Goals for All Music Competitions
- To give honor and praise to God for the wonderful gift of music.
- To encourage the study of music among our young people.
- To encourage mastery of performance and musical technique.
- To provide a unique forum for the sharing of music with peers.
- To give recognition and praise to God for those who excel in this gift.
Descriptions/Regulations
The music competition is open to piano, instrumental, vocal, choral, ensembles, and contemporary worship teams.
Contestants will be adjudicated in the following categories.
- Accuracy
- Rhythm
- Musicianship
- Technique
- Other Performance Factors
Awards for Music Competitions
Points Placement Award
22-25 First Blue
17-21 Second
10-16 Third
Contemporary Worship Teams are adjudicated on their own performance, not compared to other performers. Awards will be given for blue ribbon winners only. The adjudicator’s rating sheets, with valuable comments, will be given to each school after the Closing Ceremony of L.E.S.T.
Contemporary Worship Team Performance Event
- Regarding the Use of Arrangements
Performance pieces must be written for the instrument and not an arrangement from a different genre (i.e. theme from a piano concerto, movie theme, etc.). Contestants may play an arranged piece and be evaluated, but they may not be eligible for an award. Transcriptions of music after the year 1900 are allowed, but these entrants should realize that they are competing against others who play Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Clementi, etc. The decision of the adjudicator is final. L.E.S.T. Northwest reserves the right to make adjustments on requirements for this competition from year to year. - About the Schedules
Due to the many unforeseen events, all scheduled times are subject to change. At L.E.S.T. Northwest, multiple events are usually proceeding simultaneously. Outcomes are often unpredictable. The piano adjudicator will do his/her best in preparing and maintaining a schedule. If someone comes early and is prepared to play, they may be requested to appear before someone who is late or is delayed by another L.E.S.T. Northwest event. It is very important that the individual registration forms be filled out completely with particular attention being paid to the part where a listing is given of other L.E.S.T. Northwest events in which the individual will be participating. This can help prevent potential conflicts in scheduling performances. - Music stands and chairs will be provided for instrumentalists.
- There is NO EXIT or ENTRANCE during a performance. This behavior is discourteous and disturbing to the performers.
- Do not bring food or drink into the performing areas.
- There is NO TALKING during a performance. Please keep small children as quiet as possible. We are here to help build everyone up, not provide interference with them doing their best.
- Contemporary Worship Teams must provide an original piece of their music for the adjudicator. NO PHOTOCOPIES. This is illegal and would violate U.S. Copyright Laws.
- Whenever possible, arrive at least 10 minutes early before your scheduled time.
- Memorization of music is strongly encouraged.
How to Participate in Piano Performance Event
All teams must be pre-registered by the deadline. Registration details and deadlines are found on the Registration Page.
Registration must indicate the Music Coordinator’s name and email, performance piece and songwriter, and for each member of the Worship Team: first and last name, grade, years playing instrument (if applicable), and other L.E.S.T. events in which student will be participating.
Adjudication
Adjudication forms may be accessed by clicking the button below:
