The ELEMENTARY DIVISION can choose: 

1. to do sight-reading for a number rating, 

2. to do sight-reading for a critique only (ineligible for Sweepstakes trophy), or 

3. opt-out of sight-reading completely (ineligible for Sweepstakes trophy).  

Awards will be based on number ratings received. Choirs will be judged on evidence of music literacy skills and familiarity of the sight reading process. Both readings will be judged, and ratings will be given based on the group’s best reading.

The MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION will receive written critiques in sight-reading, including a number rating. Middle school choirs will be judged on accuracy of reading, tone, technique, and musicianship. Both readings will be judged, and ratings will be given based on the group’s best reading.

Please remember to have your students enter the sight-reading room without talking and keep the selection at their side until the instruction time begins. The first instruction period will start when the director looks at the music or instructs students to look at the music.

INSTRUCTION #1 -- 3 MINUTES:
The director will have 3 minutes to instruct the group. The director and students may tap/clap rhythms, chant rhythms or solfège names, or talk about the music. The director and students are not allowed to hum, sing, or play any part of the selection on the piano. At any time during the instruction period, the tonic chord may be played once in broken chord style, but the students may not reproduce it. The director can vocalize a count in for audiation one time if they choose.

FIRST READING:
Once "time" is called for the first instruction period, the director may not give further musical instructions. The director may choose to have students sing the piece in the printed key or any other key suitable for the group. The tonic chord may be played/sung by the teacher once in broken chord style, and students may sing it. The starting pitch may be played/sung once by the teacher, and the students may sing it. The teacher may count off the group on the starting pitch. The teacher may not audibly contribute to the students’ performance. Students may read the song using the group’s preferred method of sight reading.

INSTRUCTION #2 -- 1 MINUTE:
The director will have 1 minute to instruct the group. The same procedures as the first instruction period will apply.

SECOND READING:
The same procedures as the first reading will apply.