ARTICLE I - ORGANIZATION 

5.1.1. All Choral Performance Assessments (CPA) and the state festival sponsored by the ArkCDA shall be governed by the board of directors of the ArkCDA.

5.1.2. A school may temporarily change regions for CPA purposes with the consent of the two regions involved, the one they wish to leave, and the one they wish to enter.

5.1.3. An individual student may not be a participant in more than four performing groups from his or her school.

5.1.4. A member school may enter solos, ensembles, and large groups, under the following definitions; solos, duets, trios, small ensembles (4-11 singers), large ensembles (11 - 18 singers), large groups (19 or more singers).

5.1.5. The CPA chairman shall be notified at the earliest possible moment, should an entrant be unable to perform, or of any reason that might delay the entrant.

5.1.6. To be eligible for participation in the state festival, ensembles and choruses must receive a minimum composite rating of Division IIR at their region CPA.

5.1.7. No group may participate in more than one region CPA to qualify for the state festival.

5.1.8. Since state festival is an optional event, no substitutions will be made for eligible schools which fail to enter.

5.1.9. The CPA chair shall provide for the recording of the performances of all large groups.

5.1.10. Only in extreme cases will a school be allowed to perform on the incorrect day at state festival. Approval of the request will be at the discretion of the senior section chair. Approvals will be prioritized in the following order; conflicts with other sanctioned AAA events, conflicts with state or national exams, other requests where possible.

5.1.11. As far as possible groups should be scheduled by classification at CPA.

5.1.12. Groups must participate in the CPA provided for the highest grade level participating in the choir. For example, groups which combine junior high students with senior high students must enter the senior high event.

ARTICLE II - CPA LITERATURE 

5.2.1. Each group will be required to perform one selection from the proper grade level or above, from the current Texas Prescribed Music List (PML) which may be accessed through a link on the ArkCDA website.

5.2.2. Minimum grade level requirements are;

5.2.3. Barbershop, Sweet Adeline, and swing or jazz type choirs are not bound by this requirement.

5.2.4. Selections which are not on the PML may be used to serve as the required number, provided they are approved for such by the state junior or senior section chairman, whichever is appropriate. A copy of the approval letter must be submitted with the CPA entry form. Approval will apply only to the specific edition and voicing.

5.2.5. Once a piece is approved it will be added to the list of approved titles maintained by the ArkCDA and published on the web site. Further approval will not be necessary.

5.2.6. Directors who submit music for approval must do so no later than January 15th and should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with the request. The section chair is under no obligation to return music for which postage and container are not provided. Faxed music will not be accepted.

5.2.7. Directors are advised to use discretion in selecting CPA literature. Certain types of music are inappropriate for CPA use. Others may be appropriate depending on the group’s title or classification. For example, “pop” music is quite appropriate for a group entered as a jazz or swing choir, yet may not be deemed as such for a concert or mixed choir. In most cases, the judges will comment when questionable music is used.

ARTICLE III - ENTRY RULES

5.3.1. Entries submitted by individual or private teachers will not be accepted.

5.3.2. Entrants to the state festival must be certified by the region chairman as having met the ratings requirements of eligibility at the region CPA.

5.3.3. Entry forms must be sent to the CPA chairman at least three weeks prior to the first day of the CPA and must be filled out in their entirety.

5.3.4. No student or group will be considered entered in the CPA until rule 5.3.3 is fulfilled.

5.3.5. Entries submitted past the deadline date will require the payment of double fees.

5.3.6. Entries are to be submitted using online Registration Manager which is located on the ArkCDA website.

5.3.7. At the region level, performing groups may enter CPAs for comments only, without receiving division ratings.

ARTICLE IV - RATINGS

5.4.1. Composite ratings shall be determined in the following manner;

5.4.2. DIVISION I - SUPERIOR (90-100) - This division represents the finest possible performance for the event and the class of participants being adjudicated; worthy of the distinction of being recognized as among the very best.

5.4.3. DIVISION IIR- EXCELLENT/RECOMMENDED (86-89) - An outstanding performance but one with sufficient defects to prevent awarding the highest score. This is the lowest score a group can receive and be allowed to proceed to an advanced competition (state or honors). This rating applies only at the region level. At the state festival it is absorbed into Division II.

5.4.4. DIVISION II – EXCELLENT (80-85) Reflects a performance with strengths but yet with readily observable defects. A group in this division usually demonstrates evidence of sound fundamental training, yet the performance lacks the finesse and polish of a Division I or IIR rating. Judges should be able to comment easily on such performances since weaknesses are apparent. Comments should be focused on a particular problem and suggestions for improvement.

