Competition Schedule
The schedule will be posted one week prior to the event at the latest. We begin at 8:00am with the youngest beginners and progress through the day with the older, most advanced contestants being last. Normally the advanced beginner and novice levels are just before and after lunch.
Contestant Information/ FAQ’s
Memorization
Memorization is REQUIRED for all SOLO entries. Ensemble entries do NOT have a memory requirement.
Accompanist Information
Our staff accompanist is the wonderful Kathy Plympton. If you will need an accompanist for your audition, please contact her as soon as possible to give her time to learn your music. You may call or text her at 352-871-3574. You will also need to email a pdf of your music to her at pianokp@yahoo.com There is a fee for this service of $30 that includes rehearsal time and the audition. She also includes the awards ceremony should you be one of our overall winners.
If I placed 1st last year, am I required to move up to the next level?
Yes.
Do I need to sign up for workshops?
No...your registration includes all classes. All are welcome!
Where do I go when I get to the hotel?
The competition will be held in the Rosen Shingle Creek Convention Center. It is on the right side of the hotel. There is an entrance to the parking lot just before you te to the front of the hotel. When you walk through the doors (by the bus drop off area) you will be exactly where you need to be. You may check in at the Sebastian Registration desk. Parking is $12,50 for the day. Exact rooms will be given to you when you check in at the registration desk.
What should we wear for auditions?
Girls: Dresses or Sunday best equivalent.
Boys: dress pants and tie. Sunday best.
How early should I arrive before my audition?
You should plan on arriving early enough to attend all the workshops so that you get the full benefit of growth and learning that the day offers! Check in at the registration desk approximately 1 hour before your audition time. You should be at the door of your audition room 10 minutes prior to your time.
Do I need to provide the judge with a copy of my music?
Yes. Please bring an original score or printed from the internet.
Awards Ceremony
The awards will be announced at 4:30 in room I-1.
Will I be able to get my awards after competition day?
Awards MUST BE PICKED UP ON COMPETITION DAY. NO AWARDS WILL BE MAILED AFTER THE EVENT.
Will there be an audience in the room when I play?
For all solo/ensemble entries, only you and your family will be in the room. You may take in anyone you choose.
For choirs, anyone may come in to listen. Both choirs perform in the vocal room at the times listed on the schedule.
How many contestants will be auditioning?
Total contestants is about 129; however, in your leve/age range there could be as few as 1 or as high as 10+)
Contestant Information/ FAQ’s
Is there a parking fee?
Yes, the fee is $12.50 for the day.
What options do we have for lunch?
There are quite a few options in the hotel. One that we like is the 18 Monroe Street Market. We grab a sandwich or salad and eat by the pool. There are also many places along the walk from the convention center to the hotel. There is also a buffet, Cafe Osceola, on the lower floor near the market. Over the years we have eaten at almost all their restaurants and they are all very good.
Your parking pass has in/out privileges. There are many restaurants in the area. If you decide to leave the resort for lunch, keep in mind that there will be hundreds of people arriving for the FPEA convention which kicks off Thursday evening and they have to park somewhere. The majority of attendees come from outside the resort, so they will use the same lot where you are parked. You could lose your space.
Why do I need to join FPEA in order to enter?
The Sacred Music Florida Competition is sponsored by and made possible by the FPEA (Florida Parent Educator Association) . You will have access to countless educational resources as a member. The Sacred Music Florida Competition is a part of their annual convention which is the largest homeschool convention in the world for many years running. I hope you will consider registering for this convention as well and discover over 500 educational resource vendors, meet authors, and attend classes to learn about concepts and skills that can help you get the most out of your child(ren)’s education. Even if you do not homeschool, this conference is a vast wealth of information for you as a parent.
Is it ok to sing a broadway song?
We encourage all contestants to stick with traditional, classical or sacred repertoire. We love many types of music; however, this is the best way to sharpen your musical skills. It will give you the ability and talent you need to perform many types of music to a higher standard.
What type of music should I choose?
Sacred & classical repertoire as stated in the question above is best for growing your skills and developing proper technique. These skills can be used to perform any type of music with excellence.
May I use a track for my vocal audition?
Live accompaniment is preferred. If you must use pre-recorded accompaniment, you must bring your own speaker and equipment.
Will there be a mic for my vocal audition?
There will be no mic used for vocal auditions. The judges are interested in hearing your natural voice.
Do I need to let you know what piece I will be playing?
No, just make sure you bring an original copy or internet printout for the judges.