ART & DIMENSIONAL ART 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Art – painting (oil, water), sketching (pencil, chalk, etc) B. Dimensional Art – wood, metal, ceramic, etc. 

C. Photography 

D. Graphic Design 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

ALL AREAS OF PARTICIPATION: 

1. Each contestant is responsible for delivery and set up of his/her  entry to both district and national competitions. Contestants  are NOT allowed to ship entries into the district or national  competitions. 

2. You are responsible for picking up your ENTRY, or arranging  for the pickup after the Talent Expo is finished. IMPACT PCG  STUDENT MINISTRIES is NOT responsible for entries left at the  expo. 

3. The best attempt will be made in the handling of all entries.  However, each participant assumes full responsibility for their  entry before, during and after the event. Participants desiring  extra protection should personally insure or watch over their  entries during the event. Contestants will assume full liability  of any damage that may occur during the competition/exhibit. 

ART: 

1. Art entries can only be created by one person (group art is not  allowed). 

2. All entries must be created entirely by the participant and  must have an appropriate theme. All entries must have been  created since the close of the previous national competition. 

3. The participant(s) must present his/her entry with a TYPED  information page* stating the category, participant’s name,  age, district, picture and the theme/title of the presentation  

(handwritten pages will not be allowed). *please see example  under appendix. 

DIMENSIONAL ART: 

1. Dimensional Art entries are to be created by 1 person. 

2. All entries must be created entirely by the participant and  must have an appropriate theme. All entries must have been  created since the close of the previous national competition. 

3. The participant(s) must present his/her entry with a TYPED  information page* stating the category, participant’s name(s),  age, district, picture(s) and the theme/title of the presentation  (handwritten pages will not be allowed). *please see example  under appendix. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

1. All entries must be photographed by the participant and must  have an appropriate theme but do not have to be overtly “reli gious” in subject or theme. All entries must have been photo graphed since the close of the previous national competition. 

2. No typography is to be added to the finished image. Words or  letters in the photograph must appear to the viewer as if they  are a part of the image. 

3. Black-and-white or color photographs are accepted. 4. No collages are permitted. 

5. Computer-generated improvements are allowed in order to  enhance the original photograph (cropping, color depth or  hue, color contrast, etc.).  

6. Entries must be exactly 8x10 inches in size. 

7. The participant must present his/her entry with a typed infor mation page* stating the category, participant’s name, age,  district, picture, theme/title of the presentation, the camera  used, type of software (if any), and any other form of technol ogy used to produce the image. *please see example under  appendix. 

GRAPHIC DESIGN: 

1. In the Graphic Design category, the following mediums are  accepted: 

•  advertisement  

•  business card  

•  newsletter  

•  poster 

•  billboard  

•  brochure  

•  web page  

•  logo 

2. All Graphic Design entries must be printed (high-resolution-at  least 300 dpi) and put on display. Entries must be no smaller  than 8 by 10 inches and no larger than 24 by 24 inches. Stu dents should submit the best representation of their design.  

3. The participant must present his/her entry with a typed infor mation page* stating the category, participant’s name, picture,  theme of the presentation, type of software/program used,  and any other form of technology used to produce the image.  *please see example under appendix. 

4. Photos from the Internet (i.e. stock photos) may be used provid ing they are not copyrighted or provided the participant has  obtained the proper copyright permission and notates such  details on coversheet.  

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

Art: 

1. Appropriate Theme: message; originality. 

2. Difficulty Factor: easy, medium, difficult? 

3. Perspective: correctness; symmetry. 

4. Color Scheme and Contrast: liveliness; accuracy; blend. 5. Composition: overall beauty; ability; placard/cover sheet. 

Dimensional Art: 

1. Appropriate Theme: message; originality. 

2. Difficulty Factor: easy, medium, difficult? 

3. Design: proportionate; symmetry; unity. 

4. Craftsmanship: neatness; precision; effort. 

5. Appearance: overall beauty; ability; placard/cover sheet. 

Photography: 