5.4.5. DIVISION III - GOOD (70-79) - This rating reflects accomplishment and potential, but a performance lacking in one or more essential qualities. The score indicates weaknesses in certain areas of fundamentals as indicated on the judges sheet. The performance may show certain fine qualities and judges comments should include suggestions for general improvement in those fundamental weaknesses which are revealed through the performance.

5.4.6. DIVISION IV - FAIR (60-69) - This rating reflects a performance with obvious weaknesses. These may reflect limited rehearsal time or lack of vocal balance. The performance is usually weak and uncertain, and contains numerous errors. With this score, a judge may not point out specific performance errors, but comments should be aimed at suggestions for general improvement as allowed on the adjudication sheet.

5.4.7. DIVISION V - POOR (0-59) - This rating reflects a performance with serious flaws throughout. The director should perhaps re-evaluate his or her methods and techniques. This rating is rarely assigned by even the most critical of judges. It indicates an almost complete lack of understanding and/or preparedness. In assigning this score, judges must use extreme tact in making comments. Any positive aspects of the performance, however minor, should be highlighted by the judge. Remarks should be honest but never sarcastic. Comments should offer suggestions for improvement and encouragement for the singers.

ARTICLE V - PERFORMING GROUPS

5.5.1. Large groups permitted at regionCPA and state festival shall include; male chorus, female chorus, and mixed chorus.

5.5.2. Each chorus in the CPA shall have a maximum allotted performance time of fifteen minutes including getting on and off the stage.

5.5.3. The program may include as many numbers as time allows, but must include a minimum of three selections. Invitational CPAs held in the first semester may limit the number of required selections to two.

5.5.4. In the event of unusual loss of instructional time due to winter weather, the number of selections required may be reduced to two.

5.5.5. To reduce the number of selections, the region chairman shall first petition the board of directors for permission to hold the vote. Upon receiving board approval, the majority vote of the region’s directors shall prevail.

5.5.6. Male and female choruses in which the majority of the members are also members of another performing group at the CPA are required to perform two selections only. NOTE: The intent of this provision is to encourage male and female chorus participation by allowing directors to combine students from separate choirs to form male and female choruses. This also applies to mixed choruses in which the majority of the members are also members of a male or female group performing at the CPA.

5.5.7. At least one number must be a cappella on the senior high level. A cappella is defined as a selection having no pitched accompaniment.

5.5.8. On the junior high/middle school level, at least one number must be a cappella for the upper two grades. This requirement is optional for groups comprised only of seventh grade students. A cappella is defined as a selection having no pitched accompaniment.

5.5.9. The use of recorded accompaniments at ArkCDA CPAs is allowed only in extreme circumstances and requires approval of the region chair. This rule is not applicable to show choirs or to solos

5.5.10. Choral groups may read from a score without penalty.

5.5.11. It is recommended that directors choose contrasting music to demonstrate the versatility of the group.

5.5.12. No performing group shall repeat a selection at CPA as follows;

5.5.13. A selection may be performed at both region CPA and state festival in same school year.

5.5.14. No school shall be allowed to perform an all state or all region selection, junior high or senior high, until two years after its use at those clinics. For example, music used in a 2006 clinic may not be performed at an ArkCDA sponsored CPA until the spring of 2008.

5.5.15. The CPA chairman shall prepare a CPA program which lists the performing groups and their selections. This program shall be kept on file for a period of five years and shall be made available to directors who wish to refer to it.

5.5.16. All students participating in an ArkCDA sponsored region CPA shall be required to sight read as a member of at least one performing group. Separate performing groups may not be combined for the purpose of sight reading. NOTE: To qualify for the sweepstakes trophy each performing group must sight read as a separate entity.

5.5.17. Sight reading may be performed for comments only and no rating, only when the concert performance is for comments only. The definition of division scores for sight reading shall be the same as that used for concert division scores, with the exception that the IIR is absorbed into Division II.

5.5.18. Sight reading will be scheduled immediately following the group’s concert performance.

5.5.19. Single copies of the music to be used will be furnished by the ArkCDA.

5.5.20. Music requirements for sight reading are;

• 7th Grade groups may sing in unison and may be accompanied on the first reading only.
• Intermediate (non-beginner) 8th and/or 9th Grade may sing unison/A Cappella, SA or TB, Optional SSA or TTB, and SAB or Optional SATB.
• Junior high/middle school choirs in which the majority of the singers are first year students are classified as beginners and may sight read in unison.
• Senior High groups will sight read the same levels as listed in rule 5.2.2.

5.5.21. The director will be allowed to preview the music as it is being distributed to the students and as rules are announced.

