regulations | rules |...

REGULATIONS | RULES | INFORMATION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome & Liability Statement.................................................................3

General Rules. ........................................................................................4-9

Sample Adjudication Forms... ............................................................10-13

Stage Diagram... ......................................................................................14

Frequently Asked Questions. ...................................................................15

Campus Map...........................................................................................16

Nashville Accomodations. .......................................................................17

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WELCOME Thank you for choosing to be a part of Music City Show Shoppe. At our competition, our philosophy is to create and develop an appreciative audience for the show choir art, to provide a professional environment to enhance the show choir performance and to reward and recognize excellence. A show choir is a musical ensemble that brings together many disciplines in performance. Many educators refer to this art form as teaching the art of entertainment. While vocal production is the central focus of the ensemble, the performers integrate staging, choreography, costumes and props with the music. In addition, these performers perform with a live show band and with sound reinforcement. Combining vocals with movement, adding live accompaniment and incorporating the dynamics of singing with a microphone culminate in a wonderful educational experience. The single most important byproduct of this process is the development of stage presence and individual confidence on the part of the performer. A show choir competition is very much like an athletic tournament in that individual show groups perform in a preliminary round during the day and then five groups are selected to perform in the evening finals. At the finals, awards and are selected by a panel of expert adjudicators whose experience includes vocal production, show production and staging and choreography expertise. The adjudicators will judge each choir in the following areas: sound quality, vocal technique, musicality, visual presentation, visual technique, total show effect, and instrumental accompaniment. The following guidelines and rules are in place to ensure a safe and fair environment. Beyond the competition-specific rules, please know that Belmont University strives to maintain a campus that is safe and secure. The university has committed substantial resources to insuring that visitors, students, faculty and staff are safe from defects on the property which might cause injury. However, it is vitally important that all persons use good judgment and common sense so that their activity does not place themselves or others at risk. Belmont assumes no liability for injury or harm that comes to persons because of his or her own careless behavior. We hope you enjoy being a part of Music City Show Shoppe, and that you find it inspiring and educational, as well as fun. Please do not hesitate to contact the MCSS Coordinator, Mrs. Megan Santi, about any questions in regards to the day as a whole. As a director, you will receive more information closer to the day of the competition in regards to performance order, homeroom location, bus parking regulations, et cetera. Mrs. Megan Santi Belmont University School of Music 1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212

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GENERAL RULES 1. Venue, Stage and Sound Information

- Risers and Stage · All choirs will perform using the fixed risers on stage provided by Belmont. The fixed position of risers will ensure an even audio pick-up from our sound reinforcement system. Choirs may bring additional risers, platforms, et cetera, to be positioned alongside of or on top of existing fixed Belmont risers. The Belmont risers WILL NOT be moved. If you are not accustomed to performing on four rows, we recommend not using the fourth row. The configuration will use Wenger Versilite Risers. · Four rows of risers will be available for your use. Each row will be comprised of four 8’ x 4’ risers, measuring a total of 32 feet across. If your choir is accustomed to using three rows, simply use the front three rows of the risers. We will not strike the fourth row. · Each row is progressively taller by 8”. The first row will be 8” high, the second row will be 16” high, the third row will be 24” high, and the fourth row will be 32” high. Please see the Stage Diagram on page ___ for more dimensional information. · Large equipment and sound pieces must be brought in through the Stage Right double-door load-in ramp. The ramp culminates in a motorized lift. Maximum height of stage pieces is 16 feet. · All performers and equipment will exit Stage Left, which leads outdoors.

- Instrumental Equipment · We will provide an upright acoustic piano, a full-size drum kit, one bass amp, one guitar amp, one keyboard amp, and five music stands. We will not move the drum kit or acoustic piano. You may bring any instrumental equipment you would like, that can be set up around the given equipment. If you need the amps moved or adjusted, please communicate this need with the Belmont stagehands during your load-in time. · Brands and Models of Instrumental Equipment

Acoustic Upright Piano: Upright Piano: Boston UP-118 S Drum Kit: All Coated Remo Heads for shells

- 14" Snare - 10" Hi Rack Tom - 12" Lo Rack Tom - 14" Floor Tom - 22" Kick drum - Sabian 21" AA dry ride

