The American Prize in Conducting —Band/Wind Ensemble Division, 2012

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE (PDF)
POSTMARK DEADLINE for application(s): Thursday, March 15, 2012.


OVERVIEW:
The American Prize in Conducting—Band/Wind Ensemble Division is offered in as many as five categories, based on the type of ensemble you conduct, and on the number and quality of entries. You may make separate applications in as many categories as you are eligible, and may apply additionally for your ensemble, should you desire (see Performance Prizes).

The five categories are:
    1. professional wind ensemble/concert band (all musicians are paid)
    2. community or faith-based wind ensemble/concert band (some musicians may be paid/some may be students)
    3. college/university wind ensemble/concert band (mostly students/no paid vocalists—except soloists/faculty participation ok)
    4. secondary school wind ensemble/concert band (students from a single school)
    5. youth wind ensemble/concert band (students from more than one secondary or high school)

This contest is for designed for conductors of “seated ensembles”—those that give concerts. Conductors of marching, “pep” or “spirit” bands are not eligible to apply at this time.

The American Prize defines a “wind ensemble/concert band” to be (at minimum) a conducted ensemble of at least 10 instrumentalists, which may be a mixed, all brass or all woodwind ensemble. (This definition is purposely broad to allow the largest number of potential contestants to be eligible. We seek to welcome the greatest variety of wind ensembles/concert bands found in schools, churches and communities throughout the country.)


APPLICATION:
There is a single application form for The American Prize in Conducting—Band/Wind Ensemble Division. Select the category which best identifies your ensemble.
   1. Send the completed application form by the deadline date.
   2. Include two identical recordings of you conducting your ensemble, with the conductor, ensemble and selections clearly indicated.
   3. Be sure to sign the form and include the application fee.
   4. Be sure to also email the required information.

The application fee is $35 per conductor per ensemble. Make checks payable to HCMT/The American Prize. Application fees are nonrefundable. No incomplete applications will be accepted.

REQUIREMENTS for the RECORDING:

The American Prize in Conducting—Wind/Ensemble Division: not less than thirty minutes of music of your choice, selected from a recent performance or performances. Performers and works must be clearly identified on the disc, cover or video box. For Conducting Prizes, we accept DVD or VHS recordings only. No audio tapes, cassette tapes or other electronic media. The judges prefer recordings that show the conductor from the vantage-point of the ensemble, but that is not an absolute requirement. Some rehearsal footage is helpful but also not required. There are no other restrictions. The judging panel will listen from the beginning of the recording you provide. No materials will be returned.