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Jefferson Invitational
March 6 & 7, 2015
Welcome to the 31st Annual Jefferson Show Choir Invitational. We are excited to host
you, your students and their families. In this handbook you will find the answers to most (if
not all) of your questions. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to
contact Mr. Oswald via email (noswald@cr.k12.ia.us) or cell phone (319-404-8727). Our
students and parents are working hard in preparation for another outstanding Jefferson
Invitational!
Jefferson High School
1243 20th Street SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
Nick Oswald
Director of Choirs
Office: 319-558-3037
Cell: 319-404-8727
noswald@cr.k12.ia.us
Kent Keating
Director of Choirs
Office: 319-558-3564
kkeating@cr.k12.ia.us
Ines Cring
Associate Director of Choirs
ineskurtovic@comcast.net
Table of Contents
Directions to Jefferson High School – Page 3
Map of Jefferson High School – Page 4
Arrival Information – Page 5
Performance Information – Page 5 & 6
Staging Information – Page 7
Contest Rules – Page 7
Solo Competition – Page 8
Awards – Page 8
Judging – Page 9
Adjudication Ballots – Pages 10 & 11
Admissions/Programs – Page 12
Videotaping/Photography – Page 12
First Aid – Page 12
Homerooms – Page 12
Directors/Bus Drivers Lounge – Page 12
Audience Seating – Page 13
Concessions – Page 13
Shout Outs – Page 13
T-Shirts/Apparel – Page 13
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Directions to Jefferson High School
FROM I-380
Take exit 18 (Wilson Ave.). Take a left (if
traveling from the South) or right (if
traveling from North) on Wilson Ave.
and travel west. Follow to 6th St. SW
and take a right. Follow 6th St. to 15th
Ave SW (this is a one way to your left).
Turn left on 15th Ave. (this will turn into
16th Ave. SW). Follow this to 18th St. SW
and take a right (at the light). At 13th
Ave SW, turn left. Follow the driveway
around the south gymnasium lot.
After unloading busses and equipment
trailers will depart Jefferson turning
right 20th St. SW. They will then turn left
onto 16th Ave. SW and continue to 18th
St. SW and take a left. At 10th Ave. SW turn right and continue to Kingston Stadium where
busses and equipment trailers will park. Drivers will be shuttled back to Jefferson.
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Map of Jefferson High School
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Arrival Information
IF ARRIVING BY BUS
Contest personnel will greet you and inform you where to unload. Please have
students wait on the bus and your hosts will stamp your hands. This stamp will then be their
pass in and out of the building for equipment, food, etc. Directors should enter the building
to receive their director’s packets. Each packet will contain a program, director’s
information, an All-Day meal pass for the director(s) and 5 chaperone wristbands per group.
All adults must have a wristband for admission - no exceptions. Please make sure that these
wristbands are distributed to the parents/chaperones.
PLEASE ASK OR REMIND YOUR STUDENTS THAT THEY ARE NOT TO PROCEED TO THEIR
HOMEROOM OR ELSEWHERE IN THE SCHOOL UNTIL THEY HAVE THEIR HAND STAMPED. After
your students have been hand-stamped, your hosts will take them to their homerooms and
your equipment to the storage area.
LOCAL PARTICIPANTS WITHOUT BUS
Singers, instrumentalists, stage crew, director(s) and parents/chaperones must check in
through the Arcade doors. The Arcade (PARTICIPANT) door will open at approximately 2:00
PM Friday afternoon and 8:00 AM Saturday morning. When your personnel enter the front
door, they will be asked to have their hand stamped. You should have already supplied a
personnel list and an approximate arrival time of your group via the Google Form. If you
didn’t include that information please email it to noswald@cr.k12.ia.us. Try to have everyone
in your ensemble arrive at approximately the same time.
Directors will receive their director’s packets upon arrival. Each packet will contain a
program, director’s information, an All-Day meal pass for the director(s) and 5 chaperone
wristbands per group. All adults must have a wristband for admission - no exceptions. Please
make sure that these wristbands are distributed to the parents/chaperones. After your
students have been hand-stamped, your hosts will take them to their homerooms and your
equipment to the storage area.
Performance Information
1. Please be ready and waiting in your homeroom ten minutes before your warm-up
time. Five minutes before your warm-up time, your hosts/hostesses will escort you to the
West Gym.
