High School Competition
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the SingStrong New York High School Competition! This is an opportunity for the best high school groups to compete! The top three groups also get to open at the SingStrong Concerts on Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon! The Rules can be found below. Though changes in these Rules are rare, all Judges and Participants are expected to have read and agreed to the rules as posted on this site on the day of the event.
FEES
It's FREE to apply. There is also no separate fee for entering the competition, if all participants purchase an All Access Weekend Pass, VIP Pass, Combo Pass or Class Pass. Note that some schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties are aided in paying for tickets through BOCES Arts-in Education. Music Educators should contact their BOCES District Coordinator for details.
HOW TO ENTER
PURPOSE
To encourage technical proficiency and artistic creativity in high school level a cappella singers.
WHO MAY ENTER
Any group consisting almost exclusively of high school students of (almost) any size, style or composition may enter this contest. Performers may compete in more than one group. Advanced Jr. HS students will also be permitted. If a group has a limited number of recent alumni who are no longer in HS, this is permitted, however they may be ineligible for individual awards. Additional HS students may be added to a CONFIRMED competing group "at the last minute" if they have the appropriate Passes and notify Producers or the HS Coordinator by email. However, the earlier the final line-up is known, the better.
WHO MAY CONDUCT
Typically, no one conducts. However, student or non-student directors may conduct from on, or off-stage, if they desire. Groups who choose to do so should be aware that many judges view conductors (student or non-student) as a non-compelling performance choice. Only you can decide if the positive musical effects outweigh the potential “detraction” to your group’s performance. A non-student conductor may speak in between songs if they wish, but they may not sing or otherwise contribute musically, other than by conducting. Exceptions may be made for last minute illness, at the producers' discretion.
SIZE REQUIREMENTS
Groups may be of any size, from a minimum of just 1 person, up to a maximum limited only by the reasonable restrictions of the performance space as determined by the producers. As a guideline, most stages can easily accommodate a choir of 100. If you wish to bring a group of 25 or more, contact the producers and your group will be accommodated.
TIMING
Groups in the Finals shall perform for 8 minutes or less. In recent years we have only had a Finals, so comments regarding Tier 1 will only apply to competitions in which a Tier 1 is scheduled.
If there is a Tier 1 prior to finals, then groups competing in Tier 1 shall perform 1 piece (not to exceed 4 minutes; piece may be a mash-up or medley, if desired). Groups may perform the same or different material in Tier 1 and The Finals.
Timing shall begin with the first deliberate sung or spoken utterance, choreography or blowing of a pitch and shall run continuously through applause and performance until the last deliberate sung or spoken utterance, choreography or blowing of a pitch.
Technical difficulties causing delays will be credited to the performers so that the group receives their originally allotted time.
Groups may use their time to perform as many or as few songs as they wish.
Groups shall not be penalized for ending on time or under time.
Groups may be penalized for going over their allotted time, at the discretion of the judges.
Groups are advised to allow time for applause after each song as they plan the timing of their sets.
PERFORMANCE ORDER
All competing groups will receive the order in which they are performing from the Producers or HS Coordinator on the day of the performance.
Performance order will be determined at the sole discretion of the producers who may take into account any number of factors in programming including last minute travel emergencies, technical set up requirements, and creating an enjoyable and entertaining program order from an objective audience perspective. (Please do alert us if your school has any students performing in more than one group. This is permitted and we will attempt to schedule appropriately.)
JUDGING
Each judge shall rate each group according to the following criteria:
Judges are instructed to resolve close calls in favor of the more original or creative group.
Judges are reminded that the sound engineer is not being judged, and therefore to be vigilant in listening for and scoring the singers' performance only.
Judges shall rate performances in a genre neutral manner, showing no favoritism towards any genre (classical, jazz, barbershop, pop, punk, hip-hop, etc.) over another.
All areas of performance, including repertoire, wardrobe and choreography should be appropriate for family audiences. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in penalty or disqualification, at the discretion of the producers.
