2004-2005 OSAA Handbook
For Music rules regarding individual eligibility, school representation, etc, click here.
1. Solo State Championships
1.1.1. OMEA District Solo Contest. At the OMEA District Solo Contest, students are rated against a standard of excellence and not against each other. Judges provide written evaluations of each student's performance in a clinic session stressing constructive comments. This contest provides educational features and is intended to be an end result in itself for those students who do not qualify for the Solo State Championships.
1.1.2. Solo State Championships. The Solo State Championships is a limited contest provided by the OSAA for those select students who are eligible and wish to compete on the state level for a Solo State Championships. Brief written comments will be given, but the judges' primary purpose is to select the best performance in each category. Whether the student competes at the state level is purely an individual choice with the student and / or the school administration. The purpose of this contest is to provide an opportunity for talented students to achieve recognition on the state level.
1.2. District Solo Contest Rules
1.2.1. Solo contest only. Students may qualify for the Solo State Championships as soloists only; no ensembles are allowed.
1.2.2. Student eligibility.
(a) The OMEA District solo contest shall be limited to students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Ninth grade students must be listed with the high school they will attend.
(b) Participating students must be enrolled in school, participate in the music program and be recommended by a member of the high school music staff. Solo contest accompanists may be adults.
1. Q. If there is no music program available at the school for the instrument of a particular musician, i.e. no orchestra offered for a string player, may that student musician participate at the OMEA District or OSAA Solo State Championships representing the school?
A. Yes, if the application to participate is signed by a member of the music staff or the principal.
2. Q. If there is a program available at the school for a particular student musician, and the student does not participate in the school program, may that student musician participate at the OMEA District or OSAA Solo State Championships representing the school?
A. No.
1.2.3. Categories. The following categories shall be offered:
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flute |
harp |
multiple percussion |
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clarinet |
piano |
orchestral snare drum |
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low clarinet |
baritone horn |
rudimental snare drum |
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oboe |
trombone |
alto saxophone |
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bassoon |
tuba |
low saxophone |
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mallets |
violin |
soprano voice |
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tympani |
viola |
mezzo voice |
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trumpet |
cello |
alto voice |
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French horn |
bass viol |
tenor voice |
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guitar |
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baritone voice |
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|
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bass voice |
1.2.4. Procedures for selecting Solo State Championships qualifiers. OMEA District contest judges must choose the three top 1-rated soloists in each category whom they feel are of Solo State Championships quality and list them in order of preference as eligible for the Solo State Championships. No ties are accepted. It is not possible to send the top-rated contestant in a category if no one in that category received a 1 rating. The decision of the district judge regarding selection of soloists and category as noted on the district report form is final.
1.2.5. Additional Solo State Championships qualifiers. In general, each OMEA District is limited to one contestant per category. However, the Solo State Championships chair may allow additional students in each category per district to participate in the Solo State Championships if the following conditions are met:
(a) The student in question has received a superior rating at his / her OMEA District contest.
(b) A vacancy exists in the student's category at the Solo State Championships (fewer than 10 contestants).
(c) The student in question is accepted by the Solo State Championships chair.
(d) The OMEA District the student in question represents has a returning soloist who placed 1, 2 or 3 in the Solo State Championships the previous year and who again takes first in district.
(e) If there are more than 15 contestants in a category at the OMEA District contest, one additional student may be sent to the Solo State Championships, i.e., and one for each additional 15 contestants. A returning soloist who qualifies under item D. above is an automatic Solo State Championships entry. Therefore, the designated first alternate would become an additional Solo State Championships entry for OMEA Districts with fewer than 15 contestants in a category at the district contest. Districts with more than 15 contestants in a category may send the returning winner, plus the designated first alternate, plus one for each additional 15 contestants (16-30, 31-45, etc.).
1.2.6. City solo contests. All participants chosen for the Solo State Championships must be chosen through the OMEA District contest. Cities that hold their own solo contests may not send contestants to the Solo State Championships.
1.3. Solo State Championships Rules
1.3.1. Solo State Championships Site and Date. The Solo State Championships shall be scheduled on a date and at a site arranged by the OSAA.
1.3.2. Eligibility.
(a) Student participants. In order to be eligible to participate in the Solo State Championships, student participants must satisfy the following requirements:
(1) Students shall have qualified through an OMEA District contest under the procedures listed previously in this Music Handbook.
(2) Students must be a 9-12 grade student, enrolled in school, participate in the music program and be recommended by a member of the high school music staff.
(3) Students shall have submitted online a complete application form that has been accepted by the Solo State Championships Chair at least 30 days prior to the Solo State Championships.
(b) Schools. In order for a student representative of a school to be eligible to participate in the Solo State Championships, the school must be registered with the OSAA to participate in solo music activities.
1.3.3. Fees. Neither school nor individual participant entry fees shall be charged to schools with contestants in the Solo State Championships. Funds for administration of the Solo State Championships shall be generated from OSAA membership dues, activity fees and corporate sponsorship agreements.
1.3.4. Entry deadline. Entry forms for the Solo State Championships must be submitted to the Solo State Championships chair at least 30 days prior to the date of the Solo State Championships. Incomplete or late entries shall not be accepted. Individual students and their directors are responsible for seeing that their complete entry forms are submitted online to the Solo State Championships Chair prior to the deadline.
1.3.5. Multiple entries. Vocal soloists may enter only one vocal category; instrumental soloists may enter multiple categories.