- HHX Evolution 17"crash - Sabian Vault 17" Saturation crash - Sabian 16" Signature Crash - Sabian and HHX 13" hi hat top and bottom - dw9000 kick pedal

Bass Amp: Eden TW-390 Amp with additional Eden speaker available Guitar Amps: Vox Pathfinder 15R (smaller) and Fender Mustang III (bigger) Keyboard Amp: Roland KC-60

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Venue, Stage, and Sound Information, continued - Sound Reinforcement

· Our sound reinforcement system will consist of six fixed shotgun microphones evenly spaced across the front of the stage, overhead condenser microphones, and monitor wedges. The monitors will be placed in the instrumental area and along the downstage edge of the choir performance area. DO NOT move the monitor wedges. · During the designated staging prep time, directors may adjust the height and placement of the fixed shotgun microphones. We ask that you do not change the angle of them. · There will be two wireless handheld microphones for soloists placed in a cradle, down stage center. You must return these microphones before leaving the stage. Please coach your students on proper microphone technique and handling. · Brands and Models of Microphones Used

Overhead Condenser Microphones: Shure MX 202 Handheld Wireless Microphones: Shure ULXD2 Handheld with KSM 9 capsule Shotgun Microphones: Sennheiser MKH 60-P48

2. Logistics and Scheduling

- Upon arrival to campus, the director should immediately visit the Director’s Check-In table in the lobby of the Wilson Music Building (please see Campus Map on page ____). The director will meet their host for the day, receive key(s) for their homeroom, and submit any missing information (soloist names, tracks if using, etc.). The host will accompany the director back to the group’s vehicle, where the host will stamp all performers and directors with the performer’s stamp. The performer’s stamp waives admission to the event. - The host will then direct the group’s vehicle to the homeroom building. The group can unload any equipment, costumes, and personal belongings at this point. The homeroom will be secured by the host. Keys should not be shared with students. The host will communicate their cell phone number to the director to assist students needing into their homeroom when not with the group. - Information on unloading large set pieces will be sent via email. Our venue has a wonderful stage, but we are very limited on wing space, and have no backstage holding areas for equipment. We will be organizing an unloading schedule. Please include your use of large set pieces in your registration form. - The host will accompany the group throughout the day. In the schedule, you will have a designated “Homeroom” time. Please gather your students in your homeroom at this time and ensure you have all pieces needed to perform. - The host will escort the group to the Warm-Up room, located in the same building as the performance. Do not exceed your allotted warmup time, as it will bleed into your scheduled performance time.

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Logistics and Scheduling, continued - At the appointed time, the host will escort the group to the Stage Right entrance. Group members assisting with large set pieces will need to exit the building to the Stage Right load-in ramp. The stage entrance for the choir involves one flight of stairs and regular-width doors. - There will be a designated staging time to ready the group for taking the stage. During the staging prep time, Belmont stage crew will ready the stage for your group. Once the first student crosses onto the stage (designated by a taped line), the performance time clock will start. - The allotted performance time will be 25 minutes. This includes taking the stage, performing, and exiting the stage. The emcee’s introduction of the group will not count as part of the performance time. - All equipment and group members will strike and exit STAGE LEFT. The host will escort the group quickly to the Critique Room, located below the performance stage. Critique sessions are meant for the director(s) and performing students. Critique clinicians will give instant feedback on the group’s performance and equip performers and directors on improving their show. Comments from the general adjudicators will be included in the critique session. - Groups are encouraged to watch other groups perform during the day. Their performance stamp will grant them admission all day. - At the culmination of the preliminary competition, the hall will be entirely cleared for Company’s load-in and the compilation of scores. Those attendees wearing wristbands will be escorted to Neely Dining Hall, where a live stream will be broadcast. All performers and directors with a performing stamp will be re-admitted once Company has loaded in. Adhering to this process is imperative to the safety of our event. Massey Concert Hall cannot safely hold all performers and supporting friends and family. This process was instituted by the fire marshal ten years ago. Do communicate this policy to al l visit ing parents and friends. We love seeing all the groups supported. However, we love seeing all persons safe even more. - Company will perform a 30-minute set, immediately followed by the announcement of preliminary awards and the top five finalists. Once Company has performed, directors are asked to join Company on stage with two representatives of their group. Each group will receive their preliminary score sheets and audio critiques during the awards announcements. - Awards announcements, culminating in the announcement of finalists, will be followed by a dinner break. The finals concert will begin with the first finalist announced. All groups not in the finals competition will be asked to strike their homerooms by the start of the finals concert. These groups are encouraged to stay to watch the finals concert. - After the fifth finalist has performed, the winners of the solo competition will be invited to perform their selection while the judges tabulate the finalists’ scores. - The final awards will be presented. Groups should then promptly strike their homerooms and return their keys to the group host.

