via email 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 and must include the reason for the emergency request.
2. Online registration is required for all qualifying State events from the member school. Written request must clearly indicate specific events and students to be transferred to an alternate State Festival site.
3. 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 scheduled performance the first weekend of State Solo & Ensemble Festival may not reschedule for the second week.

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 in order for the performance to receive a rating. See Rule IX.A.1-4. 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 student 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.
Students 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. As in all other Solo & Ensemble Events, students performing in Event 408/409 will give an introduction. This introduction should include: performer name, accompanist name, name of school, title and composer of the selection to be performed. Instead of describing a significant aspect of the piece, students will then "set the scene" by describing which character is singing the song, why the character is singing the song, and to whom the song is being sung. Students may do this in character or as a narrative. The introduction does not need to be memorized nor is it part of the overall rating.
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 in all solo events. Alternative accompaniment instruments (i.e. guitar, harp, SmartMusic, etc.) may be substituted for piano.
Class A and B vocal solos may be transposed up or down as much as a minor third into a key that 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.
Perform two contrasting movements on all multi-movement selections unless other instructions are specified on the current WSMA Festival Music List.
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 Festival Music List and the online version, the online version is the most current and therefore takes precedence.
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 for the editing. See Rule IX.A.1-4. The Permission Form may be found in the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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 will be prevented from performing for violation of a WSMA Festival Rule.
A second performance is not allowed under any circumstances.

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. See Rule IX.A.1-4. 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 coincides with 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 are allowed.
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 (i.e. guitar, harp, SmartMusic, etc.) 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 that 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 and Barbershop Quartets.
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 current WSMA Festival 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 Festival Music List and the online version, the online version is the most current and therefore takes precedence.
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 any other source including the current WSMA List, but may not be selected from a lower class. 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 Event 950
(Madrigal Ensemble) and Event 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. Enhanced pre- recorded accompaniments are prohibited for Events 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988 and 989. Sequenced and pre-recorded versions of the printed accompaniment are acceptable.
Students may perform only once in any Show Choir, Madrigal, or Vocal Jazz Ensemble events.
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 ensemble (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 ensemble 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 & Ensemble Festival.
A student 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. See Rule IX.A.1-4.
There is no limit on the number of concert groups a school may enter in a WSMA Concert 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) may be from any other source including the current WSMA List, but may not be selected from a lower class. The selected number(s) must be of the same class difficulty as the required number while providing a diverse and contrasting program. It is not necessary to send the selected number to WSMA for permission.
If there is a discrepancy between the printed WSMA Festival Music List and the online version, the online version is the most current and therefore takes precedence.
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

1. 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 Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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 website: 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 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 asked 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.

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. Adjudicator's Protocol

The three elements of a proper adjudicator's comment are:
1. Identify what you hear
2. Inform the performer why you feel this is happening.
3. Offer suggestions on how the student can improve, or reinforce positive musicianship.
A professional and friendly demeanor is expected throughout the day.
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, business attire is appropriate.

D. Adjudication Forms

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

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 WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festivals.
2. Participation Pins - Participation pins are a great way to recognize Comment Only performances.
3. Special Ensemble Certificates - Schools may purchase these single certificates to commemorate performances of Special Ensembles at WSMA 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 2008 - 2009 WSMA Permission Instructions and Permission Form from the Member Schools section of the WSMA website: 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 each and every Festival.
3. If a 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 - Additional titles that have been pre-approved for permission for the following events are easily accessible on the Festival Music List portion of the WSMA website 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

Event Transfers - 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
1. Original compositions written by currently enrolled students may be submitted for permission in all WSMA Solo & Ensemble events, including those designated as "No Permission or Transfer."
2. Original compositions written by adults or former students may only be submitted for permission in events designated as "Permission Allowed" or "Permission Required."
3. All original compositions for Solo & Ensemble Events must be submitted to WSMA for permission. (Please see IX.A)

X. WSMA Festival Music List Revisions Schedule

Solos and Ensembles 2008 - 2009 Minor Corrections 2009 - 2010* Minor Corrections 2010 - 2011 Ensembles and Minor Corrections 2011 - 2012 Minor Corrections 2012 - 2013 Solo Lists and Minor Corrections	Concert Groups and Special Ensembles At least five concert group selections are replaced every year. The same is true of Special Ensembles in Events 881, 981, 983, 986, 988, and 1081.
*A second year of minor corrections was added to allow teachers and music stores to prepare for the renumbering of the Festival Music List
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 adjudicator. If an original, printed score, including exact times printed on e-Print scores is not given to the adjudicator, the performance should be evaluated for Critique Only.

WSMA Festival Music Lists are listed online at: www.wsmamusic.org. If you would like to purchase a printed version of the Festival Music List please contact Theresa McKinley.

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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