PANEL CHAIR HANDBOOK Edition SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Transcription

1 PANEL CHAIR HANDBOOK 2018 Edition SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION A GENERAL INFORMATION Introduction... A-1 Chair of the Official Panel... A-1 Basic Responsibilities... A-1 Travel Arrangements... A-2 SECTION B COMPETITION PREPARATIONS Auditorium Inspections... B-1 Lighting Standards... B-1 Sound System... B-2 System Test... B-3 SECTION C CONVENTION WEEKEND Official Inspection... C-1 Level Viewing... C-1 Activity Checklist... C-2 Instructions to Regional Pages for Official Panel... C-4 Instructions to Regional Pages for Trial Scorers... C-5 Format for the Introduction of the Official Panel... C-6 Introduction of Trial Scorers... C-7 Announcement of Results... C-7 International Awards... C-7 Guide for Announcing the Official Results... C-8 Quartet Competition... C-8 Chorus Competition... C-10 Most Improved Chorus... C-10 Division A (Small) Chorus Awards... C-10 Division AA (Midsize) Chorus Awards... C-11 Regional Chorus Awards... C-12 SECTION D POSTCOMPETITION PROCEDURES APPENDIX Postcompetition Meeting... D-1 Postcompetition Reports... D-1 Expense Statements... D-1 Appendix I Timing (International Division and Open Division)

3 SECTION A

4 SECTION A GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE 1 INTRODUCTION Panel Chairs (PC) are selected on the basis of their judging experience and exposure to varied competition situations, as well as their ability to perform under pressure. In addition, they are supportive of other panel members and establish an atmosphere that enables the panel to do the best job possible as they judge the contests. Please read all instructions carefully before the contest weekend so that you have sufficient time to contact Competition Services at IHQ if you need assistance. CHAIR OF THE OFFICIAL PANEL The PC is the final authority in all decisions that concern the official panel. She is also the final authority in all decisions that relate to the operation of the competition sessions, including the sound system, lighting, staging, etc. Since last minute changes may result in increased labor and equipment costs, it is best to ensure well in advance of the contest weekend that the established technical standards are met. It is necessary that the PC communicates and works closely with the CC and OPL prior to the contest weekend. All emergency decisions relating to the judging of contestants are made by the PC, including: Late arrival or absence of a panel member. Equipment failure or distortion. Audience disturbance of major proportion. Unauthorized audio or video recording by news media or audience members. The PC contacts the CC or OPL immediately, if any changes need to be made. BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Prior to the convention weekend, reviews and approves the following: a. staging information b. housing, transportation and meal arrangements for the official panel c. inspection schedule d. traffic pattern 2. Either contacts personally or has her designee contact the CC to set up a Thursday evening or Friday morning meeting to verify and distribute judging packets and PS supplies. 3. Contacts ED to set up a time following the chorus competition to meet briefly to deliver observation forms from the judging panel. Spend a brief time discussing the forms before handing them over. 4. Attends the quartet and chorus briefings, whenever time permits. 5. Conducts the official inspection for the quartet and chorus competitions. 6. Conducts the level video viewing in the official panel's rest area/parlor at the hotel prior to both competitions. 7. Prior to contest, she collects all scoresheets of the competitors who have withdrawn from the contest. 8. Maintains awareness of levels during contest. Verifies placement for awards. 9. Notifies CC and/or CRC if any Open Division competitor is disqualified (can be designated to PS). 10. Supervises the PS in the preparation of contest results.

5 SECTION A GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE Conducts the announcements of the international awards. Introduces the official panel prior to the announcement of the official results of the chorus contest. 12. Following each contest session, meets with the official panel and trial scorers to review the overall competition and collect observation forms. Put copies of the forms in the official Observation Form envelope. 13. Prepares follow-up documentation as directed by the international organization. Travel Arrangements All travel arrangements should be made through the Journey House designated by the international organization. Arrangements must be made no later than February 1, so that regional personnel may be notified. A copy of the itinerary of each official panel member is sent to the PC. Please remember if you are traveling overseas, you will want to allow time to recover from jet lag. It is also recommended that you coordinate your travel arrangements with the other panel members.

