Share The Music: A Virtual Festival

FOR SCHOOL BANDS, CHOIRS, AND ORCHESTRAS

Provides a performance preparation goal

Validates student efforts

Showcases progress

Purpose:

To offer a positive, uplifting experience that counteracts the effects of the cancellation of 2020 spring festivals and concerts and the continuing limitations on rehearsals and live performance.

Includes:

Expert performance evaluation and motivational comments (written & on video) for each group.
Achievement Awards:
- Standing Ovation
- Round of Applause
- Rising Star

“I am getting excited. I miss our “traditional” choral world,
but this is going to be great for our directors and our students.”

– Gloria J. Stephens, Choral Evaluator

FAQ’s:

Q: What rubrics will be used for determining the awards?

A: A modified application of UIL rubrics with an emphasis on recognizing and rewarding effort under unusual circumstances will be employed. Comparisons to pre-pandemic rehearsal conditions will not be made.

Q: What will be the focus of the comments?

A: All remarks will be designed to inform, reward, and motivate with ample encouragement to continue the good work.

Q: How much is the registration fee?

A: The registration fee is $75 per group, which will include written evaluation, constructive comments recorded in real-time, and an achievement award.

Q: What is the video entry deadline?

A: November 20, 2020

Q: Who will see these video recordings?

A: Only the evaluator assigned to your group’s category will have access to video recordings. You may share with your students/parents/administrators as you choose.

Q: What are the performance requirements?

A: There are no specific repertoire requirements. Perform 2 pieces that have been learned this fall or what you have prepared for a winter concert, not exceeding 10 minutes.

Q: Why are there so many categories?

A: This event is not limited to traditional ensembles. Categories have been expanded to address the unusual circumstances of teaching during the pandemic.

Q: What if I am unsure of what category to choose?

A: Please contact penny@amclass.com for clarification.

Q: What platform will be used to submit recordings?

A: Flipgrid– instructions will be provided.

Q: How will I receive feedback on the performance?

A: The evaluator will view each performance video/recording, commenting in real-time with concluding motivational remarks on-screen which can be shared with your students. Additional written comments will be sent via email.

Q: When will results be available?

A: December 10, 2020

Click Here To Register Now!

“I am so excited for the students to get a chance to prepare and perform for an evaluation. They need this.”

– Charlotte Royall, Instrumental Evaluator

Instrumental Evaluators
Choral Evaluators

Charles Aguillon

Director of Fine Arts, Lake Travis ISD, Austin
Director of Education, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, Austin
Austin, TX

Keith Bearden
Professor Emeritus
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Ross Boothman
Director of Bands, Fine Arts Chair, Lumberton HS (Ret.)
Educational Sales/Consultant, Swicegood Music Company
Instrumental Adjudicator
Huffman, TX

Stuart Eisen
Goose Creek CISD, Baytown, Texas (Ret.)
Lisle Violin Shop
Orchestra Adjudicator
Pasadena Philharmonic, Former Conductor
Lake Charles Symphony, Former Member
Pasadena TX

Deborah Hirsch
Head Band Director & Fine Arts Department Chair (Ret.)
Thompson Intermediate School, Pasadena ISD
Artistic Director of Houston Pride Band
Adjudicator, Consultant, Clinician, Church Musician
Houston, TX

G. Wayne Maxwell
Director of Bands, Tomball High School (Ret.)
Music Education Consultant
Private Teacher/Coach
Tomball, TX

Scott McAdow
Director of Bands, Langham Creek High School, (Ret.)
University Supervisor, University of Houston
Music Director, Advent Lutheran Church
Tomball, TX

William Owens
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
Composer, Deputy Editor
Fort Worth, TX

Andrew Post
Wind Ensemble Conductor, Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA)
Public School Band Director (Ret.)
Music Education Consultant, Adjudicator, Clinician
San Antonio, TX

Sharon Prince
Pasadena ISD Director of Fine Arts (Ret.)
AMC Music
Accompanist, Adjudicator, Clinician
Pasadena, TX

