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YOUNG ARTISTS’ COMPETITION 2010 RULES

The Guam Symphony Society’s Young Artists’ Competition is used to promote and encourage the development of musical talent on the island of Guam and in the surrounding region. The goals of the competition are to give young musicians the experience of a musical competition and the opportunity to showcase their talents before a larger audience.

Eligibility:
1. Open to all singers, instrumentalists, and pianists through the age of 21.
2. This is an individual competition. No ensembles are allowed in the competition.
3. The completed application form and application fee of $35 must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2009.
4. The winners must be available for rehearsals, performances and publicity as required.

Literature:
1. Acceptable literature for the competition includes any one movement from any work in the standard repertoire.
2. Transcriptions or arrangements are not acceptable unless transcribed by the original composer.
3. Memorization is preferred but not required.
4. Selection may be as short as you wish, but must not exceed 10 minutes.

Competition requirements:
1. No accompanists will be provided. You must have your own.
2. All singers are required to have a live accompanist. No recorded music or microphones are allowed.
3. Please dress appropriately for the competition.
4. Five minutes will be allotted for each contestant to warm up in the auditorium, beginning at 5 p.m. the evening of the competition.
5. If your accompanist requires an additional keyboard, please indicate this on the application form.
6. Once the competition begins, you will only be able to warm up in designated areas and you must remain backstage.
7. You will be notified of your expected competition time by January 15, 2010. You are expected to be backstage 45 minutes prior to your assigned time. If you are late and miss your competition time, you will not be allowed to compete.

Competition Format:
1. Division 1: Elementary (to 6th grade): 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2010, University of Guam Fine Arts Auditorium.
2. Division 2: Junior (7th to 10th grade) and Division 3, (11th grade through age 21): 6 p.m. Thursday, January 27, 2010.
3. The competition is open to the public.
4. The Guam Symphony Society reserves the right to amend the competition, including the divisions, based on the number of registered competitors. Any changes will be communicated to participants on or before January 20, 2009.

Evaluation:
1. Piano contestants will be judged separately.
2. All contestants will be judged on:
--Tone and Technique (rhythmic precision and dynamic contrast)
-- Interpretation (expression, phrasing, style and tempo)
-- Musicianship and presentation (musical selection, preparation, personal appearance.)
3. The decision of the judges is final.

Awards:
1. Winners will be declared by division, in two categories: piano and other instruments/voice.
2. The first place winners in all divisions and categories will perform at the showcase concert in February.
3. If the first place winner is unable to perform, the second place winner will be featured, then the third place, etc.
4. At the discretion of the Judges, a special top prize will be awarded that will include an opportunity to perform with the Guam Symphony Orchestra.