2. Upon arrival in the West Gym you will be able to pick up all of your equipment before
proceeding to the warm-up area.
3. You will have approximately 25 minutes to warm-up. The warm-up venue will have a
full set of risers and an area for your band to rehearse. Your host will give you a 5minute warning in preparation for your set-up and performance on the main stage.
4. Once you exit the West Gym, you will enter the East Gym Hallway to the left of the
stage. Please try to keep your students to one side of the hallway as the group that
performs before you will be exiting the same hallway. All performers will enter and exit
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the performance venue from stage right. There are two well-lit changing tents located
on either side of the stage where singers can place any costumes for a costume
change. You will have time to place the standard equipment that is provided (piano,
music stands, microphones, etc.) as well as any other equipment that is needed for
your performance. You will have 30 minutes to set-up, perform and teardown. While
we do not have a time penalty we ask that you please move set up and tear down
promptly to help us keep the day on schedule.
5. Following your performance, all performers will exit through the same hallway (now to
the right of the stage). Again please try to keep your students to one side of the
hallway. If your group needs to return any equipment we will pass by the equipment
storage area on your way to the critique room (108).
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Staging Information
Jefferson will provide a tuned acoustic piano, music stands and 16 sections of platform
risers (4 @ 8”, 4 @ 16”, 4 @ 24” and 4 @ 32”). There will be stairs provided to enter the
platforms from the 24” and 32” levels. Our sound system will consist of 5 wireless microphones
and 4 hanging microphones. You will have control of where you would like the cordless
microphones to go. We have two electrical sources in the back of the stage for you to use.
If you have any special requests or other equipment that you would like us to provide, please
don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Oswald. We want to do everything we can to make your day
as stress-free as possible!
Contest Rules
SHOW CHOIRS
1. All performers, including instrumentalists, must be students of the participating school.
The only exception will be an adult playing either keyboard, bass or drum-set when an
eligible student is not available.
2. Choirs are free to present any type of performance they wish. There is no minimum or
maximum number of songs a group must perform. Music need not be provided for the
judges. A choir singing in finals need not present the same program as during the day.
3. Directors may be on stage with their choirs and may direct if they wish.
4. No taped or recorded back-up music is allowed. Sequenced and other pre-entered
synthesized rhythms qualify as “recorded”. The back-up ensemble is judged as an
integral part of a group’s performance.
5. All equipment must both be brought on and taken off of stage right. Performers may
begin and end the show from either side of the stage.
6. Fire extinguishers and dry ice machines will be permitted, however, no fog machines,
pyrotechnics, smoke, and other open flames are prohibited. Confetti is permitted with
the understanding that it is the group’s responsibility to sweep the stage following their
performance. This should be completed during the group’s allotted performance
time.
7. There are no time penalties during performances. However, please be respectful of
your time limit. We will do anything we can to help with your entry and exit. We want
to stay on schedule.
JAZZ CHOIRS
1. All performers, including instrumentalists, must be students of the participating school.
The only exception will be an adult playing the piano.
2. Scores need not be provided to the judges.
3. Kirkwood Community College will provide the sound equipment and operator for all
groups. If you have any questions regarding the equipment, please contact Fred Kiser
at Fred.Kiser@kirkwood.edu.
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4. Please limit your performance to 15-20 minutes. You will not be timed. A critique will
immediately follow your performance.
5. Please have two representatives from your choirs ready to accept your awards at the
awards ceremony in the gymnasium.
Solo Competition
The solo competition is for singers from our visiting schools. This will take place during
the day on Saturday in the auditorium. Soloists will be scheduled in 15-minute time slots so
that our adjudicator will have time to clinic each singer. The top three soloists will kick off the
finals competition and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be awarded. Selections should be
more towards the musical theatre/pop genre, but any genre will be allowed.
Awards
PRELIMINARY AWARDS CEREMONY
1. Following the exhibition performance by “West Side Delegation” there will be a
presentation of awards to each of the participating schools in the gym.
2. Once the awards ceremony has begun please have two students from your group
ready in costume to come on stage and receive awards.
3. Friday Awards will include Vocal Jazz (5th – 1st Place), Middle School Participation
Awards, Best Male and Female Soloists, Peoples Choice and 3rd Runner-Up through
Grand Champion of the Middle School Division.
