The 2021 grooveKSQ VIRTUAL PERCUSSION COMPETITION, open to percussionists ages 18 and under who are residents of the United States, is an extension of our absolute commitment to the pursuit of superior artistic expression through percussion performance during these unprecedented times. There are three divisions: 1) drumset, 2) rudimental and 3) mallet percussion.

Participation Fee $40

PRIZES AND RECOGNITION

All participants will receive a certificate of participation and constructive feedback from our team of educators. Additionally, First, Second, and Third place winners will receive a commemorative medal, national recognition on grooveKSQ.com, the opportunity to be featured on grooveKSQ’s social media channels (videos selected at grooveKSQ’s discretion), and the following cash prizes:

DIVISION I: Drumset 1st place $300; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $75
DIVISION II: Rudimental 1st place $300; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $75
DIVISION III: Mallet Percussion 1st place $300; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $75

JURY

Read the biographies of the members of the 2021 grooveKSQ Percussion Competition jury.

IMPORTANT DATES

December 15, 2020 Registration Opens

February 28, 2021 Registration Closes

March 15, 2021 Preliminary Selections

March 31, 2020 Competition Final Livestream

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Participants must complete and submit the full application at http://grooveksq.getacceptd.com/. Registration opens February 1, 2021 and the deadline is March 7, 2021 at 11:59pm ET. A NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of $40 USD must be paid at the time of application submission. Application questions will include student, parent/guardian, and teacher information.

A confirmation message will be sent once a student’s complete application has been received.

Eligibility:  Open to all high school percussionists ages 14 - 18 (as of March 7, 2021). Must be residents of the United States. 

Divisions:

I. Drumset: (maximum performance time 12 minutes)

II. Rudimental: (maximum performance time 5 minutes)

III. Mallet Percussion: (maximum performance time 12 minutes)

Video Guidelines:

Competition Open to the Public?   Competition Finals Livestream will be streamed on YouTube.  The three highest rated submissions in each Division will be broadcast.  grooveKSQ  and its media partners each reserves the rights to use/broadcast/publish photographs, recordings, or video submitted by the Participants for marketing purposes.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

  • Participants must complete and submit the full application at LINK. Registration opens February 1, 2021 and the deadline is March 7, 2021 at 11:59pm ET.

  • A NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of $40 USD must be paid at the time of application submission.

  • Application questions will include student, parent/guardian, and teacher information.

  • A confirmation message will be sent once a student’s complete application has been received. The showroom competition manager will contact participants with further instructions regarding the audition procedure and scheduling at that location.

  • All applicants will play on their own instruments.

REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS & REGULATIONS

  • Repertoire requirements will be provided upon registration to each competitor.

  • For the Mallet Percussion Division, original compositions and improvisations are not permitted. Repeats may be played at the discretion of the performer, but are not required. Judges reserve the right to cut off performances at their discretion.

  • All applicants should submit hard copies of their sheet music (photo copies or books) with minimal markings for the judges.

  • Competitors will be graded on the following criteria, using a rating scale of 1-5:

    • Musicality and artistry: Students who score well will not simply play their selected pieces cleanly, but will demonstrate an appropriate understanding of aspects of performance including artistic and stylistic interpretation. Judges will look for students who exhibit attention to details of musicality such as phrasing, dynamics, touch, and shaping, and who can elevate their performance from merely playing the written notes, to giving a dynamic and engaging performance.

    • Technical mastery: Students who score well will demonstrate that they can meet the technical requirements of their selected pieces. They should be able to comfortably navigate the technical challenges of the literature. Their performance should be free of major note or fingering errors. Students should look to utilize an appropriate tempo and, when required, clean pedaling.

    • Adherence to the score: Students who score well will demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the composers’ intent in both pieces they perform. Their performances should reflect instructions given by the composer in the score including (but not limited to) tempo, style, pedaling, dynamic markings, etc., as well as customs of the period in which their selected piece was written.

    • Stage presence: Students should demonstrate a high level of professionalism throughout their audition. Students who score well will display both confidence and charisma, whether it is their first time participating in a competition, or they are more experienced. Students should keep in mind that if they should receive an award, they will be expected to perform in front of their peers and guests. This includes appropriate performance attire.

    • Memory: Students are expected to perform their selected pieces without referring to the score. The judges may, in the case of a memory slip, choose to prompt a student at their discretion; however, such instances will detract from the student’s overall score.

  • Judges will be announced in the application for the competition.

  • Students, teachers, parents, and audience members should not approach or contact the judges for any reason before or during the competition.

  • No judge shall evaluate a competitor with whom the judge has a family or a teacher - student relationship. No exceptions.

  • Assigned audition slots are final. If a competitor misses his or her turn, he or she will have forfeited his or her chance to participate (no refunds will be offered).

  • Competitors are responsible for their own expenses to participate in the Competition.

  • Contestants should wear their best performance attire.

  • Evaluations for each round of the competition made by the jury committees are final.

  • grooveKSQ, LLC reserves the rights to photograph, record, or video the auditions of competitors and winners and to use these documents for marketing purposes. No extra fee will be paid to the competitors.

  • Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying any and all applicable taxes related to the prize(s) and paying any expenses associated with any prizes, which are not specifically provided for in the official rules. Each winner must provide the Company with valid identification and a valid taxpayer identification number or social security number before any prize will be awarded. Any person winning over $600 in prizes from the Company will receive an IRS form 1099 at the end of the calendar year and a copy of such form will be filed with the IRS.

  • grooveKSQ reserves the right to the interpretation of the Terms and Conditions of the Regulations.

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