MSVMA Festivals

When registering for an adjudicated festival, directors have the option of choosing “The Festival Experience” or “The Festival Experience with a Rating.”  “The Festival Experience” is the default for our festivals, replacing the diminutive “Comments Only” that was previously used.  Our scoring systems supports a growth-mindset culture for members and students alike.  

Participation & Eligibility
To participate in any of the adjudicated and non-adjudicated events, the following apply:

• Students in grades 6 to 12 must be members in good standing of their school’s vocal music program as verified by the director of record under the MSVMA school membership. 
  
• The school that the singer or singers represent must hold a current MSVMA membership.
• For all MSVMA activities, Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 are designated as high school level. Grades 6, 7, and 8 are designated as junior high/middle school level.
• 9th Grade students may participate in solo/ensemble or choral festivals at the high school or junior high/middle school level, but not both. Once designated, the student must perform at this level through all district and state level solo & ensemble and choral festivals for that school year.  All rules for participation, including repertoire and sight-reading requirements, would follow the designation of the festival.
• 9th Grade students' participation level (6789 or High School) for solo & ensemble festivals and choral festivals (as noted above) are not subject to selecting the same participation level for other events offered (i.e. 6789 or High School Honors Choir).
• 5th Graders may not participate in any activities.
  
• Deadline dates will be strictly enforced to facilitate scheduling and assure a well-organized festival.
• District deadlines are posted on the district web pages. See the MSVMA calendar located on the MSVMA website for all other events deadlines.
• All required forms must be postmarked or hand delivered by the online registration deadline.  Appropriate fees must accompany all required forms. Payment is required for all Purchase Orders.
• Once fees are received, they are non-refundable.
• If a deadline is missed, the deadline appeals process may be used. The appeals process is as follows: If the director feels that there are extenuating circumstances, the director may appeal to the district manager for district events or the executive board director for state events. The district manager or executive board director may use his/her discretion and accept or reject the application based on each case's facts. If the director wishes to further appeal the decision of the district manager or executive board director, an administrator of the member school may appeal to the Board of Directors for a final ruling.
• Each manager or supervisor will provide directors with additional information concerning place, dates, and scheduling of each event within the district.
• Participants at events must use copyright compliant scores of music. Each adjudicator must be presented with a copyright compliant score. Directors will be required upon registration to certify that the legally required number of original copies have been purchased or secured for performance at this event.

Inclusion

If you have a disability and require accommodation to participate in any MSVMA event, please contact the MSVMA State Office at 231.592.9344 or debrajacks@msvma.org to request accommodations at least 72 hours in advance.