The annual Percussion Ensemble Showcase is a highlight for both performers and audiences alike. These performances offer a unique and exciting experience for high school and college participants to compete at a national level, win prizes, and receive feedback from the leading professionals in the percussion industry.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's competition.
What to Expect at the Percussion Ensemble Showcase:
The Percussion Ensemble Showcase is an online percussion competition featuring a wide range of performance options for percussion ensembles and soloists in high school and college.
Competitors will submit video entries to Black Swamp (more details below) for their specific division. Judges will review all submissions and create a score and feedback for each performance. Winners are then selected and announced by Black Swamp Percussion.
Divisions of the Competition
The Percussion Ensemble Showcase features several divisions for ensembles and soloists. Below are details and requirements for each division.
Available to High Schools within the United States.
Entry Requirements
Small Ensemble: 2-7 performers
Large Ensemble: 8+ performers
Participants must be a US High School percussion ensemble.
Entry is limited to one ensemble per school (small or large).
Ensemble may be conducted by a director, but may not include the director as a performer.
Director must complete and submit an online entry form linked below.
Deadline: April 30th, 2023
Available to College Students within the United States.
Literature Requirements
Selected piece must be a multi-percussion solo.
Solo performed without accompaniment.
May include non-pitched instruments and keyboard instruments.
Entry Requirements
Participant must be a US college student. (Graduate or Undergraduate)
Only one entry per individual is eligible.
Only one entry per Division is eligible. (Multi-Percussion or Snare Drum for College participants)
Performance date between February 1st and May 14th, 2023.
Video needs to reflect a complete (and unedited) performance of the selected piece.
Participants must complete and submit an online entry form linked below.
Deadlines: May 14th, 2023
Available to High School and College (undergrad or graduate) Students within the United States.
Entry Requirements
Participant must be a US student: High School or College (undergrad or graduate)
Selected pieces must be a snare drum solo without accompaniment.
Pieces may include the use of tape electronics.
Only one entry per individual is eligible.
Only one entry per Division is eligible. (Multi-Percussion or Snare Drum for College participants)
Performance date between February 1st and May 14th, 2023.
Video needs to reflect a complete (and unedited) performance of the selected piece.
Participants must complete and submit an online entry form linked below.
Deadlines: May 14th, 2023
2023 Guest Judges
This year's showcase will feature guest judges who are highly respected in the percussion community. The guest judges will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the showcase.
Ensemble Division
Multi-Percussion Solo Division
Snare Drum Solo Division
Rules of the Competition
Entry Requirements
Participants must be students of a US High School or College
Only one entry per school or individual is eligible.
Ensemble may be conducted by a director, but may not include the director as a performer.
Participants must complete and submit an online entry form linked here.
Prior to submitting the form, submissions must be uploaded to YouTube as a public or unlisted video. A link to the entry video needs to be shared on the entry form for your application to be accepted. Submit your entry fee by check, credit card or PayPal for the amount indicated on the application form. All entry fees must be postmarked the deadline dates indicated on your application for eligibility. The video does not have to be a public or concert performance, simply an unedited video recording of the piece performed by the participants.
How Your Performance is Graded An adjudication grading system similar to Rubric Evaluation will be used. Judge's scores will be averaged for a final score. Judges comments will be emailed to all participants after results have been calculated.
Although video creativity will not influence the judge's placements, audio/video quality certainly will! Make sure your video can be clearly heard in order to be fairly judged against other competing entries.
Questions can be directed to Daniel Smithiger, Showcase Coordinator, at dsmithi@siue.edu
Why Participate in a Percussion Ensemble Showcase?
Showcase Your Skills: The Percussion Ensemble Showcase is the perfect opportunity to share your passion for percussion in a live performance. Percussion ensemble showcases bring together musicians from around the nation who share a love for percussion and music.
Receive Feedback: Each division entry will receive a score and feedback from the panel of renown guest judges. This is valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the performance and inspiration to help you and your ensemble grow in the future.
Win Prizes: Participants in the Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase have the opportunity to win prizes including Black Swamp snare drums, tambourines, triangles, and accessories. Each division of the percussion ensemble showcase will have a 1st and 2nd place winner. Black Swamp is donating over $4000 in prizes to the event, check them out below:
Ensemble Division Prizes
Multi-Percussion Solo Division Prizes
Snare Drum Solo Prizes
College
1st Place: SoundArt Snare Drum models SA514MDT-CR
High School
1st Place: Concert Maple Snare Drum models CM6514BL
How to Participate in the Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase
Choose a division: There are several divisions to choose from, including large and small High School Ensembles, High School Snare Drum Solo, College Multi-Percussion, and College Snare Drum Solo.
Fill out the ensemble entry form: To enter the Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase, simply fill out the ensemble entry form on our website.
Meet the deadline: Be sure to submit your ensemble entry form by the specified deadline to ensure your participation in the showcase.
Ensemble Divison Deadline: April 30th
Solo Division Deadline: May 14th
In conclusion, the 2023 Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase is sure to be an unforgettable event, bringing together talented percussionists from across the country to showcase their skills and compete for exciting prizes. With divisions ranging from high school and college ensembles to solo snare drum performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The showcase is also honored to have an impressive line-up of guest judges, who will provide insightful feedback and bring a unique perspective to the event.
At Black Swamp Percussion, we are committed to promoting and supporting the percussion community, and we believe that this showcase is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved. If you are interested in staying up to date on the latest news and developments, we encourage you to follow us on social media. We look forward to seeing your submissions for the 2023 Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase!
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