All performances must be completely a cappella and no instruments or percussion of any kind are permitted, with the exception of pitch pipes or similar devices used solely to generate a starting pitch.
AWARDS
Traditionally, the following awards are offered at the Finals:
Additionally, Producers will offer the top 3 ranking groups the opportunity to open for the professional show of their choice. This is a great honor and opportunity, but it is not an obligation. Groups may opt not to accept this offer. In that case, at the discretion of the Producers, the offer may be extended to the other groups in the competition.
AGE BIAS IN ASSIGNING AWARDS
This rule is intended to allow flexibility to HS groups whose membership changes while also insuring fairness to HS age competitors.
Solely for the purpose of assigning individual awards, and not for the purpose of assigning group awards, in the discretion of the producers, judges may be instructed to apply a bias against any individual performers who have matriculated from HS, or are materially older than approximately 19 years old.
As examples, if a high school student were 21 years old, we would likely not award best soloist to that individual, regardless of their talent level. If a student had graduated in January and was competing as an alumni in April before even beginning college, we likely would still award best soloist, if deserved. If a group had a recent alumni who returned to provide vocal percussion, the group could win First Place, even though the individual could probably not win the award for best vocal percussion.
REQUIRED INFORMATION
All CONFIRMED Groups must complete this form.
JUDGING PROCEDURE
During the performances, judges shall make written comments for the benefit of the groups. Scoring may also be used in some sections. After the completion of the performances, the judges shall confer with one another privately, and each shall exercise one vote towards each award. The applicant with the most votes shall be declared the winner at the conclusion of the concert. If there is a tie, then SingStrong producer(s) or one of them shall exercise a tie-breaking power to decide the issue.
The judges shall make their written comments available to the competitors and shall endeavor to keep their comments in such form as to be constructive to the participants. Please notify one of the SingStrong producers if you wish to have judges' comments and scoring sent to you.
SOUND
Most groups of 24 or less, perform on individual microphones; most larger groups use area mics or a combination. We will provide microphones and amplification at the competitions. We can usually offer up to 24 wireless mics. Groups of any size may perform on mic or off mic at their discretion, up to the restrictions of our technical set-up. Additional sound equipment, including effects, may be used if approved by the producers. Approval usually requires that your effects be made available to all performers at their sound check. We recommend contacting producers as early as possible regarding any requests.
Requests regarding mixing and effects made to the sound engineer will be honored where possible, including the request to enhance bass, vocal percussion, leads or to “use your best judgment”. In the absence of any contrary instructions, the engineer will be instructed to use best judgment.
A sound check is not absolutely guaranteed, although we will provide our best efforts to provide all groups with a sound check, if time allows. If a sound check is provided, all groups shall have approximately the same amount of time to sound check, except for groups arriving late who shall have sound checks at the producer's discretion. Where time is short, soundcheck may take the form of a short orientation on mic technique given to all performers simultaneously, rather than a true soundcheck. At mic orientation we endeavor to make clear how close singers should be to their microphones and which mics should be used for leads, bass, vocal percussion, etc.
Like performance order, soundcheck order and nature will be determined by the Producers at their sole discretion.
WATCHING Performances
We try to do our best to let every student watch every part of the soundchecks and Finals, regardless of what type of pass or ticket they have. But, due to high ticket sales, this isn't always possible. The Finals concert often sells out, and as a result, we must offer priority access to those who purchase tickets or weekend passes over those who only have Class Passes. This rule describes how we handle this:
Soundchecks are open to all HS groups to watch.
Finals are more restricted. Any student with a Discount Weekend Pass, Full Weekend Pass or VIP Pass MAY watch the Finals, except during times when they themselves are performing or needed backstage or onstage. Students who only have a ClassPass are NOT guaranteed to see the Finals unless they also purchase an individual (or a la carte) ticket to the Finals.
HOWEVER, if the Finals are NOT sold-out, Producers may allow some ClassPass holders to attend. This is not guaranteed and there may still be more Class Pass holders than there are seats, which would cause us to prevent some ClassPass holders from entering, while possibly allowing others to enter.
