Music Guidelines

Student Convention has, and always will, support the authority of the local church and does not ask churches or Christian schools to adopt these Music Guidelines as their ministry standard. Furthermore, such standards are not given to imply greater spirituality. It is simply our goal to offer a wonderful opportunity for students to reach their highest potential and to have a set standard by which to judge.

All music arrangements are to be Christian or patriotic rather than secular. Music sung or played with a sensual, or worldly style is not acceptable. Contemporary Christian, jazz, gospel rock, or gospel country music are not acceptable. In our Music Guidelines, “contemporary” refers to a style of music, not the date on which a piece was written. Narration and / or dramatic dialogue are not allowed.

An analysis of music, text, and performance techniques are essential in determining whether a song / performance is suitable. Music is appropriate only when the lyrics, musical style, and presentation are consistent with Biblical principles.

APPEARANCE

Gentlemen: dress shirts and ties should be worn for all music performances. No running shoes or casual type shoes should be worn for platform events.

Ladies: nice church outfits should be worn for all music performances. No running shoes or casual type shoes should be worn for platform events.

When selecting a musical piece, please consider the following…

ELEMENTS OF MUSIC

Melody – a good melody has a definite high place near its conclusion so that there is a sense of climax and resolution.

Harmony – harmony should support the melody and play a subservient role.

Rhythm – the rhythm of the song has much to do with the overall integrity of the piece. A subtle rhythm or sense of pulsation with a balance of regular accent patterns and occasional syncopation for variety and interest is acceptable. The rhythm must not overtake the melody, harmony, message, or overall flow of a song. Avoid musical compositions with excessive repetition of a melodic phrase, harmonic pattern, rhythmic pattern, or any combination of these three. Music with continuous syncopation, dominant beat, highly accented backbeat, and / or break beat is not acceptable.

Worldly Identification – the message carried by a musical style does not change by simply adding religious or Scriptural lyrics.

A musical composition should have a definite beginning, build to a climax point, and communicate a definite sense of conclusion. The musical sound must not detract from the message of the words.

TEXT

Accuracy – Good lyrics must be Biblically accurate in both definition and associative meaning.

Implications – any implied ideas must be examined to make sure that nothing unacceptable is implied and that the intent of Scriptural teaching and principle are satisfied. A wise performer will always check the implied communication of a song’s message to verify its total accuracy.

Crossover Songs – the lyrics must CLEARLY state at some point whom the song is about. Avoid songs that could easily be sung in the content of a secular love song. The attributes of God should be maintained in the highest regard any time He is addressed.

Message – good lyrics say something of value. Not every song needs to be as profound as our richest hymns, but good lyrics never include trite phrases just for the sake of rhyme. Such phrases are designed for entertainment rather than edification. Good lyrics fulfill a definite purpose. If the text is sung as a hymn, it should express some Godly attribute that helps us worship the Lord. If the text is sung as a gospel song, it should be a message that encourages us. The message should also be simple enough that almost anyone can easily understand it, relate to it, and apply it.

PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES

Presentation – give careful attention that the musical presentation does not reflect secular styles (breathy, sensual, and so on). “Crooning,” “sliding,” “sagging,” or other such terms are vocal crutches and should be avoided. Use caution that the presentation is not done in an “entertainment” attitude or style.

Movement – no choreography, planned or unnecessary bodily movement (including hand clapping, foot stomping, deaf signing, finger snapping, etc.) will be permitted. Participants should stand erect; bend knees slightly to relax rigid leg muscles, with arms and shoulders relaxed and thumbs resting at the side-seam of clothing.

Questions to evaluate musical selections / performances:

1. Does the music glory God, not the performer or composer?

2. Does the music reflect Biblical doctrine and Godly living?

3. Is the rhythm a subservient feature that does not dominate the music?

4. Does the accompaniment being played have a subservient role to the lyrics and not distract the listener from the message?

5. Are the lyrics Biblically accurate?

6. Is the performance a straightforward presentation, focusing on vocal technique that employs proper breathing (avoid breathy tones, sagging and sliding pitches, and / or choreographed movement)?

7. Is the music easily identifiable as a Christ-honouring piece as opposed to a “new sound” as in secular or entertainment styles?

8. Does the music invoke positive responses?

9. Does the music praise the Lord, focus on God, or deliver a clear spiritual message?

GENERAL PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES

1. Two copies of the arrangement, as performed, must be given to the Judges before a performance. Music must be performed exactly as it appears on the score. For example, if chords are changed, music should be rewritten to reflect the changes.

2. Participants may sing a cappella or be accompanied by an adult or student (of convention age) playing a piano.

3. All vocal and instrumental music is to be memorized.

4. There should be a pre-selected spokesperson for each group who will introduce the school / church they are from and the title of the song to be performed. Those singing solos are to give their first and last names and title of their presentation. For example, my name is John Doe and I will be singing “Amazing Grace.” (This is not counted against performance time).

5. The time limit will be 4 minutes. If the musical piece exceeds this time limit, the participant will receive a .5 point deduction for any portion of thirty second increments. (For example: a piece time at 5:12 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece at 5:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score).

Checklist for Music:

1. Copies of music: each original music is to be marked with the student’s name or sponsors name and school name, address, and phone number clearly visible on the front of each copy. We cannot be responsible for lost music.

2. Judge’s Forms: submit two copies, properly filled out. These should be given to Judges when your name is called.

3. When selecting music for vocal participation, careful attention should be given to level of difficulty. Songs with too much unison or lack of distinct, individual parts do not usually do well. All members (duet, trio, quartet, etc.) or sections (ensemble) should demonstrate an ability to “carry” their individual parts with proper pitch, tone, and blend.