General Rules for all Entrants

Eligibility

Entry Rules

Entry Forms and Fees

Honors and Awards

Composer Classification List

 

Division Specific Rules

Concerto

Piano

Strings

Chamber

Woodwind

 

CHAIR

Jane Miyamoto-Dell’Isola

(425) 373-9397

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Competitive Concerto classes: For adjudication and ranking for participation in Concerto Playoffs. ALL SYAMFA and individual class rules are strictly applied.

Adjudication Only Concerto classes: For the experience of adjudication only, not for competition. These class numbers are followed by the letters “n”.

RULES

1. Pre-requisite: To be accepted in a Concerto Class, participants must also enter a Complete Program Class in their instrument division, on the same instrument as the concerto.
   
   All periods required of the Complete Program must be performed during the adjudication or the student will be disqualified from competition and permitted to perform in the Concerto Class for evaluation only. If pianists (grades 11-12) enter a Beethoven Sonata Class in lieu of a Complete Program, the concerto must then be from a period other than Classical. Those exercising the three-period Complete Program option must follow all requirements of that option. Please see the Complete Program rules for compliance.
   
   
2. Required: A rental source and the rental fee for a full Conductor’s score, and parts for a 50-member orchestra must be indicated on the entry form. Company name, phone number and exact rental fee are required. Online music stores do not qualify. The SYAMFA does not purchase orchestral scores/parts. Non-competitive “AO” classes are exempt from this rule.
• Random checks are made to verify information provided. Please do not guess.
• Failure to provide accurate score/parts rental information will result in disqualification from Playoffs consideration.
• Please specify edition if appropriate.
• A list of the most likely rental sources can be found at:
  Orchestral Score/Parts Rental Information.
  
  
3. Any changes in music after the entry deadline will result in disqualification from competitive concerto.
   
   
4. Entrants must arrange for an accompanist before the application deadline. Those needing assistance should contact their Instrument Division Chair. Accompanists are limited to a maximum of 35 performances if playing for students in more than one division. Please make sure your accompanist is aware of this rule.
   
   
5. Photocopied music is NOT allowed per copyright law.
   
   
6. An original score must be provided to the adjudicator.
   
   
7. Each performer will play one or more contrasting movements of a concerto including the cadenza, or one of the standard compositions with orchestral accompaniment.
   
   
8. Music must be memorized unless the concerto is for two or more solo instruments. For two-piano concerti, students must be prepared to play all tutti or provide a third keyboard. Entry must be made in the class appropriate to the older performer. Please see special requirements for Ensembles under Entry Forms & Fees.
   
   
9. Measure numbers must be marked in the left margin at each brace.
   
   
10. Omit optional repeats and piano tutti sections except when absolutely necessary. A cadenza may be composed if desired, or for string soloists, may have cuts to reduce length.
    
    
11. Performances will be confined to specified time limits. The performance will be stopped if time is exceeded.
    
    
12. Private lessons or tutoring from any SYAMFA adjudicator during Festival week is strictly prohibited and will disqualify the entrant from Concerto Playoffs.
    
    
13. Outstanding performers will be chosen by the adjudicators to perform in the Concerto Playoffs.
    
    
14. In Playoffs, the adjudicators will determine which portions of the concerti will be performed. The allowable playing time will be determined by the total number of performers. Finalists making pre-determined cuts will be disqualified.
    
    
15. Concerto Playoffs are held on Saturday. All finalists and their accompanists must be available to perform between 9:30 am and 4:45 pm. Any lack of availability during these hours must be reported to the Registration Desk during Festival Week.
    

PERFORMANCE PROCEDURE

1. Entrants should report to the Registration Desk at least 15 minutes before the scheduled class time.
   
   
2. The class performance order cannot be changed, except by the Festival Office for emergencies.
   
   
3. Music should be opened to the proper page when presented to the monitor.
   
   
4. Oral adjudication will be given in the second half of each class after all participants have played. All participants are required to stay to the end of the class. Only accompanists or teachers may leave before the end of a session.
   
   
5. Pick up your music, written adjudication form, and Certificate of Participation at the close of each class.
   
   
6. Teachers, family members and guests are welcome to attend adjudicated classes, but are expected to remain quiet and unobtrusive throughout the session. Verbal or non-verbal communication or coaching is not permitted.
   
   
7. Turn off all cell phones and pagers before entering the performance room. Flash photography is not permitted. Video and audio equipment, if discreetly used, may be acceptable subject to the approval of the adjudicator.

PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY

Competitive Concerto classes are for adjudication and ranking for participation in Playoffs. All SYAMFA rules are strictly applied. Performers entered in Competitive Concerto Classes are eligible to be considered for Playoffs provided they have fulfilled all requirements of both their Complete Program and Concerto classes. Concerto winners of the previous year are not eligible to be winners in the current Festival, but may perform in Playoffs to be considered for a Festival Medal. Concerto Playoffs are held on Saturday. All finalists and their accompanists must be available to perform between 9:30 am and 4:45 pm.

CONCERTO CONCERT

1. Winners to perform in the SYAMFA Concerto Concert will be chosen from the Playoffs for demonstrated excellence.
   
   
2. Winners shall perform the same repertoire in the Concerto Concert as was performed in Concerto Playoffs.
   
   
3. Winners must be available to rehearse and perform with the orchestra. If the orchestral score and parts cannot be acquired in a timely way, or the orchestra conductor determines that a winning concerto would require more rehearsal time than the orchestra's schedule allows, the winning performer will be asked to perform with an accompanist at the Concerto Concert in place of the orchestra.
   

Concerto Classes

Junior Competitive
Instrument	Class	Grades	Playing Time	Fee
Piano	29	5-8	15 min	$72
Violin/Viola	49	5-8	15 min	$72
Cello/Bass	59	5-8	15 min	$72
Flute	79	5-8	15 min	$72
Reed	89	5-8	15 min	$72

Junior Adjudication Only
Instrument	Class	Grades	Playing Time	Fee
Piano	29n	5-8	15 min	$55
Violin/Viola	49n	5-8	15 min	$55
Cello/Bass	59n	5-8	15 min	$55
Flute	79n	5-8	15 min	$55
Reed	89n	5-8	15 min	$55

Senior Competitive
Instrument	Class	Grades	Playing Time	Fee
Piano	30	9-12	20 min	$77
Violin/Viola	50	9-12	20 min	$77
Cello/Bass	60	9-12	20 min	$77
Flute	80	9-12	20 min	$77
Reed	90	9-12	20 min	$77

Senior Adjudication Only
Instrument	Class	Grades	Playing Time	Fee
Piano	30n	9-12	20 min	$61
Violin/Viola	50n	9-12	20 min	$61
Cello/Bass	60n	9-12	20 min	$61
Flute	80n	9-12	20 min	$61
Reed	90n	9-12	20 min	$61