4. Saturday Awards will be presented first by class division (Prep, 2A, 3A & 4A).
5. Awards for Best Male and Female Soloists, People Choice and Best Band will be
presented.
6. The emcee will conclude the ceremony with the announcement of the six highest
scoring groups of the day. These names will be announced in random order. After the
awards ceremony the directors of the participating schools will meet onstage to
determine the order of finals. This will be done by daytime placement.
7. All adjudication forms and a DVD of your performance will be available for pick-up at
our headquarters in the main office. Judge’s verbal critiques will be emailed to
directors via Dropbox within 30 minutes of their performance.
EVENING FINALS (SATURDAY ONLY)
1. The top six scoring groups from the preliminaries who compete in the Evening Finals will
be re-adjudicated. Trophies will be awarded to Fifth, Fourth, Third, Second, First
Runner-Up, and Grand Champion. There will be awards for Best Choreography and
Best Vocals.
2. The schools participating in finals may leave their equipment in the West Gym. All
other groups are welcome to stay to watch the evening show, but we ask that you
remove your equipment so as to help cut down on a lot of congestion later.
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3. The Evening Finals will begin with the three highest scoring performances from the solo
competition. The first group in finals will follow. Following the last finals performance,
the Meistersingers will perform in exhibition while the judge’s scores are tabulated.
4. The awards ceremony will immediately follow the Meistersingers performance.
Trophies will be awarded to the Fifth, Fourth, Third and Second Runner-Up winners. The
Best Choreography and Best Vocals Awards will then be announced. The First RunnerUp and the Grand Champion Awards will culminate the competition.
5. All adjudication forms will be available for pick-up at our headquarters in the main
office. Finals performances will not be verbally critiqued.
Judging
During both the preliminary competition, all show choirs will be evaluated by a panel
of three judges. All judges will judge both vocals and visuals. High School show choirs will
also have a judge evaluating each group’s band. The band judge’s scores are only used to
determine best band and do not factor into a groups final overall score. During the evening
finals on Saturday, three more judges will be added to the panel. Finals will be scored in the
same manner as the day round. A sample ballot has been included in this handbook.
FRIDAY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Scoring Judges
Kevin Chase – Iowa City, Iowa
Stephani Hyatt – Iowa City, Iowa
Diane Thayer – North Liberty, Iowa
Critique Judges
Adam Peters – Iowa City, Iowa
Nick Quamme – Iowa City, Iowa
FRIDAY VOCAL JAZZ
Lynne Rothrock – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Joel Foreman – Solon, Iowa
SATURDAY HIGH SCHOOL
Scoring Judges
Ben Eklund – Lincoln, Nebraska
Nick Janssen – Naperville, Illinois
Gerry Kreitzer – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
(Scores will only be used to determine best band)
Band Judge
Brock Keiper – Elmhurst, Illinois
Solo Competition
Lynne Rothrock – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Critique Judges
Kevin Chase – Iowa City, Iowa
Nick Quamme – Iowa City, Iowa
All judges will score finals with the exception of Kevin Chase. Kevin will be choosing
one outstanding performer per finals group and awarding them a scholarship to the
University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s Show Choir Camp.
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2015 OFFICIAL BALLOT
Group Name: _____________________________
Class: _________
Evaluate the categories below using a 1–10 rating system (10 is highest; 1 is lowest).
VOCAL: (maximum 10 points each)
1. Tone Quality ......................................................................._______
2. Intonation ............................................................................_______
3. Blend of Individual Voices ................................................_______
4. Balance of Parts ................................................................._______
5. Appropriate and Effective Use of Dynamics ................_______
6. Phrasing ..............................................................................._______
7. Diction ................................................................................._______
8. Score Interpretation .........................................................._______
9. Vocal Projection and Vitality of Sound .........................._______
10. Rhythmic Precision and Appropriate Tempos .............._______
11. Difficulty of Music ..............................................................._______
110 Points Possible
TOTAL VOCAL_______
VISUAL: (maximum 10 points each)
1. Execution of Choreography ............................................_______
2. Visual Design and Staging ..............................................._______
3. Visual Projection and Audience Appeal ......................._______
4. Poise and Professionalism ................................................._______
5. Costuming and Physical Appearance .........................._______
6. Facial Expression and Communication ........................._______
7. Difficulty of Movement and Show Execution ................_______
8. Pace of Show ....................................................................._______
80 Points Possible
TOTAL VISUAL_______
OTHER: (maximum 10 points each)
1. Instrumental Ensemble ......................................................_______
2. Effective Transitions ..........................................................._______
3. Total Effect .........................................................................._______
30 Points Possible
220 Points Possible
TOTAL OTHER_______
GRAND TOTAL________
Judge’s Signature _______________________________________________________
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Jefferson Invitational
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2015 OFFICIAL JAZZ CHOIR BALLOT
Group Name: _____________________________
Class: _________
Evaluate the categories below using a 1–10 rating system (10 is highest; 1 is lowest).
