Begun in 1980 by Dorothy Sutton, the Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival was intended as a festival for “every” type of student. This is an opportunity for any music student to enter with the hope of performing at a State Festival Showcase Recital. For advancement to the State level, however, the student must first qualify in Local Preliminary Auditions, and must also demonstrate a minimal knowledge of music theory by passing a written theory exam.                                

PRELIMINARY AUDITIONS
 

Each Local PMTA Chapter will hold local preliminary auditions. At these auditions, each student will perform two memorized pieces for one judge. A student who receives a Superior rating in all four adjudication categories, can advance to the state level for performance in a Showcase recital. Performers in the Showcase Recitals, must play the piece the preliminary judge selected in the preliminary audition. (If the judge does not choose one piece, the student's teacher must make this decision.) In addition to the (4)-Superior performance rating, to qualify for advancement to the State Level, the student must pass the written theory exam with a score of 90% or higher. All students at the preliminary level will receive written critiques from the judge with comments supporting the rating, a graded theory test, and a "Certificate of Participation." Local Chapters may offer additional awards to students, such as ribbons, trophies, medals, or other special recognition awards, at the expense of the Local Chapter to award other levels of performance.

THEORY TEST

All students entered in the local preliminary audition will be required to take a written theory test.  Teachers must notify their Local Chair in writing on their application to best assist students who have special educational needs regarding the written test (this includes those too young to read). The test will be given in conjunction with the local auditions on the site designated by the local association.  No individual theory tests are to be administered by teachers at another place OR time.  There are NO retakes of the theory test! Regardless of their performance score, students earning a score of 90% or higher will receive a "Certificate of Proficiency" from the State.  

DSPF STATE LEVEL
 

The State Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival will be held this year, on the Sunday of the state conference. Students, parents and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend the Showcase and Concerto/Ensemble Recitals. No theory test is given at the state level.   All scheduling of the State Showcase Recital will be done through email or this website. Students performing at the State Festival Showcase Recital will receive a Gold Medal and a certificate.

DSPF State Showcase Recitals will be Sunday, November 9, 2008 -Mansfield University

TEACHER ELIGIBILITY

In order to enter students into the Preliminary Auditions of the DSPF, the teacher must have paid both local and state dues prior to the local chapter's deadline for submitting applications.  

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Any piano, vocal or instrumental student of a PMTA member in good standing may participate in the PMTA Preliminary Auditions. Participating students MUST RESIDE IN PENNSYLVANIA.  Participating students must receive a minimum of 90% on the written theory exam.  The eligible age for students in the local DSPF solo events is unlimited (adults and college students added for 2006).  However, only those students “up to and including 12th grade” may advance to the state DSPF Festival.

DEADLINES AND FEES

State applications for Showcase Recitals

 will begin October 1 and close October 13, 2008

LOCAL:Check with your Local Festival Chairperson for the date, time, location, and the student entry fee for your Local Preliminary Audition. Each Local Chapter will submit the current student entry fee of $3 to PMTA-DSPF for participation at the Local Level of which $1.00 which will continue to support PMTA student events and interests.

STATE: Teachers entering students for State Showcase Recitals of DSPF must submit information electronically by the state deadline.  Fees will be mailed separately by each teacher to the state chairperson. State level enrollment fee checks should be made payable to: PMTA-DSPF. 

ALL STUDENT ENTRY FEES FOR THE DSPF ARE NON-REFUNDABLE!
 

Direct all questions regarding Local Preliminary Auditions and DSPF to your local chapter DSPF chairperson.  You will need to check with your local chapter president to find out who is currently serving as your DSPF chairperson.
 

FORMS

A link for current forms and process procedures will be posted following the June board meeting.

CONTACTS

STATE DSPF CHAIR
Yvonne Alling

570-489-2991

2008 LOCAL ASSOCIATION DSPF CHAIRS/DATES

                                   
                                                 Date                 Chair

Capital Area:    

Central PA:

Delaware Valley:

Greater Pittsburgh: 
                                                                                    Darryl Mielke

Lancaster:
 

Lehigh Valley:                                                       Lois Forbes

Main Line:                                                            Deborah Rodgers

Northeast:                                                            Patricia Koch/Yvonne Alling

Philadelphia:

Reading:

Slippery Rock:

Westmoreland:

Williamsport:

York: