General

Fees – Entry fees for all ISSMA events for the 2008-2009 school year may be located on Page 86 of the Music Festivals Manual. Admission prices to all ISSMA events are also listed. NOTE: All participation fees have remained unchanged for this school year.

Entries – Entry for all ISSMA events, EXCEPT Solo and Ensemble, will be submitted electronically on the ISSMA website. Submission must occur by the calendar designated deadline. Page 5 Section IV-D.

Awards and Ratings

A complete listing of all Award designations may be found on Page 33 and 34 of the Music Festivals Manual. Details regarding the designation of points for ratings may be found on each adjudication sheet beginning on Page 37.

Marching Band

Classification Numbers – The new classification numbers are listed on Page 7 Section VII-E and are based upon enrollment statistics Grades 9-12. Individual school enrollment statistics may be found on the ISSMA website.

Physical Warm-up – The use of Color Guard equipment is now allowed during the Physical Warm-up period. Page 8, Letter G, Number 3.

Semi-state Marching Band Event – The State Marching Finals will occur one week later on the ISSMA Calendar due to the availability of the new Lucas Oil Stadium facilities. With an additional week between Regional and State, the inclusion of another level of qualification has been added. It is hoped that this extra week of performance will be appreciated by those that qualify from the Regional level. See Page 12, Letter V for more details.

Although not a new rule it is important to remember to acquire appropriate documentation/permission to arrange music – It is important that you acquire proper documentation and permission to arrange music for performance. THIS DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF YOUR DISTRICT OR FESTIVAL MARCHING BAND ENTRY. See Page 7, Section VII-D.

Solo and Ensemble

Be sure to use the NEW SOLO and ENSEMBLE MANUAL for VOCAL EVENTS. There have been additions and deletions to the former lists. In order to avoid problems at a later date, do NOT assume that previous literature has been retained. Literature not listed in the new manual will not meet Group I requirements or State participation.

The Adjudication Sheets for Vocal Solos and Ensembles have been revised for this school year. The new sheets may be found on pages 53, and 55.

A chart has been added for clarification of ensemble literature expectations and requirements at the various Group levels. See Page 18, Letter H, Number 13. 

Jazz Events

The Fifth Annual State Show Choir Finals will occur on March 21st at Lawrence Central High School and Plainfield High School. There will be Women’s and Mixed Divisions in two different Classifications based upon School Size.  Details regarding the new Classification system, and qualification procedures/number of performance groups may be found on Pages 31 and 32 with the evaluation sheets on Pages 75-80.

 Concert Organization

The Adjudication Sheets for all Choral Events have been revised for this school year. The point assignments and descriptors have been changed after considerable committee work last school year. The new sheets may be found on pages 64, 68, and 72.

The allowance of 4th grade students in a Combined 4th and 5th Grade Organization at a K-5 school has been included this year. See Page 18,
Letter B.

Additional language and clarification of Friday night performances may be found on Pages 20 and 24.

The point allotments for Division Ratings have been adjusted effective this school year for State Qualification performances. The point designations for each Division Rating may be located on each evaluation sheet. See Page 68 and 70.

It is your responsibility to be aware of all rules and procedures for all events.

Please contact our office for any clarification.