71st Annual Convention and Competition

Transcription

1 71st Annual Convention and Competition October 9-14, 2017 International Quartet Competitor enotebook Semifinals: October 11, 2017 Finals: October 13, 2017

2 International Quartet Competitor enotebook Overview Pre-Competition General Information Convention Registration Competition Items Technical Rehearsal and Semifinals Briefing Traffic Pattern/Competitor Drop-Off Information Withdrawals International Stage Copyright Matters Basic Criteria for Public Performance Forms Competition Authorization Notice of Special Circumstances Trophy Shipment Competition Recording and Photography Individual Chorus Performance Ordering Information for Read Photography Semifinals General Information Technical Rehearsal and Semifinals Briefing Distribution of Scores and Performance Recordings Advancing to the Finals Traffic Pattern Official Panels Forms Contact Sheet and Packet Release Semifinals Song Information Sheet Semifinals Video Cue Sheet Finals General Information Finals Briefing Traffic Pattern Props Stage Most Entertaining Award Distribution of Scores and Performance Recordings Guidelines for Preparing and Judging an Entertainment Package Awards Ceremony Forms Finals Video Cue Sheet Finals Song Information Sheet

3 PRE-COMPETITION GENERAL INFORMATION Convention Registration All competitors must register for the International Convention. If you have not registered for convention, click here to register. Reserved seat tickets and badges are mailed directly to the quartet contact for distribution, except for our non-u.s. competitors. To avoid shipping delays, non-u.s. competitors may pick up their badges and tickets at the ticket office located in the MGM Grand Garden Arena foyer during the following hours: Monday, October 9 Tuesday, October 10 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. If you have additional questions about tickets and seating, Events or call Competition Items For a complete listing of all competition rules and regulations, please use the 2017 Competition Handbook. Technical Rehearsal and Semifinals Briefing The technical rehearsal and semifinals briefings are held Tuesday, October 10, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The semifinals briefing begins at 9:30 a.m. The technical rehearsal is held immediately following the briefing. Additional information is located in the Semifinals section. We are offering our non-competing members a chance to sing on the international stage as our Tech Rehearsal Chorus. While quartets are not required to stay after the briefing, you are certainly welcome, but cannot sing in the tech rehearsal chorus. Traffic Pattern/Competitor Drop-Off Information Your arrival time is listed in the traffic pattern schedule, located in the Semifinals General Information section. Try not to meet too early, as the competitor arrival location is located in the MGM Grand Garden Arena foyer along with International Sales. Convention assistants will help direct you throughout the casino floor and MGM Grand. You are responsible for being at the arrival location on time. The arrival time in the traffic pattern is the time you need to be at the escalators, ready to enter the traffic pattern. You might want to send out scouts to ensure you are familiar with the competitor arrival location. Withdrawals In the event you find it necessary to withdraw from the contest, notify Competition Services at competition@sweetadelines.com immediately. International Stage Click here for the stage diagram and measurements. The stage is not permanent and will be carpeted. There is not a curtain. White draping is used to create a backdrop. Note that the draping is not angled as sharply as the drawing describes. It is much longer in front of the risers. Tape marks a guideline where the quartet should stand for optimum sound amplification for the audience. Judges score your performance using unamplified sound. Monitors are used for all quartet performances. In addition, quartets have the option of entering stage left, stage right, center stage, or any combination of the three entrances. Forms to designate your entrance choice are provided.

