GENERAL INFORMATION

 

PRE-FESTIVAL DETAILS

 

DAY OF PERFORMANCE DETAILS

 

MUSIC SELECTION

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is Jr. High/Middle School Festival?

Jr. High/Middle School Festival is a spring event for choirs to perform for adjudicators sponsored and ran by the East Tennessee Vocal Association (ETVA).

What schools can participate in the festival?

Any 7th-9th grade choirs or ensembles whose director is a member in good standing of ETVA and who is declared eligible by ETVA can participate in festival

Where is festival held?

Festival is held in the Knoxville area.  For the past several years, festival has been held at First Baptist Church of Concord in West Knoxville.

When is festival held?

Festival is normally held the last Thursday and Friday of April. Check the ETVA calendar for this year’s dates.

What grades can participate?

The festival includes middle and jr. high school students in grades 7 through 9.  Sixth grade students in middle schools that are members of a mixed grade school choir may participate in the Spring Choral Festival.  A school may not enter a 6th grade chorus as a separate unit.

How are the performances structured?

Each choir will have a fifteen-minute time slot.  The choir will have the choice of singing two songs and allowing the adjudicator to work with you group or sing three songs without the clinic.

Will the performances be recorded?

Yes, the performances will be recorded and each director will receive two tapes with adjudicators’ comments on them.

PRE-FESTIVAL DETAILS

What do I need to bring?

Directors are to leave 2 copies of each selection you are performing at the registration desk in the back hallway of the auditorium.  Number all measures on all selections.

What is the cost?

The cost is $1.00 per student for each performance. 

When is the deadline to enter?

Deadline for entries is usually around the middle of March.

DAY OF PERFORMANCE DETAILS

How do I receive my score sheets and tapes?

Directors are asked to please pick up you music, adjudicators’ sheets, tapes, and certificate of participation before you leave.

How long will my choir have to warm-up?

You may take your group into the warm-up room 15 minutes before your performance time.  If your group is first after a break, you may use the stage for warm-up if you wish.

Are there any rules my students need to follow?

Students should refrain from talking while a group is on stage.  Students should remain in seats at all times while listening to other choirs.  No gum, food, or candy in the building. 

How do the adjudicators rate my choirs performances?

Choruses and ensembles will sing for comment only.  The adjudicators will give taped and written comments and one will work with your group after their performance if time allows.

MUSIC SELECTION

How many songs should my choir perform?

Each chorus or ensemble will have the opportunity to sing three selections. 

Are there certain songs my choir should perform?

Two must be from the Jr. High/Middle School music list.  The other is the director’s choice.  Music lists are found on the web at www.etva.org.  Music performed at the fall Honors Choir concert is automatically added to the list.  There is not a list for boys or girls ensembles. 

What if a song isn’t on the list?

One song is allowed that is not on the list.  If you feel a piece of music is worthy of being added to the list, you may send it to the festival chair before the event for approval.

Can I change my song selection after I have registered?

Yes, but you will need to inform the festival chair before the event.