CATEGORIES: All vocal styles are accepted

1. All criteria set forth in these pages apply to the Regional, Semi-Finals and Finals, unless otherwise noted.
2. Students should perform their best work. Do not choose works that are more difficult than your current level of proficiency to impress the judges.
3. No parents, teachers or coaches will be allowed in the competition area.
4. At the Semi-Finals and Finals, no flash photography is allowed.
5. It is the responsibility of the competitor to obtain any necessary copyright permission.
6. Open to SOLOISTS ONLY.
7. Performances will be judged primarily on, but not limited to, the following:
   
   • Quality of Tone
   • Technique - ease of production, breath support, intonation, flexibility, legato
   • Communication/Interpretation/Diction - the degree and clarity, i.e., effectiveness of communication the music's text and mood
   • Musicianship - dynamics, tempo, rhythm, phrasing, style
   • Stage Presence - appearance, posture, charisma, preparation/ memorization
   • Expression - demonstrating an individual musical personality
8. Performances at the Regional Round must run no less than 1.5 minutes but no more than 3 minutes total. For the Semi-Finals and Finals Competition, students will have up to 5 minutes to perform.
9. For the Regional competition, competitors will be stopped at 3 minutes.
10. For the Semi-Finals and Finals Competition, competitors will not be stopped, however, time is being kept and the judges will deduct points from the competitors score.
11. Competitors need not perform the same piece(s) they perform at Regionals if they advance to the Semi-Finals and Finals Competitions.
12. Regional Competition: Each contestant will sing only one selection. Students should choose their strongest material to perform. MUST BE MEMORIZED.
13. Semi-Finals and Finals Competition: Each contestant must prepare two musical selections. It is strongly recommended that the selections be contrasting in mood, character, style and tempo. MUST BE MEMORIZED.
14. Competitors must be accompanied by piano. Students may use their own accompanist for all rounds of the competition. If you do not have an accompanist and need one, the Overture Awards will supply one for you if; A.) You indicate your need on your application B.) You enclose a copy of your music clearly marked for the accompanist with your application.