Event Name: Show Choir – Primary
Location: Mount St Joseph – ALH
Section Number: 29
General Category Guidelines
A Show Choir is a musical ensemble that combines choral singing with choreographed dance, often with an overarching theme.
Open Primary Show Choir
(Years 3-6):
Time limit 6 mins
15 to 30 students
Network Show Choir
(Year 3-12):
*This entry must contain performers from two different schools or more*
Time limit 7-8 mins
20 to 40 students
Either:
• A medley or mashup with a minimum of 3 songs and maximum of 6 songs to be performed. It is an expectation that ensembles are singing in a minimum of 2-part harmony.
OR
• Two medleys or mashups of a minimum of 3 songs each. It is an expectation that ensembles are singing in a minimum of 2-part harmony. Ensemble numbers must not exceed stipulated section performer limits.
Section Specific Guidelines
Show Choirs will perform a Mashup or Medley of songs.
A medley or mashup with no more than 3 songs to be performed. Must include a minimum of 2-part harmony, though small sections may be sung in unison
Scores are not required for submission for this section.
However, the following MUST be submitted as a PDF List in the registration:
- Titles of all songs included in the mashup
- The theme for the performance
- Total student numbers
Repertoire should be appropriate to the multi-disciplinary performance as well as the age and stage of the performers. The repertoire may, for example, include a Broadway theme, or Contemporary theme. Junior Show Choirs must sing in a minimum of 2-part harmony. This does not include soloist/s singing over a unison group. Network Show Choirs must sing in a minimum of 3-part harmony. This does not include soloist/s singing over 2-part harmony.
Repertoire should be appropriate for all ages – language and themes should be in keeping with a school age audience, and comply with SCS mission, vision and values.
Network Show Choirs must sing in a minimum of 2-part harmony, with at least one section in 3-part harmony evident. This does not include soloist/s singing over 2-part harmony.
Show Choirs must present their performance as part of a chosen theme and the theme must be clearly evident throughout all elements of the performance including repertoire, movement or basic choreography, and costuming.
All Show Choirs are expected to incorporate movement or basic choreography into their item.
Students will need to wear either themed attire, or team shirts (coloured). No school uniforms unless it is part of the theme.
Small hand-held props, for example ribbons or hand held instruments, may be used in the performance. These props should enhance the aesthetic effect and impact of the performance.
Props used for narrative purposes are not permitted.
Conductors may be present for Junior Show Choirs only.
Conductors must stand in a position that does not obstruct the full view of the choir at all times i.e. on the floor or to the side of the performers.
Conductors must ONLY conduct key musical entrances and cut offs that are too complex for the students to navigate on their own.
Conductors are not permitted to demonstrate choreography during the performance.
Individual students may be showcased as a vocal soloist within the ensemble performance.
Teachers/tutors/non-students are not permitted to perform with choral ensembles, however are allowed to accompany the choir.
Entrants may choose to:
- Accompany their item using a self-provided accompanist.
- Use a backing track (backing tracks must be instrumental and not contain any vocal lines including choral vocals)
- Perform acapella (unaccompanied)
Provided Equipment:
4 Choir microphones on stands (ambient pickup only)
6 Solo handheld microphones
Grand piano OR weighted keyboard (dependent on availability)
Judging Criteria:
- Intonation – pitch, tuning, tonal quality.
- Rhythm, timing, overall structure.
- Ensemble performance quality and expression, memorisation and confidence.
- Dynamics and articulation appropriate to style.
- Ensemble awareness – accompanist/familiarity with backing track/a cappella.
- Original choreography – movement accuracy, intention and appropriate use of space.
- Performance piece theme well realised.
- Appropriate Show Choir attire.
Immediate Point Deductions:
- 1 point for not providing a PDF of the themes being performed
- 2 point deduction per 30 seconds over time (per piece).
- 2 point deduction for incorrect conductor/tutor usage, eg singing with the group.
- 5 point deduction for backing tracks containing vocal lines.
- 100% deduction if backing track contains slurs or swearing.