5.5.22. Upon being given the signal to begin, the group will be given a 3 minute study period, which the group may use in any manner with the following exceptions; at no time may the director sing pitches or patterns, at no time may individual singers teach the music to the choir in a rote fashion, at no time may the director demonstrate rhythmic patterns in any manner.

5.5.23. Key may be established, or chords given on the request of the director, only once during the three minute study period.

5.5.24. At the end of the 3 minute study period, the pitches or chords will again be given and the group will be required to perform the selection straight through, on numbers, solfege, neutral syllables or words. At no time during the first reading may directors or student leaders demonstrate either pitch or rhythmic patternsin any manner.

5.5.25. Following the initial performance, the group will be allowed a one minute period to prepare for the final performance.

5.5.26. At the end of the one minute period the pitches may be given and the group will be required to perform the selection again, using numbers, solfege, neutral syllables or words. At no time during the final reading may directors or student leaders demonstrate either pitch or rhythmic patterns in any manner.

5.5.27. The piano may accompany the choir on the first performance only.

5.5.28. One judge will adjudicate the sight reading performances.

5.5.29. Ratings awarded in sight reading shall not affect those awarded in concert.

5.5.30. Equal time shall be given in the warm up room as given in the performance area.

5.5.32. Under no circumstances shall a group be allowed to use the performance area for warm up or rehearsal on the day of their adjudication

5.5.33. Music submitted for adjudicator scores must be in compliance with all U. S. Copyright laws. Where photocopies are submitted it is the directors’ responsibility to provide documentation on each score that the copies are not in violation of the law. Information on copyright law may be viewed at www.copyright.gov. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification from the event.

5.5.34. Directors should notify the CPA chairman of any unusual circumstances which might delay their entry.

5.5.35. Following consultation with the region chair, the CPA chairman shall have the authority to make emergency decisions regarding the CPA as may become necessary.

5.5.36. No student shall be allowed to enter as a participant in more than two ensembles in any given CPA.

5.5.37. At the senior high level, ensembles will perform two selections, one of which must be a cappella. Ensembles which enter the CPA as swing choirs, jazz choirs, or other pop ensembles are not bound by the a cappella requirement.

5.5.38. On the junior high/middle school level, at least one number must be a cappella for the upper two grades. The requirement is optional for groups comprised of seventh grade students only.

5.5.39. The maximum performance time for ensembles is ten minutes.

5.5.40. Ensembles will perform for three adjudicators.

5.5.41. Barbershop, Sweet Adeline, and Show Choirs may perform for one judge at the region level.

5.5.42. Directors shall furnish each adjudicator with one conductor’s score, with measures numbered, of each selection to be performed.

5.5.43. Ensembles may perform with or without direction and are allowed to read from a score.

5.5.44. The guidelines for repeating selections at CPA are the same as for large groups, listed in 5.5.12.

5.5.45. No school will be allowed to perform music with an ensemble which is also being performed by another ensemble or large group from the same school, at the same CPA.

5.5.46. An ensemble shall not be allowed to perform literature that was performed by another group from the same school for a period of one year, except that the same selections may be performed by the same ensemble at both region and state levels in the same year.

5.5.47. Solos, duets, and trios are not eligible for entry at the state festival.

5.5.48. Solos should be entered under the following classifications; Boys High, Medium, Low, Girls High, Medium, Low.

5.5.49. Soloists, duets, and trios must perform two selections of contrasting style.

5.5.50. The maximum performance time for solos, duets, and trios should be seven minutes.

5.5.51. Adjudicators shall be provided one score with measures numbered, of each selection.

5.5.52. Soloists from the same school may not perform the same selections in the same voice classification.

5.5.53. Soloists, duets, and trios will perform music from memory

ARTICLE VI - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

5.6.1. The following seven violations shall result in disqualification from the CPA;

• Any chorus, ensemble, or soloist performing in an incorrect classification or performing group definition.
• Permitting an ineligible student to perform at the CPA.
• Repeating a selection at CPA prior to the proper elapsed time period.
• Illegal use of copyrighted music.
• Performance of an all region/state piece prior to the proper elapsed time period.
• Use of the performance area for warm up or rehearsal on the day of performance.
• Failure to perform a required selection in accordance with rule 5.2.1. — 5.2.4.

5.6.2. Violation of the following regulations by any performing group will result in the automatic lowering of that group’s rating by one division;

• Failure to submit numbered scores to adjudicators.
  
• Failure to meet the minimum a cappella requirements.
  
• Failure to meet memorization requirements.

5.6.3. Failure to participate in the sight reading portion of the region CPAs (if required) will result in the withholding of a group’s concert ratings.

