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HOW
TO
ENTER
STEP
1.
Carefully
read
the
rules
and
conditions
of
the
DOWNBEAT
Student
Music
Awards.
STEP
2.
After
November
1,
we
will
begin
to
accept
entries
online.
This
is
a
new
process
aimed
at
streamlining
entry
system.
When
you
are
ready
to
post
your
entry,
simply
go
to
downbeat.com/sma
to
begin
the
process.
ALL
ENTRIES
MUST
BE
SUBMITTED
ONLINE
NO
LATER
THAN
DEC.
31,
2011.
1. All entries must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2011. 2. All students must be enrolled in the same school for group entries (categories 2, 3, 5, 7). 3. One copy of the student/group recording and application must be submitted for each category the student/group enters. Likewise, if the same tracks are being entered in different categories, or if more than one soloist on the tracks is entering the soloist category, the appropriate number of recordings and applications must be submitted (one CD and application per soloist and category). 4. There is no limit to the number of categories any individual or ensemble may enter. Each student/group can only submit one entry in each category. 6. Composition entries (categories 8 & 9) must include a recording on CD and a copy of full score as a 8.5 x 11 pdf or fold to this size. Also include notice of copyright or copy of signed application for copyright. To ensure anonymity, do not include names of composer and school on the score. The composition does not need to be recorded by a student ensemble. 7. Arrangement entries (category 10) must include a recording on CD and a copy of full score on 8.5 x 11 pdf or fold to this size. To ensure anonymity, do not include names of composer and school on the score. The arrangement does not need to be recorded by a student ensemble. 8. Engineering entries (category 11 & 12) must include a list of equipment used. label. 10. Competition is not open to student musicians engaged in full-time professional work. 11. Please include a color hi-res digital image of group or individual. Label photo with group name or individual student name. Send pictures to sma@downbeat.com via email.
JUDGING
1. Judgments are made solely on the basis of ability demonstrated on the candidate recordings. Recordings are judged blind, that is, they are known to the judges only by a code number. 2. Judging criteria are similar to those used by DOWNBEAT in its CD reviews: musicianship, creativity, improvisation, technique, sound quality and balance, excitement, authority, etc. 3. If, in the opinion of the judges, there is no entry in a category that meets DOWNBEAT standards, then that category is
4.
5.
6.
7.
declared no contest with no awards made. The judges may also establish a new category if the nature of the entries warrants the addition. The judges are professional musicians and educators. Applicants will be notified via email once their entry is received. Please allow at least 2 weeks for the application to be processed. If entering in a group category (2, 3, 5, 8), please indicate a group leader on the personnel form. If a leader is not indicated, an email will be sent to the sponsoring teacher. Official Results will be published in the June Issue in 2012 and the official release date of winners is April 27,, 2012. All participating schools/teachers will receive copies of the June Issue in early May. All winners will be notified before publication of the June 2012 Issue. They will not be told which award they won, but will be able to publicize the fact that their school (or student) won an SMA and state that the winners will be published in the June 2011 Issue.
CATEGORIES
Below are the categories and requirements for this years Student Music Awards. If you have any questions, contact Sue Mahal, sma@downbeat.com. A separate application must be submitted for each category. Only 1 entry per category per person or group will be accepted.
1.
Jazz
Soloist
5.
Instrumental
or
Vocal
2
Selections
or
10
Minutes
2.
Jazz
Group/Combo
(3-9
musicians)
6.
Instrumental
or
Vocal
2
Selections
or
15
Minutes
3.
Large
Jazz
Ensemble
(10+
musicians)
7.
Instrumental
or
Vocal
3
Selections
or
20
Minutes
4.
Classical
Soloist
8.
Instrumental
or
Vocal
2
Selections
or
20
Minutes
9.
Original
Composition
Lead
Sheet
Includes
original
melody
and
chords
but
not
orchestrated
Must
include
score
and
can
be
written
for
any
instrumentation
10.
Original
Composition
Orchestrated
Work
Includes
original
melody
and
chords
and
is
orchestrated
Must
include
score
and
can
be
written
for
any
instrumentation
11.
Jazz
Arrangement
Do
not
submit
original
student
compositions
in
this
category
Must
include
score
and
can
be
written
for
any
instrumentation
12.
Engineered
Live
Recording
Must
be
recorded
outside
of
a
studio
Minimum
of
20
Minutes
Any
musical
style
or
instrumentation
13.
Engineered
Studio
Recording
Must
be
recorded
inside
a
studio
Minimum
of
20
Minutes
Any
musical
style
or
instrumentation
Classical
Group
(2+
musicians)
Instrumental
or
Vocal
3
Selections
or
30
Minutes
Blues/Pop/Rock
Soloist
Instrumental
or
Vocal
2
Selections
or
10
Minutes
Blues/Pop/Rock
Group
(2+
musicians)
Instrumental
or
Vocal
3
Selections
or
20
Minutes
Latin
Group
(2+
musicians)
Instrumental
or
Vocal
3
Selections
or
20
Minutes