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3. Adjudication and Scoring - Preliminaries

· The preliminary competition is scored as an open competition. This means that finalists are determined by the top five scores, regardless of size or composition. The unisex groups will be ranked and awarded during the preliminary award ceremony. However, a unisex group is el igible to make finals alongside mixed groups. · There will be three general adjudicators and one instrumental adjudicator. In addition, there will be two critique adjudicators. Scores are compiled only by the instrumental and general adjudicators. · Preliminary adjudication will include: recorded audio commentary by each general and instrumental judge; score sheets (see page ___ ) with point totals; stationary video for your reference*; separate instrumental adjudication (see page____). · MCSS 2016 will be using renowned scoring software eJudicator for scoring tabulation. Please visit http://www.ejudicator.com for more information. · During the preliminary awards ceremony, the following awards will be presented: Participation Plaques (with scoring packets) Best Combo (only combos with one or less adult musicians are eligible) Best Female Vocalist (within a show) Best Male Vocalist (within a show) Unisex Division Placements (top three scores will be awarded) Announcement of Top Five Finalists (order drawn from a hat) · Choirs are free to present any type of performance they wish. There is no maximum or minimum number of songs a group must perform. Music need not be given to the adjudicators. · Directors may be on stage with their choirs and direct if they wish. · Any type of instrumental accompaniment may be used and is judged as an integral part of the group’s performance. Only instrumental groups utilizing one or less adult musician will be eligible for the outstanding Back-Up Combo award.

CD/MP3 accompaniments may be used. An automatic two-point deduction will be made to the Instrumental Accompaniment category. Please include this choice in your registration form. Prior to the competition, MP3s of the files used should be emailed to [email protected]. The Belmont sound engineers will be able to ensure even volume and quick transitions.

· At no time will fireworks, fire or other hazardous materials be allowed. If in doubt, please confirm with Mrs. Santi to see if it is hazardous material. Any water based/water vapor props may be used. These include fog effects, etc. Anything thrown on stage (including confetti) must be completely removed during your allotted stage time.

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Adjudication and Scoring, continued - Finals

· Finalists will perform in the order in which they were announced. Each finalist will have designated warm-up time prior to taking the stage. There will be no critique session. · As soon as finalists are announced, the performance order and warm-up times will appear on the announcement screen above the stage. · After the fifth finalist has performed, the winners of the solo competition will be invited to perform their winning selection. · The finals award ceremony will include:

4th Runner-Up 3rd Runner-Up 2nd Runner-Up Best Choreography Best Vocals 1st Runner-Up Grand Champions

· Each school should collect their award and finals scoring packet upon the announcement of their placement. · The Belmont crew will immediately begin striking the stage after the Grand Champions are announced. Participants should return to their homerooms to clean up and return their keys to their host.

- Solo Competition · Each performing group is allowed to enter two soloists into our solo competition.

· The solo competition will be scheduled around the performing group’s competition schedule. · The solo competition will be a closed competition. The soloist’s director(s) may attend the performance of said soloist, which will be held in Harton Recital Hall. · The solo adjudicator will have extensive background in vocal pedagogy and performance experience in a wide variety of styles. All styles are encouraged to compete. · The soloist may use a track (via CD or MP3 player), or a live accompanist. A Steinway grand piano will be provided. There will not be a microphone. Soloists are welcome to accompany themselves. If the accompanist wishes to play an instrument other than the piano, the instrument should be acoustic. · Solo competition winners will be awarded during the preliminary awards ceremony. They will be invited to perform at the conclusion of the finals concert, immediately preceding the final awards ceremony.

