Instrumental Sight Reading Procedure – Large Ensemble

Score Study Period

  • Prior to the instruction period the director will be allowed to study the sight-reading music full score for a minimum of three-minutes during which time the director may take notes or utilize removable notes in the score, but not mark directly on the score.
  • During the score study period music will be distributed to the students, but the students may not view or study the music until the instruction period begins.
  • The score study period concludes once the script has been read and the adjudicator is ready to begin, as long as that time exceeds the three-minute minimum.

Compliance Official

A compliance official, as selected by the District Director and compensated, shall remain in the sight-reading room during the instruction period to monitor time, ensure compliance with procedures, and read the official LMEA script to the ensemble. The compliance official may be a current or prior music teacher, or any other person determined by the District Director to be competent to perform the responsibilities.

Instruction Period

  • The adjudicator will start recording their comments at this point of the process via audio recorder.
  • Only one director may instruct and direct the ensemble.
  • There shall be one instruction period as follows for all organizations:
    • Level 4 and 5: 10 minutes
    • All other levels: 8 minutes
  • The director may not play an instrument – string, wind, keyboard or otherwise.
  • The director may not utilize technology devices.
  • The students may play the sight-reading evaluation music individually, in small groups, or with the full ensemble, at the discretion of the director.
  • The students and/or the director may sing the music and/or count, clap, and tap rhythms during the instruction period.
  • Neither the director nor the students may mark on the music unless instructed to do so by a judge.

After the Instruction Period and Prior to the Performance

  • The students will be instructed to turn the music face down at the end of the instruction period.
  • Immediately following the instruction period, while the music is face down and prior to the performance, the ensemble may play a sustained note – unison or chord. No further warm-up or musical instruction of any kind is permitted by the director.

Performance

  • When the judge is ready, the ensemble shall turn the music face up and perform the piece.
  • Directors may use a verbal count-off at the beginning of the performance but not at any other point of the piece.
  • In the event the director chooses to stop the performance, it should be for the sole purpose of designating a starting point and receiving the starting pitch. No further instructions may be given. Any stoppage of the sight reading performance will result in the lowering of the overall rating by one division per occurrence.
  • Directors may not make an obvious contribution to the performance by singing with or speaking to the students while they are performing.

After the Performance

  • The judge may provide verbal feedback to the ensemble or director with the objective of guiding ensemble and director growth.
  • The ensemble’s performance shall be evaluated by the adjudicators in accordance with the Louisiana Music Adjudicators Association sight-reading adjudication rubric and the performance shall be the sole criteria for assigning a rating.
  • Violations of the stated guidelines at any point during the sight-reading process will result in a penalty of one rating per violation. A judge’s decision in these occurrences would need to be brought to the District Director and the Compliance Official after the ensemble’s performance. The District Director makes the final decision.

Student Conductor Area

The student conductor event is limited to one student conductor per large ensemble. This event is conducted in the sight-reading room after the group has completed sight-reading. An original score of the selection must be given to the sight-reading judge. Student conductors will be assessed using the Student Conductor Adjudication Form.

Script

“Your conductor will have (10 minutes/8 minutes) to explain this piece of music. They may use the time as they see fit including singing, clapping, tapping, and/or counting. However, your conductor may not perform the music on any instrument. Students may play the sight-reading evaluation music individually, in small groups, or with the full ensemble, at the discretion of the director. Students may also sing the music and/or count, clap, and tap rhythms during the instruction period. Neither the director nor the students may mark on the music unless instructed to do so by the judge. After the instruction period and prior to the performance, the sight-reading music must be turned face down. The performing group may then play a sustained note – unison or chord. No further warm-up or musical instruction of any kind is permitted by your director. Are there any questions regarding the procedure? Your timing will begin when your conductor asks you to turn the music over or when they open their score. Good luck.”