General Guidelines

• Due to the competition's expansion of categories, there will be a two category sign-up limit for all solo participants (does not affect participation in any group categories as the group competition occurs on a separate weekend).
• Category levels are based on the ages participants will be by June 1, 2026. Although the levels are organized by age, participants are strongly encouraged to select an appropriate level for their skills. 
• Though not a factor in the grading rubrics, participants must show up in performance attire (i.e. no sweatpants, no casual footwear, no hoodies, etc...). For clarification, ask a member of the music department about what constitutes performance attire.
• The music department reserves the right to check in with registered participants or local leaders to gauge performance readiness.
• If an age level within a category only has one registered participant, that participant still needs to achieve a sufficient score to be declared the winner of that level.