1. Appropriate Theme: message; originality. 

2. Difficulty Factor: easy, medium, difficult? 

3. Perspective: correctness; symmetry. 

4. Color Scheme and Contrast: liveliness; accuracy; blend. 5. Composition: overall beauty; ability; information page. 

Graphic Design: 

1. Difficulty Factor: easy,medium,difficult? 

2. Selection: Appropriate, Imagination, Creativity and Originality. 3. Visual impact: Eye Catching, Relationship and flow between  elements 

4. Presentation And Technique: Clarity (image resolution), Con sistency, Overall Presentation, Organization, Proportion, Use of  Color/Values, Use of Type 

5. Effectiveness: Preparation, Understandable Concept, Motiva tional, Relevant 

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

The qualities the judges desire to see are originality and careful  attention to details. High points are given for neatness, cleanliness,  uniformity, and precision. The perspective should be correct with  proper symmetry used. Pay particular attention to color contrasts.  Find someone who teaches art and ask them to give you an objec tive opinion on what you can improve. Think carefully about your  title. Try to focus on some way your entry can minister to the viewer.  Perhaps you can compose a Scripture verse as your theme. Maybe  you can compose a Scriptural analogy. Use your imagination and  develop your creativity. 

Art consists of many different elements. The most important ele ments are: 

•  Color 

•  Line 

•  Mass 

•  Space 

•  Texture 

These elements are as important to an artist and craftsman as words  are to a writer. By stressing certain elements, an artist can bring out  a particular theme or mood. 

Photography Suggestions: Do not over-edit, most photography is at  its best in almost raw form. Be specific with your theme, show us the  depth of what you are trying to capture.

​

CREATIVE WRITING 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Poetry 

B. Short Story 

C. Song Writing 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

POETRY & SHORT STO 

1. The participant can write in each of the two categories: Poetry  or Short Story (fiction/non-fiction). The essays for fiction and  non-fiction must have a Christian theme and be between 500 –  1250 words in length. Poetry must be from 12 - 20 lines. 

2. Each manuscript will begin with a title page* including title,  category, word count, the participant’s name, picture, age, and  district. *please see example under appendix. 

3. Entry must be typed (at least 12 pt font) and digitally submit ted as a .pdf file (only). These entries are pre-judged. Your entry  must be submitted electronically with your entry form by the  May 1st registration deadline (as described in General Rule #6).  Each manuscript becomes the property of the National Youth  Ministries office and may not be returned. 

SONGWRITING 

1. The music composition and lyrics must be original. 

2. Time limit of the song must not exceed 5 minutes and must  have a Christian theme. 

3. No more than two song writers.  

4. Students must submit a MP3 file, as well as lyrics (in a .pdf  format) of the song performed with musical accompaniment  electronically with your entry form by the May 1st registration  deadline (as described in General Rule #6). Production quality  and performance quality will not be judged.  

5. Each lyric will begin with a title page* including title, category,  the participant’s name, picture, age, and district.  

6. The Pentecostal Church of God and Impact Youth Ministries  are not responsible for the copyright of songs the contestant  writes. Upon submitting the song, the contestant automat ically agrees to the release of copyrights for the purpose of  the Talent Expo only. However, it is still recommended that all  contestants have songs copyrighted before releasing it to the  general public. 

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

Poetry: 

1. Content: originality; interest; logic and accuracy; support (spe cific and convincing). 

2. Organization: thesis (purpose is clear throughout); introduc tion; body (main points clear, unified and supported/amplified  and easy to understand); conclusion. 

3. Style: sentence variety and structure; diction and imagery. 4. Spelling/Grammar: mechanics (spelling, punctuation, gram mar); unity; coherence; emphasis (sentences clearly related to  one another and all related to the thesis). 

5. Rhyme/Rhythm: meter regular; rhyme smooth. 

Short Story: 

1. Content: originality; interest; logic and accuracy; support (spe cific and convincing). 

2. Organization: thesis (purpose is clear throughout); introduc tion; body (main points clear, unified and supported/amplified  and easy to understand); conclusion. 

3. Style: sentence variety and structure; diction and imagery. 4. Spelling/Grammar: mechanics (spelling, punctuation, gram mar); unity; coherence; emphasis (sentences clearly related to  one another and all related to the thesis). 