1.3.6. Selections. Soloists shall choose their own selections with the understanding that judges will look favorably on only the best possible literature.
1.3.7. Changing Selections. Soloists may perform a different number for the Solo State Championships from that used at the district contest but they are not required to do so.
1.3.8. Musical Scores. Soloists shall furnish each of the three judges with a score of the solo. Soloists are reminded to take care of this requirement early since it takes time to order or borrow this many copies of a selection. Failure to comply may mean elimination from the event.
1.3.9. Time Limit. The time limit on solos shall be 10 minutes. There shall be strict adherence to the time limit; soloists exceeding the time limit shall be interrupted by the timekeeper in the room and required to stop.
1.3.10. Awards. All soloists in the Solo State Championships shall receive certificates in recognition of their participation. The top five performers in each category (or a maximum of 50% of the participants in a category- whichever is fewer) shall receive medals at an assembly scheduled at the conclusion of the Solo State Championships.
1.4. Solo State Championships Adjudication
1.4.1. Judge selection procedures. Judges shall be selected by the Solo State Championships chair (the OMEA 2nd Vice President) and approved by the OSAA.
1.4.2. Adherence to the rules. All judges shall be expected to become acquainted with, and to cooperate with, the rules of the Solo State Championships in rendering fair, accurate, sympathetic and constructive judgment.
1.4.3. Communication between judges. Judges may not, in any way, communicate with each other in arriving at their decisions and final ratings. The three judges' scores shall be totaled to compute a final score, which shall determine the winners.
1.4.4. Points of judging. (See also percussion rating scale below.)
(a) Quality of sound: Beauty and control of tone; focus, resonance, clarity, and warmth; intonation; uniformity of vowels (vocalists).
(b) Technique: Facility / accuracy; attacks, releases; articulation / bowings / diction; rhythm, including accuracy of note and rest values, duration, pulse, correctness of meters; selection and control of tempo.
(c) Musicality: Stylistically valid interpretation; control and range of dynamics; phrasing; expression.
1.4.5. Numerical rating scale. (See also percussion rating scale below.) Judges shall assign a numerical rating to the performance based on 100 points for each of the categories previously listed. The numbers would represent the following:
96-100 Perfection - comparable to a performance by a mature artist - would be rare (but possible) in a high school performance.
90-95 Superior performance - a performance of the highest caliber - distinctive in every respect.
80-89 Excellent performance - definitely a 1 rating in a district contest but not worthy of the highest rating in one or more essential qualities.
70-79 A good performance - but not outstanding. Shows accomplishment and marked promise but lacking in one or more essential qualities.
69 or below An average performance
1.4.6. Other factors. Each judge shall also award up to 30 points for literature selection, difficulty and stage presence.
1.4.7. Percussion rating scale. Percussion categories shall be judged on a 100-point scale covering appearance, tone, position, holding of implements, dynamics, difficulty of solo, execution, and rudiments (to be selected from their solo).
1.4.8. Ties. In the case of a tie for any of the first three places, the two performers shall tie for the higher place, the next place shall be skipped and a duplicate medal shall be ordered.
1.4.9. Evaluation forms. The judges' evaluation forms including brief written comments to the performer shall be distributed to directors at the conclusion of the Solo State Championships day; forms not collected by directors shall be mailed to the directors following the Solo State Championships. A recap sheet with scores (but no names) for each category shall also be mailed to each student's director following the Solo State Championships.
1.5. OMEA District Contest Chair's Duties
1.5.1. Judge selection and orientation. The OMEA District chair needs to select the district judges with care. Judges should be briefed thoroughly on the philosophy behind the district contest prior to the event. The district contest chair should hold a conference with each judge after the day's judging to determine which contestants are eligible for the Solo State Championships. If more than one superior rating is given, the judge must be required to list the contestants 1, 2, 3, in order of preference with no ties accepted. It is recommended that the district chair hold the adjudication check for each category until that category is resolved.
1.5.2. Splitting categories. The practice of splitting large categories among several judges shall, of necessity, have to be abandoned. One judge must hear all entries in a category if a meaningful decision is to be made as to which contestant should qualify for the Solo State Championships.
1.5.3. Announcement of Solo State Championships Qualifiers. At the conclusion of the OMEA District contest (preferably in a brief awards ceremony), district chair shall recognize each student who qualified for the Solo State Championships from the district, pending acceptance of a complete online application form from that student by the Solo State Championships Chair.
1.5.4. Reporting results to the Solo State Championships chair. OMEA District chairs shall submit the following information to the Solo State Championships chair immediately following the conclusion of the district solo contest:
Names of those recommended for the Solo State Championships plus their school, city, name of composition and composer, name of judge, and the usual statistical information requested on the district contest report form.
1.6. Solo State Championships Chair's Duties. The Solo State Championships shall be conducted by Solo State Championships chair (the OMEA Second Vice President) under the supervision of the OSAA. The Solo State Championships chair shall arrange for the following:
1.6.1. Site chair. A site chair should be appointed to take care of selecting Solo State Championships personnel, preparing rooms, tuning pianos, and setting up the headquarters office where final ratings will be computed and kept secret until the final assembly.
1.6.2. Entry forms. District chair should be furnished with two types of entry forms - one for the district chair and one to be issued to the student soloists.
