Rules for Convention Recitals

1. All pieces played for the evaluation must be memorized and well performed.
   (Exception: memorization is optional for winds and ensembles)
2. Students may apply for only one CM program at Convention each year per instrument.
   (Exception: Panel finalists may apply for one program in addition to Panel.)
3. Students will be selected on the basis of:
   • the quality of performance
   • memorization of all pieces (optional for winds/ensembles)
   • receiving an excellent or good rating in technique, sight reading and repertoire
   • scoring 80% or higher on the theory and ear training exam
   • application accurate and complete, following these guidelines
   • the piece is performed within the time limits of the program (absolute for keyboard, somewhat flexible for other disciplines)
4. There will be no duplication of pieces allowed on any one recital. There will be no prepared piano allowed in all recitals.
5. The decisions of the Convention Performance Committee are final.

Convention Festival Recitals are designed to honor students who have demonstrated exceptional skill in all areas of the CM program. These programs are for Path A students: keyboard levels III-Adv. Other disciplines I-Adv. Music must be from the CM Syllabus on the level in which the student is enrolled.

Convention Theme Recitals are to encourage teachers and students to explore the literature of the special theme topic or composer. Path A-level III-Advanced. Recitals may feature students from several disciplines.

Convention New Materials Recitals are designed to encourage teachers to explore and present new and/or unusual music. Path A, levels I-Adv (no prep); must be copyrighted and available for purchase; music may not be "pop," an arrangement, or from a "method." Keyboard: Copyright date within ten years of the convention. Other disciplines: new, standard or unusual music from all periods may be programmed.

Convention Ensemble Recitals are designed to promote the exploration and performance of ensemble repertoire.  Path A-Levels III-Adv.

• Ensemble team members need not be enrolled in the same level. All members of the ensemble must be enrolled in CM Path A. Pianists are not accompanists, but are members of the ensemble team. No Ensemble team member may apply for another Convention Recital.
• Transcriptions are acceptable. Pop tunes and improvisations are not acceptable. All string, wind, and vocal ensembles may use one professional accompanist if necessary, although it is hoped that a student pianist is used. (Note: a single instrument with a professional pianist is not considered an ensemble. A solo instrumentalist or vocalist with a student pianist, or two or more instrumentalists or vocalists with a professional pianist qualify as ensembles.)
• Piano students may perform duo piano, piano four hands or more repertoire, using up to but not more than five keyboards, or sonata level repertoire with different instruments. The music need not be memorized. The same evaluator will hear each member of the ensemble at adjacent times. In case of different instruments, the appropriate evaluators will hear the ensemble at different times. The ensemble piece must be a part of the student’s repertoire.
• Teachers must contact the CM Chair by November 1st if more than two pianos are needed, and may be requested to provide the additional keyboards, their setup and removal. Electronic pianos may be used if they are of good quality, have pedals if they are needed for the ensemble, and are touch sensitive.

ALL PROGRAMS:

• Only one movement of a sonata or sonatina, only a prelude or a fugue from a prelude and fugue or one piece from a collection may be programmed.
• Theme and Ensemble applicants may program up to 3 short selections from a suite or collection, provided that the total time does not exceed 7 minutes.
• The chair may reduce a student's program to less than the maximum allowed, depending on programming needs.

TIME LIMITS:

• Festival - 5 min.
• New Materials - 5 min.
• Theme/Ensemble - 7 min. single movement, 7 min. total multi-movement

For more information, contact the program recital chair as listed on the Certificate of Merit website page.