Participants can register for the options listed below. Youth can participate in one solo, one duet, one small group performance, and one large group performance in each category. Each youth is limited to a total of four entries within the Music Festival.
A solo is a performance by one youth. A duet is a performance by two youth from the same or different club(s). A small group consists of 3-5 youth from a single club or multiple clubs. A large group is 6 or more youth from a single or multiple clubs.
MUSIC
Vocal – Vocalists with or without accompaniment. Emphasis is on the vocal quality of the music. Minimal costuming (if any) and no props or choreography. Accompaniment can be taped, BUT IT MUST BE INSTRUMENTAL ONLY.
Instrumental – Instrumentalists with standard musical instruments. Emphasis is on the instrumental quality of the music. Minimal costuming and no props or choreography.
MOVEMENT
Dance – Accompaniment may be recorded and can have vocals on tape. Emphasis is on the quality of dance. Performance may be with or without costumes or props.
Novelty – Emphasis is on total production. Should include choreography (the composition and arrangement of vocalists/dancers), costumes and props. It will generally have a theme or focus. Vocal or instrumental music must be produced by performers (i.e., no lip sync.). Accompaniment can be recorded, BUT IT MUST BE INSTRUMENTAL ONLY.
All performers must be 4-H members enrolled in 4-H Online. The director(s) may be any 4-H member(s) and/or adult(s) as long as at least one adult is an approved 4-H volunteer.
Accompaniments and direction can be by 4-H members or adults. Adult accompanists or directors will not be allowed to sing with their group’s presentation. Taped INSTRUMENTAL accompaniment is acceptable.
All group performances must be no longer than 15 minutes in length, including set up and take down. Solo and duet performances should be less than 5 minutes in length.
Groups must supply any props, except piano and folding chairs.
No hay bales, straw bales, candles, fire or real weapons may be used as props.
If a club uses fake weaponry or strobe lights, it must be noted on the registration form.
There will be no practices allowed on the stage the day of the festival.
Critiques will be given at the end of the musical performances to each group.
Participants should be ready to introduce themselves, share which club they represent, and state the title of their selection or arrangement.
Participation Award
All participants will receive a ribbon and a certificate. Performances will be rated as Gold or Silver.
Award of Merit
Each entry will receive one Award of Merit. Judges will identify a standout element from the participant’s performance. Recipients will receive a certificate or a small gift. (See chart below)
Bravo Award
The Bravo Award recognizes the highest‑tier performance. To be eligible, participants must have been selected for a Specialty Award. Recipients will receive a certificate and a $20 gift card.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award highlights an emerging performance. To be eligible, participants must have been selected for a Specialty Award. Recipients will receive a certificate and a $15 gift card.
Specialty Awards (1 per category)
These awards honor youth who demonstrate exceptional musicianship. Judges will select one youth per category. Specialty Award winners will automatically be considered for the Bravo and Rising Star Awards. Recipients will receive a certificate and a medal.
Categories:
Best Vocalist
Best Movement
Best Instrumentalist
Chart below is for Award of Merit Considerations
Spotlight Awards
One youth from each small or large group (groups of 3 or more) will be recognized for a standout performance. Recipients will receive a certificate and a gift.
Award of Excellence
This award recognizes a single group that has demonstrated exceptional quality in their performance. Only one group will receive the Award of Excellence, regardless of category. For example, if a small group of 3–5 youth is selected, they will be the sole recipient of this award.
Award Details:
Dynamic Duo: Certificate & $20 each
Small Group (3–5 youth): Certificate & $15 gift card each
Large Group: Certificate & $100
Honorable Mention
Dynamic Duo Award: Certificate & $15 each
Small Group Award (3–5 youth): Certificate & $10 each
Large Group Award: Certificate & $75