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Adjudication and Scoring, continued - Timing Infractions · It is imperative to abide by the given schedule.

· Performance time will begin when the first performing student enters the stage. This “entrance” is marked by white tape on the Stage Right wing floor. · Time will end when the last performer has exited the stage. · For every minute over 25 minutes, rounding up, there will be an automatic 1% deduction in the total score. · When the choir is ready to begin their performance, the director will indicate to the emcee. The timekeeper will pause time while the emcees introduce the group. Introductions will be crafted to the biographies submitted in the registration process. As soon as the emcees clear the stage, time will resume. · If a technical issue arises, in which the Belmont stage crew needs to address a concern, time will pause.

- Adjudicators · Music City Show Shoppe provides a unique competition experience. Our panel of adjudicators will include professional performers, choreographers, casting directors, artists, and music educators. All adjudicators are chosen for their heart for education and the development of the student. We believe our Nashville community provides a wealth of experience that will challenge and inspire competing students.

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SAMPLE

02/22/14 ______________________ MUSIC CITY SHOW SHOPPE, BELMONT UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE, TN

DATE ORDER OF APPEARANCE FESTIVAL/CONTEST LOCATION

ENSEMBLE NAME – SCHOOL – CITY – STATE OPEN UNISEX/MIXED GENERAL / INST / CRITIQUE

DIRECTOR DIVISION CLASSIFICATION ADJUDICATOR TYPE SCORE AREAS OF REVIEW

(+ Good/ - Needs Improvement/ Blank = OK) COMMENTS

VOCAL PRODUCTION (45.0) 45.0

Sound Quality (15.0) �� Tone Quality � � Female Sound

�� Projection � � Male Sound

�� Pitch

Vocal Technique (15.0) ��Balance � � Blend

��Diction � � Clarity of Lyrics

�� Rhythmic Precision �� Tempi

Musicality (15.0) �� Interpretation � � Timbre

�� Musicianship � � Dynamics

�� Phrasing � � Difficulty of Music

�� Repertoire � � Soloists

VISUAL PRODUCTION (30.0) 30.0

Visual Presentation (15.0) �� Choreography/Staging

� ��Difficulty of Movement/Risks

� ��Variety of Visual Style

� ��Strength and Vitality of Movement

� ��Showmanship � � Facials

Visual Technique (15.0) � �Spacing Clarity � ��Execution/Accuracy

�� Rhythmic Precision of Movement

��Body Carriage/Posture

��Visuals Compliment the Vocal Presentation

TOTAL SHOW (20.0) 20.0

�� Programming � � Posture � ��Transitions � � Special Equipment

� ��Pace � � Special Effects

� ��Stage Presence � � Costuming

�� Performers Understand Music and Text ACCOMPANIMENT (3.0 - 5.0)

3-5.0

�� Compliments Vocal Performance

��Displays Vitality, Intonation, and Control

� All Live Accompaniment = 5.0 Max � Some Live/ Some Recorded = 4.0 Max � All Recorded = 3.0 Max

National Music Adjudication Coalition SHOW CHOIR – Music Assessment Form

(Cont. on back)

Score or Rating

______________________________ ________________________________ Adjudicator (print) Adjudicator (sign)

ADJUDICATION SCALE – 90–100 = (Superior) 80–89.9 = (Excellent) 70–79.9 = (Good/Average) 60–69.9 = (Fair) Less than 60 = (Needs Improvement)

This form is developed in partnership with MENC: The National

Association for Music Education and NFHS: The National Federation of State High School Associations,

and in cooperation with Festival Disney, and The Disney Honors Show choir content for this form developed with the help of FAME

Events

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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS (continued from front)

National Standards for Music Education

1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. 5. Reading and notating music. 6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music. 7. Evaluating music and music performances. 8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. 9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

This form is developed in partnership with MENC: The National Association for Music Education and

NFHS: The National Federation of State High School Associations, and in cooperation with Festival Disney, and The Disney Honors Show choir content for this form developed with the help of FAME Events

