ISSMA Contest Scoresheet Terms

Intonation

• Quality of breath support

• Singing in tune

• Sopranos, altos and baritones balance with each other

• Singing words clearly

Tone Quality and Blend

• Singing with correct style

• Attacks and releases

• Resonance, control, focus, consistency and ensemble blend

• The clarify of singing vowels, consonants and diphthongs

Breathing Technique

• The sopranos do not overpower the altos and baritones

• Using the diaphragm to create relaxed inhalation, depth and support of tone

• Keeping hands to sides and watching the director

• Singing the consonants and vowels of words clearly

Note Accuracy

• Range of dynamic contrast within sections and ensemble

• Singing pitches as notated in the music score

• Attacks and releases and holding note values the correct length

• Following the correct tempo and style of the song

Rhythmic Accuracy

• Note/rest values, duration, steadiness, meter, attacks and releases

• Singing pitches as notated

• Stylistic interpretation

• Resonance, control, focus, consistency, and ensemble blend

Diction and Enunciation

• Range of volume contrast within sections and full ensemble

• Singing pitches as notated in the music score

• Clarity of words, pronunciation, consonants, diphthongs and dialect

• The quality of singing a pitch in tune individually and as an ensemble

Dynamics and balance

• Note/rest values, duration, steadiness, meter, attacks and releases

• Style, phrasing, tempo, and musical expression

• Singing pitches as notated in the music score

• Range of volume contrast within sections and full ensemble

Interpretation and Musicianship

• Style, phrasing, tempo, and musical expression

• Use of diaphragm, relaxed inhalation, depth and support of tone

• Clarity, pronunciation of words, consonants, diphthongs and dialect

• Concert etiquette: Watching director, being professional

Other Factors

• The quality of singing a pitch in tune individually and as an ensemble

• Clarity and pronunciation of words, consonants, diphtongs, and dialect

• Stage presence, poise, posture and concert decorum (concert etiquette)

• Note/rest values, duration, steadiness, meter, attacks and releases