Vocal NYSSMA 2021- Everything You Know, is Now Different...
WHAT FOLLOWS IS FOR VOCALISTS ONLY. INSTRUMENTALISTS SHOULD CONTACT MR. TUMMINELLI OR MRS. SCHUM.
---
It is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that a parent (and probably your private teacher as well) read this thru, along with the student.
Below is the information for this year’s NYSSMA Festivals, which will obviously be virtual.
Let me start by saying that the registration process that NYSSMA created for this year was one of the most difficult registration processes that I had ever seen in my 28 years of teaching. It’s like registering for college, APs, and SATs all at the same time, while waiting on line at the DMV. In fact, the process that was created was so challenging, that NYSSMA recently decided that it was impossible to do the sight reading online. They reversed course, and removed the sight reading requirement. So there is NO sight reading this year.
Having said that, be prepared, because there are a lot of steps to follow, and if you do anything wrong, it might result in a score of Zero, with no possibility to resubmit. I know this is a lot to read, but it is ALL IMPORTANT.
Also, this information was correct at the time of uploading. If NYSSMA changes their procedure (yet again), I will update this page accordingly. Please check back often for updates.
Because this is all new for me as well, and I want to be sure that I do my part correctly, some deadlines are earlier than usual. Thank you for your understanding.
Here are the Registration and Upload Dates:
REGISTRATION/ CHECK DEADLINE FOR ALL LEVELS AND FESTIVALS- February 12th.
Levels 1-6 (Non-All State): Video Upload Deadline- April 8.
Level 6 All State: Registration Deadline- Video Upload Deadline- April 8.
Vocal Jazz (All Levels): Video Upload Deadline- April 29.
Here is the process:
-To register, fill out the Google Form HERE.
This form asks for a lot of information, because I will be going into the NYSSMA site and pre-filling in as much information as I can, so that you don’t have to.
-Bring in a check, made out to BMCHSD for the correct amount:
Levels 1-4: $16.00
Levels 5&6: $24.00
Level 6 All State: $30.00
Be sure that the student's name is on the Memo section of the check.
For those who are fully remote:
Please make arrangements to have a check brought in before the deadline (you can drop it off at the Main Office). Make sure that the student's name is on the envelope.
***UPDATED UPLOADING PROCESS:***
In order to accommodate the wide variety of NYSSMA students, some of whom may be remote, or not currently students in the CCP, I will do all of the uploading to the NYSSMA Website myself (You're welcome). You will receive an email from me prior to the Upload Deadline, detailing the process of sending me your video(s) thru FlipGrid, and your PDF of the sheet music which will be emailed to me.
Here’s what you need for NYSSMA:
Prior to the Deadline:
You will upload your video using FlipGrid. You will also email me your Sheet Music PDF. Details will be in the email.
Other important information:
All vocal solo videos must include accompaniment.
The placement of the recording equipment for vocalists should allow the recording to provide the adjudicator with an unobstructed view of head to toe.
The ONLY video formats that can be submitted are: .mp4, .mov, and WebM files. It is acceptable for any student who is using an iOS device (iPhone/iPad) to submit their videos using Apple’s video format for iOS devices. The maximum file size is 250MB.
Approximately three to four weeks after the upload period closes - the student and the teacher will have access to completed evaluations on the platform.
NYSSMA Statement on Virtual Evaluation System
By registering students for the NYSSMA Virtual Evaluation System, you acknowledge that the student’s image and music performance will be stored electronically with access provided to a NYSSMA Adjudicator for evaluation purposes. Additionally, the NYSSMA Zone Representative for your area will access for purposes of review. No other persons will have access to the files unless needed for NYSSMA purposes of review and quality control. No person involved in this process can download or save files that are uploaded. Files will be saved approximately four months after the conclusion of the NYSSMA festival season.
---
It is HIGHLY SUGGESTED that a parent (and probably your private teacher as well) read this thru, along with the student.
Below is the information for this year’s NYSSMA Festivals, which will obviously be virtual.
