CVSM Merit Award Audition Policies & Important Dates

CVSM Merit Award Auditions will be divided into 3 categories:  piano, voice, and instrumental.  They will be judged by a panel of professional musicians.

A Benjamin A. Rhine Award will also be granted at this time to a student who studies more than one instrument at CVSM.

Dates to remember

Friday, March 3, 2006          Part I – Student application due in CVSM office.  A parent’s signature is required on this form.

                                           Part II – Teacher recommendation due in CVSM office.

Saturday, March 25, 2006 Auditions take place; you will receive exact time in the mail.

          Approximate times are:

          Piano auditions:  10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Thomson Chapel)

          Instrumental auditions:  12:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Room 36, Thomson Hall)

     Voice auditions:  1:00 –4:00 PM (Thomson Chapel)

Sunday, April 23, 3:00 PM – CVSM Awards Concert featuring highest ranking performers in each division (up to 3 ), the Benjamin A. Rhine Award winner, and graduates going on to major in music or theatre.

Audition Policies

1. Applicants should be prepared to perform two compositions representing contrasting styles and tempi.  Pianists and vocalists should have one piece memorized.  You will not be penalized for using music on the second piece.  All material should be chosen to display the student’s strengths, both technically and musically.  The student should prepare to play 6 or 7 minutes of music.  Works totaling more than 7 minutes may be prepared, although the judges may stop the student at an appropriate point.  Students will not be penalized for preparing longer works.
2. The instrumental and piano student will be asked to play scales (2 Octaves).  Students should prepare the scales in the keys of the pieces they are performing.
3. Applicants will be asked to sight read in the instrumental and piano divisions.
4. For the audition, the student will be expected to dress professionally.  Casual dress is not appropriate and may result in points deducted from the audition score.
5. Auditions will normally be scheduled at 15 minute intervals.
6. Vocalists and instrumentalists in consultation with their teachers should arrange for an accompanist.  It is appropriate to pay an accompanist for their time and skill.  Instrumentalists may perform unaccompanied if they desire.
7. Parents or other guests will not be permitted in the audition room.
8. The decision of the audition panel is final, and will be made known to all applicants through a letter immediately following the audition. 
9. Winners of the competition are expected to perform on the CVSM Awards Concert scheduled for Sunday, April 23 at 3:00 P.M.  If students have legitimate conflict, please submit in writing the reason why you may be unable to perform in the concert.  A task force consisting of CVSM faculty and administration will review the request and determine if the student can be excused from the concert and still receive the award. 
10. Winners are required to participate in 2 outside performances and 2 CVSM student recitals and raise at least $25.00 for Performathon 2007.
11. Winners will be evaluated periodically.  If it is determined that the student is not doing merit work, the scholarship will be revoked.
12. If the winner does not meet obligations outlined in this contract, he/she will be considered in default and the prize will be given to the next ranked contestant. 

2006 Student Merit Award Application Form

2006 Teacher Recommendation Form

Merit Award  2005-06 Recipients