1.6.3. Adjudicators. The Solo State Championships chair should contact and confirm all Solo State Championships adjudicators and make arrangements as necessary for transportation and housing.
1.6.4. Tentative program. A tentative program listing competitors and the schedule of activities to all contestants should be distributed as soon as possible after the entry deadline. Enclose an extra copy for the director for local publicity purposes.
1.6.5. Souvenir Championship Program. A souvenir championship program should be created and provided to the OSAA to be printed. The program shall provide the student's name, school, name of solo, composer, publisher, names of judges and their titles.
1.6.6. Awards assembly. A final awards assembly should be arranged. Confirm awards with the OSAA.
1.6.7. Final Report. The Solo State Championships chair should submit a final report to the OSAA and the President of OMEA. Include: number of students involved and final results of the Solo State Championships.
1.7. Host School Duties. The host school shall furnish the following:
1.7.1. Performance areas. Nine auditoriums or large classrooms with acoustical qualities and isolation from outside sounds to be used for an 8-hour day. Rooms must be capable of handling an audience of 75 to 150.
1.7.2. Pianos. Pianos must be provided in each of the auditoriums tuned to A-440 immediately prior to the Solo State Championships. Any costs incurred in tuning and/or moving pianos shall be reimbursed by the OSAA.
1.7.3. Solo State Championships officials. Adequate Solo State Championships officials (estimate 20 may be responsible students) must be provided to guard doors and to keep spectators from leaving or entering during a number; to announce each student by his/her contestant number (not name), and his/her selections; and to assist judges in seeing that the Solo State Championships is run smoothly.
1.7.4. Student lunch facilities. Facilities where students may eat lunch should be arranged.
1.7.5. Practice rooms. Practice rooms where students may warm up should be arranged.
2. State Qualifying Choir / Band / Orchestra Events – Rules and Procedures
2.1.1. Large group festivals or contests such as OSAA League Contests, OMEA District Contests and Invitational Contests provide an opportunity for school performing groups to be evaluated against a standard of excellence. They also provide an opportunity to qualify for the Band, Choir, and Orchestra State Championships.
2.1.2. This format provides flexibility for differing philosophies among districts and leagues, but certain requirements must be followed if groups wish to qualify for the state championships. The Large Group Festival / Contest is, however, designed to be an educational activity in itself through providing groups with an independent written and / or verbal critique of their performance strengths and weaknesses.
2.2.1. Individual student eligibility. All students in a group seeking to qualify for participation in the state championships must be enrolled in school and participate in the music program. NOTE: For class 2A and 1A schools, students in the seventh and / or eighth grades of middle schools may represent the high school they will be attending in band and orchestra competitions. PENALTY: Use of an ineligible participant shall disqualify a group from consideration for State participation.
2.2.2. School eligibility.
(a) A school must be a member of an OSAA League in order for a group from that school to be designated the winner of that League.
(b) A school must pay the entry fees determined by the Contest Director.
(c) A school must be registered with the OSAA to compete in the designated music activity.
2.3. Divisions. There shall be three divisions (4A, 3A and 2A/1A) for concert bands and concert choirs and one division each for full orchestra and string orchestra. School music classifications are determined by OSAA the same as in athletics.
2.4.1. Bands / Orchestras. There shall be no restrictions on the size of groups.
2.4.2. Choirs. There shall be no restrictions on the size of 2A/1A or 3A classification groups. In the 4A classification, madrigal choirs and ensembles with fewer than 40 members shall not be considered for participation at the state championships.
2.5.1. School. A school may enter as many concert groups as it wishes in a State qualifying event, but must designate in advance which group is seeking State qualification. Additional groups may perform and be evaluated at the State qualifying event, but shall not be eligible for State qualification. No school may apply for more than one choir, one band, one string orchestra and one full orchestra to participate in the state championships.
2.5.2. Student. Students may be entered in only one like organization on the same instrument or voice, excluding wind players and percussion in full orchestra.
2.6. Performance order. Performance order shall be scheduled randomly to the extent possible.
2.7.1. Required literature. Each group shall perform one selection from the appropriate level (4A, 3A and 2A/1A) current required state music lists. Higher level music may also be used.
(a) EXCEPTION: A substitute selection to a required music list piece may be used if written permission is obtained from the State Championships Director.
(b) PENALTY: A group, which does not perform a selection from the Required Literature List or a selection approved by the State Championship Director, shall be ineligible for consideration to participate in the state championships
2.7.2. Once stage timing begins, everything that takes place, including tuning and warm-up chorales, is considered to be part of the performance and may be considered by judges when assigning scores.
2.8. Musical scores. Three complete original scores or authorized copies of all music performed must be presented to the adjudicators.
2.8.1. Score measures must be consecutively numbered.
2.8.2. Scores must be labeled with school name and classification.
2.8.3. Penalty for provision of unauthorized photocopied scores to judges. U.S. Copyright laws prohibit the use of photocopies unless approval is obtained from the publisher or their agent. The penalty for the provision of unauthorized photocopies shall be disqualification of the group from consideration for State participation.
2.9.1. Maximum time on stage. Bands and orchestras shall have 30 minutes to enter, perform, and exit the stage; choirs shall have 20 minutes to enter, perform, and exit the stage. Each group must perform during its assigned time and adhere strictly to the time limit.
(a) On-stage time shall begin with the first step on the stage or first note of music (whichever occurs first), and shall end when the last participant steps off of the stage.