5. Details: use of verbs; descriptive. 

Song Writing: 

1. Structure: song’s components (verses, chorus, bridge, etc.)

2. Melody: fresh, creative, pleasing to ear 

3. Dynamics: build up, crescendo, timbre, texture 

4. Hook: catchy, memorable, hum-ability 

5. Lyrical Creativity: flow, readily understandable, connectedness,  rhyme  

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

Hints: Read over the judging sheets before writing. Judges look  for stories and poems that are original and imaginative yet still be lievable. Because of space limitations, it is important to make each  word count and contribute. Begin your entry with a strong open ing statement or paragraph and end with a strong closing state ment. Quotes are a good way to support a thesis but use them  sparingly; the judges want to hear what you have to say. Watch  carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.  

•  Read the article aloud, rapidly, as if you were reading someone  else’s work. Ask: Is it interesting? Is it significant? Are there  any blind spots? Does it have rapport? 

•  Read the article a second time. Ask: Is the article logical? Does  the ending tie to the opening? Can I tighten sentences? Can I  improve word choice? Are transitions clear? 

•  Read the article again. This time probe deeper. Ask: Is the lead  interesting? Is it interesting and relevant? Are action verbs  used? Does it have a suitable end? 

•  Read the article again. Verify quotations, facts, spelling, punc tuation, etc.  

•  Now ask someone you trust to read the article. Ask them to be  honest with you. Watch for their initial reaction. If the article  doesn’t grab the reader, find out why. 

•  Read the article again. Make sure sentences are not too long.  Break long sentences with three or four word sentences. Make  the entry “breathe.” 

The Article: 

1. Beginning Leads – Objective: Grab the reader’s attention. Start  with a direct statement or fact, a question, an attention-getting  statement, an anecdote, a quotation, or an analogy. 

2. The End – Objective: One thought stamped in the reader’s 

mind. End with a brief summary, a generalization which  restates the idea in different words, a dramatic ending or a  message in a nutshell (if a poem). 

3. The Body – Objective: Giving the major idea. Are the para graphs in logical sequence? Are transitions smooth from each  paragraph? Are the verbs alive? Do the sentence lengths vary?  Does the sentence structure make sense? If a poem, is the  rhyme smooth and flowing, if used? Are poetic devices accu rate and lively? Are words fresh or trite? Can you express in  one sentence what the poem is trying to say? Does the poem  convey emotion?

​

DRAMA 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Theatrical Drama 

B. Human Video  

C. Mime (Solo & Group) 

D. Spoken Word 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

Al 

1. Anything that would leave a residue on stage may not be used.  This is not only for the safety of others, but also as a common  courtesy to the theater. This is to include but not limited to: 

•  Aerosols 

•  Pyrotechnic devices 

•  Confetti 

•  Liquids 

•  Fog machines 

•  Breakable items 

2. In emergency situations, a substitute of an individual in a  group is permitted. No additions other than substitutions are  allowed in emergency situations, a substitute of an individual  in a group is permitted.  

The 

1. Only hand-held props are allowed that are carried on/off stage  by individual participants.  

2. Theatrical Drama groups are limited to a maximum of 10 per formers with only five having a microphone. 

3. No audio sound device is allowed during performance. 4. The time limit for Theatrical Drama is five minutes. 

Hum 

1. Solo entries are not allowed. 

2. No speaking parts are allowed. 

3. Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 people. 

4. The time limit for Human Video is seven minutes.  

5. The musical track that accompanies Human Video entries must  include lyrics (your song MUST have words). Voice-overs may  be present in the recording but may not completely replace  the lyrics.  

6. The Human Video technique of “lip sync” must be present in  the majority of the presentation. 

7. Only hand-held props are allowed that are carried on/off stage  by individual participants.  

MIME (solo  

1. No costumes are allowed. 

2. No speaking parts are allowed. 

3. Entries must have an accompanying track.  

4. The time limit for Mime is seven minutes.  

5. No props are allowed.  

6. Solo Entries are limited to 1 participant. Group entries can  contain from 2-20 individuals. 

SPOKEN WORD  

1. All spoken word entries must be original pieces, composed by  an eligible participant in NTE.  

2. Time limit for spoken word is 3 minutes.  

3. The entire presentation must be memorized.  

4. Students may use an instrumental backing track. The following  items are prohibited: live music, additional media, a backing 

track that has lyrics/words.  

