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National Federation of Music Clubs

Festival 2021 Information!

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Center Stage is a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) which allows our students to participate in the NFMC Festival each year! This is an exciting opportunity for students to begin playing in front of a judge and to really focus on skills that they build upon each year! We strongly encourage our students to participate in this event because of how much it helps with their confidence and growth as a player and musician!

 

What is the purpose of NFMC?

  • NFMC is designed to give Junior (age 18 and younger) and Adult member musicians of all abilities the opportunity to perform and receive a yearly evaluation in a non-competitive environment.

  • Participation in NFMC Festivals promotes music study, stimulates interest in the musical literature of both the USA and the world, and encourages each participant to reach a high standard of musical achievement.

  • The NFMC Festivals Cup Award Plan and Honor Certificates offer additional incentives to encourage continued participation in NFMC Festivals. 

 

When & where is the festival?

  • This event usually takes place on the UCM Campus in the UTT building early Spring, however this year, due to COVID-19 safety measures, students will be recorded playing their pieces at Center Stage on March 12 & 13 and the video recordings will be sent in to the judges. 

Participation Requirements:

  • There is a charge of $22 per event per student. Depending on the piece selected, you may also need to purchase music. Any voice or instrumental students have the option to acquire an accompanist also. (This year students are permitted to play with a track instead of an accompanist.)

  • Pianists & Vocalists will need to memorize 2 pieces for this event, which will be selected during his/her lessons with the help of the teacher. Instrumentalists will need to learn 2 pieces, but will only need to memorize one of the pieces.

  • Students can choose to participate in a written music theory test as well as performing, or can elect to only take the theory test and not perform. Students will receive points for both the performance as well as taking the theory test.

 

How are points awarded?

  • The points system is set up with points for each individual student that accumulate each year.

  • Students are not compared to anyone else.

  • Each student receives 5 points for a Superior rating, 4 points for an Excellent, 3 points for a Satisfactory, 2 points for a Fair and 1 point for Needs Improvement.

  • After earning a total of 15 points in each type of event (performance as well as theory), the student will have earned a trophy.

     

 

Preparing for & what to expect / do the day of the festival video recordings!

Before the Day of the Festival Video Recordings:

  • Memorize your 2 performance pieces.

  • During your lesson with your teacher, number all measures of your sheet music.

  • All participants will need one original copy of their music to be submitted digitally to the judge. (Photocopies are not allowed.)

  • Erase all other teacher markings on your music.

  • Vocalists/Instrumentalists: If you would like to perform with an accompanist instead of a music track, you will need to hire and make arrangements to pay your accompanist directly.  Be sure to speak with your music teacher to see which option is best for you!

 

On the Day of the Festival Video Recordings:

  • Arrive at Center Stage 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time and check in with CS Staff.

  • Dress very nicely! Judges are always happy to see students dressed up for the occasion!

  • Remember to bring your original music unless your teacher is bringing your copy! 

  • Be sure to warm up before you arrive or arrive with plenty of time to warm up!  You can use the music studios at CS to run through your pieces.

  • Only students will go into the room for the recording - parents can come into the building but should remain outside of the room during the recording. In most cases, parents will be able to hear the music in the hall if they would like to listen. :)

 

Once You (the student) are in the Room to Record:

  • When CS Staff say to begin, introduce yourself and the names of your pieces. (Be sure to practice this at home!) Then begin your performance.

  • When you have finished your first piece, wait for CS Staff to let you know they are ready for you to begin your second piece.

  • When you have finished your second piece, politely say thank you to the judge via the recording. Do not show any signs of frustration in front of the judge even if you are not happy with your performance.

  • Once CS Staff says you are finished, you are free to go! We will submit your video recording.

 

Theory Test Information:

  • If you are taking the theory test, you may do so either before or after your scheduled performance time.

  • If you are only taking the theory test, please come at your scheduled time.

Entries need to be submitted by January 31, 2021!

Have a question? Use the form below to contact us and we'll get back to you ASAP!

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