Music
Music
KSHSAA BOARD POLICY (EFFECTIVE: JANUARY, 2018)

 

Information & Interpretations

***IMPORTANT***

2023-24 Music Classifications
6A-32, 5A-32, 4A-56, 3A-64, 2A-64, 1A-103

[Music Classifications]


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2023-24 Music Manual Changes

1. Music Manual – page 15 – Rewrite Wording for Large Groups.
Original: Large Groups – Schools may enter a total of three (3) large choral groups, but no student shall participate as a member of more than one mixed chorus, tenor/bass choir or treble choir with the exception of students who are academically (officially) enrolled members of more than one chorus or choir.

NEW language: Large Groups – Schools may enter a total of three (3) large choral groups. Students may participate in multiple choral groups. However, no student shall participate as a member of more than one ensemble of the same type (i.e., two mixed, tenor/bass, or treble choirs) unless the student is enrolled in both choirs.

2. Music Manual – page 15 – Proposed Change for Large Groups.
Original: Mixed choruses in Classes 6A, 5A and 4A shall meet repertoire requirements as follows:
1. Each mixed chorus shall prepare four (4) numbers of contrasting styles to show the musicality of the group. Two (2) selections shall be from the Required Music List.
2. Each mixed chorus shall perform three (3) numbers during its allotted time.
a. At least one number MUST be performed a cappella.
b. Two numbers will be selected by the adjudicators.
c. One number will be selected by the director.
d. The director will decide the order of the performance and announce the numbers.

NEW language: Mixed choruses in Classes 6A, 5A and 4A shall meet repertoire requirements as follows:
1. Each mixed chorus shall prepare three (3) numbers of contrasting styles to show the musicality of the group. Two (2) selections shall be from the Required Music List.
2. Each mixed chorus shall perform three (3) numbers during its allotted time.
a. The director will decide the order of performance and announce the numbers.

3. Music Manuel – page 17 – Additional Wording for Instrumental Large Groups.
Original: Each band, string orchestra or full orchestra will be allowed 15 minutes performance time and must perform two different compositions each by different composers.

NEW Language: Each band, string orchestra or full orchestra will be allowed 15 minutes performance time and must perform two different compositions of contrasting styles each by different composers.

4. Music Manual – page 12 – Proposed change for Sec. 8. Accompanists (bullet point six).
Original: Intelligent accompaniments (e.g., SmartMusic) will be allowed for solo performances only when a qualified accompanist is not available. Schools shall bring their own equipment to be used at the festivals, and the scheduled performance time limit must include setting up and taking down equipment. It must be used as piano accompaniment only and is not to be used in orchestral or any other accompaniment modes. Accompaniment recording, such as CD or MIDI, etc., will not be allowed. Intelligent accompaniments should only be utilized as a last option when a qualified accompanist is not available. KMEA and their affiliate organizations will assist directors by offering clinic sessions on intelligent accompaniments at their in-service workshop and summer conventions.

NEW Language
Every effort should be made by music directors to secure qualified accompanists before alternative accompaniment options are allowed for solos. These options shall include intelligent accompaniments, copyright compliant recorded accompaniments played on computers, CD players, or cell phones. All devices may use external speakers to amplify the sound. Alternative accompaniment options must be piano recorded music. Due to possible technical issues, the last option should be a live communications platform that allows users to connect with video and audio (e.g., Zoom). Schools shall bring their own equipment to be used at festivals, and the scheduled performance time limit of 7 minutes must include setting up, testing, and taking down equipment. The 7-minute time limit per solo entry is required for all alternative accompaniment options. Malfunction of equipment that causes the time limit to exceed 7 minutes will not be allowed and rescheduled performance times will not be granted. Note: If internet access is needed for alternative accompaniment, the director must secure access outside of the host site service

2021-22 Section 8, Accompanists
Sec. 8. Accompanists—Piano accompanists are important to the musical performance; however, adjudicators have been directed to use discretion in ratings when accompanists do not measure up to the soloist or ensemble. The soloist or ensemble is the primary focus of criticism and rating in any performance. An accompanist is required for all solos or ensembles published with accompaniment at regional and state solo and small ensemble festivals.

Piano accompanists need not be students, but we have many talented student pianists in Kansas. We encourage directors to utilize student accompanists when available and appropriate.

  • All accompaniments must be performed as written in order to receive a "I" rating.
  • In string or percussion ensembles, the pianist is a member of the ensemble and will be rated and critiqued accordingly. The pianist must be an eligible student.
  • Piano and other instrumental accompanists for groups may be eligible students or adult musicians of the director's choice. Instrumental accompaniment shall not be considered part of the ensemble and should not influence the judging of the choral performance.
  • Piano accompanists may serve, whether connected with the school or not. Each school must have a sufficient number of accompanists so that events will not be delayed. The same accompanist may not be used at two different music festival sites on the same day. In order to support our festival host site managers with entry scheduling, it is strongly recommended accompanists limit their events to less than 12. No accompanist may play for more than 22 events. There is no charge for piano or non-piano accompanists of vocal or instrumental entries.
  • Intelligent accompaniments (e.g., SmartMusic) will be allowed for solo performances only when a qualified accompanist is not available. Schools shall bring their own equipment to be used at the festivals, and the scheduled performance time limit must include setting up and taking down equipment. The intelligent accompaniment unit must be set on the interactive mode for all performances and the intelligent accompaniment must follow the performer. It must be used as piano accompaniment only and is not to be used in orchestral or any other accompaniment modes. Non-interactive accompaniment recording, such as CD or MIDI, etc., will not be allowed. Intelligent accompaniments should only be utilized as a last option when a qualified accompanist is not available. KMEA and their affiliate organizations will assist directors by offering clinic sessions on intelligent accompaniments at their in-service workshop and summer conventions.
  • If the piano or non-piano accompanist(s) of a First Division rated solist or ensemble desires a medal, it may be purchased from teh KSHSAA at $2.25 each.
  • (Additional) Paid Instructors – Any coach and/or sponsor that works with students should be paid by a school district and/or school supplemental with a signed school contract. These payments must be made from a school activities or USD supplemental fund account. Booster Clubs should never directly pay coaches and/or sponsors for these duties. Booster Clubs may contribute money to a school activity fund which then makes the direct payment to the coach/sponsor. KSHSAA Handbook Rule 10 – Qualifications of Coaches, Directors and Rule 20 – Awards are to safeguard students, directors and schools and should help schools with compliance of IRS school regulations.

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Points of Emphasis

 

Music