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Music Arranging
Music Arranging is an individual event designed to allow an original melody to be set to new harmonies or a new format. A song could be put in any vocal, piano, or instrumental arrangement (e.g., choir, ensemble, piano solo, or strings group). Entry must be the original work of the student. The entry must be ORIGINAL in its entirety except for the actual melody.
Must be submitted two weeks before Convention. Any arrangements submitted after this time will not be judged. It might be best to mail it our 3 weeks before Convention.
Two copies of the music composition and CD must be submitted with entry. Each copy should be clearly marked with the student’s name and school name, address, phone number and contact sponsor attached to the front of each copy. Do not submit your original copy.
Include two copies of the Affidavit, properly signed. Attach one copy to each copy of the music composition.
Two copies of the Judge’s Forms are required.
One entry per student.
Two copies of a CD of the music arrangement is required.
The entry must be the original work of the student and must have been written after the end of the previous Student Convention.
The copyright owner of the song should be contacted for permission to write an arrangement of his / her song.
MUSIC ARRANGING JUDGING CRITERIA (Download PDF)
| Areas of Evaluation | Possible Points |
|---|---|
| Balance | |
| A. Unique melody – altered slightly / significantly by notation, meter, or a distinct melodic variation | (1-5) |
| B. Instrumentation or voicing (unity of style yet an interest created through variety) | (1-5) |
| Creativity | |
| A. Consistency of style / proper transitions between styles | (1-5) |
| B. Counter-melody action (instrumental) or vocal variety (distinct, individual parts) | (1-5) |
| C. Structural foundation (sustained instrumentation or underlying oohs and ahs) | (1-5) |
| D. Melodic treatment | (1-5) |
| E. Harmonic variety | (1-5) |
| F. Rhythmic interest | (1-5) |
| G. Accompaniment / chord progressions (melodic) | (1-5) |
| H. Effective use of dynamics (variation in volume and pace) | (1-5) |
| I. Use / resolution of dissonance | (1-5) |
| J. Economy (only included notes that serve a specific purpose) | (1-5) |
| K. Overall emotion / mood created effectively | (1-5) |
| L. Focus (melody as the point of attention; interludes or postludes, if any, serve as enhancement points for variation) | (1-5) |
| Accuracy | |
| A. Correct use of the musical notation system | (1-5) |
| B. Readability | (1-5) |
| Selection | |
| A. Degree of difficulty | (1-5) |
| B. Originality (completed work shows a clear attempt to “rearrange” an existing song into a unique composition) | (1-5) |
| C. Message / ministry (ministers to the listener) | (1-5) |
| Proper documentation submitted | (1-5) |
| TOTAL POINTS | (100) |
Hints from Music Judges
Most of the Music Judges’ comments deal with intonation (the ability to sing and play in tune) and rhythmic accuracy. The Judges are requiring the music to be performed exactly as it is written. Often, student performers have lost many points because they performed a piece according to the way they have heard it in the past instead of the way the music indicates.
Please be aware that the accompaniment is a vitally important part of a musical entry. If the accompanist does not have the ability to easily perform the accompaniment, it will undoubtedly cause the score to be lowered.
Do not choose music that is overly difficult in an effort to impress the Judges. Choose music that best suits the ability of your students.
Please be sure your music choices follow Student Convention Guidelines.