The American Prize in Conducting—Orchestra Division, 2012
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE (PDF)
POSTMARK DEADLINE for application(s): Thursday, March 15, 2012.
OVERVIEW:
The American Prize in Conducting—Orchestra 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 orchestra (all musicians are paid)
2. community or faith-based orchestra (some musicians may be paid/some may be students)
3. college/university orchestra (mostly students/no paid players/faculty participation ok)
4. secondary school orchestra (strings or full ensemble)
5. youth orchestra (musicians from more than one secondary or high school)
The American Prize defines an “orchestra” to be (at minimum) a conducted ensemble of at least 9 instrumentalists which includes among its members bowed stringed instruments. (This definition is purposely broad to allow the largest number of potential contestants to be eligible. We seek to welcome the greatest variety of musical ensembles found in schools, churches and communities throughout the country.)
Conductors of choral literature that is accompanied by orchestra should apply in the choral division.
APPLICATION:
There is a single application form for The American Prize in Conducting—Orchestra 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 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—Orchestra 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. No materials will be returned.
PUBLISHED TIMELINE for this competition:
1. Deadline for postmark of applications: March 15, 2012. Your application will be acknowledged by email.
2. Announcement of semi-finalists begins: week of May 14, 2012
3. Announcement of finalists begins: week of June 18, 2012
4. Announcement of winners begins: week of July 30, 2012