Piano

Piano Schedule L.E.S.T. 2026 (not yet available)

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.

Piano 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 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.
  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 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.  
  3. Pianos will be provided for the competition. 
  4. There is NO EXIT or ENTRANCE during a performance. This behavior is discourteous and disturbing to the performers. 
  5. Do not bring food or drink into the performing areas. 
  6. 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. 
  7. Contestants must provide an original piece of their music for the adjudicator. NO PHOTOCOPIES. This is illegal and would violate U.S. Copyright Laws. 
  8. Whenever possible, arrive at least 10 minutes early before your scheduled time. 
  9. Memorization of music is strongly encouraged. 
  10. Upon acknowledgement by the adjudicator, each contestant should begin with the announcement of their name, their school’s name and location, and then the title and composer of their piece. 
  11. Total time for each performance may not exceed six (6) minutes. 

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, total enrollment in 5th-8th, and for each Piano Player: first and last name, grade, years playing piano, performance piece and composer, other L.E.S.T. events in which 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 piano will be used:

  • Schools with enrollment of 75 students or less (“A” Division) in grades 5-8 = Eight (8) participants in each grade combination (i.e. – 8 in 5th/6th and 8 in 7th/8th)
  • 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)
  • 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)

Adjudication

Adjudication forms may be accessed by clicking the button below:

Piano Adjudication Form