June 4-13, 2021
Virtual Festival


Nearly 50 prizes available at the 2021 Festival!!!



​
Special thanks also to the FJH Music Company
for donating 40 books of complimentary music as prizes!

​
• Prize amounts may increase or decrease contingent on fund-raising.
• Subject to change without notice.
• Click on "educational and explanatory info" (links below) for more details about prizes.
• Any repertory for 1, 2 or 3 pianos* is allowed (including movements of sonatas, suites or concertos),
unless otherwise noted.
*3rd piano by request only and contingent on space & availability

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REPERTORY EXCELLENCE AWARDS (22)


•  THE ROGERS AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A PRE-BAROQUE OR BAROQUE PERIOD WORK
- Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)
 
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•  BEST PERFORMANCE OF A CLASSICAL PERIOD WORK - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  BEST PERFORMANCE OF A ROMANTIC PERIOD WORK - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  BEST PERFORMANCE OF A WORK BY AN IMPRESSIONIST COMPOSER
 - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)
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Maurice Ravel (1875-1937), "Impression Sunrise" landscape painting by Claude Monet (1840-1926), and Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

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•  BEST PERFORMANCE OF A CONTEMPORARY WORK (IN ANY STYLE)
 - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE VALERIE MISHEK AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF AN ETUDE (IN ANY STYLE) - Prize: $50
• Judges, at their discretion, may also consider works not explicitly entitled "Etude" that nonetheless have distinctive characteristics of an etude.    (Ideally, teachers or students are encouraged to contact Dr. Houle in advance about etude-like works to determine eligibility.)

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JUDGES' AWARDS (3)

- These three awards go to the best performance(s) of works written, arranged or edited by our three distinguished perennial judges.
Teachers and students are encouraged to contact the judges directly for more information about their works and editions:


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•  1) BEST PERFORMANCE OF A WORK WRITTEN, ARRANGED OR EDITED BY JOHN SALMON - Prize: $50

QUALIFYING MUSIC:  
JOHN SALMON  • Jazz Standards arranged for solo piano by John Salmon [SEE REVIEW IN AMT]
 • Jazz Up the Inventions: J. S. Bach's Two-Part Inventions with Jazzy Accompaniments (duet)
 • Add On Bach: Variants, Lead-ins, and New Lines Added to Selected Inventions (solo & duet)
 • Videos
 • Dave Brubeck At the Piano – Edited by John Salmon (Amazon) - or see Sheetmusicplus
 • Seriously Brubeck – Edited by Gail Lew & John Salmon
 • Nocturnes by Dave Brubeck – Edited by John Salmon
 • Original music by Salmon recorded on CD: Salmon Is a Jumpin'
   (Write to Dr. Salmon about original compositions from this CD that are available in manuscript, usually for two pianos.)
 • Recordings on YouTube           

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•  2) BEST PERFORMANCE OF A WORK WRITTEN, ARRANGED OR EDITED BY KEVIN OLSON - Prize: $50

QUALIFYING MUSIC:
KEVIN OLSON
 • Complete list of Olson publications with FJH
 • NFMC Choice: Impressions on Color
 • Recordings: University of Iowa Piano Pedagogy Video Recording Project
 
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•  3) BEST PERFORMANCE OF A WORK WRITTEN, ARRANGED OR EDITED BY WYNN-ANNE ROSSI - Prize: $50

QUALIFYING MUSIC:
WYNN-ANNE ROSSI
 • Rossi website info (best source)
 • Onlinesheetmusic
 • Recordings: University of Iowa Piano Pedagogy Video Recording Project
 • NEW: A lesson on Jazzin' Americana (terrific 4-book series)
 
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•  THE EVELYN BILLBERG AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A COMPOSITION IN ANY STYLE WRITTEN WHOLLY BY A FEMALE COMPOSER - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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SPECIAL $200 PRIZE!!!
  • THE DONNA BURGESS AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A COMPOSITION IN ANY STYLE BY MARJORIE BURGESS (info below)
    - Prize: $200 + free "Music of Marjorie Burgess CD" (1996 collector's item; limited supply - click on CD image for more info).
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Click on CD image to download complete liner notes with detailed descriptions of Burgess pieces.
 
  • Marjorie Burgess (1915 - 2005) was a versatile composer from Massachusetts whose works often won critical acclaim.
      Jazz, rag, gospel, folk, impressionistic, and neo-baroque are among the many styles represented in her eclectic music.