(b) EXCEPTIONS: Directors and members of the percussion section may enter ahead of the full group to assist in stage set up prior to the first step on the stage that starts the on-stage clock.
2.9.2. Minimum performance time limits. Only actual music performed shall be timed; time between movements or selections shall not be included in the total time.
(a) Bands.
(1) 4A and 3A bands shall perform at least 18 minutes of music.
(2) 2A/1A bands shall perform at least 15 minutes of music
(b) Choirs. Choirs shall perform at least 12 minutes of music.
(c) Orchestras. Orchestras shall perform at least 15 minutes of music.
(d) Penalty for violations of minimum performance time limit rules. Violation of the minimum performance time limit rules shall disqualify the group from consideration for State participation.
2.10.1. Adjudication forms. Oregon Band Directors Association / Oregon American Choral Directors Association adjudication forms shall be used. Orchestras shall be adjudicated on Oregon Band Director Association forms using the 4A evaluation scale. Forms are available for download from the OSAA website, www.osaa.org, on the Choir or Band/Orchestra homepage.
2.10.2. Criticism.
(a) Written.
(1) Criticism shall be of a length and nature so as to aid in improving the performance.
(2) Criticism should correlate with the scores awarded.
(b) Oral. Oral criticisms are permitted and encouraged, but must not be a substitute for written criticisms unless recorded.
(c) Recorded adjudicator's comments. Tape-recorded criticism may be given in lieu of detailed written criticism.
2.10.3. Number of judges. To maximize opportunity for State qualification, three performance judges should be provided at State qualifying events.
(a) Bands and Choirs. In order for groups to qualify for the state championships, at least two of the adjudicators must be certified by the respective directors association for that activity (OBDA or ACDA). Only scores from certified adjudicators may be used for qualification.
(b) Orchestras. Adjudicators should be experienced, respected directors.
2.11. Sight-Reading Event (Optional)
2.11.1. Philosophy. Sight-reading scores do not count toward state championships qualification; however a league may choose to include the sight-reading score as a factor in the determination of the league winner.
2.11.2. Music.
(a) Grade. Sight-reading music shall be one grade lower than the group's division.
(b) Selection of music. Sight-reading music shall be selected and furnished by the sight-reading judge or the festival / contest chair if their group is not performing at the festival.
2.11.3. Ratings.
(a) Sight-reading event scoring and rating shall be kept separately from the concert scoring and rating, but may be used in determining total points in competitive contests.
(b) A 60-point Sight-Reading Evaluation Form shall be used for bands, choirs and orchestras. Forms are available for download from the OSAA website, www.osaa.org, on the Choir or Band/Orchestra homepage.
2.11.4. Sight-reading room procedure. (See Music State Championship – Procedures section.)
2.11.5. Adjudication.
(a) Written comments shall be made in such a way as to aid in the improvement of the overall performance of the organization.
(b) The relative strengths of the various phases of performances shall be indicated.
(c) Constructive verbal comments may be made, but the judge may not rehearse the group or ask them to play passages again.
2.12.1. Ranking shall be determined by the adding of scores of the three performance judges. A league may also choose to include the sight-reading score as a factor in the determination of the league placement.
2.12.2. An optional sight-reading award may be given.
2.12.3. Rankings shall not be posted, but will be mailed to directors.
RECOMMENDATION: Leagues or Districts may determine whether names of schools shall be included on this sheet, or numbers only.
2.13. State Championships Application Procedure and Deadline. Groups, which qualify for consideration to participate in the state championships, shall apply online to the OSAA using the “Application to Participate in the Music State Championships” form available on the OSAA website, www.osaa.org, on the Choir or Band/Orchestra homepage. The online application form as well as any required recordings or other support materials must be received by the OSAA by the third weekend in April. LATE ENTRY FORMS OR SUPPORT MATERIALS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
2.14. Responsibilities of Qualifying Event Contest Director.
2.14.1. Communicate the contest date, location and entry fees to schools. The date must be set to allow ample time for state qualifying groups to submit applications and materials to the OSAA to be received by the third weekend in April.
2.14.2. Arrange for certified adjudicators. To maximize opportunity for State qualification, three performance judges should be provided at State qualifying events.
(a) Bands and Choirs. In order for groups to qualify for the state championships, at least two of the adjudicators must be certified by the respective directors association for that activity (OBDA or ACDA). Only scores from certified adjudicators may be used for qualification.
(b) Orchestras. Adjudicators should be experienced, respected directors.
2.14.3. Arrange for the required adjudication forms. Oregon Band Directors Association / Oregon American Choral Directors Association adjudication forms shall be used. Orchestras shall be adjudicated on Oregon Band Director Association forms using the 4A evaluation scale. Forms are available for download from the OSAA website, www.osaa.org, on the Choir or Band/Orchestra homepage.
2.14.4. Confirm that each group seeking to qualify for State has performed at least one selection from the Required Literature List. Each group shall perform one selection from the appropriate level (4A, 3A and 2A/1A) current required state music lists. Higher level music may also be used. EXCEPTION: A substitute selection to a required music list piece may be used if written permission is obtained from the State Championships Director. PENALTY: A group, which does not perform a selection from the Required Literature List or a selection approved by the State Championship Director, shall be ineligible to participate in the state championship.
2.14.5. Arrange for performance timing. See “Time Limits” Rules earlier in this section. (Multiple time keepers are recommended.)