National Music Adjudication Coalition SHOW CHOIR – Music Assessment Form

SAMPLE

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ENSEMBLE NAME – SCHOOL – CITY – STATE OPEN UNISEX/MIXED INSTRUMENTAL



PRESENTATION (50.0)

50.0 �� Interpretation

� Articulation

� Horn Line

� Rhythm Section

� Ensemble Unity

� Groove

� Musicianship

MUSICAL DETAILS (30.0)

15.0

�� Tone Quality

� ��Dynamics

� ��Phrasing

REPERTOIRE (10.0) 10.0

�� Stylistic Appropriateness � ��Suitability of Arrangements

� PREPARATION (10.0)

10.0 �� Appearance ��Stage Conduct/Professionalism

SHOW CHOIR Instrumental Assessment Form

(Cont. on back)

Score or Rating



SAMPLE

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SAMPLE



ENSEMBLE NAME – SCHOOL – CITY – STATE OPEN UNISEX/MIXED INSTRUMENTAL



PRESENTATION (30.0)

30.0 �� Interpretation

� Musicianship

� Staging

� Emotional Connection

TECHNIQUE (30.0) 30.0

�� Tone

��Dynamics

��Breath Management

��Registration

REPERTOIRE (20.0) 10.0

�� Stylistic Appropriateness � ��Suitability of Arrangements

� PREPARATION (20.0)

10.0 �� Appearance ��Stage Conduct/Professionalism ��Accompaniment

SOLO COMPETITION Individual Assessment Form

(Cont. on back)

Score or Rating



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STAGE DIAGRAM

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. We want special lighting cues. Who do we submit our lighting plot to?

- We do not honor special lighting cues. You may bring your own equipment to be triggered from your own crew. Our lighting designer will ensure that the house lights are down, and that the stage is evenly lit with a bright white.

2. Who needs to buy a wristband? How much do they cost?

- Performing students and directors will receive a performer’s stamp on their wrist. All other attendees must purchase a wristband as admission. Wristbands are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Please communicate this to your traveling supporters. Wristbands will be available for sale in the Massey Performing Arts Center lobby at 7:30am.

3. I couldn’t hear some of the announcements on stage. Where can I get that information?

- Follow us on Twitter! Announcements will be tweeted @BelmontMCSS. - Nearly all of the information announced is available in the program, and will be displayed on the stage announcement screen between performances.

4. Is there anywhere to eat on campus?

- Absolutely! In the registration process, we will ask you if you desire to eat in our (brand new!) state-of-the-art cafeteria. The cafeteria is all-you-can-eat, and includes gluten-free and vegetarian options. Giving us a head count helps our cafeteria staff prepare to serve you well on a busy day. The cafeteria costs $8/person. There are also several express restaurants on campus, including Papa John’s Express, Chick-Fil-A Express, McAllister’s Deli Express, and more.

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CAMPUS MAP

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NASHVILLE ACCOMMODATIONS Lodging that offers a Belmont rate (must ask for Belmont rate)

Courtyard by Marriott 615-327-9900 Drury Inn 615-834-7170 Guesthouse Inn and Suites 615-329-1000 Hampton Inn and Suites 615-777-0001 Homewood Suites Hotel 615-377-3332 La Quinta Inn 615-834-6900 Vanderbilt Holiday Inn 615-327-4707 Wilson Inn and Suites 615-221-5001

There are many more hotel options. Please email Mrs. Santi for additional information, if needed. Below are additional options near campus that may or may not offer a Belmont rate. Clubhouse Inn 1-800-258-2466; 615-244-0150 Crowne Plaza 1-800-447-9825; 615-259-2000 Doubletree Hotel 1-800-222-8733; 615-244-8200 Hampton Inn-Vanderbilt 1-800-426-7866; 615-329-1144 Hermitage Hotel 1-800-937-8461; 615-244-3121 LaQuinta Motor Inns

1-800-531-5900; 615-259-2130 Loews Vanderbilt Plaza 1-800-336-3335; 615-320-1700 Regal Maxwell House 1-800-457-4460; 615-259-4343 Shoney’s Inn 1-800-222-2222; 615-255-9977 Nashville Renaissance 1-800-327-6618; 615-255-8400 Union Station Hotel-Wyndham 1-800-946-3426; 615-726-1001

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