27th Annual BEST OF THE MIDWEST Director s Packet Middle School SHOW CHOIR INVITATIONAL A COMPETITION OF EXCELLENCE

27th Annual BEST OF THE MIDWEST Director s Packet Middle School SHOW CHOIR INVITATIONAL A COMPETITION OF EXCELLENCE January 5, 205 Dear Director, Greetings from Center Grove High School, the home of the 27th Annual Best of the Midwest Show Choir Invitational. This year we will continue to provide a quality performance venue that includes comfortable seating, a highly qualified adjudication panel, top-quality sound and a day of healthy competition. In this director s packet you will find several important items including information that will assist in preparing your group for the logistics of your day at Center Grove High School; we want to ensure the best experience possible. Please out the appropriate logistical information no later than February 2 nd. We hope you have had a wonderful first semester and certainly best wishes for a successful show choir season. Please, if at any time you have a question, please feel free to call. Sincerely, Jennifer Dice Jennifer Dice Choral Director Co-Chair of Best of the Midwest Center Grove High School dicej@centergrove.k2.in.us Jared Norman Jared Norman Assistant Choral Director Co-Chair of Best of the Midwest Center Grove High School normanj@centergrove.k2.in.us

B E S T O F T H E M I D W E S T The Directors Checklist Complete the forms and submit your bio and photo online asap. Read through the General Information for Best of the Midwest in the director s packet. Read through the rules for the division in which you are participating. Note the unloading and loading information. Please direct your bus drivers to report to the north side via Stone s Crossing of the school for all unloading. Contact Marian Hart, head stage manager for any special needs such as lighting, CO2, fire extinguishers, any electrical needs at <marihart@iupui.edu>. X Know that you are prepared and you will have a great time at CGHS for the evening!

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N Concessions: Food for the evening will be available throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening. No outside food or drink is permitted. Any school bringing in outside food and/or drink may be disqualified. Please see Best of the Midwest rules. Check-in/Unloading: Check-in will take place on the north side of the school at the loading dock. The Director(s) should come into the door and meet your hosts and our parent coordinator for check-in. At that time you will be given passes for chaperones and truck/bus drivers and an arrival packet. Please take your hosts to your busses and allow them to stamp each student performer who is exiting the bus. Please know only students, band members and their director may be stamped; you will receive five adult chaperones per group, and passes for your bus driver/truck driver. Once your students are unloaded and stamped, your hosts will take you to your homerooms where you may drop your possessions off and return to the equipment unloading area. Contest Headquarters: Contest headquarters will be in the Guidance Office of the school. Your hosts will gladly show you to the Guidance Office at any time during your day should an issue arise. You will also pick-up director scoring packets at the main office after the competition. The Guidance Office is most accessible from the Cafeteria. Directions: From the North/East(I-69) and North/West (I-65): Take I-465 South around to the Harding Street Exit/Hwy.37. Travel south approximately 2 miles to Stones Crossing Road. Turn east and the school will be approximately two miles on the right. Please turn right on Morgantown Road and follow the unloading instructions. From the South (I-65) and Southeast: Take 65 N. to I-465 West. Exit at Harding Street/ Hwy. 37 Exit. Travel south approximately 2 miles to Stones Crossing Road. Turn east and the school will be approximately two miles on the right.

Directors Lounge: A lounge has been made available for the directors in the library and a meal will be provided for you so please come and enjoy! Homerooms: Upon your arrival and check-in, you will be taken to your homerooms for the evening. We ask that you place chaperones in the homerooms anytime the students are in the room. Any students in the homeroom without an adult chaperone present will be asked to leave. In addition, all electronic devices are the sole responsibility of the students and Center Grove Choir, Center Grove High School, and Center Grove Community School Corporation cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen items. If you find signs of theft, please notify your host immediately and they will notify Contest Headquarters for police notification. Finally, we ask that you remind your students to treat the room with respect and please DO NOT allow it to be abused in anyway. If your students are not changing or prepping for stage, please ask them to leave the homeroom area. Vandalism to homerooms will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disqualification. There is to be absolutely no food or drink in the homeroom. Performing Venues: Auditorium: The Center Grove Auditorium seats 75 people. Please keep all aisles clear and adhere to the no drinking/food upon entering the Auditorium. This venue will host the Unisex, Small and Large Mixed and Concert Competitions throughout the day. Picture and Bio: Please upload your photo and bio no later than February 2 nd publishing deadline. in order to make our Risers: Groups may choose to use CGHS risers. If a competing school chooses to use CGHS risers, we have sixteen decks available with heights 8, 6, 24, 32 (four levels across and four back). You may use all or some of the risers if you so choose. Please let us know on the sheets in this packet the design of your set-up and which risers you will need from our tech crew, even if it is a simple 4X4 set-up. The CG Tech Crew will setup your configuration granted we have this form prior to your performance. Scoring: Center Grove High School utilizes the open score system through an independent scoring company, Tonic Events. In other words, scoring packets at the end of the preliminary competition will have all scores for every group available for each director. In addition, you will see how each judge scored each group. You will also receive digitally recorded CD s with commentary, no more tapes.

