DIVISIONS and MEMORIZATION REQUIREMENTS

SOLO DIVISION applicants in piano, strings and voice must perform all selections from memory*. Wind applicants must perform at least one selection from memory. ENSEMBLE DIVISION applicants may play from the scores. EVALUATION DIVISION applicants may play from the scores and/or play fewer than the required number of selections. They will receive the panel's evaluation and comments, a letter grade (A, B, C, D) but no ribbon or recital performance.

CONCERTO DIVISION applicants compete for the honor of performing with the Rockland Symphony Orchestra, a concerto movement or comparable work for solo instrument or voice and orchestra. The movement counts as one selection in the repertoire requirements. Any cuts to long scores must be approved by the audition committee at the time of application. Should the concerto be chosen for performance, the musical director of the RSO must approve cuts, or change in repertoire. If the work is not standard repertoire, the teacher must determine availability of the orchestral scores and parts. The RSO will generally accept one pianist, one instrumentalist and one vocalist. An alternate may be named in each category, to be used at the discretion of the RSO. The judges retain the right not to declare winners or alternates. All selections must be performed from memory.*
* Exception: Abstract avant-garde compositions may be played from the score without prejudice in the judging.
All applicants (except solo piano) must provide an accompanist. In the concerto division, the accompanist may not be the applicant's teacher. The student is responsible for scores and fees. Names of accompanists are available on request.

GRADES, RIBBONS & STANDARDS

100     (GOLD) Outstanding performance played with expression, style, taste, technical security and poise. Any missed notes 99     do not disturb the flow. Instrumentalists and vocalists show mastery of intonation. Repertoire is appropriate for 98     age and seasons of study. All three pieces are well mastered and ready for public performance.
97     (BLUE) Superior performance, well prepared and executed. Perhaps one or two musical or technical elements are not 96     quite mastered, or there is a brief memory or technical slip. Instrumentalists and vocalists demonstrate a pleasing 95     level of intonation. At least two, if not all three, pieces are mastered, and ready for public performance.
94     (GREEN) Commendable performance, with moments of beauty. Although there is some work worth noting, student may 93     appear unnerved, or at times perform hesitantly or perfunctorily. Instrumentalists and vocalists may show 92     lapses in intonation. At least two pieces are not ready for public performance.
91     (RED) Satisfactory performance, but perhaps a mechanical or academic rendition with limited awareness of style 90     and little attention to musical and technical elements. Instrumentalists and vocalists may show poor intonation. 89     Perhaps all three pieces are not ready for public performance.
88     Unsatisfactory performance, unprepared and poorly executed. Perhaps severe memory lapses. Student will Receive a Certificate of Participation.
Teachers should review these standards with students and parents well before Audition Day. Each judge will give a grade from 88 to 100. The two grades will be averaged by the audition committee. Scores which average '/2 will be rounded to the next higher grade. The average score determines the ribbon color. Teachers should pick up their evaluations and grades at the judging center at the end of Audition Day, or authorize someone to do so. If the results have to be mailed, there will be a delay of several days in receiving the information.

RECITAL

Students who receive an average score of 95 or higher are invited to perform in a Blue and Gold Recital. Blue recipients may play one piece. Gold recipients may perform one or two pieces. However, recital time for both blue and gold recipients must not exceed one-half of the total time of the audition program. Teachers must notify the audition committee of their students' participation within 24 hours of receiving the evaluations, as the recital is just one week after the auditions this year. It is important that concerto winners appear on the recital program. Simons Hall has two pianos.