Director's Award

Important Due Dates

Friday, January 23rd, 2026 – Solo Selection Approval

Friday, February 13th, 2026 – Program Notes and Sheet Music

Friday, February 27th, 2026 – Sample Audio/Video Recording

Friday, March 27th, 2026 – Final Audio/Video Recording

Important Dates

Friday, April 24th, 2026 - Recital Night Performers Announced @ 3:30pm

Thursday, May 7th, 2026 - Recital Night

Instructions (FOLLOW THEM CAREFULLY)

1. Select a Director’s Award Solo piece of music

- Your piece will have a better chance of approval if it is in a traditional or classical style

- It may not exceed four minutes in length and must have a piano/recorded accompaniment available

- Do not choose a piece that is too hard or too easy, but one that you will enjoy learning

2. Find the sheet music for a piece you wish to perform

- You can find music at local music stores or websites (see below)

- It is encouraged to ask a private teacher, family member, or friend to help

3. Turn in “Musical Selection Approval” Google Form and physical, purchased sheet music 

- All piece request approvals are at the discretion of the director

- Physical, purchased sheet music should be handed to your director with your name written on it

4. Write and turn in "Program Notes" Google Form with Program Note attachment

5. Record director-selected sample section of the piece

- A recording made at home is all that is necessary

- Please submit the complete solo in one recording

- A piano accompanist is recommended but not required

6. Turn in "Sample Recording" Google Form and Sample Recording attachment

- Rename your submission file with your first initial, last name, instrument/vocal, sample/final

(i.e. tkimball_violin_sample, msiegel_vocal_final,)

7.  Turn in "Final Recording" Google Form and Final Recording attachment

- Students who take part in the Director's Award Recital Night must indicate it on the "Final Recording" Google Form

Director’s Award General Video Recording Instructions

1. Find an audio/video recording device to use that is easy to operate and records the sound of your instrument/voice well. Laptops and phones typically may have a microphone built into them. While the quality of the recording device will not be a factor in the Director’s Award, please make sure you use a device that accurately showcases your talents.

2. Keep the room free of unwanted noises and other distractions. Experiment by recording a small portion of your piece. If the recording has a distorted or scratchy sound, try moving closer or farther away from the microphone, and check that the recording level is set properly. Do not begin recording your piece until you have achieved the best possible sound quality.

3. Begin by recording with the following greeting: “My name is (your name). Today’s date is (date of recording) and I will be playing/singing (piece title), by (composer name) on the (instrument name or voice part). I hope you enjoy!”

4. Record your piece. Be sure to save different recordings, or “takes”, with identifiable file names so you can be sure to select the best one to submit.

5. Listen to it! Ask your parents their opinion. Decide which “takes” you like best, and record more “takes” if you think you can do better.

6. Rename your audio/video submission file with the following:

- First Initial

- Last Name

- Instrument/Vocal

- Sample/Final

(i.e. mkimball_violin_sample, msiegel_vocal_final,)

7.  Submit the recordings via Google Form