    • RECORDINGS OF MUSIC BY BURGESS: Contact Dr. Houle, who has recorded almost everything. See also at bottom of this page.
    • INFO ABOUT BURGESS SHEET MUSIC & CDs: Contact Donna Burgess, Marjorie's daughter (ph: 978.774.4807) or Dr. Houle.
    • DOWNLOAD CATALOG (includes Burgess piano solo music); order music from Willis Music: 1-800.354.9799 or email Kyle Remnan.
    • DUET (1 PIANO, 4 HANDS) MUSIC:
      Penny Candy (Rag) [Sheet Music; Recording] & March of the Haunted House [Sheet Music; see at bottom of this page for recording].
    • MARJORIE'S IMPROVISATION TIPS
    • LIST OF BURGESS MUSIC & OTHER INFO: SEE BOTTOM OF THIS WEB PAGE
 
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•  THE LUKE RACKERS AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF ANY PIANO SOLO WORK PUBLISHED BY ABUNDANT SILENCE - Prize: $50
 
 • To access the ever-expanding list of piano solo publications that would qualify for this prize, see here.

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Note: There were no contenders for this prize in 2018:

•  THE LUKE RACKERS AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF ANY CHAMBER WORK [PIANO WITH OTHER INSTRUMENT(S)] PUBLISHED BY ABUNDANT SILENCE - Prize: $50

 • To access the ever-expanding list of collaborative piano publications that would qualify for this prize, see here.          
 • Please note that this prize would be awarded only to piano contestants enrolled in the festival, not to any collaborators in ensemble pieces.   
 • Students are responsible for bringing their own collaborators. Please list their names and instruments when submitting repertory.

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SPECIAL CLEMENTI OP. 36 (HOULE ED.) PRIZE!!!

•  THE ARTHUR HOULE AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF ONE OR MORE MOVEMENTS FROM SIX PROGRESSIVE SONATINAS, OP. 36 BY MUZIO CLEMENTI, AUTHENTIC REVISED EDITION (Edited by Arthur Houle), as published by ABUNDANT SILENCE - Prize: $50

 • Preference for this prize will be given to students who do repeats with variants (e.g., perform original version 1st time; revised version 2nd time) and/or lead-in cadenzas (e.g., Sonatina Op. 36/6, 1st movement, just before recapitulation). Dr. Houle's recordings demonstrate how this can be done.

  • THIS ULTIMATE EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE!!! - CLICK HERE
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At left: Cover page of the new Abundant Silence publication of Sonatinas Op. 36, Authentic Revised Version Edited by Arthur Houle (March 2017). At right: Cover of Clementi's 5th Edition (c. 1815) -- click to view sample page.

Questions? Contact: Luke Rackers (Executive Director, Abundant Silence).
www.pianofestival.org/prizes/prizelyrical.htm   - The first-ever authoritative, error-free critical edition of these universally popular and pedagogically important sonatinas.
   - Based on every primary source - in particular, Clementi's little-known (but most reliable) 5th edition, "With Considerable Improvements."
   - Includes extensive scholarly footnotes on interpretation, creative possibilities, etc.
   - CD recordings now also available.
   - The culmination of over two decades of study, research and source acquisitions.


 • An informative discussion of repeats, variants and lead-in cadenzas can be found in the publication prefatory notes and footnotes.

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•  THE EVELYN BILLBERG AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A LYRICAL & PREDOMINANTLY SLOW WORK - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE DENVER AREA MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR THE BEST PIANIST STUDYING WITH A DAMTA MEMBER - Prize: $100 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE COLUMBINE MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR THE BEST PIANIST STUDYING WITH A CMTA MEMBER - Prize: $100 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE VALERIE MISHEK ARTIST PIANIST AWARDS (2)
 - Prize: $50 (2 Prizes, each $50) educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE MARY LEAH CHAVIES PIANO ENSEMBLE AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A WORK FOR 4 OR MORE HANDS ON 1, 2 OR 3 PIANOS (3rd piano by request only and contingent on space and availability)
 - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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NEW 2019 PANCOAST PRIZES (2) - TOTAL OF $400 !!!

•  THE HOWARD PANCOAST AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF TWO PIANO RONDO (available from Alfred Music or Sheet Music Plus - see sample page)  - Prize: $200 ($100 to each performer; both must be festival participants)
  • This challenging late intermediate piano duet for two pianos, four hands is energized by syncopated, accented chords over eighth-note octaves. It is in the key of A minor and 4/4 meter, with a quieter section featuring a triplet pattern.