5. No costumes or props are allowed.  

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

1. Preparation/Presentation: appropriate selection; appropriate  introduction; relevance of the selection. 

2. Communication: how effective is the interpretation of mean ing and emotion content of the selection; message clearly  delivered. 

3. Animation: adequate voice projection and eye contact; ap propriate articulation and dynamics; accurate pronunciation  and enthusiasm; adequately conveys the message and use of  expression. 

4. Characterization: is character differentiation clear; is the topic  of the drama consistent throughout. 

5. Visual Appearance: appropriate for selection; face and body  responsive to meaning of message; poise and completeness of  message. 

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

1. Theatrical Drama division was originally designed to develop  the theatrical skills in an individual, not that of a group. The  “role” or “character playing” is truly what theatrics is all about.  While a small group may have a theme to convey a message,  most of the theatrics are lost in presentation. Theatrics is  designed for acting out portions of scripts already written, or  short original scripts. These may be of Biblical characters or  scenes. They may also be scenes from production. 

2. Human video was originally intended to act out the message  of a song. 

3. Drama is the method by which characters relate to one anoth er. Therefore, it is important that the drama be a convincing  portrayal of characters. All the elements of speaking apply to  acting (except maybe in Mime): gestures, movement, voice  inflection and rapport. The key word to drama is believability.  To create good drama, study people’s reaction to things they  hear, and work toward a natural reflection in your characters. It  is important that the primary objective is ministry, not just to // 28 // 

entertain. Because the drama category is so diverse, seek to be  creative in your presentation. 

4. Spoken Word is the art and ministry of communicating poetry  that is specifically composed for presentation before an audi ence. 

5. It is important to create a mood for ministry in drama. This  means it is important for the participant(s) to begin in a posi tive and confident manner. 

6. Appropriate appearance: Does the actor’s appearance comple ment what he/she is trying to say? Is extra effort made to dress  or bring the presentation to character by props, makeup, etc?  Mime entries are encouraged to use traditional mime attire  (white face paint, white gloves, black clothes). 

7. Original pieces are encouraged.

​

DRUM & PERCUSSION 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Drum & Percussion 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

1. Each contestant will have 5 minutes to perform a routine. 

2. Drum sticks and drum thrones are the only personal pieces  of gear contestants may use during their performance un less playing any other percussion instrument. 

3. You will be allowed to use an accompaniment track only. You  are not allowed to have other musicians on stage with you. The  judges will be scoring you on your percussion solo. It is recom mended that you solo exclusively without a track.  

4. This category will be limited to between 1 and 8 performers.  B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

1. Accuracy: stick control; tempo accuracy; rhythmic accuracy  and clarity. 

2. Technique: use of accents; steadiness of tempo; projection/use  of the whole kit. 

3. Interpretation: use of different styles; expression of confidence;  general effect. 

4. Presentation: stage deportment; poise; appearance; stage  personality. 

5. Other Factors: level of difficulty; preparation of performance;  choice of styles. 

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

Participants are reminded that this is both a Drum and Percussion  category, so entries do not have to be limited to a traditional drum  performance on a traditional drum kit. 

A basic drum set will be provided with these pieces: •  A basic kit with 2 rack toms 

•  Floor Tom 

•  Kick Drum 

•  Cymbals (1 ride 2 crash) & High Hat 

•  You may add additional accessories for your performance  (see category rule #2).  

•  The brand, model, cymbals and hardware will vary by loca tion. 

•  Drummers are encouraged to bring their own headphones/ in-ear monitors.

​

INSTRUMENTAL 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Instrumental Solo 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

INSTRUMENTAL SOLO 

1. Participation is limited to the performance of Christian music  and must not exceed 5 minutes. 

2. Any original compositions should be noted, by handing in a  lyric sheet notating the author of the song to the category  chairman during orientation. 