We recognize that this uncertainty is inconvenient and this is one more reason why we strongly recommend that every student purchase a Discount Weekend Pass.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Judges and groups must disclose to producers in advance, any potential conflicts of interest, which could be reasonably perceived as projecting even the appearance of impropriety. Failure to raise conflicts of interest with a producer in advance and in writing shall be deemed a waiver of the conflict.
The following shall not be considered conflicts:
What does constitute a conflict? You must notify us immediately if you or any of your group's members have any family or current business relationship with any judge or SingStrong Inc. officer, director, trustee, or independent contractors. Also, you should notify us if you have reason to believe that a judge is not impartial for any reason.
RANKING
A director may request of the producers at any time before the awards are announced on stage, to have their group receive comments only and not to be ranked. Such a request may forfeit a group’s ability to win awards, if any. The producers may in their discretion announce only the top ranking groups.
CONDUCT
All participants and judges agree to abide by the highest ethical standards, to behave responsibly and compassionately towards all SingStrong attendees, and not to publicly criticize the participants (other than in written and verbal performance comments), judges, producers, staff, decisions or rules of this competition, but instead to direct any statements to the producers in private correspondence.
MERCHANDISE
At the discretion of the producers, groups may sell merchandise immediately following their show. Please notify the producers if your group wishes to sell merchandise. You agree to be solely responsible for any taxes, fees or economic damage of any kind due as a result of selling merchandise.
ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS AND ORIGINAL ARRANGEMENTS
To be considered for awards:
An original arrangement must be arranged by a student member of the group.
An original composition must have its lyrics or melody composed or co-composed by a student member of the group.
For the purpose of awards, judges may be instructed to apply a bias against any individual arrangers or composers who have matriculated from HS, or are materially older than approximately 19 years old.
PRODUCERS’ DISCRETION
Any open issues, vague or confusing terms, or disagreements of any kind relating to this competition shall be resolved by the producers in their sole discretion and their determination shall be final and binding on all persons.
RIGHTS
By attending, judging, performing, competing, or otherwise participating and/or by accepting the benefits of publicity derived from appearing in the event, which all parties agree is of value, and/or by accepting any awards, discounts or other benefits, and/or by purchasing tickets or passes, if any, all participants and/or support personnel and their parents or legal guardians on their behalf (collectively "participants"), agree to abide by these rules, and that the producer has the following rights in addition to any others which it may have:
The producer may freely use, copy, distribute, publicly display, alter, create edited or derivative works from, forever, throughout the universe, without payment, credit or additional permission, of the name, life story and likeness of any participant, group or any of its members or directors or other supporting persons to promote a cappella generally, to promote a cappella or charity events, or to promote SingStrong or any of the producers' programs or materials. All moral rights, rights of privacy, publicity, copyright or otherwise, if any, in such materials are forever waived by participants.
The producer may record in analog or digital video, analog or digital photograph, analog or digital audio or by any other means, the group and/or its members and support persons for archival, promotional or distribution purposes, whether by digital, analog or other means, whereby all proceeds shall be paid to producer, producer's affiliate, assignee, subsidiary or partner, or a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
All participants agree to hold the producers harmless and indemnify them from any and all claims which may arise in connection with any of producers' events. You agree to the Terms. These terms are in addition to the terms and conditions posted or linked to at the time of ticket or pass purchase. In the event of a conflict between the terms, those most strongly favoring SingStrong's interests, in its sole judgment, shall control.
RECOMMENDED READING
This article, now shared thousands of times, is recommended reading for all competitors: Top Ten A cappella Competition Rookie Mistakes
Welcome to the SingStrong New York High School Competition! This is an opportunity for the best high school groups to compete! The top three groups also get to open at the SingStrong Concerts on Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon! The Rules can be found below. Though changes in these Rules are rare, all Judges and Participants are expected to have read and agreed to the rules as posted on this site on the day of the event.
