Step 1) Read all the Festival Rules & Requirements carefully to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. 

Step 2) Organize an ensemble and elect one representative from your group to complete the entry form. Applications must be submitted by Monday, February 5, 2018 at 11:59pm.

Step 3) Record your audition and upload it to a site that can be easily accessed by our jurors (e.g. YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.). A section of the entry form will be dedicated to collecting a URL link to your audition—this must be submitted at the time of application.

 

Please read the following rules and requirements prior to completing the application. Entry forms must be submitted no later than 11:59pm on Monday, February 5, 2018. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The application period runs from December 1, 2017 to February 5, 2018. Any questions about the SOMe Festival or the application process should be directed to the umusac@gmail.com.

Entry (Applications due February 5)

• Applicants must submit a completed entry form and recorded audition by February 5, 2018 by 11:59pm to qualify for the Festival.
• If you are unable to submit your recorded audition at the time of application, you may email a URL link for your recording to umusac@gmail.com.
• There is NO entry fee; participation is FREE.
• Entries must be submitted online (entry form)—hard copies will not be accepted.
• Each ensemble should select someone to be a group representative who will complete the entry form. This person will also serve as a correspondent who will be in charge of communicating with festival coordinators.
• There is one entry form per ensemble. Each individual performer is not required to complete the application--there will be a page of the entry form dedicated to collecting information for each member of your ensemble.

Eligibility

• All U of U students currently enrolled in a course or ensemble within the School of Music are invited and encouraged to apply. Faculty and anyone who is not currently a student of the School of Music will NOT be eligible to apply.
• Ensembles may consist of 3 to 12 performers. Duets may be permitted upon approval by the Student Advisory Committee. Individuals may audition with more than one ensemble if desired.
• Solo works will not be permitted. The goal of this event is to engage with your fellow music students and build community through collaboration; therefore, ensembles must consist of three or more performers.
• Works should be no longer than 10 minutes in duration. Any audition recordings that exceed this time will be automatically disqualified.
• Works may vary in genre and instrumentation. We value musical and creative diversity, as long as your performance exhibits artistic excellence.
• Questions regarding eligibility or appropriate repertoire selections should be directed to the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) at umusac@gmail.com.

Recorded Audition

• Ensembles interested in performing in the Festival will be required to send a recorded audition for judging. We only ask for an audio recording; however, video recordings will be accepted as well (only the sound of your audition will be taken into consideration).
• Record your ensemble's piece in its entirety (as you intend to perform it in the live Festival concert); however, please note that the judges might not listen to your entire recording. Works may not exceed 10 minutes in duration.
• As sound quality is of extreme importance, it is recommended that you use a high- quality audio recording device to record your audition (equipment is available for students to check out from the McKay Music Library Circulation Desk).
• Please upload your audio/video recording to a site that can be easily accessed (YouTube, Google Drive, Sound Cloud, etc.) and be sure that the privacy settings will allow judges to access your file. You will be asked to provide a link to your recording in the entry form.
• The recorded audition must be performed by the same players who would appear in the live event.
• Ensembles will be notified by email no later than Monday, February 12, 2018 of the decisions made by the judges.
• The jury will be comprised of SAC officers. The jurors will listen for the following in your recorded audition: musical interpretation, ensemble communication, tempi and dynamics, rhythm and intonation, and artistic expression.
• ALL applicants, regardless if they advance to the live performance, will receive a free T-shirt commemorating the event and acknowledging the students who worked to build this community.

The Festival Concert (March 6, 2018)

• Winning ensembles will be selected to advance from the auditions to perform in the Festival Concert on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:30pm in Libby Gardner Concert Hall.
• This event will be free and open to the public.
• Winning ensembles will have a brief sound-check on the day of the Festival Concert. Details about this sound-check will be sent after ensembles have been chosen to perform.
• Festival attire is casual. All participants should wear the official SOMe Festival T-shirts during the event. These T-shirts will be distributed on the day of the Festival Concert.
• All participants and audience members are invited to a Pizza Party reception in the Engebretsen Student Lounge immediately following the Festival Concert!

“Is this a competition?" No. Think of it more as a concert featuring the “best of the School of Music.” Student ensembles will audition for the opportunity to perform in this extravaganza for their peers. It is a night for School of Music students to set aside classwork and other responsibilities to come together as a community and celebrate excellence in our school. We want to showcase the talents of our students in a non-judging, collaborative environment.

“Who is this festival for?” Any U of U student currently enrolled in a course or ensemble in the School of Music is welcome and encouraged to audition! This is organized by students and for students. However, the Festival concert will be free and open to the public.

“Is this for soloists?” No! The mission of the Student Advisory Committee is to unite the student body and promote collaboration and camaraderie within the School of Music; therefore, this event is only for groups/ensembles (any genre, voice type, or instrument) of 3 to 12 performers. Groups outside of this range may be admitted upon approval.

"What genre is this for?" Any genre of collaborative music! From chamber music to jazz combos, opera quartets to early music consorts, and original compositions to guitar ensembles, we hope to engage students from all departments within the School of Music. We value musical and creative diversity, so long as your performance exhibits artistic excellence.

"Is there an application fee?" No! This event is 100% free to performers and audience members.

"Why should I audition?" In addition to building community and camaraderie within the School of Music, ALL participants will receive a free School of Music T-shirt just for auditioning! Audition recordings will be reviewed by student advisory committee judges. Winning ensembles will get to perform in Libby Gardner Concert Hall on March 6, 2018.

"What is SAC?" Student Advisory Committees (SACs) are student groups established within each department of the College of Fine Arts to promote communication and interaction among students, faculty, staff, and administration. This Festival is organized entirely by the School of Music's Student Advisory Committee.