HUMANITIES
MUSIC COMPOSITION
The science or art of arranging music by ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination or in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The top page must include the contestant’s name, page number .
2. The composition must be neatly and precisely written on music manuscript paper, in such a manner that any trained musician could perform the composition. Before submission, all electronically generated manuscripts (Finale, Sibelius, etc.) must be proofread to ensure proper quantization in the final print generated composition. All submissions must show competency in writing for the chosen medium.
3. The contestant must bring a copy of the CD or some accepted format for the judges to be able to hear the composition onsite at the Local competition.
4. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the composition.
5. The composition must not exceed five (5) minutes.
6. Students are allowed to perform their piece without an infringement on their interview time.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
• Creative sense (10)
• Form (20)
• Harmonic and rhythmic interest (20)
• Strength of melodic line (20)
• Use of theory (20)
• Quality of transcript (10)
ORIGINAL ESSAY
A composition, marked by language chosen for its sound, beauty and evocative power.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number.
2. Poems should be typed, using 12 point Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia, or Comic Sans. Please no other fancy typefaces or graphics. Poems should retain original form that they were created in and do not have to be double-spaced. Individual poems may be free verse or rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas. Poems should not exceed 3 pages.
3. The contestants will be interviewed about their work by a panel of judges.
4. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the original poem.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
• Emotional Connection (20)
Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are writing about and does the poem elicit an emotional response from the reader?
• Original Thought (20)
Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.
• Sequential Development (20)
Does the poem follow a distinct path or does it wander without every really getting to the point. Are there too many things going on in the poem? Is there a strong ending, or is it forced?
• Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation (20)
How is the poem constructed? Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks? Does the poem have a strong title? Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?
• Use of language as it relates to theme (20)
Does the poet use figurative language including vivid imagery, similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or idiom? Is the voice active, are the senses engaged?A brief examination of a subject in evaluative or analytical prose usually expressing a personal view or interpretation of a topic or issue.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The original essay written only by the contestant should be submitted on or before the specified deadline. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number.
2. The essay must be typed and double-spaced; not to exceed 6,000 words.
3. The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.
4. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the essay.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
General Merit (25)
· Ideas – advances (or considers) existing knowledge while offering a fresh or novel analysis.
· Organization, clarity, and flow
· Wording— effective use of language, claims, and argumentation
· Flavor – (author’s) voice/perspective, (emotive?) style, depth, creativity
Mechanics (25)
· Proper usage
· Punctuation/Capitalization
· Spelling
Overall Effect (50)
· Convincing and compelling
· Resonance (motivation, inspiration, provocation, etc.)
· Topic/issue significance
· Educational value (teaches readers something new)
PLAYWRITING
A literary composition developed for the stage.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The play must be an original (written only by the contestant).
2. The play must be typed and double spaced, not to exceed twenty (20) pages.
3. One-page synopsis must be included.
4. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number.
5. The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.
6. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the play.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
• Characterization (10)
–Is there a protagonist of some type? Is there an antagonist? Are the characters in the play developed? Are the roles defined?
• Clarity (10)
– Is the author’s theme and purpose clearly stated?
• Content (25)
– Is the subject matter or situation of the play relevant, creative, and/or controversial?
• Dialogue (10)
– Is the word usage or phrasing consistent with the character? Does the dialogue advance the plotline or develop the character’s background?
• Mechanics (10)
– Is the manuscript clearly typed? Are there errors in spelling and/or grammar?
• Plot (25)
– Has the storyline been clearly defined? Has the action of the play been chronologically developed? Is there evidence of:
➢ Exposition
➢ Complication
➢ Climax
➢ Conclusion
• Style (10) – Has the playwright established a definitive method or style?
POETRY- PERFORMANCE
An original poem or prose, written by the contestant, performed as a monologue or exchange involving extemporization.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number.
2. Poems should be typed, using 12 point Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia, or Comic Sans. Please no other fancy typefaces or graphics. Poems should retain original form that they were created in and do not have to be double-spaced. Individual poems may be free verse or rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas. Poems should not exceed 3 pages.
3. The contestants must perform their work before a panel of judges. The performance must not exceed three (3) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
4. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the original poem.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
• Emotional/Physical Presence (20)
Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are presenting? Is the poet demonstrating eye contact, body language and poise?
• Original Thought (20)
Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.
• Voice and Articulation (20)
Does the poet exhibit appropriate volume, pace, rhythm, intonation and proper pronunciation?
• Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation (20)
How is the poem constructed? Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks? Does the poem have a strong title? Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?
• Evidence of Understanding/Accuracy (20)
Does the poet comprehend the material they’re presenting and makes the audience understand? Does the poet miss written words or mispronounce words during their recitation?
POETRY- WRITTEN
A composition, marked by language chosen for its sound, beauty and evocative power.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number.
2. Poems should be typed, using 12 point Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia, or Comic Sans. Please no other fancy typefaces or graphics. Poems should retain original form that they were created in and do not have to be double-spaced. Individual poems may be free verse or rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas. Poems should not exceed 3 pages.
3. The contestants will be interviewed about their work by a panel of judges.
4. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the original poem.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
• Emotional Connection (20)
Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are writing about and does the poem elicit an emotional response from the reader?
• Original Thought (20)
Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.
• Sequential Development (20)
Does the poem follow a distinct path or does it wander without every really getting to the point. Are there too many things going on in the poem? Is there a strong ending, or is it forced?
• Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation (20)
How is the poem constructed? Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks? Does the poem have a strong title? Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?
• Use of language as it relates to theme (20)
Does the poet use figurative language including vivid imagery, similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or idiom? Is the voice active, are the senses engaged?
SHORT STORY
A narrative examination of a subject in fictional or nonfictional prose usually expressing a personal view or interpretation of an issue or topic.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The short story written only by the contestant should be submitted on or before the specified deadline.
2. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number.
3. The Short Story should have a single-story line without subplots, no more than three or four characters, a single viewpoint, and a short time scale. The story must be typed, double spaced and between 1500 and 3000 words.
4. The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges.
5. Contestants must submit three (3) copies of the short story.
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
General Merit (25)
· Ideas – originality or a unique perspective (on an existing idea), single storyline, no subplots, short time frame
· Organization and clarity – consistent writing style, mood/tone, and space
· Wording – strategic and intentional use of language (e.g., for expression, realism, authenticity, emphasis, cultural or social commentary)
· Flavor – (author’s) voice/perspective, style, depth/provocation, creativity
Mechanics (25)
· Proper usage
· Punctuation/Capitalization/Spelling
· Short story five elements: plot, setting, characters (3-4 max), effective implementation of POV (e.g., first person, third person, etc.)
Overall Effect (50)
· Minimal background, concise dialogue, no lengthy preamble
· Natural ending achieving any (or all) of the following elements: plot alignment, authenticity, consistency, emotional resonance, reader satisfaction, and surprise within expectations.