Ronnie Rios
Director of Music Programs
Harlingen CISD
RGV Jazz Orchestra
Entrepreneur/Consultant
Harlingen, TX

Charlotte N Royall
Director of Bands, The Woodlands College Park HS (Ret.)
Instrumental Clinician, Consultant
University Supervisor, University of Houston
Willis, TX

Bingiee Shiu
Lead Director, Memorial HS Orchestra (Ret.)
String Editor, Southern Music Company
Houston, TX

Betsy Thomas
Director of Orchestras, Plano East Senior HS (Ret.)
Orchestra Consultant/Clinician
Allen, TX

Carolyn Vandiver
Houston Youth Symphony Conductor
Director of Orchestras, Austin HS, Fort Bend ISD (Ret.)
Clinician, Adjudicator, Conductor, In-Service Presenter
Houston, TX

Bill Watson
UIL Executive Secretary Region 2 (Ret.)
Director of Fine Arts, Lewisville ISD (Ret.)
Irving, TX

Paul Worosello
Klein Forest HS, Klein ISD (Ret.)
Music Education Consultant, Clinician, Mentor
Director, Woodlands Concert Band
University Supervisor, Sam Houston State University
Spring, TX

Amy Allibon
Birdville HS, N. Richland Hills (Ret.)
Consultant / Clinician/Conductor
Fort Worth, TX

Dianne Brumley
Director of Choral Studies Emerita
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Brownsville
Clinician, Consultant, Conductor
Canyon Lake, TX

Judy Putney Crim
Jasper High School, Plano, TX (Ret.)
Choral/Vocal Consultant
Dallas, TX

Emily Holt Crocker
Founder/Director
Milwaukee Children’s Choir (1994-2009)
Vocal Arts Academy of Milwaukee (2010-2015)
Composer/Arranger/Author
Fort Worth, TX

Denise Eaton
Spring HS (Ret.)
Sam Houston State University Adjunct Professor (Ret.)
Editor, Carl Fischer & BriLee Music
Choral Consultant, Conductor
Kingwood, TX

Paula T. Edwards
Conductor, Clinician, Consultant
Musical Director of Encore-Midland Lee Alumni Chorale
Midland, TX

Laura Farnell
Boles Junior High, Arlington (Ret.)
D.P. Morris Elementary, Mansfield (Ret.)
Choral Composer
Arlington, TX

Rachel Forester
Head Director/Fine Arts Dept Head Hebron HS Lewisville ISD (Ret.)
Clinician, Adjudicator.
Assistant UIL Executive Secretary, Region 2
Carrollton, TX

Matias A. “Matt” Garcia
Donna ISD Choir Coordinator (Ret.)
Region One Educational Service Center
Music Education Consultant, Regions 14, 15, 28
Weslaco, TX

Cheryl Wilson Janasak
Garland High School (Ret.)
Adjudicator, Clinician, Conductor
TMAA Vocal Vice President
McKinney, Texas

Victor C. Johnson
Ft. Worth Academy of Fine Arts (Ret.)
School Choral Editor, Choristers Guild
Composer, Arranger, Conductor, Clinician
Dallas, TX

Margaret Jordan
Bondy Intermediate School, Pasadena ISD (Ret.)
Choral Music
Consultant/Private Voice Teacher
Pasadena, TX

Jan S. Juneau
Klein Collins High School (Ret.)
Music Educator Consultant
Tomball, TX

Cheri Lafferty
Choral Director, Truitt MS, Cy Fair ISD (Ret.)
Choral Director Cypress Lakes HS, Cy Fair ISD (Ret.)
Private Voice Teacher
Houston, TX

Kathy Lollar
Nimitz Jr. High, Odessa (Ret.)
Owner, West Texas Music Academy
Odessa, TX

Michael J. Madrid
Director of Music
St. John Vianney Catholic Church
Adjudicator, Clinician
Houston, TX

Sandra Messbarger
Calallen HS, Corpus Christi (Ret.)
Private Voice Teacher, Music Consultant
Corpus Christi, TX

