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For preliminary judging, a song must be recorded and submitted on a new, standard-sized cassette tape or CD. Each original song may not exceed 5 minutes in length. Entries submitted on micro- or mini-cassettes will be disqualified. |
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Lyrics must communicate a message relevant to this year’s topic of Perspective Lyrics must be typewritten and submitted with the cassette or CD, and the cassette or CD must be labeled with the song title. |
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Instrumental entries are also accepted. Composers must explain the relationship between their entries and the topic in a written statement that accompanies each instrumental entry. |
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All original music entries must be accompanied with sheet music. The only exception is for electronic music, in which case sheet music is not possible. These entries must include a separate written statement which addresses the processes used in creating the entry. This should include the thought process in developing the entry, as well as the tools used to create the music and how they were utilized. |
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Attach the entry form to the typed lyrics, statements, and/or sheet music and enclose them with the cassette/CD in a 10”x 13” envelope. |
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Live performances by entrants will be required at the state finals. |
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Please note that the stage at the Christel DeHaan Center is 23’ deep x 28’ wide. If you advance to the state finals, you will be required to perform your entry within this given area. If the equipment needed to present a music entry is too large for the stage to comfortably handle, the eXceL Awards retains the right to ask the finalist to revise his or her request so that it works within the confines of the space that is available. |
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Back-up musicians and stage crew must be enrolled in an Indiana high school, an Indiana career center or meet the eXceL Awards home school criteria. |