Houstonfest

News and Updates

Important Dates

Mar. 5, 2010: Houstonfest Scholarship applications due

Mar. 10, 2010: Gail Cope Scholarship applications due

Jan. x, 2011: Early-bird registration ($8) must be postmarked and online registration must be submitted by 11:59 p.m.

Jan. x, 2011: Regular registration ($10) must be postmarked and online registration must be submitted by 11:59 p.m.

Feb. 5, 2011: Houstonfest, Lanier Middle School, Houston

Feb. x, 2011: State early-bird registration due (submit online registration and mail payment; payment must arrive by Feb. x)

Feb. x, 2011: State regular registration due

Feb. 26, 2011: Texas State German Contest, University of Texas at Austin

Rules: Music Events

Chorus:

One entry per school. Singers must memorize the music. It must be sung in German. The piece must be from a German-speaking composer and be a recognized work of music. It may be classical or folk. Time limits: minimum 3 minutes, maximum 8 minutes, with a 30-second grace period (over or under). Groups may do medleys of songs and may use pantomime and choral reading to enhance their production. Groups are responsible for their own accompaniment, whether recorded or live, or may sing a cappella; no instruments or tape/CD-players will be provided at the contest site. Two copies of the music must be given to the judges. Group size: minimum 4, maximum 12. Download critique sheet.

Classical Instrumental Ensemble:

One entry per school. The piece must be by a German-speaking composer and be a recognized work of music, for example, Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Haydn, Schubert, Strauss, Mozart, Schumann, Mendelssohn, and others. It must be classical. No electric instruments, other than one electric keyboard, are allowed. No music stands will be provided at the contest site. Time limits: minimum 5 minutes, maximum 10 minutes, with a 30-second grace period (over or under). Groups may do medleys of songs. Two copies of the music must be given to the judges. Group size: minimum 3, maximum 6. Download critique sheet.

Folk Dance:

One entry per school. There is no required dance. The group must have the following items: a list of the dancers’ names (4 copies); documentation of the dances, including level of dance (points will be deducted from “authenticity” if no documentation is provided) (4 copies); a CD-player or tape-player; an extension cord if needed; own music for dances. Limits: 4 dances and 10 minutes minimum, 15 minutes maximum, including entrance, exit, and transitions, with a 30-second grace period (over or under). There will be a 10-point penalty for going over the 15-minute time limit. Group size: minimum 6 dancers, no maximum; however, only 16 may be performing at a time. Download critique sheet.

Polka Band:

One entry per school. Group size: minimum 5 players, maximum 12 players plus a conductor. No electric instruments are allowed. Time limits: minimum 5 minutes, maximum 10 minutes, with a 30-second grace period (over or under). Judging will be based on selections, total quality, musicianship of the group, appearance, showmanship, etc. All pieces of music must be from German-speaking composers. No music stands will be provided at the contest site. Provide 2 copies of the music for the judges. Download critique sheet.

Vocal Solo:

Three entries per school. The piece to be sung must be by a German-speaking composer, be a recognized work of music, be sung in the German language, and be memorized. Time limits: minimum 2 minutes, maximum 5 minutes. The contestant is responsible for his/her own accompaniment, whether recorded or live, or may sing a cappella; no instruments or tape/CD-players will be provided at the contest site. Two copies of the music must be given to the judges. Download critique sheet.