•  THE KAREN PANCOAST AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF RONDO ANDALUSIA (available from Colorado Power Piano - see sample page and YouTube video)  - Prize: $200 ($100 to each performer; both must be festival participants)
  - Please support our sponsors: See Colorado Power Piano full catalog & explore more music by the Pancoasts on CD, Spotify, and Deezer.

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CREATIVE PIANIST AWARDS (24)


NEWEST 2019 PRIZE:
"CO-CREATING WITH THE MASTERS"

•  AWARDS (2) FOR CREATIVE STYLISTIC VARIETY
 - Prize: $50 (Two prizes, each $50, offered in this category, thanks to an anonymous generous donor)

 • This prize will be awarded to two students ($50 each) whose programs include works from at least three of the major era/style periods + these works demonstrate creativity - details below.

 TWO CRITERIA FOR THIS PRIZE:

 1) Contestant's adjudication program must include works from at least 3 of the 4 major era/style periods:
  • Pre-Baroque or Baroque
  • Classic
  • Romantic
  • Impressionistic or Modern/Contemporary*
      *"Modern/Contemporary" can be anything modern (e.g., standard repertory such as Stravinsky, Bartok, Shostakovich) or an original composition, or original arrangement/improvisation/transcription (which may include chording of modern/contemporary pop/hymn tunes, Broadway/show/movie themes, jazz standards, lead sheets, etc.)

Note:
Judges will be the final arbiters with respect to any style or era ambiguities (e.g.: Clementi could be considered Classic Era or Romantic Era depending on what work is performed).
Students or teachers who are uncertain as to whether their programs would qualify for this prize are strongly encouraged to contact Evelyn Billberg well in advance of the festival.

 2) Works must be stylistically contrasting and include (in ALL 3 works) some degree of creativity appropriate to the performance practices of their respective eras/styles.

  Suggestions for creativity:
  • Ornaments/embellishments
  • Variants/improvisations (esp. on repeats)
  • Lead-in cadenzas
  • Creative license with forms
  • Detailed creativity tips:   Word file  or  PDF format

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•  THE KAREN COMBS TRIBUTE AWARD FOR MOST VERSATILE PIANIST
 - Prize: $100 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE CLASSIC PIANOS AWARD FOR MOST CREATIVE PIANIST AWARD - Prize: $100
 • This new award goes to the best all-around creative pianist who demonstrates the most unique and/or eclectic kinds of creativity.

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•  AWARD FOR BEST DEMONSTRATION OF TASTEFUL EMBELLISHING AND/OR IMPROVISING IN A CLASSICAL WORK (an appropriate work in any style period - e.g., Pre-Baroque, Baroque, Classic, Romantic or Contemporary)
 - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  BEST PERFORMANCE OF A CONCERTO MOVEMENT FEATURING THE PERFORMER'S OWN ORIGINAL CADENZA(S) AND/OR LEAD-IN(S) (in appropriate Baroque, Classic or Romantic period work, or in appropriate Neo-Classical contemporary work) - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info(as pdf download)

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•  BEST DEMONSTRATION OF GENUINELY SPONTANEOUS IMPROVISATION IN ANY STYLE (SOLO PIANO)
 - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  BEST DEMONSTRATION OF GENUINELY SPONTANEOUS IMPROVISATION IN ANY STYLE (PIANO ENSEMBLE - 4 or more hands on 1, 2, or 3 pianos; 3rd piano by request only and contingent on space and availability)
 - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE DARIUS HOULE AWARD FOR BEST DEMONSTRATION OF SPONTANEITY AND/OR IMPROVISATION PLAYING FROM A JAZZ/POP LEAD SHEET - Prize: $50

 • A lead sheet (or "fake chart") consists of a melody line and chord symbols; it is a form of musical shorthand.
 • Students must demonstrate an understanding of chord symbols and the ability to creatively improvise & embellish using only a lead sheet.
 • Performances from scores with full notation (every note written out) do not qualify.

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•  THE DARIUS HOULE AWARD FOR BEST DEMONSTRATION OF SPONTANEITY AND/OR IMPROVISATION IN A JAZZ, POP, GOSPEL OR RAG STYLE WORK - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE JENNY AND BIJAN HOULE AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A COWBOY JAZZ SELECTION OR OTHER HOULE COMPOSITION
 - Prize: $50 (and a free fun hat to all who play Cowboy Jazz pieces!) educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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Artwork: Roland Mansfield-Houle

• Purchase Cowboy Jazz I:
       Contact Dr. Houle directly

     Sample measures of Cowboy Jazz I:

      Sally Saddle, Prairie Gary (don't forget to play the L.H. down an octave!), Cowboy Karen, Fancy Footwork, & Melody for Dennis
 
   • A lesson on Sally Saddle
 

• Purchase Cowboy Jazz II 

     Sample measures of Cowboy Jazz II:

      Tommy Tumbleweeds, Bright-Eyed & Bushy-Tailed,
      Saloon Tune, Buckaroo Blues, &
      Under the Stars (optional flute/violin part available)   
         (or, better yet, make up your own fun improvs)

       (scroll to bottom of page)

 
• Buckaroo Blues:
      a National Federation of Music Clubs selection!
  