Susan Neff
Choral Director Pflugerville High School (Ret.)
Hyde Park High School (Ret.)
Choral Accompanist/Clinician
Pflugerville, Texas

Janwin Overstreet-Goode
Choir Director, Friendswood HS (Ret.)
UH Coordinator of Student Teaching and Certification
Artistic Director, Casulana-Women’s Choir of Houston
Friendswood, TX

Mary Jane Phillips
Wayside Middle School Choir Director (Ret.)
Collaborator, SOS: Simplifying Our Sight Reading
Fort Worth, TX

Eddie Quaid
Cy-Fair HS (Ret.)
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Choral Scholars (Ret.)
Choral Clinician, Conductor
Alliance Music Publications Editorial Board
Houston, TX

Jo Scurlock-Dillard
Reagan HS, San Antonio (Ret.)
University Supervisor, Texas State, Texas Tech
Choral Conductor, Clinician, Consultant
San Antonio, TX

Kay Sherrill
Judson High School, San Antonio (Ret.)
Secondary Choral Consultant, Southwest & Southside ISDs
Board Vice-President & Member, San Antonio Chamber Choir
San Antonio, TX

Gloria J. Stephens
Director of Choral Activities, Booker T Washington HSPVA (Ret.)
Minister of Music, Mt. Pilgrim CME Church
Choral Clinician, Adjudicator
Denton, TX

Amby Tanner
Rowe HS, McAllen ISD (Ret.)
Instructor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Ret.)
Private Voice Teacher, Choral Consultant
McAllen, TX

Leslie Tanner
Fossum MS Choir, McAllen ISD (Ret.)
Private Voice Teacher, Choral Consultant
McAllen, TX

Neena Taylor
Choir Director, Jersey Village HS (Ret.)
Cypress Fairbanks ISD, 25 years
Co-Artistic Director, Casulana-
Women’s Choir of Houston
Cypress, TX

Mike Ware
The Woodlands HS, Georgetown HS (Ret.)
Choral Consultant, multiple districts
Magnolia, TX

Clay West
Conroe High School (Ret.)
University Heights Baptist Church
Freelance Musician
Conroe, TX

Jennifer Zaccagni
Choir/AP Music Theory, Reagan HS (Ret.)
Staff Accompanist, UTSA (Ret.)
Principal Accompanist, Children’s Chorus of San Antonio (Ret.)
Free Lance Collaborative Musician & Vocal Coach
Church Musician
San Antonio, TX

What people are saying

I write to thank you for the great pleasure of serving as a clinician at the inaugural festival in Dallas this past weekend. Congratulations to you and your team on a very well run festival (no surprise there from what I’d heard ahead)! Tireless work impacts the lives of many conductors and singers. (North Texas Madrigal & Chamber Choir Festival)

Dr. Pearl Shangkuan – Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music, Calvin College, MI

I wanted to thank you all for working with my bands back at the Crescent City Jazz Fest. Our top combo and big band both played and had a really amazing experience. The opportunity to get a clinic from, and then play with such amazing musicians was invaluable for them (and me!) I really can’t express how thankful we are for the great experience! Thanks for making a difference to kids! (Crescent City Jazz Festival)

Corry Petersen, Director of Bands, Poudre High School, CO

It was a wonderful venue and a great event! The festival is an exceptional learning experience. (San Antonio Madrigal & Chamber Choir Festival)

Dorothy Wilson – Choral Director, Cinco Ranch High School, Houston, TX

Thank you for making my students’ experience at the American Classic Choral Festival at Shadow Creek wonderful! The facilities were outstanding! The contest was probably one of the most organized festivals I’ve attended. The students were polite and professional! My kids want to do it again! (Bayou City Classic)

Kimala Eaton Ross – Choral Director, Fort Settlement Middle School, Fort Bend ISD, TX

Had a great day at Bayou City Music Festival and the Pleasure Pier with my choirs! Kids performed well and we had a fun time at the pier! Thanks for running an awesome contest! I highly recommend this festival to my music director friends! (Bayou City Classic)

