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 and ensembles. An ‘ensemble’ is defined as two or more performers but no more than eight performers (Note: More than eight performers for an instrumental ensemble is considered a band and can perform in the Band Festival. More than eight performers for a vocal entry are considered a choir and will be in the Choral Festival.) An accompanist will be allowed if needed.
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
Students 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.
Instrumental Performance Event
- Regarding the Use of Arrangements
Literature played 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 other students who play Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Clementi, etc. The decision of the adjudicator is final. L.E.S.T. Northwest reserves the right to adjust 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 typically proceeding simultaneously. Outcomes are often unpredictable. The music adjudicators will do their best to maintain the 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. event. It is very important that the individual registration forms for music events be filled out completely, with particular attention paid to the part where a listing is given of other L.E.S.T. events in which the individual will be participating. This can help prevent potential conflicts when performance schedules are created. - Pianos will be provided for the competition. If an instrumental piece is written with a piano part, a piano must be used. All other instruments must be brought by the student/school. Taped accompaniments are allowed for instrumental accompaniment, but it is the participant’s responsibility to bring the device to play the accompaniment on. Taped accompaniments are allowed for instrumental and vocal, but it is the participant’s responsibility to provide the recording and the mechanism to play the recording from.
- 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.
- Contestants must provide an original piece of their music for the adjudicator. NO PHOTOCOPIES. This is illegal and would violate U.S. Copyright Laws.
- Instrumentalists must provide their own accompanist (if needed). Instrumental pieces which were written with an accompaniment must be heard that way. Only pieces which were truly written as “solo” may be heard without accompaniment.
- Whenever possible, arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
- Memorization of music is strongly encouraged.
- Upon acknowledgement by the adjudicator, contestants should begin with the announcement of their name, their school’s name and location, and then the title and composer of their piece.
- Total time for each performance may not exceed six (6) minutes.
How to Participate in Instrumental Events
All teams must be pre-registered by the deadline. Registration details and deadlines are found on the Registration Page.
Registration Forms must include the Music Coordinator’s name and email, total enrollment in 5th-8th, and for each participant: First and Last Name, Grade, Instrument, Years Playing Instrument, Performance Piece and Composer, other L.E.S.T. events in which each student will be participating. Because of limited time and facilities, there is a limit on the number of entries from each school. The following formula for the competition in individual and ensemble instrumental events will be used:
- Schools with enrollment of 75 students or less (“A” Division) in grades 5-8 = Eight (8) individual participants in each grade combination (i.e. – 8 in 5th/6th and 8 in 7th/8th), and four (4) instrumental ensembles
- Schools with enrollment of 76-100 students (“AA” Division) in grades 5-8 = 10 participants in each grade combination (i.e. 10 in 5th/6th and 10 in 7th/8th), and six (6) instrumental ensembles
- Schools with enrollment of 100+ students (“AAA” Division) in grades 5-8 = 12 participants in each grade combination (i.e. 12 in 5th/6th and 12 in 7th/8th), and eight (8) instrumental ensembles
Adjudication
Individual and ensemble adjudication forms may be accessed by clicking the appropriate buttons below:
LEST Northwest 