IHSMA State Show Choir Festival

• Site assignments are in progress.

• Complete five years of teaching or instruction in a specialized area of the marching arts
• Complete the “Music Adjudication” course offered through the National Federation of High Schools at nfhslearn.com and send course completion certificate to the IHSMA Office.
• Complete a new W-9 and send it to the IHSMA Office.
• NEW ADJUDICATORS: Request that two (2) currently approved adjudicators for the IHSMA write letters of recommendation for you on your behalf and send them to the IHSMA Office.

State Show Choir Festival adjudicators are selected for their expertise in show choir performance, vocal music education, and their ability to provide meaningful educational feedback. Each adjudicator serves as both an evaluator and clinician, helping directors and students recognize areas of excellence while offering practical suggestions for continued artistic growth.

State Show Choir Festival adjudicators should possess the following qualifications:

• Significant experience as a successful show choir director, music educator, choreographer, vocal specialist, accompanist, or clinician at the secondary or collegiate level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current show choir performance practices, including vocal technique, ensemble musicianship, choreography, staging, visual communication, and overall production.
• A thorough understanding of the IHSMA State Show Choir Festival adjudication process and evaluation criteria, including the ICDA Show Choir Liaison Committee’s adjudication ballot.
• The ability to evaluate performances consistently, fairly, and objectively across a wide variety of ensemble sizes, styles, and programming approaches.
• Strong verbal communication skills that allow for clear, encouraging, and educational commentary during recorded evaluations and post-performance clinics.
• The ability to identify both ensemble strengths and opportunities for growth while providing specific, actionable recommendations appropriate to the educational level of the performers.
• A commitment to evaluating performances based on educational standards and artistic achievement rather than personal stylistic preferences.
• Professionalism, integrity, impartiality, and respect for every participating school, director, and student.
• Current knowledge of vocal pedagogy, choreography, rehearsal techniques, performance practice, and evolving trends within the show choir idiom.
• A willingness to participate in IHSMA adjudicator orientation, calibration, and ongoing professional development to promote statewide consistency in evaluation and educational feedback.

Above all, State Show Choir Festival adjudicators are educators. Their responsibility extends beyond assigning ratings—they help create an educational experience that encourages musical excellence, artistic growth, and continued success for every ensemble. Through thoughtful evaluation and immediate post-performance clinics, adjudicators provide directors and students with feedback that can be applied immediately and throughout the remainder of the performance season.

The IHSMA State Show Choir Festival is built on the belief that meaningful feedback is one of the most valuable outcomes of any performance. While scores and ratings provide an important measure of achievement, they are intended to support learning—not define it. The educational value of the festival comes from the combination of performance, evaluation, recorded commentary, and the immediate post-performance clinic.

Feedback Comes First

Every ensemble receives detailed observations from experienced show choir educators who evaluate the performance using the IHSMA State Show Choir Festival adjudication ballot. Their comments are designed to:

• Recognize areas of excellence.
• Reinforce effective musical and performance techniques.
• Identify opportunities for continued growth.
• Provide practical suggestions that can be implemented in future rehearsals and performances.

Constructive feedback gives directors and students the information needed to continue developing both individually and as an ensemble.

Understanding Scores

The adjudication ballot evaluates three major areas of show choir performance:

• Vocal Performance – including tone quality, intonation, blend, musicianship, vocal style, and other essential elements of ensemble singing.
• Visual Performance – including movement, staging, expression, transitions, professionalism, and the effectiveness of visual communication.
• Accompaniment – evaluating the quality of the instrumental accompaniment and its support of the vocal ensemble.

Scores reflect how effectively these elements were demonstrated during a particular performance. They provide a consistent benchmark for evaluation while recognizing the many skills that contribute to successful show choir performance.

The Purpose of Ratings

Ratings recognize the level of achievement demonstrated by an ensemble during its festival performance. They celebrate the preparation, commitment, and artistry of students while providing a snapshot of performance quality on that particular day.

A rating should never be viewed as the final measure of an ensemble’s success. Instead, it represents one moment in an ongoing process of artistic development. Directors and students are encouraged to focus on the complete evaluation—including recorded comments, written observations, scores, and the educational clinic—to gain the greatest benefit from the experience.