(a) Maximum time on stage. Bands and orchestras shall have30 minutes to enter, perform, and exit the stage; choirs shall have 20 minutes to enter, perform, and exit the stage. Each group must perform during its assigned time and adhere strictly to the time limit.
(1) On-stage time shall begin with the first step on the stage or first note of music (whichever occurs first), and shall end when the last participant steps off of the stage.
(2) EXCEPTIONS: Directors and members of the percussion section may enter ahead of the full group to assist in stage set up prior to the first step on the stage that starts the on-stage clock.
(b) Minimum performance time limits. Only actual music performed shall be timed; time between movements or selections shall not be included in the total time.
(1) Bands.
a) 4A and 3A bands shall perform at least 18 minutes of music.
b) 2A/1A bands shall perform at least 15 minutes of music.
(2) Choirs. Choirs shall perform at least 12 minutes of music.
(3) Orchestras. Orchestras shall perform at least 15 minutes of music.
(4) Penalty for violations of minimum performance time limit rules. Violation of the minimum performance time limit rules shall disqualify the group from consideration for state participation.
2.14.6. Arrange for performance recordings. In order to allow groups to submit recordings to satisfy state championships tape pool qualifying procedures, ALL FESTIVAL / CONTEST CHAIRS MUST PROVIDE RECORDING SERVICES.
(a) Band / Orchestra. An audiotape or CD of the performance shall be provided.
(b) Choir. A videotape or DVD of the performance shall be provided.
2.14.7. Confirm OSAA League SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to Break Possible Ties for League Championship. Only one automatic qualifier may be designated from each OSAA League. Leagues must be prepared to either break ties in the case of a tie for the League Championship, or forfeit the automatic qualifying position and have both groups placed in the tape pool.
2.14.8. Immediately following the contest, submit a copy of the Large Group Contest Report to the OSAA. Forms are available for download from the OSAA website, www.osaa.org, on the Choir or Band/Orchestra homepage.
3. Music State Championships for Bands / Choirs / Orchestras – Rules and Regulations
3.1.1. This event is a limited championship to recognize musical excellence in Oregon's most outstanding high school bands, choirs and orchestras. It provides an opportunity for these accomplished groups to perform before each other and the public as a showcase representing the highest level of high school musicianship in the state.
3.1.2. This event aims to provide a stimulating and educational experience for student musicians and their directors, as an extension of their local instructional program. Qualifying to perform indicates a high level of achievement in music, and further recognition shall be afforded those groups who receive awards.
3.2. Place and Date. The OSAA Large Group State Championships shall be held on a date and at a site designated by the OSAA.
3.3. Qualifications for Participation in the Music State Championships
3.3.1. Any group wising to perform at the Choir or Band and Orchestra State Championships shall have qualified for participation by performing at an OSAA League, OMEA District or Invitational contest that satisfied the requirements specified in this Music Handbook.
3.3.2. Automatic Qualifiers.
(a) Choir Automatic Qualifiers. A choir that meets all three of the following criteria shall automatically be scheduled to perform if all other requirements are satisfied:
(1) Win the OSAA League contest; AND
(2) Receive at least two “I” ratings (81 or higher) from certified adjudicators using the appropriate evaluation scale for the school classification at the OSAA League Contest, AND
(3) Receive an average score of 85 or higher from the three certified adjudicators at the OSAA League Contest.
(b) Band and Orchestra Automatic Qualifiers. A band or orchestra that meets both of the following criteria shall automatically be scheduled to perform if all other requirements are satisfied:
(1) Win the OSAA League Contest; AND
(2) Satisfy the following score requirements.
a) Band. Receive at least two “I” or “1-“ ratings (75 or higher) from certified adjudicators using the appropriate format for the school classification at the OSAA league contest.
b) Orchestra. Receive at least two “I” or “1-“ ratings (75 or higher) from qualified adjudicators using the 4A evaluation scale at the OSAA league contest.
(c) Definition of OSAA League Contest. All references to “leagues” in this rule are referring to OSAA Leagues. An OMEA District Contest DOES NOT count as an OSAA League Contest for the purpose of automatic qualification. However, if there is no OSAA League Contest, the OSAA league members may by vote designate an OMEA District Contest to serve as the OSAA League Contest for the purpose of determining an automatically qualifying OSAA League winner.
3.3.3. Tape Pool Qualifiers.
(a) Choir Tape Pool Qualifiers. A maximum of 24 - 4A choirs, 12 - 3A choirs and 12 - 2A/1A choirs shall be scheduled to perform at the state championship. After all automatic qualifiers have been scheduled, the additional performance opportunities shall be provided to choirs selected from a tape pool.
(1) Any choir that received at least two “I” ratings (81 or higher) from certified adjudicators at a qualifying contest is eligible to apply to be placed in the tape pool from which the remaining Choir State Championships performing groups are selected.
(2) Any league winning choir that does not satisfy all three of the above “automatic qualifier” criteria is eligible to apply to be placed in the tape pool from which the remaining Choir State Championships performing groups are selected.
(3) Additional choirs shall be selected to perform in the following order of precedence:
Group 1. Average scores* of 95-100 Scheduled first.
Group 2. Average scores* of 90-94 Scheduled second.
Group 3. Average scores* of 85-89 Scheduled third.
Group 4 Two scores of 81 or higher Scheduled fourth.
*From three certified adjudicators at the same contest.
