VIDEO SUBMISSION CRITERIA
1. Theme
Song selection is meant to be inspirational and/or uplifting (i.e. Hope, Love, Community, Unity)
2. Genre and musical styles
Submissions are open to different musical styles including but not limited to: classical, jazz, pop, musical theatre, etc. You are also welcome to play an instrument or perform with a small band.
3. 5-minute maximum
Please keep all performances to a maximum of 5 minutes
4. Use appropriate language
Songs containing profane or vulgar lyrics, slurs about race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, as well as sexual innuendo can result in your submission being denied
5. Dress professionally
6. Utilize performance standards
Please ensure your submission contains correct notes, accurate pitch, and appropriate performance style for the selected piece
7. Ensure technical compliance
Videos submitted must be in line with the following technical criteria:
• 1080p quality video
• Accepted file formats: mp4 (mpeg-4), mov, avi
• Maximum file size 2GB
8. No duplicate pieces & Board approval
The Executive Board will have final approval of all applicants/song choices. In order to ensure no pieces are duplicated, you may be asked to change your song selection.
HELPFUL VIDEO TIPS
You don’t need professional recording equipment to participate!
Use your phone and some basic recording rules to create a quality submission
1. Location & lighting
• Location: Choose a clean, uncluttered background (Ex: wall, bedsheet, or backdrop paper). Position yourself several feet away from the backdrop to avoid casting shadows on it.
• Lighting: Natural light is best. If you have no natural light you should position the light so that it shines toward YOU.
Windows are a good natural light source. However, you do not want to have light shining in back of you—do not stand
in front of a window. Avoid overhead lighting – it can cast unflattering shadows.
2. Crisp, clear audio
• Avoid areas with many reflexive and hard surfaces - these can create echoes.
• Minimize background noise: Do not film outdoors. Avoid wind, plumbing, loud air-conditioning, neighbors, cars, and birds during recording.
3. Avoid shaky footage
• Use a tripod, or set your camera on a sturdy surface.
• Record with someone else in the room who can provide assistance.
4. Use your phone’s features
• Use the camera on the back of your phone, not the front.
• Record in landscape mode (horizontally instead of vertically)
• Record in at least 1080p resolution
• If your phone has a feature that allows you to overlay a grid on your screen, use it. This will help you keep your phone level and avoid tilted footage.
1. Theme
Song selection is meant to be inspirational and/or uplifting (i.e. Hope, Love, Community, Unity)
2. Genre and musical styles
Submissions are open to different musical styles including but not limited to: classical, jazz, pop, musical theatre, etc. You are also welcome to play an instrument or perform with a small band.
3. 5-minute maximum
Please keep all performances to a maximum of 5 minutes
4. Use appropriate language
Songs containing profane or vulgar lyrics, slurs about race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, as well as sexual innuendo can result in your submission being denied
5. Dress professionally
6. Utilize performance standards
Please ensure your submission contains correct notes, accurate pitch, and appropriate performance style for the selected piece
7. Ensure technical compliance
Videos submitted must be in line with the following technical criteria:
• 1080p quality video
• Accepted file formats: mp4 (mpeg-4), mov, avi
• Maximum file size 2GB
8. No duplicate pieces & Board approval
The Executive Board will have final approval of all applicants/song choices. In order to ensure no pieces are duplicated, you may be asked to change your song selection.
HELPFUL VIDEO TIPS
You don’t need professional recording equipment to participate!
Use your phone and some basic recording rules to create a quality submission
1. Location & lighting
• Location: Choose a clean, uncluttered background (Ex: wall, bedsheet, or backdrop paper). Position yourself several feet away from the backdrop to avoid casting shadows on it.
• Lighting: Natural light is best. If you have no natural light you should position the light so that it shines toward YOU.
Windows are a good natural light source. However, you do not want to have light shining in back of you—do not stand
in front of a window. Avoid overhead lighting – it can cast unflattering shadows.
2. Crisp, clear audio
• Avoid areas with many reflexive and hard surfaces - these can create echoes.
• Minimize background noise: Do not film outdoors. Avoid wind, plumbing, loud air-conditioning, neighbors, cars, and birds during recording.
3. Avoid shaky footage
• Use a tripod, or set your camera on a sturdy surface.
• Record with someone else in the room who can provide assistance.
4. Use your phone’s features
• Use the camera on the back of your phone, not the front.
• Record in landscape mode (horizontally instead of vertically)
• Record in at least 1080p resolution
• If your phone has a feature that allows you to overlay a grid on your screen, use it. This will help you keep your phone level and avoid tilted footage.
