Dear Students and Parents:
LAAPAFEST, our annual Music Festival, is quickly approaching! Participants will have the opportunity to perform a memorized selection in front of a panel of three judges. Students will then receive a detailed written evaluation of their performance from each judge and an overall rating of Superior (5 points), Excellent (4 points), Very Good (3 points), Good, or Fair.
Each student will be rated by three friendly judges based on the student’s individual level of experience and will not be competing with other students for ratings.
The value in LAAPAFEST participation is the event itself in providing the student and parent with 1) experience in a contest situation, 2) assessment by professional judges as to performance, 3) the student will receive an award and recognition at our Summer Concert, and 4) LAAPAFEST ratings that may be used in application for admission into future music programs in the students’ music education and endeavors. All students who qualify are encouraged to participate.
At the conclusion of LAAPAFEST, the judges will select 30-35 of the highest rated festival participants (participant total is usually over 150 students) to perform in a special Honors Concert this Spring. There will be an equal number of students at all levels selected from each discipline (piano, voice, violin, etc.) to ensure that we have a representation of all programs in the concert. All performances at LAAPAFEST will additionally be recorded and the judges will select many students to be a part of an additional Spring Virtual Recital!
Eligibility Requirements:
- Participation in LAAPAFEST is completely voluntary but highly recommended for all students meeting the eligibility requirements.
- Participation is open to music students ages 5-up (beginning through advanced levels) who receive consistent “Excellent/Very Good” and/or “Superior” weekly ratings from their Instructors.
- Participants should have at least one year of experience in his/her instrument/program as of 3/16/2024.
- Vocalists/Instrumentalists should provide an accompanist or backing track.
- Selections should be 1-3 minutes in length per event.
- Makeup and/or costumes supporting your performance and theme are welcomed but not required.
- ***All performances at LAAPAFEST will be recorded and the judges will select many students to be a part of a Spring Virtual Recital!***
Important Dates / Locations:
- Saturday, February 17, 2024 – Official Registration Deadline. Online registration form must be submitted.
- Saturday Mar. 16, 2024 – LAAPAFEST at the Mandeville School of Music & Dance
- Sunday Mar. 24, 2024 – LAAPAFEST at the River Ridge School of Music & Dance
***AS OF 2/12, all sign up forms will be placed on our Waiting List!*** We will contact you ASAP once a spot becomes available, so please continue to sign up through FEBRUARY 17!
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM FOR EACH PERFORMANCE!
I have read and agree to follow the above information/guidelines regarding participation in LAAPAFEST. I authorize LAAPA to deduct the LAAPAFEST fee of $65.00 per event from my account on file.I understand I will be informed of my performance time in late February/early March. I understand that LAAPAFEST tuition is nonrefundable.
The school is hereby granted permission to take photographs, audio, and video of the student during LAAPAFEST for possible use in virtual recitals as well as advertisements and other promotional materials the school creates.