Orchestra Music Performance Assessment

The Alabama Orchestra Association’s Music Performance Assessment – Orchestra event provides orchestra ensembles from Alabama with the opportunity to perform 2-3 selected works to a panel of judges and receive feedback and ratings on their performance. This page is created to assist music teachers, district chairs, and adjudicators with this process.

For selected youth orchestras, university orchestras, or restricted public schools, AOA is able to make accommodations to host the Alabama Orchestra Music Performance Assessment virtually in an online format. If your school group is restricted in the ability to travel, please contact the AOA President at jkirchner.1223@gmail.com or Anna Marie Tysinger at executivedirector@alabamaorchestraassociation.org to explore OMPA options.

Submissions will be accepted from all full-orchestras, string-orchestras, harp ensembles, and guitar/ukulele ensembles. Submissions from small ensembles (string quartets or larger) will be accepted (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, ensembles have the opportunity to be assessed on their sight-reading skills. However, the virtual format does not include sight-reading and does not allow ensembles to receive ratings.

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 opens: March 3, 2025

• Video Submissions are due: April 2, 2025

• PayPal Preferred – Check Payment due: April 4, 2025

• Judging begins on April 4, 2025 and ends April 4, 2025

• Results released: April 4, 2025 or when paid in full

2025 Fee Schedule

• First Large Ensemble** – $180 + $2 per student

• Second Large Ensemble – $90 + $2 per student

• Additional Large Ensembles – $65 + $2 per student

º 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 VIRTUAL option results in COMMENTS-ONLY (no ratings/no sight-reading) – repertoire selection is also flexible when only receiving COMMENTS.

Ratings – 2025

º Superior (Trophy) – All 1’s

º Superior (Plaque) – Average 1’s

º Excellent – Average 2’s

º Good – Average 3’s

º Fair – Average 4’s