6 SECTION B

7 SECTION B COMPETITION PREPARATIONS PAGE 1 COMPETITION PREPARATIONS AUDITORIUM INSPECTIONS In accordance with procedures approved by the Education Direction Committee, the PC must inspect the auditorium facilities prior to each contest session. Whenever possible, the quartet and chorus inspections are held simultaneously on Friday morning or early that afternoon. If time does not allow, the chorus inspection may be held immediately following the quartet contest Friday evening. LIGHTING STANDARDS General Appropriate stage lighting is essential for a Sweet Adelines International competition, not only from the standpoint of the audience but also from that of the official panel. The stage must be bright enough so that the audience at the back of the auditorium can see the contestant. Lighting must also be bright and even for the contestant so the showmanship judge can evaluate the overall visual performance, including facial expressions as well as planned gestures and choreography. Final decisions regarding the adequacy of the lighting are made by the PC at the official inspection. 1. Lighting must be uniform for all contestants in the same contest session. No special lighting effects may be used by any contestant in the International Division or Evaluation Only sessions. 2. The intensity of stage lighting must be consistent for the entire performing group. 3. In an auditorium situation, overhead and front lighting should be used. Forward lights should be focused so no shadows are cast. If footlights are used, they should not be brighter than the overhead lights. 4. In a hotel ballroom, fixed mini-spots need to be focused on the stage. 5. For International Division and Evaluation Only contestants, lighting should be white; however gels may be used in forward lighting. Only pink, flesh-tone or bastard amber gels are used. At least one follow spot is needed and should be checked and operated by experienced personnel. This is used for the introduction of the official panel prior to the announcement of the chorus results. 6. For Open Division contestants, regions may choose to offer the following lighting options for non-contest songs: red, lavender, blue, amber, green or magenta. Traditional white lighting is to be used for the contest song. 7. The emcee lectern spot may be fixed lighting on a dimmer board. 8. Lighting technician(s) must focus lighting prior to auditorium inspections and be available to operate during inspections, contest sessions and shows. 9. Lighting in the auditorium while contestants are on stage should be set low enough so that performers can see that there are people in the audience. A 20-40% setting is recommended. Between contestants, lighting should be brought to 80% for the safety and convenience of the audience.

8 SECTION B COMPETITION PREPARATIONS PAGE 2 Quartet Contest 1. Both overhead and front lighting is necessary. 2. The lighting must be focused in such a way as to prevent shadows on the faces of the quartet members. 3. All stage lighting may be brought up during a quartet's performance, beginning with their entrance and ending with their exit. Or, a follow-spot may be focused on them from their entrance through their exit. Chorus Contest 1. A combination of overhead and front lighting is necessary to achieve an overall unshadowed effect. Lighting must be consistent and un-shadowed from 6-1/2 feet above the highest tier of risers to the smallest member in the front row. The area in front of the risers to the downstage edge must be lighted with the same consistency in order to allow for choreography. 2. Follow spots should not be used on the director alone. The director s face should be sufficiently illuminated so that she can be seen clearly by the chorus. This can be accomplished by dedicating a fixed overhead instrument for this purpose. 3. Check the lighting on the director to ensure that she is clearly seen by the chorus. Final decisions regarding the adequacy of the lighting are made by the PC at the official inspection. However, because last minute changes may result in increased labor and equipment costs, it is best to ensure well in advance of the contest weekend that the established lighting standards can be met. SOUND SYSTEM General Information The purpose of using an amplification system for competition is to enable the audience to hear the performances. It is especially important for Open Division competitors, as the audience s reaction is one of the judging criteria. If sound monitors are available in the competition hall, they should be used. Amplification for the competitor, as well as the audience, is very important. The judging panel must hear contestants without the benefit of amplification whenever possible. In order to achieve this, it may be necessary to distribute several speakers throughout the hall. However, hearing a small amount of amplification in the pit is acceptable if needed to assure that both the competitors and the audience can hear. Quartet Contest A non-competing quartet serves as the mic-testing quartet. The process for determining how the quartet is selected and who invites the quartet to perform is outlined in regional procedures. If the mic-testing quartet desires to perform for Evaluation Only or Open Division, they may do so at the end of the contest session. Two cardioid microphones are required. They are securely mounted so they do not move if struck by a performer. A preferred mounting is on a single microphone stand with a stereo bar

