GUIDELINES



General Information
Performances will take place between approximately 8am and 5pm on the day of the festival. Each performing group will receive comments from the judges based on their performance. Groups wishing to compete will also receive scores from each judge.

Classification
Classification is based on current Missouri State High School Activities association enrollments. Classes include Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. In addition, classes will be available for Second Band, Junior High/Middle School, Combo, and Non-Competitive Bands.

Eligibility
Participants must meet requirements of the National Federation of State High School Activities Associations.

Instrumentation
Large Jazz Ensembles must have a minimum instrumentation of ten players. Combos can range from 4-9 players, but must contain at least one wind player.

Adjudication
Three judges will hear each band. Judges’ comment tapes and adjudication sheets will be available to directors both immediately before and after the final concert, or will be mailed shortly after the festival.

Performance Regulations
Each group is allotted a 30-minute performance slot, which includes set up and tear down. Performances should include a variety of style and tempo. Directors may not accompany or perform with their group. 
Band directors may provide copies of the score for the judges. This is optional and will not affect the scoring of the competition.

Scheduling
Bands will be scheduled with consideration to travel time and distance. If you have special scheduling requests, please indicate them on your registration form.

Equipment
Performance stage
chairs, risers, piano, 4 microphones (one is stationary on the piano and will not be moved) and a PA system. 

Warm-up room (available 30 minutes prior to performance time)
chairs, stands

If other equipment is needed, please contact me well in advance of the festival. I will try to accommodate all reasonable requests so long as I am given advance notice.

There is very limited space for equipment storage, and you must remove your equipment immediately following your performance. In addition, absolutely no playing will be allowed in the storage rooms. Cases, coats, etc. must be either left on the bus or carried with you from the warm-up room to the performance stage. Cases and equipment must be kept out of hallways due to fire regulations.

We take every possible precaution to ensure the safety and security of your equipment. Theft has not been a problem in the past, nor do we anticipate it being so in the future. However, the festival does not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen equipment. 

Entry Fees
Entry fees are $135 per ensemble (combo or band). Additional entries from the same school will be $105 each. Entry fees or vouchers must be in our hands before your group will be allowed to compete. Checks may be made out to Drury University.

Refunds
NO refunds will be made to bands who cancel after the entry deadline for any reason.

Entry Deadline
The entry deadline for this year’s festival is February 19, 2010. Your entry materials must include the entry form, check, cash or vouchers and all completed forms.

Parking
Loading and unloading of busses for groups performing in Clara Thompson Hall will take place in front of Clara Thompson Hall on Benton St. Groups performing in the Findlay Student Center must unload at the circle drive on Drury Lane. All busses must part at Cox North-the spaces in front of Clara Thompson and in the circle drive are for loading and unloading only.

Food
A limited selection of soda and snacks will be sold in the lobby of Clara Thompson Hall. The dining hall in the Findlay Student Center will be open, and students may purchase lunch. 

Tickets
Tickets for the evening concert with the Drury Jazz Ensemble featuring Todd Straight are available at a reduced rate for festival participants. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the evening concert, please fill out and return the enclosed form with your payment or voucher. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the evening of the concert.

Awards
Awards will be announced at the end of the daytime activities, approximately 5:30 p.m.  A short concert will be given by the Drury Jazz Combo I. Awards will be mailed to those not present. THIS IS A CHANGE FOR 2010!

Schedules
Performance times will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Where possible, consideration will be given to schools traveling large distances to the festival. If you need ANY special scheduling consideration, please indicate this on your registration form.

Schedules will be sent to you via email and US mail by noon on Monday, February 22, 2010. Please make sure that we have a valid email address to ensure that you receive the schedule that Friday. Schedules sent by US mail may not reach their destination until Monday or Tuesday of the following week.