(4) Videotapes of choirs in the lowest scoring group that cannot have all choirs scheduled shall be screened by a panel of qualified adjudicators to select the remaining choirs to fill out the performance opportunities at the state championships.
(5) All choirs placed in the tape pool but not selected to perform shall receive certificates from the OSAA in recognition of the honor of consideration for state level participation.
(b) Band and Orchestra Tape Pool Qualifiers. A maximum of 20 - 4A bands, 12 - 3A bands, eight 2A/1A bands, 14 string orchestras and six full orchestras shall be scheduled to perform at the state championship. After all automatic qualifiers have been scheduled, the additional performance opportunities shall be provided to groups selected from a tape pool.
(1) Any band or orchestra that receive two “I” or “I-“ ratings (75 or higher) from certified adjudicators at the same qualifying contest is eligible to apply to be placed in the tape pool from which the remaining state championships performing groups are selected.
(2) If no band or orchestra from an OSAA league contest reached the qualifying standard, the highest non-qualifying performance from the league, regardless of score, is eligible to apply to be placed in the tape pool from which the remaining state championships performing groups are selected.
(3) The top scoring 3A and 2A/1A band or orchestra from each festival or contest, regardless of score, is eligible to apply to be placed in the tape pool from which the remaining state championships performing groups are selected.
(4) If fewer than 12 - 3A bands or eight 2A/1A bands meet the qualifying standard in that classification, openings in performance opportunities for that classification may be filled with qualifying bands from the other classification, so long as the total number of performing groups does not exceed twenty bands.
(5) The tape pool adjudicators have the option to adjust the ratio of string to full orchestra groups scheduled to perform (14 string orchestra / six full orchestra) depending on the quality of performances on the recordings reviewed.
(6) All bands and orchestras placed in the tape pool but not selected to perform shall receive certificates from the OSAA in recognition of the honor of consideration for state level participation.
(c) Recorder malfunction. In the case of a malfunction by the equipment recording a qualifying performance, an alternative recording may be submitted for tape pool consideration if the conditions under which the alternative recording was created are approved in advance by the OSAA. The OSAA shall grant permission only if the conditions under which the alternative recording is produced are similar to those of the original qualifying performance.
(d) Tape pool review process. Tape pool entries shall be reviewed and timed by at least two qualified out-of-state adjudicators. The results of the tape pool selection process shall be posted on the OSAA website, www.osaaa.org, on the Band/Orchestra homepage as soon the results become available.
3.3.4. Eligibility. The Assistant Executive Director of Student Activities for OSAA shall verify the eligibility of each group applying to participate in the state championships.
(a) Student Eligibility. An eligible student is a 9-12 grade student who is enrolled in school and participates in the music program. NOTE: For class 2A and 1A schools, students in the seventh and / or eighth grades of middle schools may represent the high school they will be attending in band and orchestra competitions.
(b) Group Eligibility. Groups must represent OSAA member schools registered to participate in music activities.
(c) Accompanists. Choir championship accompanists may be adults. All performers in band and orchestra championships must be eligible students.
(d) Penalty for use of ineligible participant. Use of an ineligible participant shall disqualify the group from consideration for awards.
3.3.5. School entry limitations. Each school may enter only one band, one choir, one string orchestra and one full orchestra.
3.4. Music State Championships – Procedures
3.4.1. Divisions. There shall be three divisions (4A, 3A and 2A/1A) for concert bands and concert choirs and one division each for full orchestra and string orchestra. School music classifications are determined by OSAA the same as in athletics.
3.4.2. Group size.
(a) Bands / Orchestras. There shall be no restrictions on the size of groups.
(b) Choirs. There shall be no restrictions on the size of 2A/1A or 3A classification groups. In the 4A classification, madrigal choirs and ensembles with fewer than 40 members shall not be allowed.
3.4.3. Group performance order. Group performance order shall be set by the OSAA. The OSAA will consider requests for general performance times (i.e.," as early as possible,” “mid-morning”, “afternoon”, etc.) for groups with school event conflicts, special travel considerations due to distance, etc., if a request is made on the application form. However, it may not be possible to honor all requests. Order shall be scheduled randomly to the extent possible.
3.4.4. Literature.
(a) Required literature. Each group shall perform one selection from the appropriate level (4A, 3A and 2A/1A) current required state music lists. Higher level music may also be used.
(1) EXCEPTION: A substitute selection to a required music list piece may be used if written permission is obtained from the championship director.
(2) PENALTY: A group, which does not perform a selection from the Required Literature List or a selection approved by the State Championship Director, shall be disqualified from consideration for awards.
(b) Once stage timing begins, everything that takes place, including tuning and warm-up chorales, is considered to be part of the performance and may be considered by judges when assigning scores.
3.4.5. Musical scores. Three complete original scores or authorized copies of all music performed must be presented to the adjudicators.
(a) Score measures must be consecutively numbered.
(b) Scores must be labeled with school name and classification.
(c) PENALTY: U.S. Copyright laws prohibit the use of photocopies unless approval is obtained from the publisher or their agent. The penalty for the provision of unauthorized photocopies shall be disqualification of the group from consideration for State participation.
3.4.6. Time Limits.
(a) Maximum time limits. Bands and orchestras shall have 30 minutes to enter, perform, and exit the stage; choirs shall have 20 minutes to enter, perform, and exit the stage. Each group must perform during its assigned time and adhere strictly to the time limit.