3. An instrumental soundtrack may be used. No vocals or accom paniment will be allowed. 

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

1. Accuracy: note accuracy; note values/tempo accuracy; pitch  accuracy and clarity. 

2. Tone: quality; control; clarity; balance/blend. 

3. Technique: rhythmic accuracy; use of articulation; steadiness of  tempo. 

4. Interpretation: understanding of composition; style/expressive  marks; general effect; fluent use of harmony. 

5. Presentation: stage deportment; posture; poise; ministerial  effect. 

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

1. Effective stage presence is important in the ministry of music.  Good stage presence transforms stage fright into confidence.  This becomes possible when the instrumentalists define their  purpose as performing for God’s glory. This gives the listen 

ing audience and judges the impression that the musician is  delighted to minister. 

2. Interpretation refers to the personal touch the contestant  brings to the music. Style refers to the distinctive manner the  composition is performed giving it personality. 

3. Phrasing in music corresponds to sentences in speech. The  contestant should strive to phrase naturally and seek for the  music to flow. Phrasing also refers to the ability to know where  to accent (a more full sound, more crisp, or in a softer tone.) 

4. Tone results when strings, drumheads, etc. vibrate. The goal  for good quality is to produce a tone that is clear and full. 

5. Intensity projection refers to the prominence of the piece. Fin ger dexterity is used in judging instrumentals. Is the musician  using the fingers smoothly and quickly? Disciplining the hand  with finger exercised brings greater dexterity.

​

INTERPRETIVE DANCE 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Solo Dance 

B. Group Dance 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

1. Participation is limited to the performance of Christian music  and/or themes and must not exceed 5 minutes. Time will be gin at the beginning of movement or music. 

2. The musical track that accompanies a Dance entry may or may  not contain lyrics. 

3. Group entries are limited to 15 persons. 

4. Choreography will be based on and should convey the intend ed message of the piece. 

5. Neither choreography nor costumes should at any time com promise Christian ideals (i.e. be suggestive, vulgar, revealing,  etc.) 

6. In emergency situations, a substitute of an individual in a  group is permitted. No additions other than substitutions are  allowed.  

7. Hand-held streamers, ribbon, banners, or flags are permitted  but must not become the focal point of the presentation at  the expense of recognized and legitimate dance technique. No  other stage props are permitted. 

8. The focus of the category must be dance. 

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

1. Stage Presentation: entrance/exit; use of stage; costumes;  confidence; etc. 

2. Technique: accuracy; precision; timing; etc. 

3. Choreography: originality; appropriateness; variety; etc. 

4. Ministerial Effect: effectiveness; anointing; conveyance of mes sage; etc. 

5. Overall: difficulty level; energy; rapport; effectiveness; etc. C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

Interpretive dance is a dance style that seeks to interpret the  meaning inherent in music rather than by performing specific  preformatted moves, it seeks to depict emotions or tell a story. To  worship God in dance is biblical. The Bible commends it (Psalm  149:3; 150:4). Scripture gives many references to the use of dance  as a form of joyous celebration and of reverent worship. This  should be the theme of ALL dance performances. 

What judges want: 

•  Creative and age-appropriate choreography 

•  Good clean technique 

•  Stage presence 

•  Well-rehearsed choreography 

•  Dancers who are comfortable with all elements of the num ber 

•  Clean numbers with choreography that is well suited for the  dancers 

•  Original ideas 

•  A clean professional look onstage: good costume, hair and  makeup 

•  Technique: Make sure that you do not give them any reason  to deduct points. 

•  The human quality: They are looking for real people with  real emotions.

​

PUBLIC SPEAKING 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Short Sermon 

B. Christian Stand-up Comedy (SOLO & GROUP) 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

SHORT SERMON 

1. Short Sermon is the art of verbally communicating a biblical  message that includes a Scripture or a passage of scripture.  