Evaluate the categories below using a 1 – 10 rating system (10 is highest; 1 is lowest).
VOCAL: (maximum 10 points each)
12. Tone Quality ......................................................................._______
13. Intonation ............................................................................_______
14. Blend of Individual Voices ................................................_______
15. Balance of Parts ................................................................._______
16. Appropriate and Effective Use of Dynamics ................_______
17. Phrasing ..............................................................................._______
18. Diction ................................................................................._______
19. Score Interpretation .........................................................._______
20. Vocal Projection and Vitality of Sound .........................._______
21. Rhythmic Precision and Appropriate Tempos .............._______
22. Difficulty of Music ..............................................................._______
23. Instrumental Ensemble (i.e. vocal percussion: rhythm section)......_______
120 Points Possible
GRAND TOTAL________
Judge’s Signature ________________________________________________________________
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Admissions/Programs
Admission for the general public will be $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students (PK to
College). Children under the age of 2 are free. This price includes admission into both Friday and
Saturday. Admission to jazz choir only will be $5 for everyone. Our professionally designed programs
listing all of the students for each participating group will be available for $5 each.
Videotaping/Photography
Blue Sky Productions will be selling DVD’s of all performances. No personal
videotaping is allowed. Stop by the DVD table to get your DVD or Blu-Ray ordered. There
will be a limited number of recordings available for purchase at the event. Additional copies
can be ordered and will be sent directly to customers. Directors will receive a
complimentary DVD of their group’s performance.
Flash photography is not permitted. We will have photographers present taking
action shots of each show choir. These will be for sale approximately 30 minutes after each
group’s performance outside the cafeteria.
First Aid
We will have licensed medical staff that will be available if any needs arise. They will
be located in the main office. Ask any of the Jefferson volunteers to point you in the right
direction. Your student’s health and safety is our first priority.
Homerooms
We will provide each group with a homeroom. Please keep your homeroom neat and
clean. Our district policy prohibits food and/or beverages other than water. You must
provide an adult to monitor your homeroom while you are at Jefferson High School. If there
is no adult present, you will not be allowed into your homeroom. Rooms will be locked
during your performance and before awards.
Directors/Bus Drivers Lounge
The Directors Lounge is located in Room 128 and the Bus Drivers Lounge is located in
the Faculty Lounge. Both are across from the main office. Please stop by and enjoy some
complimentary snacks during the day. Directors will each be given an All-Day Pass to get
food from the Cafeteria.
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Audience Seating
During the competition there will be reserved seating in the first rows of the venue for
fans of the group performing on stage at the given time. We ask that you share this
information with your student’s parents/guardians. Remind them that when your group is
done with the performance they need to move to extend the same courtesy to other
supporters from other groups. Please note - concessions ARE allowed to be consumed in the
performance venues.
Concessions
The cafeteria will have a full menu of items for sale during the day and evening. We will also
have a fully stocked concessions stand. We ask that no outside food or drink (other than
water) be brought into the building. Any school found in violation of this rule will result in
disqualification for any awards and the group will not be invited back the following year. If
you have a student that has special dietary needs requiring them to bring in their own food
please inform us ASAP.
Shout Outs
We will be selling Shout Outs for the show choirs. The Shout Out will be read prior to the
performance of each group. The forms must be completed 30 minutes prior to your group’s
performance to ensure that they have plenty of time to deliver them to the emcees.
T-Shirts/Apparel
We will be selling Jefferson Show Choir Invitational T-Shirts and other novelty items
during the event. Please share this information with your students and their families.
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