9 SECTION B COMPETITION PREPARATIONS PAGE 3 placed in a cross-fired position ( degrees, tails out). Microphones are positioned so the patterns are directed between quartet members #1 and #2, and between quartet members #3 and #4. The best option is to use a boom-type microphone stand placed in the pit, so there is no physical contact between the stage floor and the microphones. The level of both microphones is set equally to maintain the natural balance of the quartet's sound. The use of stage monitors is optional, but encouraged. Open Division quartets must have a microphone for emcee work. Chorus Contest If determined necessary, a noncompeting chorus of at least 30 members serves as the mic-testing chorus. The process for determining how the chorus is selected and who invites the chorus to perform is outlined in regional procedures. If the mic-testing chorus desires to perform for Evaluation Only or Open Division, they may do so at the end of the appropriate session. Microphones may be suspended overhead, placed on the floor, or both. If suspended: 1. Three microphones should be used. 2. Microphones should be suspended at least as high as the heads of the singers on the highest riser and at least two to four feet in front of the risers. 3. Microphones are positioned so the patterns are directed at the chorus, not at the floor. 4. Levels should match the curvature of the risers (outside microphones set equally; the center microphone slightly higher). 5. Open Division choruses must have at least one standing microphone for emcee work. You may use three as is used at international contest. Lavaliere mics are not allowed. Floor microphones are used only if microphones may not be suspended. Two or three are placed on boom-type stands in the pit with their levels set equally. Floor microphones often pick up noise of foot movement and may distort the audience and recording sound. SYSTEM TEST Frequently, improper wiring cables, or inpatch bays, result in two adjacent microphones being out of phase, causing a significant sound cancellation. A phase test to ensure that all microphones in each group are in phase should be made by the sound technician. Often, there is a problem of system saturation and clipping at various frequencies at peak volume. This results in a noticeable distortion of sound quality and sometimes is accompanied by a rumble, a momentary ring-off at certain frequencies, or even a steady, deafening, ringing sound. Should this occur, the system test should be stopped at once until the sound technician has made the necessary corrections. Successful system tests result in pleasant, well-balanced sound at all volume levels throughout the auditorium, with minimal reverberation and with minimal or no amplified sound being audible at the judges' tables. Through proper use of pan controls and auxiliary outputs on the primary mixing console, compliance with these microphone techniques provides the necessary sound pick-up for feeding the auditorium sound system as well as for providing stereo audio feed for the audio and video recording equipment.

10 SECTION B COMPETITION PREPARATIONS PAGE 4 Final approval for the use of sound amplification rests with the PC. If she determines during the on-site inspections or mic-testing performances that amplification is excessive or that it interferes with the panel's evaluation of the contestant performances, she has the prerogative to request that the gain be lowered or that amplification not be used. The sound technician should be instructed that once the sound system has been approved by the PC, no changes are to be made except as authorized by her.