Let me start by saying that the registration process that NYSSMA created for this year was one of the most difficult registration processes that I had ever seen in my 28 years of teaching. It’s like registering for college, APs, and SATs all at the same time, while waiting on line at the DMV. In fact, the process that was created was so challenging, that NYSSMA recently decided that it was impossible to do the sight reading online. They reversed course, and removed the sight reading requirement. So there is NO sight reading this year.
Having said that, be prepared, because there are a lot of steps to follow, and if you do anything wrong, it might result in a score of Zero, with no possibility to resubmit. I know this is a lot to read, but it is ALL IMPORTANT.
Also, this information was correct at the time of uploading. If NYSSMA changes their procedure (yet again), I will update this page accordingly. Please check back often for updates.
Because this is all new for me as well, and I want to be sure that I do my part correctly, some deadlines are earlier than usual. Thank you for your understanding.
Here are the Registration and Upload Dates:
REGISTRATION/ CHECK DEADLINE FOR ALL LEVELS AND FESTIVALS- February 12th.
Levels 1-6 (Non-All State): Video Upload Deadline- April 8.
Level 6 All State: Registration Deadline- Video Upload Deadline- April 8.
Vocal Jazz (All Levels): Video Upload Deadline- April 29.
Here is the process:
-To register, fill out the Google Form HERE.
This form asks for a lot of information, because I will be going into the NYSSMA site and pre-filling in as much information as I can, so that you don’t have to.
-Bring in a check, made out to BMCHSD for the correct amount:
Levels 1-4: $16.00
Levels 5&6: $24.00
Level 6 All State: $30.00
Be sure that the student's name is on the Memo section of the check.
For those who are fully remote:
Please make arrangements to have a check brought in before the deadline (you can drop it off at the Main Office). Make sure that the student's name is on the envelope.
***UPDATED UPLOADING PROCESS:***
In order to accommodate the wide variety of NYSSMA students, some of whom may be remote, or not currently students in the CCP, I will do all of the uploading to the NYSSMA Website myself (You're welcome). You will receive an email from me prior to the Upload Deadline, detailing the process of sending me your video(s) thru FlipGrid, and your PDF of the sheet music which will be emailed to me.
Here’s what you need for NYSSMA:
- A PDF of the scanned original music to upload to the NYSSMA site. Copyright rules still apply, and you are expected to have an original of your music, which you need to scan beforehand and have as a PDF. Work with your private teacher on this.
- Your video of your solo performance. See below for the technical requirements of the video. Your private teacher will help you with this part.
- As mentioned earlier, Sight Reading has been eliminated until we return to in-person NYSSMA Festivals.
- Vocal Jazz Only: Your video of your improvisation. Vocal Jazz soloists will prepare either: Slow Blues in G (12 measures) or Fast Blues in Bb (24 measures). The improvisation choice for Vocal Jazz will be dependent on the tempo of the solo. Solos with a fast tempo will choose Slow Blues in G. Slow solos will choose Fast Blues in Bb. All other requirements listed on Manual page 9–24 2 will apply to Vocal Jazz solos.
Prior to the Deadline:
You will upload your video using FlipGrid. You will also email me your Sheet Music PDF. Details will be in the email.
Other important information:
All vocal solo videos must include accompaniment.
The placement of the recording equipment for vocalists should allow the recording to provide the adjudicator with an unobstructed view of head to toe.
The ONLY video formats that can be submitted are: .mp4, .mov, and WebM files. It is acceptable for any student who is using an iOS device (iPhone/iPad) to submit their videos using Apple’s video format for iOS devices. The maximum file size is 250MB.
Approximately three to four weeks after the upload period closes - the student and the teacher will have access to completed evaluations on the platform.
NYSSMA Statement on Virtual Evaluation System
By registering students for the NYSSMA Virtual Evaluation System, you acknowledge that the student’s image and music performance will be stored electronically with access provided to a NYSSMA Adjudicator for evaluation purposes. Additionally, the NYSSMA Zone Representative for your area will access for purposes of review. No other persons will have access to the files unless needed for NYSSMA purposes of review and quality control. No person involved in this process can download or save files that are uploaded. Files will be saved approximately four months after the conclusion of the NYSSMA festival season.