Learning Beyond the Numbers

Small differences in scores often reflect subtle differences in performance and should not be interpreted as definitive comparisons between ensembles. Every show, every repertoire selection, and every artistic approach is unique.

The most valuable questions after a performance are:

• What did we do well?
• What did we learn?
• How can we continue to improve?

Those answers are found in the feedback provided by the adjudicators.

The Value of the Educational Clinic

One of the defining features of the State Show Choir Festival is the immediate post-performance clinic. This interactive session allows adjudicators to expand upon their evaluations by:

• Explaining scoring decisions.
• Demonstrating musical and visual concepts.
• Reinforcing successful performance techniques.
• Offering practical recommendations for future rehearsals.
• Answering questions from directors and students.

The clinic transforms the evaluation process from simply assigning scores into a meaningful educational experience that benefits every participant.

Continuous Growth

The goal of the State Show Choir Festival is not to identify a “perfect” performance. Instead, it is to encourage every ensemble to pursue continuous improvement through thoughtful preparation, reflective evaluation, and a commitment to artistic excellence.

When directors and students view feedback, scores, and ratings as tools for learning rather than endpoints, the festival fulfills its greatest purpose: helping young performers become more confident singers, musicians, dancers, collaborators, and artists.

The IHSMA State Show Choir Festival is designed to provide an outstanding educational performance experience in a professional, supportive, and welcoming environment. Festival day is an opportunity to showcase your ensemble’s preparation, perform for experienced show choir educators, and receive valuable feedback that will help you continue to grow as a performer.

Before You Perform

Upon arrival, your director will complete the check-in process while your ensemble unloads equipment and prepares for the day’s schedule. Festival staff and student volunteers will assist your group and direct you to warm-up, staging, and performance areas.

Be prepared to:

• Arrive on time and remain with your ensemble.
• Follow instructions from festival staff, site managers, and your director.
• Respect performance schedules so every ensemble has equal access to facilities and performance time.
• Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude throughout the day.

Warm-Up and Preparation

Your ensemble will have a designated warm-up period prior to performance. Use this time to:

• Focus your voice and body.
• Review important musical and visual moments.
• Mentally prepare for your performance.
• Support one another and build confidence as an ensemble.

Trust the preparation you have completed throughout the season. Festival day is your opportunity to share your work with an audience.

Your Performance

Each ensemble performs its prepared show for a panel of experienced show choir educators using the new ICDA Show Choir Liaison Committee evaluation ballot. Adjudicators evaluate the complete performance, including:

• Vocal musicianship and ensemble singing.
• Choreography and movement.
• Visual communication and staging.
• Overall effectiveness of the performance.
• Quality of accompaniment supporting the ensemble.

Remember that adjudicators are evaluating how effectively your ensemble communicates through both music and movement while demonstrating strong musicianship and performance skills.

Immediate Educational Clinic

One of the most valuable parts of the festival takes place immediately after your performance.

Following your performance, your ensemble will participate in an on-site clinic with one or more adjudicators. During this session, they will:

• Highlight your ensemble’s strengths.
• Demonstrate concepts that can improve future performances.
• Provide practical suggestions directors and students can immediately apply.
• Reinforce effective musical and performance techniques.

This interactive clinic transforms the evaluation into a learning experience and is a defining feature of the IHSMA State Show Choir Festival.

Throughout the Day

Whether you are performing, warming up, or observing other ensembles, remember that you represent your school and community.

Students are expected to:

• Support fellow performers with professionalism and respect.
• Follow all directions from directors and festival personnel.
• Care for performance spaces and equipment.
• Encourage one another and celebrate the accomplishments of every participating school.

Enjoy the Experience

The State Show Choir Festival is more than a performance—it’s an opportunity to learn from experienced educators, perform alongside outstanding ensembles from across Iowa, and continue growing as both a musician and performer. Take pride in your preparation, perform with confidence and authenticity, and make the most of every moment. Every rehearsal, every performance, and every piece of feedback contributes to your development as an artist and helps prepare you for future musical opportunities.

The IHSMA State Show Choir Festival is organized to provide every ensemble with a professional, efficient, and educational experience. From arrival through the post-performance clinic, each step is designed to allow your ensemble to perform at its best while receiving meaningful feedback from experienced show choir educators.

