Instrumental – Solo and Ensemble

Goals for All Music Competitions

  1. To give honor and praise to God for the wonderful gift of music. 
  2. To encourage the study of music among our young people. 
  3. To encourage mastery of performance and musical technique.
  4. To provide a unique forum for the sharing of music with peers. 
  5. 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.  

  1. Accuracy
  2. Rhythm 
  3. Musicianship
  4. Technique
  5. 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

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.  
  3. 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.
  4. Music stands and chairs will be provided for instrumentalists. 
  5. There is NO EXIT or ENTRANCE during a performance. This behavior is discourteous and disturbing to the performers. 
  6. Do not bring food or drink into the performing areas. 
  7. 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. 
  8. Contestants must provide an original piece of their music for the adjudicator. NO PHOTOCOPIES. This is illegal and would violate U.S. Copyright Laws. 
  9. 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. 
  10. Whenever possible, arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. 
  11. Memorization of music is strongly encouraged. 
  12. 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. 
  13. 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 LEST Participation count in 5th/6th and 7th/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.

The following limits are placed on participants per school in each category. Please note that this has changed from previous years, now based on number of LEST Participants rather than school size:

  • Standard Participation allows for up to eight (8) Individual Instrumental participants in each grade division (8 in 5th/6th and 8 in 7th/8th), and four (4) Instrumental Ensembles.
  • Schools with 40+ total LEST Participation in the 5th/6th levels or the 7th/8th levels may have up to 12 Individual Instrumental participants in the respective grade level division, and eight (8) Instrumental Ensembles.

Adjudication

Individual and ensemble adjudication forms may be accessed by clicking the appropriate buttons below:

Instrumental Individual Adjudication Form
Instrumental Ensemble Adjudication Form