4 COPYRIGHT MATTERS In your competition materials, you will find the Certification of Copyright Clearance on the Competition Authorization form. When this portion of the form is initialed by the quartet, or by the president/team leader on behalf of the chorus, it states that to the best of your knowledge, the arrangements your group is performing are legal arrangements, either they have been cleared through the copyright process, are original works, or are songs in the public domain. Generally, when you purchase music you can assume that appropriate permissions have been obtained. However, if you are not certain, it is acceptable to ask the music provider to verify that the arrangement has cleared the copyright approval process. Be aware that lyrics, like the music itself, are copyright protected. Legal issues typically occur only when a performer makes musical or lyrical changes to a published arrangement without permission. Altering a few words to personalize the song for the performer is usually permissible; however, if the lyrical changes involve a parody, with very few exceptions a performer must obtain permission from the copyright holder to make such changes. Parody lyrics are defined by Jay Althouse in his book, Copyright: The Complete Guide for Music Educators, as follows: Parody lyrics are lyrics which replace the original lyrics of a vocal work or are added to an instrumental work. In general, any parody lyric or the revision of a lyric that changes the integrity (character) of the work requires authorization from the copyright owner. Copyright holders have the right to say no to any particular arrangement of their music, and they exercise that right frequently when it comes to parodies. Copyright holders will generally want to review the parody lyrics prior to granting approval or permission to arrange. In addition, when we obtain permission to put your performance on video, copyright holders request copies of all parody lyrics before that permission is considered. As a result, we are now requiring all competitors to attach parody lyrics to the Song Information Sheet so that we are not unduly delayed in our request for licensing. To avoid further complications, and in accordance with the policy adopted by the International Board of Directors, no parodies will be included on our international recordings without written permission from the copyright holders. Obtaining permission to arrange a piece of music with parody lyrics does not guarantee that the copyright holder will grant permission for the video recording. Sweet Adelines International always tries to comply, to the best of its knowledge and ability, with all applicable copyright and licensing laws of the United States. Use of the certification of copyright clearance is intended to help you protect the organization from complications resulting from the licensing restrictions. We also recognize that you, as members and performers, want to do the right thing and be in compliance with the law as well. In the future, if it is determined that a contestant has provided false information or has not appropriately obtained permission for an arrangement, and as a result the organization is subject to extraordinary expenses, legal fees, or fines, that contestant may be asked to share in these costs. Putting our organization at risk may result in disqualification at international contest. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Music Services at music@sweetadelines.com or at , ext. 137 to speak with Tracy Shoghi, Music Services Coordinator.

5 BASIC CRITERIA FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCE Each chapter and quartet, as a part of Sweet Adelines International, is committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. In order to promote this appreciation, each chapter must present a professional performance that enhances the music and emphasizes the appropriate image. In order to ensure the quality of our public performances, the Education Coordinator (ED) is responsible for evaluating the musical abilities of chapters and prospective chapters, including their readiness for public performance. In addition, chapters are expected to establish quality control and auditioning procedures for quartets that represent their chapters. Although quality is difficult to specify, minimum standards must be established. Listed below are the Basic Criteria for Public Performance adopted by the International Board of Directors. These criteria are used by the EDs in determining if a prospective or established chapter may perform in public. The International Board of Directors strongly urges chapters to use these same basic criteria when auditioning quartets. PERFORMANCE Musical Performance Performing groups and their audiences enjoy variety (including novelty or comedy songs, solos, and songs with modern chords) in a performance. However, the performance should include predominant use of barbershop arrangements sung in barbershop style as defined in the Judging Category Description Book. Public performances should include the following musical skills: Correct notes and words In sync and in tune Energy and forward motion Visual Performance Correct stage stance and posture Even spacing between chorus members Synchronization of planned movement Display of appropriate facial expression and poise Energy and emotional connection with the audience Appropriateness Subject matter, lyrics or presentation should not be offensive to members and/or audience Length of performance should fit the occasion and the audience Emcee Material is planned ahead and relevant to the audience Delivery enhances the performance and creates a sense of continuity throughout the program Uses appropriate material in good taste. Good singing is the emphasis; joke telling should be minimized and used with caution UNIT APPEARANCE Costume Proper fit Clean, pressed and in good repair Appropriate for venue and audience Grooming Hair that is neat, clean, and styled suitably for the costume Appropriate stage or street makeup applied in a uniform manner MEMBERS AS AMBASSADORS All performance related contacts between Sweet Adelines and the public should be business-like and pleasant. A generic plan, either formal or informal, should be developed that assigns responsibilities and ensures that all performance related administrative details are properly handled. Each member should be aware that any interaction is a chance to make a positive impression. Of particular importance are: Interaction between the performance coordinator and those who hire the group to perform Interaction between the performing group and the audience, before, during and after the performance Interaction with personnel at the performance site