11 SECTION C

12 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 1 CONVENTION WEEKEND OFFICIAL INSPECTION The PC conducts an official inspection of the competition facility prior to the quartet competition session. The specific time for the inspection is scheduled by regional personnel. An additional inspection may be necessary prior to the chorus competition session. The purpose of these official inspections is to test and have the PC approve: 1. Stage lighting 2. Stage setup, including placement of: a. microphones b. shell(s) c. lectern d. risers 3. Appropriate sound levels and placement of speakers 4. Judging areas 5. Backstage pattern The PC may request that other judges attend the inspection to assist with her official responsibilities. Otherwise attendance for the remaining panel members is optional, although they and the trial scorers are welcome and may be encouraged to attend. The PS may use this opportunity to meet with the page and test the computer equipment. In addition, there are other activities that need to be addressed at the inspection. A checklist is included on the following two pages. The chair of the regional convention should make arrangements for the following personnel to attend the official inspection: All trial scorers are invited and encouraged to attend All pages Chair of the Regional Convention CC Events Coordinator Official Panel Liaison Membership/Marketing Coordinator or Public Relations Chair, if electronic media coverage has been arranged Audio and Video Recording Personnel Sound/Lighting Technicians All members of the official judging panel, including the PS, are invited and encouraged to attend. LEVEL VIEWING The PC has been instructed to make sure the proper equipment is available for the level viewing. She can use her own laptop with a USB port to view on the thumb drive or she can contact the

13 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 2 PS or any other member of the panel to see if they can provide a suitable laptop. If necessary, the PC may contact the regional personnel to see if the region can loan the panel a laptop for this purpose. ACTIVITY CHECKLIST Distribution of Scoresheet Packets If the scoresheet packets were not given to the PC on Thursday, upon her arrival at the hotel, the CC may distribute them to her at this time. Distribution of Official Papers and Related Material Verify the PS has been given the appropriate information for completing the electronic cards generated by the Excel spreadsheet. Verify the appropriate script cards have been distributed to the emcees. The PC announces the internationally designated awards. Any additional awards (trophies, medals) are also announced at this time. Regional awards are not announced within the contest framework. The PC makes the introductions of the official panel and trial scorers prior to announcing the official results of the chorus competition. Ensure the PS has received the stopwatches and cue sheets. Verify the pages have received their instructions. Review Plans for Electronic Media Coverage Audio and Video Recording Review with the CC and audio and video recording personnel if a signal is established between the technicians and the PC to ensure readiness of the audio and video recording personnel prior to a contestant s performance. Other Information Review with CC, CRC and OPL what time the official panel is to be at the competition facility and when they are to be seated in the judging pit. Review with the CC the timing of the intermissions. It is customary for the intermission to fall one contestant past the halfway point in the contest. If both riser configurations are used, an intermission needs to be scheduled after the last contestant in the first session to allow time to change the risers. Rehearse with the emcees to ensure ease and flow of introductions on stage. Share tips to aid them in a smooth delivery that will engage the audience.

14 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 3 Sound, Lighting and Stage Check Conduct the inspection of the sound and lighting systems. Refer to Section B of this handbook as needed. During the performance of the mic-testers, the sound judge checks the sound at the table, the showmanship judge checks lighting from the table, and the expression and/or music judge may check the sound in the house. Regions are instructed to have a non-competing chorus available during the official chorus inspection. Review all of the arrangements regarding the stage. Review the operation of the signal system. Review Judging Areas, includes judging pit and rest areas

15 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 4 INSTRUCTIONS TO REGIONAL PAGES FOR THE OFFICIAL PANEL Pages for the regional competition are appointed by the EVC and must be members in good standing of Sweet Adelines International. One page should be appointed for each competition session. Pages are encouraged to enjoy the contest, but asked to refrain from applauding or talking during the contest. Seating for the page should be made available near the PS's table. A rest area with refreshments and restroom facilities should be provided separate from the official panel. General Responsibilities 1. Attend official inspection. 2. Assist the PS by also keeping time during contest. 3. Following each contestant's performance, pick up the original and first copy of the completed scoresheet from each judge after she has finished writing. (Do not wait until all judges have completed their scoresheets to collect all papers at once.) Give the original to the PC and the first copy to the PS. 4. If the PS discovers an error on a scoresheet, she signals that the scoresheet must be returned to the PC during the next break. The PC checks the scoresheet and signals that it be taken to the appropriate judge, who corrects and initials both copies. After the correction, deliver them back to the PC and the PS (original to PC and first copy to the PS). Do not deliver any papers during a performance; wait until the contestant has completed both songs. 5. Be attentive to possible signals from the PC, PS or a judge. 6. Empty wastebaskets at the beginning of each intermission and immediately following each competition session. The OPL instructs where this should be done. If requested, replenish supplies for official panel members. 7. Remain in the judging pit at the conclusion of the contest until released by the PC. Help the PS as needed. NOTE: All information related to the judging and scoring of a regional competition is confidential and should not be discussed with anyone at any time. Pages are not to read scores or comments and are not to write down any information relating to scores or scoresheet comments for any contestants. The PC will dismiss a page who does not maintain confidentiality.

