NEW!! – Preliminary Auditions now required for Ensembles

PRELIMINARY AUDITIONS
Each Local PMTA Chapter will hold local preliminary auditions. At these auditions, solo performers and ensemble teams will perform repertoire according to the Performance Requirements outlined below. The soloist and ensemble who receive a Superior rating and have scored 80 or higher on a theory test 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.) All students at the preliminary level will receive written critiques from the judge with comments supporting the rating, 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. Local chapters may decide the permitted make up of ensembles, depending on piano availability.

DSPF STATE LEVEL
The State PMTA Solo and Ensemble Showcase Recitals will be held this year on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Students, parents and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend the these recitals. All scheduling of the State Showcase Recital will be done through 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 8, 2009 Slippery Rock University
Online Registration for State Showcase Recitals BEGINS October 1 and closes October 14 , 2009.

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. Any piano or instrumental student (unlimited age) of a PMTA member in good standing or any instrumental group (all students must study with a PMTA member) coached by a PMTA member is eligible to participate in this festival. PMTA members may conduct their ensemble group.

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.

DEADLINES, DATES, AND FEES
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 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 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. $13.00 per solo student, $20.00 per ensemble. Teacher must accompany their students to the Festival and volunteer to help on recitals. If a teacher cannot attend, there is a $20.00 substitution fee. Parents will not be substitutes.

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

Direct all questions regarding Local Preliminary Auditions to your local chapter DSPF chairperson. Local DSPF/CEF Chair info appears at the bottom of the DSPF page on this website. Time requests may not be honored.

PMTA State Festival Chair
Theresa Smith
814-238-5964
ssmith2124@aol.com

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL PRELIMINARY AUDITIONS
Musical Scores: One original copy of the music must be provided for the judges. Photocopies are strictly prohibited, unless there is express written permission from the publisher. NOTE: CD sheet music is permissible.

Accompanists: The student must provide his own accompanist, which may be his/her teacher. Accompanists must have original music, but may photocopy a page for turning purposes, as long as he/she has the original music.

Length of time: may not exceed 15 minutes and may be adjusted by the local chairperson.
Solo: Two pieces of a contrasting nature by different composers, preferably from 2 different eras in the more advanced levels, MEMORIZED. Theory score to perform at State must be 80 or higher. Any student who has passed level 8, A and B, does not need to do a theory test.

Ensemble: Two pieces of a contrasting nature by different composers, preferably from 2 different eras in the more advanced levels, NOT MEMORIZED. Theory score to perform at State must be 80 or higher. Any student who has passed level 8, A and B, does not need to do a theory test. Ensemble students also performing as soloists need not do an additional test. Ensemble students performing ensemble only must take a test, the level of the least experienced member of the group.