Joy Tuneberg – Choral Director, League City Intermediate, Clear Creek ISD, TX

If you are a high school director who has been considering participating in the American Classic Madrigal Festival, do it. Participation in this festival over the last few years has made me a better teacher, musician, and conductor. The weeks that we spend intensely preparing for it are some of my most edifying, fulfilling, and downright fun weeks of the year. It is a top notch event every year, competitive yes, but also so very warm and supportive. You should go for it! (San Antonio Madrigal & Chamber Choir Festival)

Cynthia Douglas, Choral Director, Cypress Ranch High School, Cy Fair ISD, TX

Thanks again for the opportunity to perform yesterday- what a beautiful venue! (A Celebration of Excellence Festival)

Jill Fetty, Choral Director, Clear Springs High School, Clear Creek ISD, TX

Just wanted to say thank you for convincing me to participate in the festival. My girls are over-the-top excited. (A Celebration of Excellence Festival)

Daryle Freeman, Choral Director, Davis High School, Aldine ISD, TX

What a great contest to have without the stress of UIL! Thank you for thinking of it and making it happen! We are honored and thrilled to be recognized! (A Celebration of Excellence Festival)

Caroline Cavenaugh Woodard, Choral Director, Porter High School, TX

Thanks for the opportunity to perform in such a beautiful space. I’m thrilled my kids got to experience it. It was nice to have a quality contest without having to drive several hours away. (A Celebration of Excellence Festival)

Jason Watt, Choral Director, Kingwood High School, TX

That was a great festival, and at this point, I’m looking at switching to American Classic for all my festival needs. (Celebration of Excellence Festival)

John Richardson, Elkins High School, Fort Bend ISD, TX

We had a great time! The constructive comments helped us make final adjustments before UIL competition. Thanks again for putting this festival on my radar! (A Celebration of Excellence Festival)

Clay West, Choral Director, Conroe High School, TX

My trips abroad with jazz bands have been worry-free because of American Classic Tours’ detailed planning, personal attention, outstanding service, quality accommodations, and great value.

Mary Jo Papich – Jazz Education Network Co-founder, Peoria, Illinois

Our Italian guide was extremely active (the woman has so much energy!). The kids loved her, and she dealt with a lot of situations on the spot. The transition to our guide in Spain was good as well. Great concerts! (Italy/Spain tour)

Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, D.M.A., Director of Choral Activities, Carthage College, MN

I want to thank American Classic Tours—on this and our three previous tours, you’ve given us moments that will remain with us for a lifetime. From playing along Lake Luzerne (the most beautiful venue in which I’ve conducted!), to the wonderful finale in Oberammergau (four encores—-who knew?!?), we had a fantastic tour. And kudos to your drivers and tour guides for the bonus of Lichtenstein. (Germany, Switzerland tour)

Roger Tabler – Music Director, Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, PA

I have been on four tours with American Classic Tours, twice to Europe, to Australia and New Orleans with groups ranging from 2 to 215. Each time, ACT customized a wonderful tour for both staff and students! They have many former music teachers on staff, so they really do understand how music trips function. They also stick with you every step of the way. Representatives were present at the initial kick off meeting, and we received support all the way through the end of our trip with great follow up afterward. I wouldn’t go with anyone else. (Australia tour)

John G. Hermanson – Director of Orchestras, Fort Collins High School, CO

The HPHS choir trip to Spain was everything we hoped for and more, featuring a tour route that our school Spanish teachers agreed would be the most educational, historical, and cultural. The students were enthralled with every city we visited. Our every need was attended to by our ACT and local guides. As always, the concerts were meaningful. The venues were exciting and the audiences attentive and appreciative. We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful trip. (Spain tour)

Cheri Owens, Choral Director, Highland Park High School, IL

We had a wonderful guide on our trip–friendly, informative and resourceful. I appreciated not only the factual information, but also how well the culture of each area was brought to us. Also, my compliments to our skilled and safe driver. He was quite personable and the bus was always immaculate! (Germany/Austria & Hungary tour)

Michael Lysinger – Choral Director, JJ Pearce High School, Richardson

The trip was awesome! The three concerts were some of the best concert experiences we’ve ever had abroad and we had an expert tour guide. (Norway/Sweden & Finland tour)

Domestic Tours

International Tours

We travel just about anywhere. Just tell us where you want to go and we'll make it happen.