(1) Due to time constraints, tuning should take place in the warm-up room, rather than on stage.
(2) On-stage time shall begin with the first step on the stage or first note of music (whichever occurs first), and shall end when the last participant steps off of the stage.
(3) EXCEPTIONS: Directors and members of the percussion section may enter ahead of the full group to assist in stage set up prior to the first step on the stage that starts the on-stage clock. For the Band / Orchestra State Championships, the timer shall notify the director when the chairs and stands are set and the on-stage time will begin. The timer shall not provide additional time for percussion set up.
(b) Minimum time limits. Only actual music performed shall be timed; time between movements or selections shall not be included in the total time.
(1) Bands.
a) 4A and 3A bands shall perform at least 18 minutes of music.
b) 2A/1A bands shall perform at least 15 minutes of music
(2) Choirs. Choirs shall perform at least 12 minutes of music.
(3) Orchestras. Orchestras shall perform at least 15 minutes of music.
(c) Time limit violations. Violation of the minimum or maximum time limit rules shall result in a five-point deduction from the combined total of the points awarded by the judges.
3.4.7. Sight-Reading. Each group shall sight read in accordance with sight-reading rules found in this Music Handbook. NOTE: All members of the performing group shall be required to sight-read. Failure to satisfy this requirement shall result in the disqualification of that group from consideration for award or recognition. EXCEPTION: Due to the large size of some bands and full orchestras and possible space limitations of the sight-reading room, those groups shall be limited to 80 performers without penalty to the performing group. Selection of the performers shall be at the discretion of the director.
3.4.8. Band / Orchestra Sight-Reading Room Procedure
(a) Groups shall be judged from the time the first member enters the sight-reading room until the last member leaves the room.
(b) Groups shall be responsible for seating themselves. When the group is ready to perform, the director should signal the adjudicator’s assistant, who shall pass out the music to the students. The adjudicator shall then read or explain the following statement to the group:
"Do not remove the music you are about to receive from the envelope until told to do so. Failure of any students to abide by this request will result in a deduction of five points from our total scores."
(c) The adjudicator shall explain to the group that the director will have two minutes to study the score before the group opens their envelopes. The group must maintain silence during this two-minute period. On signal from the adjudicator, the director shall remove the score from the envelope and proceed to study it for a two-minute period. Stopwatch timing shall be kept by the adjudicator.
(d) At the end of the two-minute period (sooner, if the director is ready and has informed the adjudicator), the adjudicator shall read or explain the following statement to the group:
"I will tell you when to open the envelope containing your music. You will have five minutes for your director to talk you through this selection. Your director may not sing or clap rhythms or communicate the rhythms in any way to you, but you may finger parts and sing them back or clap rhythms if requested. You may not play your instrument at any time during this five-minute period, however; any student playing an instrument will cause your group to forfeit five points from your total sight-reading score."
(e) The adjudicator shall ask if there are any questions. When questions (if any) have been answered, he shall instruct the group to remove the music from the envelopes and the five-minute period shall begin. At the end of the five-minute period, the adjudicator shall instruct the group to begin their performance.
(f) The group performs the sight-reading selection. While the group is performing, the director may call rehearsal marks, sing lines with sections - do almost anything to keep the group together and going. It is acceptable to regroup after stopping and start again, but a group doing this may not score quite as high as one going from start to finish non-stop.
(g) Upon completion of the sight-reading selection, the adjudicator shall read or explain the following:
"Put your part back in the envelope it came in and pass it in to me. Failure of any student to pass in a part at this time will result in a five-point deduction in your total sight-reading score."
(h) If time permits, the adjudicator may give verbal comments to the group on their performance.
(i) The adjudicator shall dismiss the group when the student assistant has accounted for all parts of the sight-reading selection.
3.4.9. Choral Sight-Reading Room Procedures
(a) After groups have seated themselves in the sight-reading room, the adjudicator will ask the director how many copies of music the choir will need. The student assistant will begin counting out the number of copies needed.
(b) The adjudicator may give the choir a few words of greeting and welcome and then read the following:
“Before you perform the sight-reading exercises, you should know that although it is important to try to sing each exercise accurately without interruption, it is acceptable to regroup after stopping if necessary. It is important to choose a tempo at which your group can succeed; faster is not necessarily better. Your director will be allowed to establish the key of each exercise by having you sing or listen to a scale or chord pattern. Your director’s role, once you begin, will be to give starting pitches and tempos, and to start and visually conduct the choir during the performance of each exercise. Are there any questions?”
(c) The adjudicator will continue:
"Your director will have two minutes to study the four sight-reading exercises before you are allowed to look at the music. You must remain silent during this two-minute period. Are there any questions?”
(d) The adjudicator will give a copy of the music to the director and signal the director’s assistant to begin timing the two-minute director’s study period.
(e) At the end of the two-minute period (or sooner if the director is ready and has informed the adjudicator), the adjudicator’s assistant will say “Time!” The adjudicator will say to the choir:
“You will now receive the sight-reading music. Your director may not sing, tap or speak rhythms or vocal lines to you; he (or she) may only tell you what to watch for. You may not sing during this period upon penalty of a five-point deduction from your score. Are there any questions?”
(f) The adjudicator’s assistant will time the one-minute discussion period and all succeeding discussion periods and say “Time!” at the end. The adjudicator will then say:
"The first exercise is for rhythm only. Your director will have one minute to discuss the first exercise with you. When the timers calls “Time!” you will SPEAK the first exercise on a neutral syllable such as ‘tah’. Director, you may begin your discussion.”