Arrival and Check-In

Upon arriving at the festival site, your director will complete the check-in process while your ensemble unloads equipment and prepares for the performance. Festival staff and volunteers will guide your group through the day’s schedule and direct you to the appropriate warm-up and staging areas.

Please:

• Arrive at your assigned time.
• Stay with your ensemble unless directed otherwise.
• Follow instructions from your director and festival personnel.
• Be prepared to move efficiently between each stage of the festival.

Warm-Up

Each ensemble will be assigned a warm-up space prior to performance. This time allows students to:

• Warm up vocally and physically.
• Review key musical and choreographic moments.
• Focus as an ensemble.
• Make final preparations before taking the stage.

Warm-up schedules are carefully coordinated to keep the festival running on time for every participating school.

Performance

When your performance time arrives, your ensemble will move to the performance venue and present its prepared show for a panel of experienced adjudicators.

During the performance, adjudicators evaluate the complete presentation using the ICDA Show Choir Liaison Committee evaluation ballot. Areas of evaluation include:

• Vocal performance and musicianship.
• Movement and choreography.
• Visual communication and staging.
• Professionalism and overall performance quality.
• Quality and balance of the instrumental accompaniment.

Adjudicators are looking for performances that successfully combine musical excellence with engaging visual communication and artistic expression.

Educational Clinic

Immediately following your performance, your ensemble will participate in a clinic led by one or more adjudicators.

This session is an essential part of the festival experience and provides an opportunity to:

• Celebrate what your ensemble performed well.
• Receive practical suggestions for continued improvement.
• Explore musical and visual concepts in greater depth.
• Ask questions and gain insight directly from experienced educators.

The clinic is intended to be interactive, educational, and immediately beneficial for both students and directors.

Completion of the Festival Experience

After the clinic, your ensemble will gather equipment, prepare for departure, and follow the directions provided by festival staff.

Many ensembles choose to remain and observe other performances when scheduling permits. Watching fellow Iowa show choirs perform is an excellent opportunity to learn, gain new ideas, and appreciate the variety of approaches to the show choir art form.

A Day Focused on Growth

The flow of the State Show Choir Festival reflects the educational mission of the Iowa High School Music Association:

Arrival → Warm-Up → Performance → Immediate Clinic → Reflection

Each step builds upon the next, ensuring that every ensemble not only has the opportunity to perform at a high level but also receives timely, constructive feedback that can be applied throughout the remainder of the performance season. The goal is not simply to evaluate a performance, but to help every student and ensemble leave the festival stronger than when they arrived.

The adjudicators at the IHSMA State Show Choir Festival are experienced show choir educators who are there to recognize your achievements and provide constructive feedback that helps your ensemble continue to grow. They are evaluating far more than individual moments—they are listening and watching for how successfully your ensemble combines excellent singing, effective movement, and artistic communication into a complete performance.

The State Show Choir Festival uses the new evaluation ballot developed by the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) Show Choir Liaison Committee, providing a balanced assessment of the musical and visual elements that define outstanding show choir performance.

Vocal Excellence

Because show choir is first and foremost a vocal ensemble, adjudicators place significant emphasis on the quality of your singing. They are listening for:

• Beautiful, supported tone quality.
• Accurate intonation throughout the performance.
• Strong breath support and consistent vocal projection.
• Balanced sections and a unified ensemble sound.
• Clear, stylistically appropriate diction.
• Rhythmic precision and musical accuracy.
• Effective use of dynamics and musical expression.
• Thoughtful phrasing and musicianship.
• Vocal stamina from beginning to end.
• Vocal style that matches the character of each selection.

Strong show choirs maintain excellent vocal technique while performing demanding choreography.

Visual Performance

Movement should enhance the music—not distract from it. Adjudicators are watching for:

• Precision and synchronization of choreography.
• Energy, commitment, and confidence in movement.
• Movement style that complements the musical style.
• Authentic facial expression and communication.
• Effective staging and awareness of performance space.
• Smooth pacing throughout the show.
• Clean, seamless transitions between musical selections.
• Visual elements that strengthen the storytelling and artistic message.
• Appropriate and effective use of costuming.
• Professionalism, poise, and stage presence throughout the performance.

The goal is a visual presentation that supports and elevates the musical performance.

