In-Person OMPA Information

The Alabama Orchestra Association’s Music Performance Assesment – Orchestra event provides orchestra ensembles from Alabama with the opportunity to perform 3 selected works to a panel of judges, sight-read in front of a single judge, and receive feedback and ratings on their overall performance.

We are pleased to offer performance times on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Traveling groups should plan on acquiring roundtrip busses for your student musicians to:

Expect large ensembles to be in residence at OMPA for at least two hours (with additional small ensembles taking 20 minutes each). When registering, you request your block of time (morning/afternoon). We will make every effort to schedule ensembles as close to their preferred time as possible on each day of the event but please be aware that this might not be possible.

Performances will be accepted from all full-orchestras, string-orchestras, harp ensembles, and guitar/ukulele ensembles. An adjudicator will be assigned to judge small ensemble performance as well (quartets or larger – 4+ musicians). Mixed ensembles should include at least one string player (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp, Ukulele, or Guitar) As part of our in-person event, large ensembles have the opportunity to be assessed on their sight-reading skills as well. Ensemble directors should make sure they are familiar with all of the rules and regulations regarding this event. More information about this as well as information regarding ensemble classifications, the prescribed music list and our registration form can be found via the links listed on this webpage. Please note that we will have large percussion equipment (timpani, bass drum, etc.) available but ensembles should plan to bring their own smaller instruments (snare drum, cymbals, triangle, etc.).

Typical Day:

• Group Arrives at Check-In – (10 minutes)
• Large Ensemble Unpacks – (10 minutes)
• Large Ensemble transitions to Warm-Up Room – (10 minutes)
• Large Ensemble Warm-Up – (30 minutes)
• Large Ensemble Performance – (20 minutes)
• Large Ensemble Sigh-Reading – (25 minutes)
• Students Return to Pack Cases or Warm-Up for Small Ensembles – (10 minutes)
• Small Ensemble #1 Performs – (15 minutes)
• Small Ensemble #2 Performs – (15 minutes)
• Small Ensemble #3 Performs – (15 minutes)
• Group Packs and Boards Bus for Travel Home – (10 minutes)

Ensemble directors should make sure they are familiar with all of the rules and regulations regarding this event. More information about this as well as information regarding ensemble classifications, the prescribed music list, and our registration form can be found via the links listed on this webpage.

Timeline

• Submission/Registration starts on Immediately
• Registration Reservations are due by March 22, 2024
• PayPal Preferred – Check Payment due by May 1, 2024
• Results released when paid in full

Music Selection – Choose 3 pieces:

Each ensemble should choose a program consisting of three pieces. One selection should be chosen from a single level of the Prescribed Music List at a level appropriate for the ensemble. The other two selections can be chosen at the discretion of the ensemble director from any source. Ensembles will be rated based on the level of their chosen works from the Prescribed Music List:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mNcA5IYxF82PW88ExYUBIM_ZhrZUT_K4tFelTmKtuOM/edit#gid=0

Sight-reading Rules and Procedures
Adjudication Sheet and Rubric

Fee Schedule

• First Large Ensemble** – $180 + $2 per student
• Second Large Ensemble – $90 + $ 2 per student
• Additional Large Ensembles – $65 + $2 per student

• Small Ensembles** – $10 per ensemble

** Large Ensemble includes groups with 8+ musicians. Small Ensemble Fees are low to encourage participation, but students are expected to also be in a large ensemble.

*** The large ensemble fee includes any trophy, plaque, and/or certificates the group will receive

Travel and Substitute Teacher Assistance

AOA Received a state grant, funded by the Alabama Arts License Tag Grant, to assist with public school program travel expenses and/or substitute teacher expenses (if your host school will not provide a substitute teacher). Please provide AOA with a breakdown of costs as part of the registration process, and we will assist to offset some of this expense.

Ratings 

• Superior (Trophy) – All 1’s
• Superior (Plaque) – Average 1’s
• Excellent – Average 2’s
• Good – Average 3’s
• Fair – Average 4’s