FEES
It's FREE to apply. There is also no separate fee for entering the competition, if all participants purchase an All Access Weekend Pass, VIP Pass, Combo Pass or Class Pass. Note that some schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties are aided in paying for tickets through BOCES Arts-in Education. Music Educators should contact their BOCES District Coordinator for details.
HOW TO ENTER
- APPLY. Just by filling out this form.
- ACCEPT. We'll evaluate your materials and email or call you back to let you know if your group is accepted.
- CONFIRM. Your participation will be confirmed by email after you inform us your group has purchased their passes. It's that simple!
PURPOSE
To encourage technical proficiency and artistic creativity in high school level a cappella singers.
WHO MAY ENTER
Any group consisting almost exclusively of high school students of (almost) any size, style or composition may enter this contest. Performers may compete in more than one group. Advanced Jr. HS students will also be permitted. If a group has a limited number of recent alumni who are no longer in HS, this is permitted, however they may be ineligible for individual awards. Additional HS students may be added to a CONFIRMED competing group "at the last minute" if they have the appropriate Passes and notify Producers or the HS Coordinator by email. However, the earlier the final line-up is known, the better.
WHO MAY CONDUCT
Typically, no one conducts. However, student or non-student directors may conduct from on, or off-stage, if they desire. Groups who choose to do so should be aware that many judges view conductors (student or non-student) as a non-compelling performance choice. Only you can decide if the positive musical effects outweigh the potential “detraction” to your group’s performance. A non-student conductor may speak in between songs if they wish, but they may not sing or otherwise contribute musically, other than by conducting. Exceptions may be made for last minute illness, at the producers' discretion.
SIZE REQUIREMENTS
Groups may be of any size, from a minimum of just 1 person, up to a maximum limited only by the reasonable restrictions of the performance space as determined by the producers. As a guideline, most stages can easily accommodate a choir of 100. If you wish to bring a group of 25 or more, contact the producers and your group will be accommodated.
TIMING
Groups in the Finals shall perform for 8 minutes or less. In recent years we have only had a Finals, so comments regarding Tier 1 will only apply to competitions in which a Tier 1 is scheduled.
If there is a Tier 1 prior to finals, then groups competing in Tier 1 shall perform 1 piece (not to exceed 4 minutes; piece may be a mash-up or medley, if desired). Groups may perform the same or different material in Tier 1 and The Finals.
Timing shall begin with the first deliberate sung or spoken utterance, choreography or blowing of a pitch and shall run continuously through applause and performance until the last deliberate sung or spoken utterance, choreography or blowing of a pitch.
Technical difficulties causing delays will be credited to the performers so that the group receives their originally allotted time.
Groups may use their time to perform as many or as few songs as they wish.
Groups shall not be penalized for ending on time or under time.
Groups may be penalized for going over their allotted time, at the discretion of the judges.
Groups are advised to allow time for applause after each song as they plan the timing of their sets.
PERFORMANCE ORDER
All competing groups will receive the order in which they are performing from the Producers or HS Coordinator on the day of the performance.
Performance order will be determined at the sole discretion of the producers who may take into account any number of factors in programming including last minute travel emergencies, technical set up requirements, and creating an enjoyable and entertaining program order from an objective audience perspective. (Please do alert us if your school has any students performing in more than one group. This is permitted and we will attempt to schedule appropriately.)
JUDGING
Each judge shall rate each group according to the following criteria:
- Originality
- Intonation
- Blend
- Tone
- Rhythm
- Balance
- Visuals
- Difficulty
- Transitions
- Wow Factor (a subjective impression category)
Judges are instructed to resolve close calls in favor of the more original or creative group.
Judges are reminded that the sound engineer is not being judged, and therefore to be vigilant in listening for and scoring the singers' performance only.
Judges shall rate performances in a genre neutral manner, showing no favoritism towards any genre (classical, jazz, barbershop, pop, punk, hip-hop, etc.) over another.
All areas of performance, including repertoire, wardrobe and choreography should be appropriate for family audiences. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in penalty or disqualification, at the discretion of the producers.
