Creative Elements

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)