6 PRE-COMPETITION FORMS DUE SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 To facilitate the e-sharing of materials and information, we have simplified some of the forms and processes by making them electronic surveys. The following pre-competition forms are due back to international headquarters no later than September 8, 2017: Competition Authorization Click here to open the PDF. The PDF can be completed and submitted via to Competition Services by September 8, This authorization should be signed by the quartet contact or all four members if submitting by fax. This form contains the following authorizations: Assignment of Recording and Film Rights Release of Claims: General competition waiver. Certification of Copyright Clearance: Indicates that to the best of your knowledge, all arrangements, for all sessions, being sung by your quartet have cleared the copyright process. Refer to Copyright Matters in the Pre-Competition General Information section for additional copyright information. Authorization to Film in the Traffic Pattern: Indicates whether or not your quartet would permit a film crew, for documentary or media purposes, to join you in the pattern (particularly in the warm-up room). Filming will not intrude upon competitors or interfere with the competition. Willingness to participate does not guarantee the opportunity will be available. Notice of Special Circumstances It is necessary for staff working in the traffic pattern to be aware of any special circumstances that might require attention or assistance (e.g., wheelchair, seeing-eye dog) to ensure a smooth competition. This form, available as an electronic survey, provides staff with necessary information so special transportation arrangements can be made for contest. Click here to open the form in your internet browser; fill it out and hit the submit button to send the form to headquarters. NOTE: Arrangements for renting wheelchairs and scooters are the responsibility of the quartet member and must be made prior to competition. Trophy Shipment If your quartet wins the finals competition, you may choose to take your trophy with you or have staff ship it to you. This form, available as an electronic survey, notifies staff how to handle your trophy. Click here to open the form in your internet browser; fill it out and hit the submit button to send the form to headquarters. The interactive forms include the option for the quartet contact to provide an electronic signature. If you are unable to return the required forms by , fax a hard copy, with the appropriate signatures indicated on the form, to Please contact competition@sweetadelines.com or with questions.

7 COMPETITION RECORDINGS ORDERS DUE BY SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 Individual Chorus Performance All competition sessions are recorded by a professional production company. Individual chorus performances will be made available to each competitor on-site via flash drive in their competitor packet at the conclusion of international convention. You may share this digital recording with members of your chorus. Performances will also be available via the Sweet Adelines YouTube channel after convention weekend. You may gain permission to share these videos by completing the Google form here. Note: a complimentary flash drive of the awards is included in the International Champion s packet. Photography Orders Read Photography is the exclusive photographer for the 2017 Sweet Adelines International Convention & Competition. To access the photography order form, please click here. Advance purchases may be made by turning in the completed order form and payment for the exact amount of purchase at the briefing or visit the Read Photography booth located inside the arena near the general attendee entrance. Please do not hesitate to contact Competition Services if you have further questions.

8 SEMIFINALS GENERAL INFORMATION Technical Rehearsal and Semifinals Briefing The semifinals briefing is held on Tuesday, October 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The technical rehearsal immediately follows the semifinals briefing. While attendance at the technical rehearsal is allowed, you may not participate in the technical rehearsal chorus. At least one member of your quartet must be present for the briefing. Staff reviews the traffic pattern and advises you of any important updates or changes. Walk-ons are also conducted at this time. Distribution of Scores and Performance Recordings For a period of approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of each contest session, quartets not participating in the finals session may pick up their packets backstage at the base of the onstage ramp. The packets will contain a copy of the official scores, one copy of each scoresheet and one flash drive (if purchased) of your performance. Packets not picked up within the allotted time may be retrieved from the competition office located in Studio #5 of the arena the following day. Advancing to the Finals The top 10 scoring competitors from the semifinals session will advance to the Finals. The 11th place quartet is invited to mic-test at the Finals. All Finals competitors, including the mic-testing quartet, are eligible for the Most Entertaining Award. Review the Finals section for briefing instructions and additional information. Traffic Pattern Click here for the traffic pattern map and here for the semifinals traffic pattern schedule. Use the traffic pattern schedule as a reference for approximate arrival and on-stage times. Staff and convention assistants will meet you at the competitor arrival location in the MGM Grand Garden Arena foyer. They will ensure each group is escorted to the proper location at the appropriate times. Quartet members use an escalator from the foyer to the lower level where the primp, photography and warm-up rooms are located; be sure to tell your quartet members. Make sure all members of your quartet step on and off of the escalators slowly. If any member is uncomfortable using escalators, please fill out the Notice of Special Circumstances found in the Pre-Competition Forms section. Primp/Photography Your first stop is the primp and photography area. To avoid delays, we encourage your quartet to have your pose planned prior to arriving for your photo. You can turn the completed order form and payment for the exact amount of purchase in at the briefing, give it to the convention assistants in the photography area or visit the Read Photography booth located inside the arena near the general public access doors. Warm-up After your photography session, you are allowed 10 minutes in warm-up. From there, unless a brief holding period is required, you are directed to the stage entrance. Purse Bags Each quartet receives one large bag with handles at the semifinals briefing for storing belongings during contest. Quartet members should only bring essential items, including their tickets to enter the competition hall after performing. Items should be placed in the bag prior to entering the traffic pattern and will be redistributed after leaving the backstage area. Please retain your purse bag to use again should you advance to the Finals session.