Tickets: $5.00 Warm-up Area: Choir Room: The Choir Room will be the main warm-up area for the small and large mixed show choirs. There will be an acoustic piano and music stands available for combo members. Video: When each group s performance ends there will be a video review available for groups from our professional video partners. No amateur recording is allowed in the performance venue. 4 wireless mics and 5 wired mics are available

Show Choir Middle School Division Rules All participants/performers must be students of the same school. Penalty: DISQUALIFICATION Groups may not utilize recorded accompaniment. All accompaniments must be live and may not be sequenced, pre-recorded, or pre-produced in anyway. Penalty: DISQUALIFICATION Absolutely no pyrotechnics, water or lighting is allowed. Additionally, no photography may take place backstage. Penalty: DISQUALIFICATION Groups are timed. Times are official by the Best of the Midwest Stage Manager s watch. All groups are given 25 minutes to set-up, perform, and tear down in their allotted rotation. Timing will begin when the Stage Manager directs the participating school to take stage. The timing will then be stopped per the request of the group s director. Combo tuning should take place during set-up and instrumentalists may remain in place. An announcement will be made introducing your group and timing will begin with the first beat of music and will not stop after the performance, so you may go immediately into tear down. Penalty: 0 POINTS FOR EVERY MINUTEOVER (or portion thereof) Groups are to remain on schedule. A group choosing to stay longer than scheduled in any one area will receive a penalty. Penalty: 0 POINTS PER INFRACTION Groups are to enter stage right and exit stage left. Penalty: 0 POINTS PER INFRACTION All debris (confetti, etc.) must be cleared from the stage during the thirty minute performance rotation and to the Stage Manager s satisfaction. This will not include items unintentionally left backstage. Penalty: 5 POINT PENALTY

Any use of electrical equipment, other than instrumental amplifiers, must be approved by our Stage Manager at least five days prior to the day of the competition. Email: Marian Hart <marihart@iupui.edu> Penalty: RESRTICTION OF USE All directing must take place in the confines of the performance area. Directors may choose to enter and/or leave the stage anytime they wish. Students must stay within the limits of the stage. Penalty: 0 POINTS PER INFRACTION No school (including parents, performers, directors) shall bring food/drinks into the competition site at any time. Penalty: DISQUALIFICATION Organizational Guidelines: The competition in the auditorium shall consist of all show choir, middle school, and concert divisions. There shall be no finals for any division. All groups shall have one performance. Each competing show choir will be scored by 2 qualified adjudicators. Shawn Porter Greg Sanders Recorded and written comments will be given by each adjudicator during the performance.

Best of the Midwest 205 Auditorium Schedule Middle School Group School Division Transit Warm-up Transit Performance Video Accents Center Grove Exhibition 4:55 5:00 5:25 5:30 6:00 Reaction Paul Hadley MS 5:25 5:30 5:55 6:00 6:30 Center Stage Edgewood MS 5:55 6:00 6:25 6:30 7:00 Fusion Paul Hadley MS 6:25 6:30 6:55 7:00 7:30 Mini Warehouse Edgewood MS 6:55 7:00 7:25 7:30 8:00 Surround Sound Center Grove Exhibition 7:25 7:30 7:55 8:00 8:30

205 Best of the Midwest Competition Awards Large Mixed Small Mixed Unisex * Grand Champion * Third Runner-Up * Second Runner-Up * First Runner-Up * Outstanding Vocal * Outstanding Visual * Outstanding General Effect * Outstanding Costuming * Outstanding Female Soloist * Outstanding Male Soloist * Outstanding Tech Crew * Grand Champion * Third Runner-Up * Second Runner-Up * First Runner-Up * Outstanding Vocal * Outstanding Visual * Outstanding General Effect * Outstanding Costuming * Outstanding Female Soloist * Outstanding Male Soloist * Outstanding Tech Crew * Grand Champion * Third Runner-Up * Second Runner-Up * First Runner-Up * Outstanding Vocal * Outstanding Visual * Outstanding General Effect * Outstanding Costuming * Outstanding Female Soloist * Outstanding Tech Crew Soloist * Grand Champion * Third Runner-Up * Second Runner-Up * First Runner-Up Concert * Grand Champion * Second Runner-Up * First Runner-Up Middle School * Grand Champion * Third Runner-Up * Second Runner-Up * First Runner-Up * Outstanding Vocal * Outstanding Visual * Outstanding Costuming

