Judging the Performances
- Judges are assigned at random and therefore, it is likely that judges will be evaluating performances in media that are not in their areas of expertise.
- Graduate students know that judges are randomly chosen.
- A panel of judges will evaluate each performance, and the same panel will evaluate all entries in order to standardize scores.
- Each performer has prepared a short written statement on his/her presentation that is included with the program.
- Immediately after each performance, judges should jot down notes about the strengths and weaknesses of the performance, paying careful attention to the judging criteria. At the end of the program, judges will decide on the final score for each graduate student.
- While judges are making their final decisions, the audience and the performers will enjoy a reception in the lobby outside Esber Recital Hall in the Music Building. Winners will be announced following the reception.
Criteria for Judging the Performances
Music Performance
Theatre Performance
Artistry (50 points)
- Interpretation, understanding, empathy or emotional quality, engagement with the work, and engagement with the audience.
Technique (30 points)
- Physical aspect of performance, technical skill, extent to which technique enhances the interpretation.
Suitability (20 points)
- Work(s) chosen showcase the student's talents and abilities; work(s) chosen are appropriate for the venue.
Scoring
- Judges should utilize the scoring range for each of the performers, as they would in academic testing, and should avoid "grade inflation" or assigning similar scores to all performers. A successful performance should receive a score of 85; a truly outstanding presentation should be ranked in the 90s.