5.6.4. In the event a group or school is disqualified from a CPA, or has its rating lowered, the CPA chairman shall follow the procedure for due process as given in Article VII (Due Process) of the bylaws. Scores, adjudication sheets, and recordings will be withheld pending final action.

5.6.5. Any group which, for any reason, fails to meet its scheduled performance time, may be rescheduled at the end of the adjudication day at the discretion of the CPA chair.

ARTICLE VII - AWARDS AND FEES 

5.7.1. All awards presented at CPA’s sponsored by the ArkCDA shall be purchased from the supplier selected by the ArkCDA.

5.7.2. The ArkCDA shall establish a bid system whereby a minimum of three firms are asked to submit bids on awards.

5.7.3. Awarding the contract for the awards shall be the responsibility of the board of directors.

5.7.4. Current award is a plaque for each composite Division I rating.

5.7.5. Groups which receive composite Division I ratings at the region level in both concert and sight reading, and at the state level, shall be awarded a sweepstakes award by the association. Individual schools may purchase the award from the designated supplier.

5.7.6. Best in Class designations will be named in each classification (1A-7A) at the state festival for the following;

• Large Groups (19 singers and up); Mixed Chorus, Male Chorus, Female Chorus, Overall
• Large Ensembles (12-18 singers); Mixed Ensemble, Male Ensemble, Female Ensemble, Overall

5.7.7. Only groups which receive a Division I rating are eligible for Best in Class designation.

5.7.8. If no group receives a Division I rating in a classification or category there will be no designation in that classification and category.

5.7.9. The Best in Class recipients will be determined by adding the three Arabic scores on the adjudication sheets.

5.7.10. In the event of a tie the recipient will be selected by the judges. Consideration will be given using the following order; by comparing the division (Roman numeral) scores, by comparing the Arabic scores, by comparing literature.

5.7.11. Best in Class recipients will be recognized on the website and may add that designation to their state and/or Sweepstakes plaques.

ARTICLE VIII - ADJUDICATORS 

5.8.1. Adjudicators shall be employed by the CPA chairman, who shall poll the participating directors for their suggestions.

5.8.2. The CPA chairman shall arrange for the services of the judges, notifying them of the time, place, and location of the event.

5.8.3. Adjudicators must be selected on the following criteria;

• Must reside outside the choral region in which he or she will judge. Exceptions are allowed only for solo, duet, and trio judges.
• May not judge in any region CPA or state festival more than two successive years.
• May not judge at both region and state in the same year.
  
• Must be impartial, dignified, constructive, courteous, and above all, professional in making comments.
  
• Should demonstrate clear evidence of being successful in the area in which he or she will judge.

5.8.4. Where possible, panels of three judges should include at least two members who actually work with the age level being judged.

5.8.5. The CPA chairman will call the following points to the attention of the judges prior to each CPA;

• Use comments as well as letters on each sheet. No provisions are made for plus or minus scores
• Along with the Roman numeral score, judges will write the corresponding word description of the rating given. EXAMPLE: II - EXCELLENT, and circle the arabic number score.
• Judges should not interfere with nor assume the duties of the room chairman or timekeeper.
  
• When less than a Division I rating is given, judges must explain on the sheet, what must be done to improve the performance.
  
• Judges are not bound by any further instructions not represented herein.
  
• Any violation of the regulations contained in this manual should be reported to the CPA chairman.
  
• An adjudicator shall not attempt to recruit any student who is participating in any CPA in which he or she is serving as an adjudicator.
  
• Each adjudicator should arrive at the CPA site at least thirty minutes prior to the first performance, for a pre-CPA orientation meeting with the CPA chairman.
  
• It is the adjudicators responsibility to call to the attention of the CPA chairman, any violations as contained in rules 5.6.1 and 5.6.2.
  
• Judges are not allowed to confer in reaching a decision with regards to ratings.
  
• Adjudicators shall not criticize any group for its choice of concert attire.
  
• Adjudicators should report any act of discourtesy to the CPA chairman.
  
• The lowest rating a group may receive at the region level, and be certified for the state festival is a Division IIR .
  
• Choruses and ensembles (not soloists, duets or trios) may read from a score without penalty.
  
• Duplicated music may only be used provided that the copies in no way violate the copyright law. In cases where copies are used, directors must indicate on each score, why the copy is necessary and is not in violation of the law.
  
• Directors must furnish each judge with a conductor ’s score with measures numbered. 

ARTICLE IX - ADDITIONAL CPAS AND CLINICS

5.9.1. Regions are encouraged to organize and operate other types of clinics or CPAs, including, but not limited to, male chorus, female chorus, invitational, or ensemble.

5.9.2. All such events must conform to ArkCDA rules and regulations and must be sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association.