16 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 5 INSTRUCTIONS TO REGIONAL PAGES FOR TRIAL SCORERS Pages for the regional competition are appointed by the EVC and must be members in good standing of Sweet Adelines International. If the region has been notified that trial scorers will be in the region, one page should be appointed for each competition session. Pages are encouraged to enjoy the contest, but asked to refrain from applauding or talking during the contest. Seating for the page should be made available near the trial scorers' table, if applicable. A rest area with refreshments and restroom facilities should be provided separate from the official panel. General Responsibilities 1. Attend official inspection. 2. Following each contestant's performance, pick up the completed original scoresheet from each trial scorer after she has finished writing. (Do not wait until all trial scorers have completed their scoresheets to collect all papers at once.) Clip together and maintain each trial scorer s scoresheets separately. 3. Take all completed trial scoring papers to the rest area. 4. At the conclusion of each contest, collect any JP-1s from the trial scorers and place in the appropriate packet. Trial scorers may choose to keep their observation forms. 5. Return all trial scoring scoresheets to the PS. NOTE: All information related to the judging and scoring of a regional competition is confidential and should not be discussed with anyone at any time. Pages are not to read scores or comments and are not to write down any information relating to scores or scoresheet comments for any contestants. The PC will dismiss a page that does not maintain confidentiality.

17 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 6 FORMAT FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE OFFICIAL PANEL AT REGIONAL COMPETITIONS The PS prints the introduction of the official panel from the excel spreadsheet. Panel Chair: Before announcing the official results of the contest, I'd like you to meet your official panel and their regional assistant(s). Please limit your applause to one clap following each introduction, until everyone has been introduced. Serving as page for the official panel, from (home city and state) (name) (If your region has a trial scoring judge(s), introduce the page) Serving as page for the trial scoring judge(s), from Our panel secretary, from (home city and state) (home city and state) (name) (name) INTRODUCTION OF JUDGES: Serving in the category of, from (home city and state) (name) Serving in the category of, from (home city and state) (name) Serving in the category of, from (home city and state) (name) The panel may now be seated.

18 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 7 INTRODUCTION OF TRIAL SCORERS: Trial scoring in the category of, from (home city and state) (name) Trial scoring in the category of, from (home city and state) (name) Trial scoring in the category of, from (home city and state) (name) The trial scorers may now be seated. NOTE: No officers or chairs, past or present, regional or international, are introduced except in cases where a current international president is known to be in the audience at the time introductions are made. A sample introduction is: We are very honored to have with us in the audience today the international president of Sweet Adelines International from (home city and state) (name) AWARDS Announcement of Results Note: The PC is reminded to read through her script before going on stage to ensure a smooth delivery. International policy states that only awards designated by the international organization are announced by the PC. The PS tabulates results for these designated awards only. Additional awards (e.g., trophy, plaque) provided by the region to the winners of international awards are presented at the time the announcement is made. International Awards The following placements are designated as international awards: 1-5 place quartets 1-5 place choruses 1-3 place Division A (small) chorus awards 1-3 place Division AA (midsize) chorus awards Most improved chorus awards

