Competition Guidelines & Procedures
Competition Guidelines and Ethics
- Students and Parents will confer ONLY with the student’s teacher in regard to a question or situation involving any event, contest or competition. They will never contact the event chairperson or any judge.
- Teachers and parents may not be involved in judging or auditing a contest or competition in which they have a participating student.
- Judges shall have expertise in the age level and medium in which they are judging, and be selected from the official State list, if at all possible.
- All contact with news media must be done through the Publicity Chairperson. Teachers are responsible for making parents aware of this.
Program Reminder
- Students appearing in SMTA recital programs must be students of SMTA members.
- Teachers should advise students that PROPER ATTIRE is required for all performances and that they must stay for the entire recital.
Proper Attire for Performances
When dressed and groomed appropriately for performance, there is a noticeable and positive difference in both attitude and confidence of performers which also influences the audience’s perception. Thus, in keeping with our aim of promoting the very best in “classical” performances, it is the responsibility of every teacher to discuss with students and their parents, what is considered appropriate.
Cleanliness and neatness of attire should be the foremost concerns. However, many seem to need guidance in what is appropriate for performances. For those, please consider the following:
When dressed and groomed appropriately for performance, there is a noticeable and positive difference in both attitude and confidence of performers which also influences the audience’s perception. Thus, in keeping with our aim of promoting the very best in “classical” performances, it is the responsibility of every teacher to discuss with students and their parents, what is considered appropriate.
Cleanliness and neatness of attire should be the foremost concerns. However, many seem to need guidance in what is appropriate for performances. For those, please consider the following:
- A collared shirt is preferred and considered better than a t-shirt.
- Khaki pants are preferred and considered better than jeans or shorts.
- Skirts with a hemline below the knees are preferred and considered better than short and slit skirts.
- Long hair should be pulled away from the face of the performer.
- Especially for piano performers, clothing should cover the entire back, so that no underwear or skin is revealed during performances.
- Flip flops are inappropriate.
- Bear in mind that very tight or too-revealing clothing can affect a young person’s confidence while all eyes are on them.
