OBJECTIVE
To promote the development and enjoyment of good ensemble playing, while emphasizing the importance of listening, style and interpretation, technique, and overall musicianship.
TEACHER ELIGIBILITY
Any teacher who is a member of Encore may register students for this and all student events sponsored throughout the year. Annual membership dues are standard throughout the year and are not prorated.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY AND DIVISIONS
Any student may participate who has paid the registration fee and is studying with a teacher who meets the requirements above. Entrants will be registered according to the average grade of the ensemble. For example, an ensemble with members that are ages 14 and 12 will average to 13 and will be registered in Division 3A. If only one grade difference exists between ensemble members, entrants will be registered according to the grade of the youngest participant. For example, an ensemble with members who are 12 and 11 years old will be registered in Division 2B.
- Division 1 – ages 4–7
- Division 2A – ages 8-9
- Division 2B – ages 10–11
- Division 3A – ages 12-13
- Division 3B – ages 14–15
- Division 4 – ages 16–18 as of August 30 each year
- Open Division – Adults older than 18
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
Students may perform duos (two pianos, four hands), duets (one piano, four hands), trios (one piano, six hands) quartets (two pianos, eight hands), or other combinations with prior approval. Students cannot perform one quartet and then split the same quartet into two duo groups and expect one score for their performances. For example, the two pieces performed must be the same ensemble: duo-duo, trio-trio, or quartet-quartet. Set-up and take-down must be included in the total time given to perform.
Repertoire must be performed as intended by the composer or arranger. For example, a work written for one piano may not be performed on two pianos with the number of performers doubled. Two works are to be performed. Memorization is acceptable, but not required. Live ensembles are to be composed solely of students and teacher or parent participation will result in disqualification.
Students may perform in more than one ensemble. Ensemble team members must remain together for adjudication of both pieces. Students from different studios may be grouped in the same ensemble.
The adjudicator must be provided with a score for both pieces. Should one or both scores not be provided, the ensemble will have 10 points (one full rating) deducted from their adjudication form. Because of strict copyright protection laws, Encore does not permit the use of photocopied scores. Should copies be used, the ensemble will have 10 points (one full rating) deducted from their adjudication form. If music is only available online, it may be printed with an anonymous note from the teacher stating the reason for the printed music. Copies can be used to facilitate page turns. Original music must still be displayed.
OTHER GUIDELINES
Ensemble repertoire performed in previous years may not be used by the same student again unless it is a different part, but it is recommended to use different pieces each year. Every effort should be made to maintain a reasonably matched level between ensemble partners. Beginners should not perform with intermediate or advanced students. Both pieces may be by the same composer, but some degree of contrast in mood, tempi, and/or style is desirable.
Teachers may use their own discretion in selecting repertoire, but should be judicious in choosing well-written, appropriate literature. Arrangements and transcriptions may be used at the teacher’s discretion. Any questions regarding acceptable repertoire should be addressed to the Encore Executive Board.
Repeats with first and second endings should be played, unless it causes the pieces to go over the time limit. Other repeats are optional. Time limits for both works totaled are (with one minute to set up/take down added per ensemble):
- Division 1 – 4 minutes
- Division 2A – 6 minutes
- Division 2B – 6 minutes
- Division 3A – 7 minutes
- Division 3B – 9 minutes
- Division 4 – 9 minutes
- Adult open division – 9 minutes
JUDGING
All judges will be competent professionals who will be compensated for their services. Every effort will be made to seek qualified and impartial judges. Each ensemble will be heard and evaluated by one judge, and will receive one of the following ratings:
- Superior 90–100
- Excellent 80–89
- Very Good 70–79
AWARDS AND INCENTIVES
In addition to the adjudication sheet, all students will receive a rating, ribbon, and certificate of participation. Each adjudicator will select the top 15% of performers in each division and they will be invited to participate in the Ensemble Festival Honors Recital. The Ensemble Festival Honors Recital performers will receive monetary awards. (See Encore Handbook under “Materials”)
Students who have participated in this festival for at least three years, and have earned the required number of points, will be eligible for a Gold Cup award. (See Encore Handbook under “Materials”) Points earned from past participation in other festivals may be eligible for transfer. Questions may be addressed to the Encore Executive Board.
Scholarship Auditions will be held in May, and will be open to all seniors who have completed requirements for Ensemble Festival, Solo Festival, Concerto Festival, Musicianship Evaluations, and the Encore Keyboard Competition.
The Encore Executive Board will determine the possibility of any exceptions or changes to the rules and guidelines above.
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS
All students of Encore teachers may enter the online division through AuditionWare. The online version registration of the Ensemble Festival opens the same day as the live registration, but closes one week after the first day of the live Ensemble Festival.
Online submissions will require students to make a YouTube video and provide the link. The YouTube video must be either “unlisted” or “public,” but not “private.” Students may play with pre-recorded accompaniment, live accompaniment with a teacher/parent or another partner outside of Encore, or any other combination to fit the unique situation of an online ensemble festival. Encore understands that not every student has the opportunity to play with an ensemble player their age, and is allowing Encore teachers to make the decisions on how to best let their students participate in the Encore Ensemble Festival. The live Ensemble Festival still requires students to play with other Encore students.
Music for judges is not currently required for the online festival. If piano families are nervous about which day they may be asked to play on for the live event, it is recommended they sign up for the online version of the event. The online version of the event will simply have comments by a judge and will not be considered for the Honors Recitals. The reason the online event exists is to help students earn points toward trophies, medallions, plaques who cannot make the live event (especially for those that live out of state), and to cover any day-of emergencies at the live event.
Online submissions should have the following YouTube title, adapted to each student: “First name, last name/First name, last name, piece, composer, Encore Ensemble, year” (Jane Doe/John Deer, Bumble Boogie by Fina, Encore Ensemble 2022.” If the student is playing with someone other than another student, they only need to list their name. The online videos need to include the full body view with head to feet. Each song needs an individual link. Good lighting and sound should be a priority. It is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure links work when putting the videos into AuditionWare.
Teachers who upload music on AuditionWare for the online event should fill out an “Online Copyright Rules” document and include it with the same music upload on AuditionWare. This document is found under “Materials>Encore Handbook>Online Copyright Rules.”