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ACT - SO at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Application Deadline: February 26, 2009

Picture of students presenting their work.
Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics
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CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

DANCE
To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

DRAMATICS
The art of staging or acting plays.

MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL/CLASSICAL
The art of performing with a device used to produce music with tones of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by emphasis on balance, clarity and moderation.

MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL/CONTEMPORARY

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with the tones of the present.

MUSIC VOCAL/CLASSICAL
The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by emphasis on balance, clarity and moderation.

MUSIC VOCAL/CONTEMPORARY

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds to produce music with the tones of the present.

ORATORY

The art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively. (It is not a dramatic presentation.)

Note: The humanities contestants will be required to meet judges for personal interviews.


DANCE

Requirements:

1. Only solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

2. Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.

3. Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant on a standard cassette tape clearly marked with the student's name and branch. The cassette must contain only the music for the performance. It is recommended that the contestant provide a backup tape.

4. The theme and the dance form (ballet, modern, jazz, ethic, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.

NOTE: Aerobic exercises, street dancing, cheer leading and drill team routines may not be used.

Dance Performances will be Judged By The Following Criteria:
• Technical Proficiency/Skill (alignment, strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination)
• Clarity and Consistency in Style
• Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality
• Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography

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DRAMATICS

Requirements:

1. The performance must be a minimum of three (3) minutes and maximum of five (5) minutes.
(Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

2. The selection must be of literate quality.

3. The material must be memorized.

4. Costumes, makeup and props are optional, but not required.

Dramatic Presentations will be Judged By The Following Criteria:
• Control and projection of voice by actor/actress. Is the actor/actress using his/her voice to effectively communicate with the audience?
• Memorization of written script and required movements for the scene.
• Interpretation. Selection of appropriate material for audience of actor/actress.
• Stage presence and poise. Is the actor/actress comfortable with what he or she is doing?

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MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL/CLASSICAL

Requirements:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances. The performance may be an excerpt and may not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

2. Contestants must present six (6) copies of the sheet music to the judges at the time of competition.

3. If the selection chosen is written with piano accompaniment, it must be performed in that manner. An accompanist will be furnished provided the contestant has submitted their own sheet music.

4. The composition to be performed must be consistent with the nature of the instrument and the level of musical proficiency of the performer.

5. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

6. The only instrument provided for performances will be a piano.

Note: If you are playing to a taped accompaniment you may want to provide your own tape recorder. A cassette recorder is provided, but all play differently.

Musical Selections will be Judged By The Following Criteria:
• Interpretation, expression, tempo, phrasing, historically appropriate style
• Intonation, touch (piano)
• Stage presence, choice of music
• Technique, articulation, breathing, rhythm, facility and accuracy
• Tone quality, beauty, control, characteristic timbre

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MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL/CONTEMPORARY

Requirements:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances and may not to exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

2. The selection performed should feature a solo performance. If other players are needed (as in a jazz selection), they must be provided by the contestant.

3. The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano. Any additional instruments or equipment needed must be provided by the contestant.

4. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

NOTE: Examples of contemporary music are Broadway, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, etc.

Musical Selections will be Judged By The Following Criteria:
• Effectiveness of style, improvisation
• Intonation, touch (piano)
• Stage presence, choice of music
• Technique, articulation, breathing, tonality, rhythm, facility
• Tone quality, beauty, control, characteristic timbre.

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MUSIC VOCAL/CLASSICAL

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) song is to be performed and it must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

2. Musical accompaniment can be provided by the contestant on a standard cassette tape. The cassette tape could contain only the instrumental version of the song. Contestants are encouraged to provide a backup tape.

3. Piano accompaniment is available only if the contestant provides the sheet music.

4. Contestants must present six (6) copies of the sheet music to the judges at the time of competition.

5. The material must be memorized.

6. Costumes are not required.

Note: If you are singing to taped accompaniment you may want to provide your own tape recorder. A cassette recorder is provided, but all play differently.


Music Voice Presentations will be Judged By The Following Criteria:
• Choice of music
• Diction (correctness of pronunciation)
• Interpretation (expression, phrasing, historically appropriate style, tempo)
• Intonation
• Stage presence
• Technique (breathing, posture, rhythm, accuracy)
• Tone quality (beauty of sound, control)

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MUSIC VOCAL/CONTEMPORARY

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) song is to be performed and it must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

2. Musical accompaniment can be provided by the contestant on a standard cassette tape. The cassette tape should contain only the instrumental version of the song. Contestants are encouraged to provide a backup tape.

3. Piano accompaniment is available only if the contestant has provided and brought their own sheet music.

4. The material must be memorized.

5. Costumes are not permitted.

6. Microphones are permitted and will be provided.

NOTE: Examples of contemporary music are Broadway, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Soul, and Country and Western.

Musical Selections will be Judged By The Following Criteria:
Choice of music (matched to vocal ability)
• Interpretation (expression, phrasing, style, tempo, arrangement)
• Stage presence (comfort on and control of stage, posture, rapport with audience)
• Technique (breathing, posture, rhythm, accuracy)
• Tone quality (beauty of sound, control, intonation and diction)

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ORATORY

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) speech is to be presented and it must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.)

2. The selection of speech is the decision of the contestant; it should either be an original (written by the contestant) or an excerpt from a speech written by a famous individual or historical figure.

3. The speech is not to be presented as a dramatic presentation.

4. Costumes and props are not permitted.

5. The material must be completely memorized..

SPECIAL NOTE: Contestants are encouraged to prepare and deliver original selections. However, if the contestant decides to present a selection already published, we recommend that they not limit their selection to speeches delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are many great speeches by famous people, such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Malcolm X, etc.

Oratorical Presentations will be Judged By The Following Criteria:
Delivery - Voice, Diction, Pronunciation, Enunciation, Gestures, Emphasis
Interpretation - Content, Subject Adherence, There, Logic and Color
Platform Presence - Poise, Appeal, Impression, Attitude and Effect
Projection - Voice, Emphasis, Tone, Pitch and Volume

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