2. All entries in the Short Sermon category are limited to one  person.  

3. Time of the presentation must not exceed 5 minutes.  4. The participant may use notes. 

5. Participants may only use a Bible, notes, and a podium. Small  handheld props are allowed in Short Sermon entries as well as  multi-media presentation. Props are limited to what presenters  can carry by hand into the presentation space. All multi-me dia presentations (slides, pictures, etc.) must be submitted in  Microsoft Powerpoint, and must be submitted electronically  with your entry form by the May 1st registration deadline (as  described in General Rule #6). 

6. Entries must be original, sources must be cited.  

CHRISTIAN STAND-UP COMEDY (SOLO & GROUP) 

1. Solo entries are limited to one person, groups are limited  to 4. 

2. Time of presentation must not exceed 5 minutes.  

3. Props are allowed but are limited to what presenters can carry  by hand into the presentation space.  

4. Entries must be tastefully presented. Make it your goal to edify  Jesus. If you have any questions, contact your District Youth  Director. He/She will be able to assist you in your presentation. 

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

1. Subject: sticks to subject; clear purpose; clear thesis. 2. Analysis of Topic: topic understood; issues developed. 

3. Organization: adequate introduction; body organized; ade quate conclusion. 

4. Support: reasoning valid; evidence adequate. 

5. Language/Delivery: spontaneous expression; fluent expres sion; language clear; original; vivid; specific; direct; clear artic ulation; correct pronunciation; purposeful bodily action; good  use of voice. 

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

Many factors contribute to successful speaking: gestures, posture,  voice inflection and emotion. Be careful. Emotion should be care fully balanced. If you portray too little emotion, your performance  will appear rigid, bland and colorless. If you portray too much, you  will appear harsh and overbearing. Be careful that your emotion  does not detract from your speaking.  

•  Your first element of speaking is to develop a good outline.  This is the heart of the presentation, and since you must keep  to the outline, you will want to make it work for you. Talk with  your pastor, youth pastor or teacher about outlining. Your out line should flow freely from your subject and text. 

•  Have someone evaluate your presentation. Have them use the  suggestions below.  

•  Loudness and fast speaking are not always best. Blend the  presentation with short thought-provoking sentences. 

•  Be relevant in your presentation. Use current statistics from  newspapers, almanacs, internet, etc. Remember to document  your information. 

•  Be sure the message is scriptural and leads the hearer to an  appropriate decision about the Christian walk.

​

SHORT FILM 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Reels/Shorts 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

1. Reels must not exceed 60 seconds in length and must have a  Christian theme. 

2. Entries must be presented tastefully. 

3. The directors and editors must be within the age limits. 4. Entries must be an original work of the registrant.  

5. Your entry must be submitted electronically with your entry  form by the May 1st registration deadline (as described in Gen eral Rule #6). The entry must be uploaded to youtube (as a You Tube Short) and a hyperlink to the video clip must be digitally  submitted with the registration form. 

6. It is the responsibility of the participant, parents and youth  leaders to be completely legal and ethical in their conduct  regarding copyrighted music, scripts, or any other original  published or unpublished works. All participants should follow  these rules: 

•  Never use software, sound files, video clips, music,  quotes or any other copyrighted work for your presen tation without obtaining the copyrights or the explicit  written permission from the publisher or creator; always  give appropriate credit to the author or creator for all  

copyrighted materials used to create your Talent Expo  entries. 

•  Never use unpublished music or scripts without written  permission from the author or creator of the work. 

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

1. Technical: cinematography; editing; sound quality; effects. 2. Theatrical: characterization; acting ability; consistency. 

3. Story: communication; believability; message conveyed; set  design. 

4. Presentation: content; effort; organized; well prepared. 

5. Difficulty Factor: was overall film: easy, medium, difficult, well  directed. 

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

Film-making is the art of visual storytelling on screen. It has be come the most significant art form of our generation. Entries  should be organized, creative in cinematography, editing, and  finally, convey a valued message. To create a good film, study sto rytelling from movies, TV shows, and commercials. Watch carefully  how different camera angles are used, along with mixing music,  sound effects, and dialogue. Sound tracks can set the mood for  your film. 

Cinematography and sound design play an important role in sto rytelling. It is also important that the primary objective is ministry,  not just to entertain. Seek to be creative in your presentation.