ADJUDICATION RUBRIC Level Level 2 Level 3a Level 3b Level 4 Within this category, there is a consistent lack of clarity which prevents an engagement of the audience throughout the ensemble's program. The basic musical/visual understanding and/or direction is not apparent throughout the overall presentation. There seems to be a lack of understanding of the basic knowledge within the category which exists through much of the program. Concepts lack interests and minimal substance and depth to the individual category. There is occasional and/or inconsistent performer involvement in communication of emotion, mood or intensity. Performers display some awareness of the roles they have been asked to portray. Concentration waivers and energy levels within the category fluctuates because of, or related to, technique problems. The performance is at times mechanical and uninspired with the individual category. The audience is occasionally captivated, engaged and intrigued. Throughout the performance, performers are usually aware of roles and capable of communicating and displaying high levels of emotion for brief moments; mostly moderate levels within the category. The quality of communication in the specific category is generally consistent. The audience is usually captivated, engaged and intrigued, although the level of involvement may be diminished or interrupted by lapses in concentration, intensity or professionalism within the categorical delineation. There is advanced achievement by the performers in both the communication and intensity of the specific category. The audience is constantly intrigued and often affected by the demonstration of professionalism of the specific category. There is a clear intensity and cohesiveness of the category throughout the entire program with few lapses of interruptions. Level 5 The superb blending of all audio/visual and aesthetic intrigue and appeal is displayed throughout the entire program. An absolute command of the principles of artistry, cohesiveness and climax are demonstrated within the category. It is clear, without doubt that the ensemble has achieved complete control in this particular categorical delineation.

VOCAL I. Quality Vocal beauty as performed by the singers II. Intonation Pitch accuracy as performed by the singers III. Blend Overall blend of performers with each other IV. Balance Balance of parts within the ensemble V. Dynamics Highs and lows executed by the performers VI. Diction Level at which words could be clearly understood VII. Projection Placement of voices forward to gain greater audibility to audience VIII. Vocal Expression & Interpretation Performers create aesthetic moments within the performance IX. Vocal Consistency Vocal quality is consistent and dependable throughout VISUAL X. Choreographic Execution & Precision Precision and cohesiveness of moves throughout the show by the performers XI. Choreographic Creativity Innovation of choreographic moves and staging as taught by the choreographer XII. Choreographic Difficulty Level at which the choreography challenges the performers XIII. Visual Dynamics Visual elements that create an emotional effect to the audience XIV. Staging & Blocking Effective use of performers to create musical visual moments XV. Facial Involvement Excitement and emotional involvement of the performers faces throughout the show GENERAL EFFECT XVI. Costuming Level at which the costuming enhances the production and is appropriate for performers XVII. Transitions Movement and development of one form or musical style to another XVIII. Stage Presence & Professionalism Level of trained showmanship from beginning to end of the production XIX: Instrumental Instrumental quality, enhancement and performance with the overall production XX. Overall Show Presentation & Programming Overall effectiveness of the show as planned by its production staff SAMPLE ADJUDICATION FORM Show Choir Division LEVEL LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3A LEVEL 3B LEVEL 4 LEVEL 5 Comments 90 45% 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 VOCAL TOTAL 4 5 6 7 VISUAL TOTAL 4 5 4 5 GENERAL EFFECT TOTAL GRAND TOTAL 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 4 5 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 6 7 8 9 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 60 30% 8 9 0 0 8 9 0 0 6 7 8 9 0 50 25% 200 00%

VOCAL I. Quality Vocal beauty as performed by the singer II. Intonation Pitch accuracy as performed by the singer III. Dynamics Level at which highs and lows are executed by the performers IV. Diction Level that which words could be clearly understood V. Breathing Level at which the performer exhibits proper breathing throughout the performance VI. Vocal Expression Level at which performers create aesthetic moments within the performance VII. Vocal Consistency Level at which vocal quality is consistent and dependable throughout GENERAL EFFECT VIII. Facial Involvement Level at which the performer portrays the musical aesthetic IX. Stage Presence & Professionalism Level at which the performer feels at ease with his/her performance X. Preparedness Level at which the performer is prepared to perform his/her piece SAMPLE ADJUDICATION FORM Soloist Divison LEVEL LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3A LEVEL 3B LEVEL 4 LEVEL 5 Comments 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 VOCAL TOTAL 4 5 4 5 6 7 0 70 70% 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 GENERAL EFFECT TOTAL GRAND TOTAL 6 7 8 9 0 0 0 30 30% 00 00% Soloist Name: School:

SAMPLE ADJUDICATION FORM Show Choir Divison (Combo) PERFORMANCE I. Quality Overall tone quality that is being produced by the ensemble II. Intonation Pitch accuarcy as performed by the instrumentalists III. Dynamics Level that highs and lows are executed by the ensemble IV. Rhythmic Accuracy Level that the ensemble is accuarate on the rhythmic passages. V. Instrumental Blend Level that the ensemble is creatiung a cohesive and well-blended tone VI. Instrumental Balance Level that the instrumental parts are consistently balanced within the ensemble VII. Combo Integration Level that the instrumental ensemble is made a part of the choral ensembble's show VIII. Balance with Singers Level that the instrumental ensemble balances with the singers IX. Difficulty of Music Level at which musical selections chosen appropriately challenged the ensemble X. Stage Presence/Professionalism The students level of trained showmanship from beginning to end of the production LEVEL LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3A LEVEL 3B LEVEL 4 LEVEL 5 Comments 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 GRAND TOTAL 8 9 0 8 9 0 00 00%

Morgantown Road MS Choir Entry Prop Enter/Exit Stone s Crossing Road Spectator Entry MS Truck and Bus Entry Spectator Parking Bus & Truck Parking Spectator Parking Entry

Morgantown Road MS Choir Entry Stone s Crossing Road MS Route to Park Buses and Trucks