9 2017 INTERNATIONAL OFFICIAL PANELS QUARTET Panel Chair Sharon Babb Sound Beth Smith Dale Syverson Music Sharon Carlson Jan Meyer Expression Lea Beverley Marcia Pinvidic Showmanship Barbara Nielsen Becki Hine Panel Secretaries Linda Gummerson Emily Mock Pages Janice McKenna Kate Veeder CHORUS Panel Chair Marcia Pinvidic Sound Ruth Ann Parker Valerie Taylor Music Sharon Babb Lynda Keever Expression Betty Clipman Vickie Maybury Showmanship Peggy Gram Tori Postma Panel Secretaries Linda Gummerson Emily Mock Pages Kate Veeder Janice McKenna

10 SEMIFINALS FORMS DUE SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 All Semifinals forms must be submitted electronically by September 8, To facilitate the e-sharing of materials and information, we have simplified some of the forms and processes by making them electronic surveys. Following is a list of the semifinals forms with information and instructions for completing them: Contact Sheet and Packet Release This form is available as an electronic survey. Click here to open the form in your internet browser; fill it out and hit the submit button to send the form to headquarters. The contact section of this form lets us know where your quartet is staying during the convention week and a phone number (cellular) we may reach you in case of an emergency. If you would like for someone other than a member of your quartet to pick up your competition packet following competition, indicate that on this form. Semifinals Song Information Sheet Each quartet must provide the information requested on this form, available as an electronic survey. The arranger of the song, your local library and a Web search of the song are the best sources of information. Sweet Adelines International has contracted with Naked Voice Records to have your semifinals performance available for download. In order for your performance to be available to download on itunes you must submit this form by September 8, Click here to open the form in your internet browser; fill it out and hit the submit button to send the form to headquarters. Semifinals Video Cue Sheet You have the option of entering the stage from stage right, stage left (lectern side), center stage, or any combination of the three. Completing this form, available as an electronic survey, ensures the official panel has the appropriate information and technical areas such as camera and backstage assistance are covered. Be sure to include each move of your final pose for the photographer. Click here to open the form in your internet browser; fill it out and hit the submit button to send the form to headquarters. This is the only document accepted, and therefore you must provide brief, accurate details. Please be mindful when filling out the cue sheet, as any action performed on-stage that is not listed on the form may result in a penalty. Please contact competition@sweetadelines.com or with questions.

11 FINALS GENERAL INFORMATION Finals Briefing Immediately following the Quartet Semifinals, all four members of each finalist quartet and the mic-testing quartet must come to the front of the competition hall for this briefing. Have your forms completed and ready to turn in at the finals briefing. Traffic Pattern The MGM meeting location and the traffic pattern will remain the same as the semifinals session. Click here for the finals traffic pattern schedule. Your pick-up time will be announced at the finals briefing. Props No penalty is attached to the use of props or visual devices in the international contest. The degree to which such use enhances or detracts from the performance is reflected in the showmanship score. All props and visual devices must enter and leave the performance venue with the quartet. Storage space for any props or equipment, other than riser chairs or medically necessary items, is not provided at the contest venue. Props or visual devices requiring excessive set up time are subject to delay of contest penalties. Use extra care when bringing props on and off stage, as well as when using them during your performance. Pay special attention to the hanging microphones and draping. If it is determined that through a competitor s negligence any part of the stage, drape, video screen or equipment on, above or beside the stage is damaged, the contestant may be asked to share in any financial costs incurred to repair or replace the damaged items. All contestants are required to leave the stage in the condition they found it. Anything discarded or dropped must be removed and exit the stage with the contestant. The penalty for violation is 25 points. Stage Entrance Again, quartets have the option to enter the stage from stage right, stage left and/or center. Most Entertaining Award A random selection of 100 members of the audience are invited to vote for one of the 11 quartets (10 competing quartets plus the mic-testing quartet) they find the most entertaining. The audience members are not provided with any criteria for their vote, nor does this award have any effect on the outcome of the two contests. The winner of this award is presented with a plaque and ribbons for each member of the quartet. Distribution of Scores and Performance Recordings For a period of approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of each contest session, quartets may pick up their packets in the backstage area at the base of the onstage ramp. The packets contain a copy of the official scores, one copy of each scoresheet and a flash drive (if purchased) of your performances. Packets not picked up within the allotted time will be returned to Tulsa and mailed to the quartet approximately two to four weeks following contest.