CHOIR PERFORMS
(g) Adjudicator: “The second exercise is a melody exercise. Your director will have one minute to discuss this exercise with you. When the timer calls “Time!” you will SING this melody using a neutral syllable, numbers or solfege. Director, you may begin your discussion.”
CHOIR PERFORMS
(h) Adjudicator: “The third exercise is a two-part exercise. Your director will have one minute to discuss this exercise with you. When the timer calls “Time!” you will SING this melody using a neutral syllable, numbers or solfege. Director, you may begin your discussion.”
CHOIR PERFORMS
(i) Adjudicator: “The fourth and final exercise is a four-part exercise. Your director will have two minutes to discuss this exercise with you. When the timer calls “Time!” you will SING this exercise using the printed words. Director, you may begin your discussion.”
CHOIR PERFORMS
(j) After the sight-reading performance is complete, the adjudicator shall read the following statement:
“Please pass your sight-reading music to your left to the adjudicator’s assistant who will collect and count them. Failure of any student to pass in music at this time will result in a five-point deduction from your total sight-reading score.”
(k) If time permits, the adjudicator may give verbal comments to the group on how to improve their ability to read music on first sight.
(l) The adjudicator shall dismiss the group when the adjudicator’s assistant has accounted for all copies of the sight-reading music.
(m) The adjudicator shall finish writing comments, tally the score and staple the score sheet to a copy of the music on which marks were made during the performance. As time allows, the adjudicator’s assistant will deliver the score sheets to the registration table for tally.
3.4.10. Warm-up. Warm-up shall be allowed only in the designated warm-up area during the assigned warm-up time.
3.4.11. Adjudication.
(a) Quantity. Three performance judges and one sight-reading judge shall adjudicate each group in the state championships.
(b) Judge selection. Judges shall be recommended to the OSAA by the championship director from current lists of certified adjudicators or qualified out-of-state judges. At least one judge for each division shall be from out-of-state.
(c) Adjudication forms. Oregon Band Directors Association (bands and orchestras) and Oregon American Choral Directors Association (choirs) adjudication forms shall be used. Sample forms are available for download from the OSAA website, www.osaa.org, Choir or Band/Orchestra homepage. Sets of the specific evaluation criteria used by adjudicators to complete the forms are available from the OSAA.
3.4.12. Criticism.
(a) Each adjudicator shall provide written criticism, EXCEPT
(b) Tape-recorded criticism may be provided in lieu of detailed written criticism.
(a) Student certificates. Student members of all groups shall receive certificates in recognition of participation at the state championships.
(b) Determination of winners. The three performance judges' scores plus the sight-reading score (if available) shall be totaled to determine the winners in each classification. In the case of a tie for any of the first four places, the groups shall tie for the upper place, the next place shall be skipped and an additional trophy shall be ordered.
(c) Awards. A certificate shall be presented to the director of each participating group. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place trophies shall be awarded to the top scoring groups in each classification. Places through 5th shall be announced publicly if there are more than eight groups in the classification.
(d) Awards assembly. Final awards shall be presented in public at the state championships.
3.4.14. Results distribution. Judges' comments shall be made available to directors following the awards assembly. A “masked” score array including score totals only with school names removed shall be included in the results packets distributed to directors at the conclusion of the state championships, and shall be posted on the OSAA website, www.osaa.org, Choir homepage..
Oregon Music Educators Association (OMEA) Districts
1. PORTLAND – Schools of the Portland Public School District, excluding private schools.
2. NORTHEAST METRO – Schools east of the Willamette River, north of Milwaukie, up the Columbia Gorge to The Dalles and to Welches on Hwy. 26, excluding Portland Public Schools.
3. NORTHWESTERN OREGON – Schools in Washington County west of Hillsboro; Tillamook, Clatsop, Columbia and Yamhill Counties, excluding Newberg and McMinnville.
4. NORTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY – Schools in Polk and Marion Counties, except Marion County south of the North Santiam Hwy.
5. CENTRAL OREGON – Schools in Deschutes, Jefferson, Lake, Harney, Wheeler and Wasco Counties, excluding The Dalles.
6. NORTHEASTERN OREGON – Schools in Grant, Sherman, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Baker Counties.
7. SOUTHWESTERN OREGON – Schools in Curry, Coos and coastal portions of Lane and Douglas Counties.
8. SOUTHERN OREGON—Schools in Klamath and Jackson; Douglas and Josephine Counties, excluding the coast those in District 10.
9. SOUTHEASTERN OREGON – Schools in Malheur County plus Huntington.
10. CENTRAL SOUTHERN OREGON – Small schools surrounding Roseburg.
11. MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY – Schools in Lincoln, Benton and Linn Counties plus east Marion County south of the Santiam Hwy.
12. SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY – Schools in Lane County excluding the coast.
13. SOUTHEASTERN METRO – Schools in Clackamas County east of the Willamette River excluding those on Hwy. 26.
14. SOUTHERN METRO – Schools in Clackamas and Washington Counties west of the Willamette River and south of Beaverton, plus Newberg and McMinnville.
15. WESTERN METRO – Schools in Washington and Multnomah Counties west of the Willamette River excluding Portland Public Schools and those in Districts 3 and 14.
