Q: Are there specific age limitations for contestants?
A: No. The rules state that the contestant must be in the 7th to 12th grade. Contestants must be considered to be matriculating in the seventh to the 12 grade range. In the case of a home-tutored or other atypical student, equivalency in general intellectual competence and maturity should be indicated. This has never become an issue but specific questions may be addressed to the Competition Chair(s). (See below)
Q: Why may I not request an alternative repertoire selection?
A: The selections on the repertoire list have been carefully selected by the SSO with a number of issues in mind. Three of those issues follow. They are pieces appropriate to the skill levels of young artists. They are works for which the symphony either already possesses the orchestral parts or is able to secure them at reasonable cost. Timings of the pieces are almost all within 15 minutes, which will allow winners adequate rehearsal time with the orchestra. Therefore, alternate repertoire is not permitted. You should carefully check the repertoire list before studying a piece.
Q: May I request a specific audition time?
A: Yes, you certainly may. However, the logistics of the competition may preclude your request being granted. There are four divisions and four judges. The divisions do not run simultaneously which allows for each contestant to perform in the same space with the same piano. If you are a string player and the string division is scheduled from 8 am to 10:30 a.m., there is some flexibility within that block of time. If you request an 11 am audition time, that could not be granted.
Q: Exactly what are the criteria for winning the competition?
A: There is only one criterion: demonstrated musical ability consistent with the high standards associated with a nationally recognized symphony orchestra. This translates into excellent rhythm, superb technique, mastery of the work, and apparent artistry.
Q: How many contestants from each division go on to the finals?
A: Generally a maximum of 3 contestants from each division may be sent to the final round. If the preliminary judge does not think any of the contestants meet the criterion, none may be sent on. In rare occasions when the judge is absolutely adamant about more than three meeting the criterion, an exception may be made to the limit of three.
Q: Will there always be a winner in the final round?
A: We hope so. The rules make clear that if the judges of the final round do not find that any contestant meets the criterion to play with the SSO, CMM, Inc. and the SSO reserve the right to not select a winner. In that case, all contestants would be presented with Finalist Award Certificates and for that year no one would play a concerto movement with the symphony.
Q: What is the most frequent comment made by judges discussing which contestants are qualified to be sent to the final round or to play with the symphony?
A: Preliminary judges often comment about contestants who play very well but have "rhythm problems" and therefore cannot be recommended. In discussing those who are in contention after the final round, the judge(s) also frequently comment on rhythm issues. All are very clear about the absolute importance of maintaining a steady pulse and playing the internal rhythms accurately.
Q: What is the second most frequent comment heard from the judges?
A: Intonation, intonation, intonation.
Q: And the third?
A: Every year there are comments to the effect that a contestant has notable talent but does not have an adequate accompanist or is not playing "stylistically" well. Choosing a top-drawer coach-accompanist is an important consideration for each contestant. It is also essential to ensure adequate rehearsal time with your accompanist. Playing on your own is a very different experience from playing with a pianist and you need time to adjust to this. Do not expect to be able to put your piece together on one rehearsal.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the requirement to play from memory during the competition?
A: No.
Q: Can my parents, relatives or friends attend the competition?
A: Certainly. Both preliminary and final rounds of the competition are free and open to the public. Performance courtesy dictates that entering and exiting the hall occurs efficiently and quietly, only between contestant performances. You may invite as many as you would like to attend. However, for the final round, you and your guests must be seated in the hall by the beginning of the competition and plan to remain at least until the last contestant has played. This should take about two hours or less, depending upon the number of contestants. There will be a two minute interim between each contestant while the judge(s) complete feedback notes. After the last contestant has played, deliberations generally take 30 minutes. After they are completed, all finalists receive a certificate and winners, if any, are announced.
Q: How are the results of the preliminary and final round communicated?
A: For the preliminary round the judges' decisions and feedback will be posted in the US mail within 24 hours of the close of the round. Upon completion of the final round, deliberations generally take 30 minutes. Following this there will be a short ceremony where finalists receive a certificate and winners, if any, are announced.
More questions? Contact Nancy Pease at 656-7324 ([email protected]) or Susan Stinson at 729-7126 ([email protected])..