19 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 8 GUIDE FOR ANNOUNCING THE OFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE REGIONAL QUARTET COMPETITION The PS sends a copy of the announcement script to the CRC and CC the week of competition. The PS prints the announcement of results from the excel spreadsheet on site for the PC to use. Now, it's time to announce the winners of the awards presented by the international organization. All quartets may pick up their scoresheet packets at (location) (times) Any other announcements Instructions to quartets for receiving awards The fifth place medals will be presented by: With a score of, the fifth place winner is! (quartet name) The fourth place medals will be presented by: With a score of, the fourth place winner is! (quartet name) The third place medals will be presented by: With a score of, the third place winner is! (quartet name) The second place medals will be presented by: With a score of, the second place winner is! (quartet name) Quartets winning regional competitions qualify to compete at the international competition. Region # s quartet champion will represent us as competitor number in the order of appearance at the 20 international quartet competition in (city and state) The first place medals will be presented by: If additional awards (e.g., trophies, flowers) are to be presented to the quartet champion, that information should be inserted here. And now, with a score of points, the 20 quartet champion of Region # is

20 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 9 (quartet name)! If the region sings The Winners Song to the new champion quartet, this would be the appropriate time. We would like to ask our new champions to sing for us, after which (name) will direct all of us in (Choose Harmonize The World or How We Sang Today)

21 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 10 GUIDE FOR ANNOUNCING THE OFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE REGIONAL CHORUS COMPETITION The PS sends a copy of the announcement script to the CRC and CC the week of competition. The PS prints the announcement of results from the excel spreadsheet on site for the PC to use. Now it's time to announce the winners of the awards presented by the international organization. All choruses may pick up their scoresheet packets at (location) (times) Only the director or president may pick up this material. Any other announcements: Instructions to choruses for receiving awards: The Most Improved Chorus Award will be presented by: Having improved a total of is the points, the winner of the Most Improved Chorus Award Chorus! Division A, or small, Chorus Awards are presented to no more than three eligible choruses in each region. These are the choruses that score the most points at least 400 and have between 15 and 30 singing members on stage. The third place Division A chorus award will be presented by: The winner of the third place Division A chorus award is the The second place Division A chorus award will be presented by: Chorus! The winner of the second place Division A chorus award is the Chorus!

22 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 11 The five Division A first place chorus winners achieving the highest total scores will be invited to compete in Harmony Classic held Tuesday evening at the International Competition in 20. Choruses achieving this rank will be notified by international headquarters. The first place Division A chorus award will be presented by: The winner of the first place Division A chorus award is the Chorus! Division AA, or midsize, Chorus Awards are presented to no more than three eligible choruses in each region. These are the choruses that score the most points at least 400 and have between 31 and 60 singing members on stage. The third place Division AA chorus award will be presented by: The winner of the third place Division AA chorus award is the Chorus! The second place Division AA chorus award will be presented by: The winner of the second place Division AA chorus award is the Chorus! The five Division AA first place chorus winners achieving the highest total scores will be invited to compete in Harmony Classic held Tuesday evening at the International Competition in 20. Choruses achieving this rank will be notified by international headquarters. The first place Division AA chorus award will be presented by: The winner of the first place Division AA chorus award is the Chorus!

23 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 12 The fifth place award will be presented by: With a score of points, the fifth place chorus is the Chorus! The fourth place award will be presented by: With a score of points, the fourth place chorus is the Chorus! The third place award will be presented by: With a score of points, the third place chorus is the Chorus! The second place award will be presented by: With a score of points, the second place chorus is the Chorus! The chorus winning regional competition qualifies to compete at the international chorus competition. The 20 regional chorus champion will represent Region # in the 20 international chorus competition in. (city and state) If the champion chorus is unable or chooses not to compete, the second place chorus will be invited to compete. All members of the first place chorus, please come to the stage to receive your awards. The first place awards will be presented by: If additional awards (e.g., medals, trophies, flowers) are to be presented to the chorus champion,

24 SECTION C CONTEST PROCEDURES PAGE 13 that information should be inserted here. And now, the 20 champion of Region #, with a score of points, the Chorus! If the region sings The Winners Song to the new champion chorus, this would be the appropriate time. We would like to ask our new champions to sing for us, after which their director will direct all of us in (Choose Harmonize The World or How We Sang Today)