• Cowboy Jazz II:
      winner of the Good Houle-keeping Seal!

• Contact Dr. Houle if you are interested in his unpublished works
     (early intermediate to advanced levels).
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•  THE KAREN GREENHALGH AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A TASTEFUL TRANSCRIPTION OR ARRANGEMENT (IN ANY STYLE) FOR PIANO SOLO OR FOR 4 OR MORE HANDS ON 1, 2, OR 3 PIANOS
  (3rd piano contingent on space and availability) - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

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•  THE KAREN GREENHALGH AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF AN ORIGINAL TASTEFUL TRANSCRIPTION OR ARRANGEMENT (BY THE PERFORMER - IN ANY STYLE) FOR PIANO SOLO OR FOR 4 OR MORE HANDS ON 1, 2, OR 3 PIANOS (3rd piano contingent on space and availability) - Prize: $50 educational & explanatory info (as pdf download)

 • Must be an original transcription or arrangement by the contestant.
 • Judges will evaluate the quality of both the performance and the transcription/arrangement itself.

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SPECIAL COMPOSITION PRIZES

 
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NEW PRIZE 
Note: There were no contenders for this prize in 2018:

  • THE LUKE RACKERS AWARD FOR BEST COMPOSITION IN A SELECTED STYLE OR GENRE
   (2019 selected style: RAGTIME) WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY THE CONTESTANT - Prize: $50​​

   - This new award recognizes the quality of both the composition and the performance.
   - To help foster variety in compositions, a different style or genre will be selected every year.
      The 2019 designated style is RAGTIME.
      We recommend that teachers and students study existing rags and look at instructional YouTube videos.
   - Students and teachers are welcome to make suggestions for the 2020 designated style
     (e.g., "Neo-Baroque," "1940's Big Band Swing Style," "Minuet," "Movie Soundtrack style" "Romantic," "Sonatina," etc.).
 
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  • BEST COMPOSITION BY A BUDDING YOUNG COMPOSER (AGE 12 or under)
  - Prize: Winner and prize to be determined by TimeWarp Technologies
  • TimeWarp inspires transformative music learning and performance experiences via their groundbreaking online technology, software and applications.

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NEW PRIZE 
Note: There were no contenders for this prize in 2018:

  
  *QUALIFYING MUSIC (cannot be performed by the composer):
 
    • Jeremy Rosenstock: "apothegm" (published)
    • Maria Evans: "Nostalgia" (web posted: see member access or contact Luke Rackers)  -  YouTube  or as  mp3 (noise reduced)
    • Desi Silverman-Joseph: "Fisherman's Dance" (web posted: see member access or contact Luke Rackers)  -  YouTube
    • Desi Silverman-Joseph: "Night Eagle Nocturne" (web posted: see member access or contact Luke Rackers)  -  YouTube
     • Greta Thoresen: "Side Saddle Sonatina" (web posted: see member access or contact Luke Rackers)  -  YouTube
     • Maria Ali: "What They Say in Space (Disassociative)" (web posted: see member access or contact Luke Rackers)  -  YouTube
   

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• SPECIAL WRITTEN COMPOSITION AWARDS
         
  • FINALIST: BEST WRITTEN COMPOSITION (CERTIFICATE)
        Festival judges will perform finalists' compositions in a recital on Thursday, June 6th, 2019 at 7 PM.
        Students selected to be finalists will be notified by no later than 5/18/19.
        Finalists also qualify for new level-based prizes - see below.    

  • BEST WRITTEN COMPOSITION ACCEPTED FOR WEB POSTING BY ABUNDANT SILENCE (CERTIFICATE)
        To be determined solely by Luke Rackers.
        If awarded, it may be announced at the Awards Ceremony or after the festival, at the discretion of Mr. Rackers.             
 