All performances must be completely a cappella and no instruments or percussion of any kind are permitted, with the exception of pitch pipes or similar devices used solely to generate a starting pitch.
AWARDS
Traditionally, the following awards are offered at the Finals:
- First Place
- Second Place
- Third Place
- Two Awards for Best Soloist
- Best Vocal Percussion (solo or section)
- Best Original Arrangement
- Best Original Composition or "Judge's Choice" for another area of excellence
Additionally, Producers will offer the top 3 ranking groups the opportunity to open for the professional show of their choice. This is a great honor and opportunity, but it is not an obligation. Groups may opt not to accept this offer. In that case, at the discretion of the Producers, the offer may be extended to the other groups in the competition.
AGE BIAS IN ASSIGNING AWARDS
This rule is intended to allow flexibility to HS groups whose membership changes while also insuring fairness to HS age competitors.
Solely for the purpose of assigning individual awards, and not for the purpose of assigning group awards, in the discretion of the producers, judges may be instructed to apply a bias against any individual performers who have matriculated from HS, or are materially older than approximately 19 years old.
As examples, if a high school student were 21 years old, we would likely not award best soloist to that individual, regardless of their talent level. If a student had graduated in January and was competing as an alumni in April before even beginning college, we likely would still award best soloist, if deserved. If a group had a recent alumni who returned to provide vocal percussion, the group could win First Place, even though the individual could probably not win the award for best vocal percussion.
REQUIRED INFORMATION
All CONFIRMED Groups must complete this form.
JUDGING PROCEDURE
During the performances, judges shall make written comments for the benefit of the groups. Scoring may also be used in some sections. After the completion of the performances, the judges shall confer with one another privately, and each shall exercise one vote towards each award. The applicant with the most votes shall be declared the winner at the conclusion of the concert. If there is a tie, then SingStrong producer(s) or one of them shall exercise a tie-breaking power to decide the issue.
The judges shall make their written comments available to the competitors and shall endeavor to keep their comments in such form as to be constructive to the participants. Please notify one of the SingStrong producers if you wish to have judges' comments and scoring sent to you.
SOUND
Most groups of 24 or less, perform on individual microphones; most larger groups use area mics or a combination. We will provide microphones and amplification at the competitions. We can usually offer up to 24 wireless mics. Groups of any size may perform on mic or off mic at their discretion, up to the restrictions of our technical set-up. Additional sound equipment, including effects, may be used if approved by the producers. Approval usually requires that your effects be made available to all performers at their sound check. We recommend contacting producers as early as possible regarding any requests.
Requests regarding mixing and effects made to the sound engineer will be honored where possible, including the request to enhance bass, vocal percussion, leads or to “use your best judgment”. In the absence of any contrary instructions, the engineer will be instructed to use best judgment.
A sound check is not absolutely guaranteed, although we will provide our best efforts to provide all groups with a sound check, if time allows. If a sound check is provided, all groups shall have approximately the same amount of time to sound check, except for groups arriving late who shall have sound checks at the producer's discretion. Where time is short, soundcheck may take the form of a short orientation on mic technique given to all performers simultaneously, rather than a true soundcheck. At mic orientation we endeavor to make clear how close singers should be to their microphones and which mics should be used for leads, bass, vocal percussion, etc.
Like performance order, soundcheck order and nature will be determined by the Producers at their sole discretion.
WATCHING Performances
We try to do our best to let every student watch every part of the soundchecks and Finals, regardless of what type of pass or ticket they have. But, due to high ticket sales, this isn't always possible. The Finals concert often sells out, and as a result, we must offer priority access to those who purchase tickets or weekend passes over those who only have Class Passes. This rule describes how we handle this:
Soundchecks are open to all HS groups to watch.
Finals are more restricted. Any student with a Discount Weekend Pass, Full Weekend Pass or VIP Pass MAY watch the Finals, except during times when they themselves are performing or needed backstage or onstage. Students who only have a ClassPass are NOT guaranteed to see the Finals unless they also purchase an individual (or a la carte) ticket to the Finals.
