Activity Expectations & Information for Students
We are glad you want to participate in these events! Please read all the information below so that everyone can have a good time:
- Be sure that you, your parents, and your teacher know what kind of activity you are participating in. There are two basic kinds of HMTA playing activities:
o COMPETITION or CONTEST - An event where the musical artistry of one participant is compared to all the others. The most outstanding performers are recognized with honors.
o FESTIVAL - A musical event whereby each participant is given a critique based solely on his/her own skill level. The performer’s goal is to convey the chosen repertoire with accuracy and conviction.
- When you come to play, be sure that you are dressed for success:
o Boys: Wear a dress shirt (long sleeve preferred), pants, and dress shoes; (tie and jacket are optional).
o Girls: Wear a dress or blouse and skirt/slacks ensemble. Flat dress shoes are suggested; (avoid high heels). No spaghetti strap tops.
o Both: No jewelry on wrists and/or fingers. Pianists need to keep fingernails cut short, and not use colored nail polish. Long hair needs to be pulled back.
- Students bring their music, with measures numbered, and a critique sheet to most events. Check with your teacher about this.
- Arrive early at the event location. Allow plenty of time for parking and to check in at the registration table.
- Some events are open to the public; others are closed. At an open performance, your parents can be a part of the audience. At a closed performance, you will be playing privately for adjudication. (A separate waiting area will be provided for all parents/guardians.)
Activity Expectations & Information for Parents & Teachers
Part 1 – Definitions
COMPETITION or CONTEST - An event where the musical artistry of one participant is compared to all the others. The most outstanding performers are recognized with honors.
FESTIVAL - A musical event whereby each participant is given a critique based solely on his/her own skill level. The performer’s goal is to convey the chosen repertoire with accuracy and conviction.
Whereas these events can provide a worthwhile stimulus for musical growth, competitions and festivals are not for all students. Ask your student’s teacher if he/she feels that your student is musically and personally mature enough to cope with the pressures associated with one of the events before filling in an application and paying the fees.
Part 2 – Contract
Houston Music Teachers Association presents its various music events for the growth and education of its students. All participants and parents are required to abide by the following rules at each and every HMTA competition, festival, or activity surrounding these events. Any action or behavior contrary to these rules could result in the student being barred from further participation in any and all events under the auspices of HMTA at the discretion of the HMTA Board of Directors.
• Teachers, parents and students are not to consult the judge(s) FOR ANY REASON prior to, during, or after the festival or competition.
• All HMTA event RESULTS ARE FINAL immediately after the student is judged. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• The event chair has the right to immediately disqualify any student, teacher, or parent who does not comply with event rules or who exhibits inappropriate/disruptive behavior during the event.
• Any incidents of public or private harassment (including harassment through digital media) will be referred to the HMTA Board for further disciplinary measures.
• If a parent or student has a legitimate complaint, he/she presents the complaint to his/her teacher, who is then responsible for bringing that complaint to the attention of the event chairman and/or the HMTA Board.
• It is the role of the parent to ensure that students comply with the rules detailed on the HMTA ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS & INFORMATION: STUDENTS sheet.
We (parent/teacher) have read and understood the above rules.
_________________________________, parent of _______________________________
Parent Signature print child’s name
_________________________________
Teacher Signature
Thank you, in advance, for your help in making our events constructive, fair, and joyful for everyone.