12 ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE INTRODUCTION AND SCORING Introduction Quartets and choruses qualifying for Harmony Classic, the International Quartet Finals or the International Chorus Finals must prepare an entertainment package for that performance. A performance in Harmony Classic, the International Quartet Finals or the International Chorus Finals consists of a maximum 15-minute package. Penalties for performances that exceed this time are explained in Sec. III-C of the Judging Category Description Book. No penalties will be assessed for under-time; however, a performance that is significantly under-time may not be considered a complete package and will not receive a score for the Entertainment Package. Each entertainment package must include a minimum of one contest song, which will be judged by prescribed contest standards. At least one other song must be included in the performance. Emcee work and special material may be included in the package. Contestants performing in Harmony Classic, the International Quartet Finals or the International Chorus Finals must prepare a complete list of all songs and spoken material that will be included in the package, so that the Official Judging Panel is aware of which song is to be judged as contest material. Scoring Each judge scores the contest song included in the package in accordance with the requirements of her respective category. Each judge will award a score from for the contest song. In addition, each judge will also award a score from for the complete entertainment package. In awarding this score, judges consider the following: Musicality Unity Theme/Script/Emcee/Microphone Technique Creativity Communication Scoresheet comments are written for both the contest song and for the other song(s) and material included as part of the Harmony Classic or the International Quartet or Chorus Finals Entertainment Package.

13 GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING AN ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE Each performance will be a maximum of 15 minutes and includes one contest song, any emcee material, and at least one other song. The scoring and penalties for the contest song will be the same as for any other competition performance. The three to seven-minute timing requirement for the contest song will be suspended. Contestants should allow for applause when timing the package. The following guidelines should be considered when preparing the entertainment package: 1. No song(s) performed as a contest song during the Quartet or Chorus Semifinals may be included as the contest song in the Entertainment package. Quartets and Choruses may wear the same costume for both contest performances. 2. All singing must display competence in vocal skills, musical understanding, and lyrical delivery. 3. Spoken and special material should be congruent with the theme and script and be acceptable for family audiences. microphone. 5. Both quartet and chorus performers should display poise and should be able to handle unexpected situations with aplomb, should such arise. 6. If a different lighting combination is selected for non-contest material, contestants should be sure that the color is consistent with the mood of the song or material. 7. The planning of the package should reflect creativity in both its content and delivery. Merely singing three competition-type songs and some limited spoken material, for instance, would demonstrate little imaginative preparation. 8. For the panel to know which song is to be judged as the contest song, each contestant must submit a prepared program at the Harmony Classic or appropriate finals briefing. Any change in the performance from the prepared program will result in a penalty as described in Sec. III-C of the Judging Category Description Book. 4. The emcee(s) should display preparation, confidence, poise, ease, and a sense of appropriate timing in presentation and in the use of the

14 GUIDELINES FOR JUDGING AN ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE Each judge scores the contest song included in the package in accordance with the requirements for her respective category. Each judge will award a score of for the contest song. In addition, each judge will also award a score from for the complete entertainment package. In awarding this score, judges consider the following: 1. Musicality: Does the quartet or chorus sing with barbershop skill, i.e., good vocal production, in tune, and with appropriate tempos and word delivery? 2. Unity: Does the quartet or chorus perform as a unit with attention to energy and blend? 3. Theme/Script/Emcee/Microphone Technique: Does the presentation demonstrate a unified message? Is the scripted material suitable to the audience and the performer? Does the emcee(s) deliver the spoken material well and display effective use of the microphone? 4. Creativity: Does the quartet or chorus present a 15-minute, or less, package that exhibits imaginative preparation and execution? 5. Communication: Does the quartet or chorus demonstrate their commitment to audience rapport and reaction? Scoresheet comments are written for the contest song and for the other song(s) and spoken material included within the package. Penalties for performances that exceed this time are explained in Sec. III-C of the Judging Category Description Book. No penalties will be assessed for under-time; however, a performance that is significantly under-time may not be considered a complete package and will not receive a score for the Entertainment Package.

