Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Any student musician (high school or younger) who resides in
Kansas, who plays in an alternative strings band may apply to be considered as
a Battle of the Bands competitor.
Does my band have to be connected to
a school orchestra?
No! This is an independent competition, not a school-based, KSHSAA event. No official school sponsorship is allowed by KSHSAA policy. Sponsorship is defined as using school funds for band entry fees, or using the school’s name for entry. Any non-professional alternative strings group can apply, but band members need to be high school aged (or younger). All groups need an adult sponsor (such as a private string teacher, a parent, or staff member of an arts organization) who enters the band into the competition, and attends the competition with the band. (See the rules for all the fine print.)
Are there any restrictions to what
kind of music my band can play?
A few. No classical music (unless it's being played in an
alternative style-Beethoven's Fifth as arranged by the Trans-Siberian
Orchestra, for example, would be fine). No arrangements by Barrage should be
played for the competition. No offensive lyrics. Your group may play acoustic
or electric instruments, although the winner of the competition must be
willing to be micked on stage if event organizers determine amplification is
necessary for filling the hall. (Please consult Competition Rules/Guidelines
for complete details)
What if I'm not in an alternative
strings band? Can I still come?
String students not associated with a competition band may be able to attend the event, depending on available space. Contact event organizations for details.
How do I apply?
First
Determine whether your group is eligible to compete, by
reading all the Competition Rules/Guidelines.
Second
Make a recording of at least one and up to three of your
band's alternative style pieces to be sent in with your application.
Recordings can be submitted from performances within the past 12 months, so
long as the group's director and most of the band players are the same.
Otherwise, a new recording should be submitted. Recordings can be submitted
as video (DVD) or audio (CD) format, or may be submitted as a YouTube link.
(Please read all Competition Rules/Guidelines)
Third
Fill out your application, and send it in with your
recording and entry fee. Application packets must be received by October 25,
2009.
Who gets chosen to participate in
the competition?
Event organizers are seeking to develop a showcase competition which features a variety of alternative styles, the creative use of bowed string instruments, and high quality performances.
What are the competition judges
looking for?
The purpose of the Alternative Strings Battle of the Bands is
to show case how traditional bowed-string instruments and players can
participate in non-classical ensembles, performing various alternative styles
music. As such, the extent to which bowed-string players are featured in the
band's music/act will be an important component in the judges' ratings. In
addition, bands will be judged on:
- Technical Skills – instrumental/vocal skill, intonation,
ensemble, fluidity, complexity of music, memorization
- Originality - What makes your band different, unique? Quality
of original material and/or interpretation of cover tunes. Does your
performance go beyond the notes to express feelings/emotions? Unique use of
bowed-string instruments in ensemble.
- Visual Presentation - stage presence, clothes, costuming,
actions/movement on stage, props
- Professionalism – Use of performance time (including set up
and break down time), acknowledgements, introductions, etc.
- Overall Entertainment Value - How entertaining was your band?
Did you hold the interest of the audience?
Who will be in the audience?
The competition audience will include fellow string students
from represented schools, other Hays-area string students, and some elementary
school children. Approximately 250 students will be in the competition
audience.
The competition winner's Opening Act to Barrage will be
performed in the 1000-seat Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the campus
of Fort Hays State University. The concert, a part of FHSU's regular
performing arts series, will include an audience of university and community
members, as well as participating students.
|