• Two of the four 2017 Best Original Written Composition Finalists were honored as "Best of the Best."
    Their compositions have been selected for web posting (member access) by Abundant Silence:
   • Maria Evans: "Nostalgia"
   • Desi Silverman-Joseph: "Fisherman's Dance"

• Three of the seven 2016 Best Original Written Composition Finalists were honored as "Best of the Best."
    Their compositions have been selected for web posting (member access) by Abundant Silence:
   • Desi Silverman-Joseph: "Night Eagle Nocturne" - see YouTube
    • Greta Thoresen: "Side Saddle Sonatina" - see YouTube
    • Maria Ali: "What They Say in Space (Disassociative)" - see YouTube

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   •  NEW LEVEL-BASED AWARDS IN 2019 
  All Written Composition Finalists are eligible. Prizewinners will be determined by the judges.


• BEST ELEMENTARY-LEVEL WRITTEN COMPOSITION (any style)
  - Anything easier than Clementi's Sonatina in C, Op. 36/1. (Comparable to earliest method book levels.)
  - PRIZE: $50 + a 1-year subscription to Meludia (prize value: $59.95), an ear training software that develops audiation & composition skills

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• BEST INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL WRITTEN COMPOSITION (any style)
  - Anything comparable to Clementi's Sonatinas, Op. 36.
  - PRIZE: $50 + a 1-year subscription to Meludia (prize value: $59.95), an ear training software that develops audiation & composition skills

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• BEST ADVANCED-LEVEL WRITTEN COMPOSITION (any style)
  - Anything harder than Clementi's Sonatina in G, Op. 36/5, 1st movement (the hardest movement of Op. 36).
  - PRIZE: $50 + a 1-year subscription to Meludia (prize value: $59.95), an ear training software that develops audiation & composition skills

  •   IMPORTANT NOTE: Student composition levels will be determined by the directors and/or judges.


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TWO FINALE MUSIC NOTATION SOFTWARE PRIZES!!!

 
     RETAIL VALUE: $600 each

     • Due to the substantial generosity of MakeMusic, Inc., once again up to two worthy festival participants may receive a free copy of Finale, the world's standard in music notation software - a retail value of $1200 ($600 each)!

     • At the discretion of the judges, these two Finale prizes may be awarded in conjunction with other prizes listed herein, or separately as special awards.

     • Alternatively, judges may consider awarding a Finale prize to one or two outstanding teachers (e.g., as a Creative Teacher Incentive Award - see below), especially if qualifying students already have the Finale program.

     • Abundant Silence, in accordance with world-wide music industry practice, engraves its publications using Finale.

     • Please support MakeMusic by checking out their other fine music offerings as well:

      - SmartMusic
      - Garritan
      - MusicXML

                          
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ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL INFO

     • Judges may award more than one first prize (and/or more than one honorable mention) to the same student. 

     • Judges are not obligated to award a prize (or honorable mention) in every category.

     • If a certain prize category is not awarded, judges may award two first prizes in a different prize category. ​


 HONORABLE MENTIONS
​
     • Each category may have one or more HONORABLE MENTION prizes, at the discretion of the judges.

     • Judges may award up to approximately 3 to 5 honorable mention prizes.

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TEACHER AWARDS (2)


NEW:
1) MOST IMAGINATIVE INTERPRETATIONS IN REPERTOIRE AWARD(S)

     • This discretionary accolade recognizes one or more teachers for fostering unique, unusually compelling, and/or imaginative interpretations in repertory.


2) CREATIVE TEACHING INCENTIVE AWARD(S)
​
     • This discretionary accolade recognizes one or more teachers for their extraordinarily enthusiastic commitment to fostering creativity, imagination, versatility and/or originality in teaching, as demonstrated by their students in this festival. For information about past recipients, please visit our archive pages ("results").

     • The winner(s) of teacher awards will receive a FREE copy ($35 value) of Houle's new edition of the Sonatinas, Op. 36 (Revised version, "With Considerable Improvements") by Clementi (see above re: Clementi Prize).
     • A FREE copy of Finale ($600 value) may also be awarded to a teacher (see details of Finale prize above).
 

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RECORDINGS OF MARJORIE BURGESS MUSIC

     See new Donna Burgess Award under "Repertory Excellence Awards" above.
             Contact Dr. Houle for other recordings of individual Burgess compositions. See also CD info below.

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MUSIC OF MARJORIE BURGESS CD (recorded 1996)
Arthur Houle, piano
To obtain this CD (or Burgess sheet music) contact Donna Burgess (978)-774-4807

Excerpts of liner notes are below; click on liner notes to download complete notes.*
*Please note: For information about the availability of other Burgess recordings (albums released by Educo Records, cited below), contact Dr. Houle.

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