Ground Rules
Ensembles that do not adhere to the following ground rules are subject to disqualification from competition. Disqualified groups are not eligible to win ensemble awards, including scholarships. Student musicianship awards may still be given to students in a disqualified group at the discretion of the festival committee.
Ensemble Criteria
- All members of each competing ensemble must attend the same high school program.
- “All-star bands,” such as community schools composed of members from various high schools, may only participate in noncompeting classes.
- Large ensembles must have 10 or more instrumentalists with predominantly standard jazz band instrumentation.
- Combos must have three to nine instrumentalists with mixed instrumentation.
- Vocal ensembles must have at least four vocalists and may have a rhythm section.
If a school has more than one large ensemble, combo, or vocal group performing, student performers must be completely different unless they are not playing the same instrument or the festival committee grants permission.
Music Selection
Music selection is at the discretion of the director, but a jazz influence must be clearly evident. Scores for each arrangement must be provided to the adjudicators on the day of the festival before the groups performance. The maximum number of selections is limited only by the allotted 18 minutes of stage time.
Setup Time
Each ensemble will be allowed 25 minutes to set up and warm up prior to its scheduled performance time. Ensembles are not permitted to set up, enter the stage area, or play in the performance room prior to the designated setup time.
Stage Time and Breakdown
The official stage time for an ensemble is clocked by stopwatch from the first note of the first selection to the cutoff of the last note of the final selection. The total stage time permitted is 18 minutes per ensemble. Noncompeting groups are also expected to adhere to this time limitation. Exceeding this time limit will result in automatic disqualification from the competition. To maximize this time, we suggest directors announce musical selections, soloists, etc. prior to playing. After performances and closing comments, each ensemble must remove its equipment from the stage within five minutes.
Directors Performing with a Group
Directors of competing instrumental ensembles are not permitted to perform with their students.
Directors of noncompeting ensembles may perform with their groups. However, this practice is not encouraged.
Vocal directors may accompany or perform with their ensemble strictly in a supporting role. No solos or singing by the director will be permitted. The ensemble will be disqualified if the director participates in more than a supporting role.
General Information
Awards Ceremony and Winners Showcase Concert
There will be an awards ceremony in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium shortly after the conclusion of the daytime performances. Although it is not required, all competing instrumental and vocal ensembles are encouraged to attend the awards ceremony.
The awards ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the winners’ showcase concert will follow at 7:00 p.m. First-place winners of each competing large and vocal ensemble will perform in the showcase. Winners may decline to participate in the showcase if necessary. Stage time for each group in the showcase is limited to one song no longer than 12 minutes. The concert should be finished by approximately 9:00 p.m.
Awards Structure
Each competing instrumental and vocal class will be awarded one first-place trophy, second- and third-place plaques, one Honorable Mention certificate, one Superior Student Musicianship trophy, and three Outstanding Student Musicianship plaques. In addition, directors of winning ensembles will receive scholarships to award to individual students to attend Berklee College of Music programs.
One Judge’s Choice trophy will be awarded to a student in each performing ensemble at the conclusion of its daytime performance.
Performance Room Equipment
Each instrumental performance room is equipped with chairs, music stands, an electric piano, and one microphone. The ensemble must provide all other equipment, such as bass and guitar amplifiers, instrument cables, drum kits, cymbals, etc.
Vocal ensemble rooms will be equipped as above with the addition of a sound system with 12 microphones, stage risers, four monitors (two for the vocal performers, two for the rhythm section), and a digital reverb effects processor. Vocal ensembles must use the sound system and microphones provided. Additional microphones will not be permitted.
Storage Facilities
Please note that directors are responsible for the security of their school’s equipment while it is in the storage facility. Berklee is not responsible for any loss of equipment or personal items.
Adjudication Comments and Scoring
All ensembles will receive a written evaluation from three Berklee faculty adjudicators as well as a recording of the performance. This recording serves as a record of the performance. All schools will receive a five-minute critique by a Berklee faculty member after each performance.
Adjudication forms and tapes will be available at the conclusion of the awards ceremony outside the Veterans Memorial Auditorium on the second level of the Hynes Convention Center. Packets will be released only to the ensemble’s director. Scores will be mailed to the director if they are not picked up at the festival.
Cancellations
It is important that you notify us immediately if you cannot attend the festival so that we can offer your performance time to another band.
Festival Hospitality
Feel free to drop by and mingle with Berklee faculty and staff as well as other band directors from across the country in the educator hospitality lounge. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
Festival Stickers
Festival stickers are enclosed with each registration packet. Additional stickers will be available at the registration desk or at the tables hosted by Berklee’s Office of Admissions.
Food
There is a food court located in the mall connected to the Hynes Convention Center. There are also many restaurants in the immediate area surrounding the Hynes. Please allow extra time to reenter the Hynes through the security checkpoints.
Emergency Procedures
In the event that the Hynes must be evacuated for any reason, follow the directions of Hynes security staff. Upon reentering the Hynes, directors (only) should report to room 304. Students, parents, and chaperones should return to the storage area and wait for further instructions.
General Assistance
If you need assistance at any time, please inquire at the registration desk.
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