OSAAColumnChuckBolton OSAA OSAAStateBand/ OrchestraContest

Back in the 80’s when the OSAA Band/Orchestra Contest was proposed and approved, it was hoped that it would improve the performance level of bands and orchestras in Oregon. The event has been a great success. This past year there were more groups qualifying in the 4A, 3A, 2A/A band, string orchestra, and full orchestra categories, than there were slots available. On the one hand, it is disappointing that there is not enough room for all the qualifying groups to perform. On the other hand, it is gratifying to see the large number of groups who now are musically accomplished enough to qualify for the State contest.

As contest chairman, I would like to clarify a few of the rules and make a couple suggestions.

Band

1. Be sure to use certified judges for your band contests. Check at www.obda.org to find a current list of adjudicators.

2. Many festivals are now making their recordings on a CD with a tape backup. The CD recordings usually are of a superior quality and make it easier to fairly judge the performance. If possible, make a CD recording at your festival; however, a tape is also acceptable.

3. In leagues where there is not a league competition, the directors must vote and designate one district or invitational festival to be their league contest. If this is done, the league winner with appropriate scores will have the automatic slot at State. Where there are no qualifying scores, the league winner will be placed in the tape pool.

4. Remember that the contest chairman needs to submit a summary sheet to Mike Wallmark at the OSAA as soon as possible—the form can be downloaded from the OSAA website.

Orchestra

1. Orchestra festivals need to use adjudicators who are experienced conductors and who have knowledge of the level of competition at the State contest.

2. OSAA rules state that orchestra festivals are to use the OBDA adjudication form. All orchestra festivals must use the same form and scoring system to insure a fair comparison of groups in the tape pool.

Due to a great number of people, including directors and their students, working hard to make it a positive experience, the State contest has been running very successfully. Your continued cooperation is very much appreciated by everyone involved. Thank you.