​

VOCAL 

Areas of Participation: 

A. Vocal Solo Female 

B. Vocal Solo Male 

C. Vocal Ensemble 

D. Christian Rap 

A. CATEGORY RULE 

ALL AREAS OF PARTICIPATION 

1. Musical selections must not exceed 5 minutes. 

2. The participant may or may not choose to use accompaniment  music. Only the vocal performance will be evaluated.  

3. If the participant chooses to use live music, accompaniment is  limited to a single instrument. 

4. To ensure sound level, microphones will be set prior to the Na tional Teen Talent Expo by an official sound technician. Partici pants may not ask for special sound settings. 

5. In emergency situations, a substitute of an individual in a  group is permitted. No additions other than substitutions are  allowed. 

VOCAL ENSEMBLE 

1. Background vocals are not allowed for vocal ensemble entry  soundtracks. 

Christian Rap

1. Limited to one participant. 

2. The majority of the song must be rap. 

3. Background vocals may be used for chorus only during solo  performances. 

B. JUDGING CRITERIA 

Vocal Solo & Ensemble: 

1. Accuracy: note accuracy; note values/tempo accuracy; pitch  accuracy and clarity. 

2. Tone: quality; control; clarity; balance/blend 

3. Diction/Technique: clearness of diction; naturalness; purity of  vowels/consonants; rhythmic accuracy; steadiness of tempo;  use of articulation. 

4. Interpretation: understanding of composition; style/expressive  marks; general effect; fluent use of harmony. 

5. Presentation: stage deportment; posture; poise; ministerial  effect. 

Christian Rap: 

1. Lyricism: Defined as originality, quality and ability to use com mon forms of literacy (similes, metaphors, alliteration, etc.).  This area is based on your ability to speak clearly and follow  the mood of the song. 

2. Technique: Defined as artistry, lyricism, breathing, intensity,  memorization. This area is based on your ability to utilize your  talent effectively, including speech, lyricism and overall skill. 

3. Interpretation: Defined as style, expression, choice of music.  This area is based on your ability to select a song and creatively  interpret the meaning to its listeners. 

4. Ministerial Effect: Centers on Christian theme, anointing. This  area deals with your anointing and ability to minister. 

5. Presentation: Defined as appearance and poise, enter/exit,  audience involvement. This area deals with your ability to cap tivate your crowd and maintain quality stage presence. 

C. SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES 

Vocal Solo & Ensemble: 

1. Effective stage presence is important in the ministry of music.  Good stage presence transforms stage fright into confidence.  This becomes possible when the vocalist or ensemble defines  their purpose as performing for the glory of God. This gives  

the listening audience and judges the impression that the  participant is delighted to minister. 

2. The selection and arrangement of music is a significant factor.  Consider this criteria: 

•  Most entries in the solo competition are vocal solos sing ing slow selections. This does not mean that you should  not sing a slower song, only that whatever you perform,  make it a unique selection and your chances are greater of  

getting the judge’s “attention.” 

•  The music should be within the proper extremes of the  contestant’s vocal range. 

•  It is better to perform an easier selection well than to per form a difficult selection poorly. The quality of a contes tant’s performance is paramount to the level of difficulty of  their selection. 

Christian Rap: 

1. Rap is an expressive art form. It is a rapidly growing genre in  Christian music today, and its foundation derives from person al experience. Most rappers write their own music, whereas in  normal genres, you are recognized for your voice, not song writing. For this reason, rappers are judged and respected  by their degree of lyricism, or ability to use common forms  of literacy (similes, metaphors, alliteration, etc.) and ability to  move a crowd. These are the two principle areas for the judg ing criteria. 

2. Effective stage presence is important in the ministry of music.  Good stage presence transforms stage fright into confidence.  This becomes possible when the vocalist or ensemble defines  their purpose as performing for the glory of God. This gives the  

listening audience and judges the impression that the partici pant is delighted to minister. 

3. The selection and arrangement of music is a significant factor.  Consider this criteria: 

•  It is better to perform an easier selection well than to  perform a difficult selection poorly. The quality of a contes tant’s performance is paramount to the level of difficulty of  their selection.