25 SECTION D

26 SECTION D POSTCOMPETITION PAGE 1 POSTCOMPETITION POST-COMPETITION MEETING Immediately following the chorus competition, the PC meets with the ED briefly to deliver the observation forms, discussing the findings. These forms allow the judges an opportunity to provide their overall impressions and suggestions for improvement for the region musically, and for the overall convention. Keep the meeting positive, productive and upbeat. Identify major trends observed during the competitions. All four judges should provide positive suggestions to improve the identified areas for future educational programs. POSTCOMPETITION REPORTS A regional panel assignment is not complete until all of the paperwork is finished. This includes completing the two post-competition reports for the region and returning them to IHQ no later than two weeks following the regional convention. All post-competition reports are reviewed by IHQ staff, the Judge Specialists and the Education Direction Committee. PCs should be candid and provide as many suggestions as possible. These provide a basis for determining future revisions in competition or judging policies and procedures. EXPENSE STATEMENTS All panel members return their completed expense statements with their panel evaluation forms within two weeks following the regional weekend. Expense statements will not be approved until post-competition reports have been received. Receipts for portal-to-portal transportation, should be attached. Expense reports will not be processed if received after the June 1 deadline.

27 APPENDIX I

28 APPENDIX I PAGE i TIMING The CC distributes two stopwatches to the PS. At this time she should familiarize herself with the operation of the watches and ensure that they are in good working order. International Division 1. The total singing time permitted each contestant is 3-7 minutes (no less than three minutes and no more than seven minutes) and includes only the time used in actual singing. Time per song begins with the first note of the song and ends with the completed release of the final note. The taking of pitch is not included in the timing. Should audience applause drown out the voices of the contestants to the point that no sound can be heard; the PS uses her own judgment in determining the completion of the final note. Timing for a song does not cease should a contestant stop and start over. 2. The PS and the page determine the total singing time for both songs. Each starts her watch when the first song begins and stops her watch at the conclusion of the song. DO NOT RESET THE WATCHES. At the beginning of the second song, start the watches again and stop at the conclusion of the song. The total time is the total singing time for both songs. They compare their watches to verify the total singing time. NOTE: In case of variance between stopwatches, the time most favorable to the contestant shall prevail. 3. If the total singing time is within 3-7 minutes, it is not necessary to record the time. Record the total singing time only if there is a time penalty. It is not necessary to record the time for individual songs. If there is a penalty, the total singing time is recorded on the Sound scoresheet. After the total time has been verified but before the next contestant is announced, reset the watches to zero. 4. Penalty for singing over the prescribed time limit is one point for every second, up to a maximum of 50 points. No specific penalty is designated for singing under the prescribed time limit, however, the judges evaluate the effectiveness of under-timed performances. Open Division 1. The maximum singing time permitted each contestant is 10 minutes and includes the entire performance time. Timing begins at the first word spoken or first chord sung and continues through the final chord or last word spoken, whichever concludes the performance. The taking of pitch is not included in the timing. Should audience applause drown out the voices of the contestants to the point that no sound can be heard, the PS uses her own judgment in

29 APPENDIX I PAGE ii determining the completion of the final note. Timing for a song does not cease should a contestant stop and start over. 2. The PS and the page determine the total singing time for the package. Each starts her watch when the first song or word is spoken and stops her watch at the conclusion of the performance. DO NOT RESET THE WATCHES. They compare their watches to verify the total singing time. NOTE: In case of variance between stopwatches, the time most favorable to the contestant shall prevail. 3. If the total performance time is 10 minutes or less, it is not necessary to record the time. Record the total singing time only if there is a time penalty. If there is a penalty, the total performance time is recorded on the Sound scoresheet. After the total time has been verified but before the next contestant is announced, reset the watches to zero. 4. Penalty for singing over the prescribed time limit is an immediate disqualification (if over by 30 seconds or less, than no penalty is given). No specific penalty is designated for singing under the prescribed time limit, however, the judges evaluate the effectiveness of under-timed performances.