REPERTORY REQUIREMENTS

Repertory:

Students play up to 15 minutes (any style) of solo piano or piano concerto music and compete for traditional classical repertory prizes and/or the many creative and unusual categories such as classical embellishing and improvisation, versatility, lyricism, original compositions, works by female composers, transcriptions, original concerto cadenzas, jazz/pop/rag, etc. The total playing time of each student should not exceed 15 minutes regardless of how few or many prize categories for which the music may qualify.
PLEASE NOTE: The judge(s), not the students, actually decide which category or categories the music performed falls under.

In keeping with the creativity theme of this festival, contestants may play as few or as many selections -- in any style(s) -- as they wish, as long as the total playing time does not exceed 15 minutes.

As applicable to specific prizes, the selection(s) must be for piano solo (sonata movements or suites are allowed), and/or piano concerto movements.

Excerpts are generally not recommended (except, perhaps, in the "Tasteful Transcription/Arrangement" prize category). If in doubt, it is best to contact Dr. Houle in advance.

Repeats (i.e., those indicated as repeat signs) are discretionary, but strongly recommended if they are done to demonstrate appropriate variety, spontaneity and creativity.

15-minute limit strictly enforced:

In fairness to all students, playing time will be carefully monitored with a timepiece. If playing time does exceed 15 minutes, the student will be asked to stop, and, at the discretion of the judges, this final incomplete selection may be disqualified for consideration of prizes.

Flexibility in Awarding of Prizes:

Judges have complete discretion about the awarding of prizes. More than one prize may be awarded to a particular contestant. Conversely, prizes may not be awarded if it is determined that no one qualifies. In the unlikely event that a prize category is not awarded, the judges may use that prize money to award a second 'First Prize' in another category.

Minimum requirement ?

There is no minimum repertory requirement. Even one short selection could conceivably win one or more prizes. A student vying for the "Most Versatile Pianist" prize would, however, be advised to play the maximum 15 minutes and demonstrate as many styles and skills as possible.

Concerto information:

If concerto movement(s) are played, contestants are responsible for securing their own accompanist(s) to play the 2nd piano orchestral reduction part(s). The accompanist(s) can be any person or persons of the contestant's choice (If more than one concerto movement is played, the accompanist need not be the same person.) Tasteful cuts in the orchestral reduction part are allowable.

If a concerto movement selected allows for lead-in(s) or cadenza(s), please let us know in the application form who has written (or will improvise) these. Original cadenzas are encouraged, but not required, for the "Repertory Excellence Awards." Obviously, however, the student must have written (or will improvise) any lead-in(s) and cadenza(s) in order to qualify for the "Classical Embellishing/Improvising Cadenzas" category. [Students can and should, of course, get help from teachers, books, articles, etc. In the end, however, the student must be the primary author of cadenza(s) or lead-in(s) to qualify for this prize. We will rely on the ethical assurances of students, teachers, and parents in this regard.]

Bring music:

At least one copy of all the music to be played must be provided for the judge(s) (one copy per judge is ideal). Please, no photocopies unless music is original, unpublished and/or uncopyrighted. Measures should be numbered in all copies of the music. This will help the judge(s) make specific and constructive written comments. This festival is not just about winning prizes. We want to make it a joyful and educational experience for everyone!

By memory?

Contestants may perform with or without music. Judges are instructed that memory is not by itself a factor in evaluations. Some students prepare better and play better by memory. Others feel less nervous and more free to be spontaneous if the score or lead sheet is in front of them. Students who play with music are responsible for bringing a page turner if needed.

(For a recent article by Dr. Houle on this issue, see "Must I Memorize" on pp. 22-27 of the January/February 2000 issue of Piano & Keyboard.)

Repertory in successive years must vary:

It is the mission of this festival to encourage versatility. Therefore, students who have played in previous piano festivals cannot perform the same repertory that they played in any of those previous festivals, whether the repertory had won prize(s) or not.

Exception: If the work is in a significantly different form (a different version, different arrangement, student is now adding embellishments/improvisations/variants, etc.), then it may be allowed. If there are questions, it is best to contact Dr. Houle.

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Please note: All terms of this festival are contingent on fund-raising and subject to change.

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