15 QUARTET AWARDS CEREMONY At the end of the Quartet Finals the emcee announces that all quartet finalists must report to backstage right. If you are not accompanied by someone to carry your personal belongings, you may bring your purse bag with you. Staff organizes the quartet finalists in order of appearance and prepares them for entry onstage. There is a short intermission while the stage and awards are set, followed by various presentations. The quartet awards ceremony begins and the International President comes to the lectern and makes the appropriate announcements, including the award descriptions. Competing quartets are called on stage in order of appearance. They enter stage right as their names are called and go to center stage, pause and acknowledge the audience, and proceed to their spot on the risers. Each spot is marked with the quartet's contestant number beginning with contestant #1, stage left. Members line up vertically on the risers. After all 10 quartets are on the risers, the Most Entertaining Quartet Award is announced and presented. The International President announces all of the presenters for awards Following this, the winners are announced beginning with 10th place. As the quartet names are called, they step to center stage to receive their applause. After receiving their awards, the quartet returns to their spot on the risers. For placements 5-1, the International President announces the presenter and then announces the winner. As the quartet names are called, they step to center stage to receive their applause. After receiving their awards, the quartet returns to their spot on the risers. The 2018 International Champion Quartet receives their crowns and medals from the 2017 International Champion Quartet, Frenzy, The International President, with the assistance of the Coronet Club President, presents their flowers and the Renee Craig Trophy. The ASCAP representative presents the ASCAP trophies. The new champions perform. At this point all quartets come down off the risers and form a semi-circle on each side of the new quartet champion. All of the quartets and the audience sing The Winners Song. Placements 2-10 retrieve their purse bags and are escorted to the base of the onstage ramp where they pick up their packets. The new champions are immediately escorted by staff to photography for their official photograph. They take their crowns and flowers with them. Staff secures other awards and has them available for the official photograph. After finishing in photography, the new champions are immediately escorted by the Coronet Club president to dinner with the International President. Staff makes arrangements for all awards and the competition packet to be delivered to the new champions. Special seating for the Chorus Finals are provided for the Champion Quartet and one guest each. The Champion Quartet sings for approximately 15 minutes immediately following the Chorus Finals, before the Chorus Finals award ceremony. A staff member escorts them from the audience to the backstage area to warm-up at the appropriate time. The Champion Quartet remains in the backstage area during the chorus awards ceremony. They are invited back on-stage after the new Champion Chorus sings, where they stand in the front row as the audience sings The Winners Song and Harmonize the World.

16 FINALS FORMS DUE AT FINALS BRIEFING Forms for the Finals session are collected during the finals briefing held immediately following the quartet semifinals contest. These forms include: Finals Video Cue Sheet Click here to open the PDF. The PDF can be completed and submitted via to Competition Services by September 8, This form is used to ensure that the official panel has the appropriate information and that technical areas are covered appropriately. You may indicate color combinations for lighting: one color for each non-contest song in your finals package. Following are the available combinations: Blue/White Green/White Amber/White White/White (traditional) Red/White Magenta/White Lavender/White If you do not indicate a lighting preference, we will use the traditional white lighting. Be sure to include each move in your final pose to provide a shot for the photographer. Use this form to indicate how your quartet chooses to enter the stage for your performance. Finals Song Information Sheet Click here to open the PDF. The PDF can be completed and submitted via to Competition Services by September 8, Portions of the finalists performances are shown on the Sweet Adelines International website. Each quartet must provide the information requested on this form for both their semifinals and finals performances. The arranger of the song, your local library, and a Web search of the song are the best sources of information. If you arrive on-site and discover you do not have a particular item, additional forms are available in the competition office at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Studio #5. To view the Schedule of Events for the 2017 International Convention & Competition and a layout of the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, please click here. Please contact competition@sweetadelines.com or with questions.