Classic Festivals

Kidz’ N the Park Series

Jazz Festivals

Non-Competitive Choral

Signature Festivals

Specialty Events

Share The Music: A Virtual Festival

FOR SCHOOL BANDS, CHOIRS, AND ORCHESTRAS

Provides a performance preparation goal

Purpose:

Includes:

FAQ’s:

Click Here To Register Now!

What people are saying

Dr. Pearl Shangkuan – Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music, Calvin College, MI

Corry Petersen, Director of Bands, Poudre High School, CO

Dorothy Wilson – Choral Director, Cinco Ranch High School, Houston, TX

Kimala Eaton Ross – Choral Director, Fort Settlement Middle School, Fort Bend ISD, TX

Joy Tuneberg – Choral Director, League City Intermediate, Clear Creek ISD, TX

Cynthia Douglas, Choral Director, Cypress Ranch High School, Cy Fair ISD, TX

Jill Fetty, Choral Director, Clear Springs High School, Clear Creek ISD, TX

Daryle Freeman, Choral Director, Davis High School, Aldine ISD, TX

Caroline Cavenaugh Woodard, Choral Director, Porter High School, TX

Jason Watt, Choral Director, Kingwood High School, TX

John Richardson, Elkins High School, Fort Bend ISD, TX

Clay West, Choral Director, Conroe High School, TX

Mary Jo Papich – Jazz Education Network Co-founder, Peoria, Illinois

Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, D.M.A., Director of Choral Activities, Carthage College, MN

Roger Tabler – Music Director, Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, PA

John G. Hermanson – Director of Orchestras, Fort Collins High School, CO

Cheri Owens, Choral Director, Highland Park High School, IL

Michael Lysinger – Choral Director, JJ Pearce High School, Richardson

Scott Bonasso – Choral Director, St. John’s School, Houston

You are now leaving Gerber Tours

Domestic Tours

International Tours

We travel just about anywhere. Just tell us where you want to go and we'll make it happen.

Classic Festivals

Kidz’ N the Park Series

Jazz Festivals

Non-Competitive Choral

Signature Festivals

Specialty Events

Share The Music: A Virtual Festival

FOR SCHOOL BANDS, CHOIRS, AND ORCHESTRAS

Provides a performance preparation goal

Purpose:

Includes:

FAQ’s:

Click Here To Register Now!

What people are saying

Dr. Pearl Shangkuan – Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music, Calvin College, MI

Corry Petersen, Director of Bands, Poudre High School, CO

Dorothy Wilson – Choral Director, Cinco Ranch High School, Houston, TX

Kimala Eaton Ross – Choral Director, Fort Settlement Middle School, Fort Bend ISD, TX

Joy Tuneberg – Choral Director, League City Intermediate, Clear Creek ISD, TX

Cynthia Douglas, Choral Director, Cypress Ranch High School, Cy Fair ISD, TX

Jill Fetty, Choral Director, Clear Springs High School, Clear Creek ISD, TX

Daryle Freeman, Choral Director, Davis High School, Aldine ISD, TX

Caroline Cavenaugh Woodard, Choral Director, Porter High School, TX

Jason Watt, Choral Director, Kingwood High School, TX

John Richardson, Elkins High School, Fort Bend ISD, TX

Clay West, Choral Director, Conroe High School, TX

Mary Jo Papich – Jazz Education Network Co-founder, Peoria, Illinois

Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, D.M.A., Director of Choral Activities, Carthage College, MN

Roger Tabler – Music Director, Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, PA

John G. Hermanson – Director of Orchestras, Fort Collins High School, CO

Cheri Owens, Choral Director, Highland Park High School, IL

Michael Lysinger – Choral Director, JJ Pearce High School, Richardson

Scott Bonasso – Choral Director, St. John’s School, Houston

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