Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts Composition Award Guidelines/Requirements       - All pieces entered must be completely original.  Arrangements must demonstrate evidence of substantial modification.     - Scores may be of ANY genre (EXCEPT RAP.)      - Scores may be for any instrumentation (students who are pianists may compose violin pieces, etc.)     - Scores must be performed at the recitals.  If this proves to be impossible, an acceptable recording will suffice.     - All scores must be ACCURATELY and NEATLY notated either by hand or computer.  Compositions with lyrics should have the lyrics printed under the melody as found in typical vocal parts.  Lead sheet notation is acceptable for pieces written in the jazz, pop, and similar genres.  Sloppy hand written copies with holes in the paper and smeared pencil/ink will not be considered.  If writing by hand, a neat, “FINAL” copy is expected after all the editing has been done.     - All scores must be no less than 12 measures in length to be considered for the General award (medal) or Honorable Mention (trophy) award.  For all scores, repeats can count toward additional measures provided this isn’t overused and is a logical and essential extension of the given piece.  Everyone who submits an acceptable score and performs or has it performed will receive the general participation medal if not receiving one of the top three awards.     - 1 Superior, 1 Excellent, and 1 Honorable Mention composition trophy is awarded per year per school location provided that the entries are deemed worthy of candidacy for any of the established award categories.      - To qualify for the Excellent award (trophy), scores must demonstrate slightly above average melodic/harmonic ideas/development and be at least 32 measures in length.  This is geared towards younger students, but age is not a factor.      - To qualify for the Superior award (trophy), scores must demonstrate above average melodic/harmonic ideas/development and be at least 50 measures in length.  This is geared towards older students and , but again, there are no age requirements.      - Students must attend the recitals to receive any awards.      - All compositions will be reviewed and awarded by a panel of unbiased teachers (with substantial backgrounds in composition) and supervised by the appointed composition coordinator.      - In addition to the trophy awards, the top 3 composers will have their piece published on our website along with a brief biography.    - A final copy of all scores must be turned in to the school office, no later than ONE WEEK PRIOR TO the first scheduled rehearsal.  Feel free to contact us with any questions.   Last Revised:  12.13.07