HOWEVER, if the Finals are NOT sold-out, Producers may allow some ClassPass holders to attend. This is not guaranteed and there may still be more Class Pass holders than there are seats, which would cause us to prevent some ClassPass holders from entering, while possibly allowing others to enter.
We recognize that this uncertainty is inconvenient and this is one more reason why we strongly recommend that every student purchase a Discount Weekend Pass.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Judges and groups must disclose to producers in advance, any potential conflicts of interest, which could be reasonably perceived as projecting even the appearance of impropriety. Failure to raise conflicts of interest with a producer in advance and in writing shall be deemed a waiver of the conflict.
The following shall not be considered conflicts:
- Judge is affiliated with the same school as a competitor.
- Judge has arranged or composed material for competitor, even if for a fee.
- Judge has coached the group.
What does constitute a conflict? You must notify us immediately if you or any of your group's members have any family or current business relationship with any judge or SingStrong Inc. officer, director, trustee, or independent contractors. Also, you should notify us if you have reason to believe that a judge is not impartial for any reason.
RANKING
A director may request of the producers at any time before the awards are announced on stage, to have their group receive comments only and not to be ranked. Such a request may forfeit a group’s ability to win awards, if any. The producers may in their discretion announce only the top ranking groups.
CONDUCT
All participants and judges agree to abide by the highest ethical standards, to behave responsibly and compassionately towards all SingStrong attendees, and not to publicly criticize the participants (other than in written and verbal performance comments), judges, producers, staff, decisions or rules of this competition, but instead to direct any statements to the producers in private correspondence.
MERCHANDISE
At the discretion of the producers, groups may sell merchandise immediately following their show. Please notify the producers if your group wishes to sell merchandise. You agree to be solely responsible for any taxes, fees or economic damage of any kind due as a result of selling merchandise.
ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS AND ORIGINAL ARRANGEMENTS
To be considered for awards:
An original arrangement must be arranged by a student member of the group.
An original composition must have its lyrics or melody composed or co-composed by a student member of the group.
For the purpose of awards, judges may be instructed to apply a bias against any individual arrangers or composers who have matriculated from HS, or are materially older than approximately 19 years old.
PRODUCERS’ DISCRETION
Any open issues, vague or confusing terms, or disagreements of any kind relating to this competition shall be resolved by the producers in their sole discretion and their determination shall be final and binding on all persons.
RIGHTS
By attending, judging, performing, competing, or otherwise participating and/or by accepting the benefits of publicity derived from appearing in the event, which all parties agree is of value, and/or by accepting any awards, discounts or other benefits, and/or by purchasing tickets or passes, if any, all participants and/or support personnel and their parents or legal guardians on their behalf (collectively "participants"), agree to abide by these rules, and that the producer has the following rights in addition to any others which it may have:
The producer may freely use, copy, distribute, publicly display, alter, create edited or derivative works from, forever, throughout the universe, without payment, credit or additional permission, of the name, life story and likeness of any participant, group or any of its members or directors or other supporting persons to promote a cappella generally, to promote a cappella or charity events, or to promote SingStrong or any of the producers' programs or materials. All moral rights, rights of privacy, publicity, copyright or otherwise, if any, in such materials are forever waived by participants.
The producer may record in analog or digital video, analog or digital photograph, analog or digital audio or by any other means, the group and/or its members and support persons for archival, promotional or distribution purposes, whether by digital, analog or other means, whereby all proceeds shall be paid to producer, producer's affiliate, assignee, subsidiary or partner, or a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
All participants agree to hold the producers harmless and indemnify them from any and all claims which may arise in connection with any of producers' events. You agree to the Terms. These terms are in addition to the terms and conditions posted or linked to at the time of ticket or pass purchase. In the event of a conflict between the terms, those most strongly favoring SingStrong's interests, in its sole judgment, shall control.
RECOMMENDED READING
This article, now shared thousands of times, is recommended reading for all competitors: Top Ten A cappella Competition Rookie Mistakes