Musical Collaboration

The instrumental accompaniment is an important part of every show choir performance. Adjudicators also evaluate:

• The quality and musicality of the accompaniment.
• Appropriate balance between the instrumental ensemble and the singers.

Excellent accompaniment enhances the vocal ensemble without overpowering it.

Communication and Performance

Beyond individual skills, adjudicators are looking for performers who connect with both the music and the audience.

They notice:

• Confidence and commitment.
• Emotional authenticity.
• Ensemble unity.
• Attention to detail.
• Artistic communication.
• Consistency from the opening note to the final pose.

The most memorable performances combine technical excellence with genuine musical expression.

Focus on Growth

Remember that adjudicators are educators. Their goal is not to find mistakes, but to identify what your ensemble does well and provide practical suggestions that help you continue developing as singers, dancers, musicians, and performers.

Every comment, score, and clinic is intended to reinforce the educational mission of the festival. Whether celebrating your strengths or identifying opportunities for improvement, adjudicators want every ensemble to leave with a clearer understanding of what contributes to an outstanding show choir performance and with ideas that can be applied throughout the remainder of the season.

The IHSMA State Show Choir Festival is an opportunity to demonstrate not only your musical and performance abilities, but also your professionalism, character, and respect for others. Every student represents their school, director, community, and the tradition of music education in Iowa.

Professional behavior contributes to a positive experience for every participating ensemble and helps the festival run smoothly and efficiently.

Represent Your School with Pride

Throughout the day, students are expected to:

• Follow the direction of your director, festival staff, site managers, and volunteers.
• Arrive on time and be prepared for each stage of the festival.
• Remain with your ensemble unless instructed otherwise.
• Treat every performance venue, warm-up room, and clinic space with care and respect.
• Help maintain an organized, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants.

Be a Professional Performer

Professionalism begins long before you step on stage.

Students should:

• Be prepared with all required performance attire and equipment.
• Maintain a positive attitude throughout the day.
• Support fellow ensemble members.
• Stay focused during warm-up, performance, and clinic sessions.
• Demonstrate confidence, poise, and respect both on and off the stage.

The habits you develop as a performer today are the same habits expected in collegiate and professional performing ensembles.

Respect Every Performance

Every ensemble has invested countless hours preparing for the festival.

Whether performing or observing:

• Listen attentively and respectfully.
• Avoid unnecessary distractions or conversations during performances.
• Silence electronic devices.
• Applaud and encourage every ensemble.
• Celebrate the accomplishments of musicians from schools across Iowa.

Supporting fellow performers reflects the shared commitment to excellence that defines the Iowa music community.

Make the Most of Your Clinic

The post-performance clinic is one of the most valuable parts of the festival.

Students are expected to:

• Listen carefully to the adjudicators’ feedback.
• Remain engaged and attentive throughout the clinic.
• Be open to suggestions for improvement.
• Ask thoughtful questions when appropriate.
• Approach feedback with a growth mindset.

The clinic is an opportunity to learn directly from experienced show choir educators who want to help your ensemble continue to improve.

Demonstrate Integrity

Outstanding performers demonstrate integrity in every aspect of the festival.

This includes:

• Treating others with kindness and respect.
• Displaying good sportsmanship.
• Accepting both praise and constructive feedback professionally.
• Supporting your classmates and directors.
• Leaving every space cleaner than you found it.

Professionalism is measured by how you conduct yourself throughout the entire day—not just during your performance.

Remember Why You’re Here

The State Show Choir Festival is more than an evaluation. It is a celebration of music education, creativity, teamwork, and artistic achievement. Your preparation, attitude, and professionalism contribute to the experience of every student, director, adjudicator, and audience member.

When you perform with integrity, encourage others, and approach the day with enthusiasm and respect, you demonstrate the very qualities that define an outstanding show choir member. Those qualities will serve you well far beyond the festival stage.

The IHSMA State Show Choir Festival is about much more than a single performance. It is an opportunity to showcase your hard work, receive expert feedback, and continue growing as a singer, dancer, musician, and performer. Every rehearsal leading up to the festival has prepared you for this experience, and every performance becomes another step in your artistic development.

Unlike events focused solely on rankings or placements, the State Show Choir Festival emphasizes education, growth, and continuous improvement. The combination of performance, evaluation, and an immediate post-performance clinic provides a unique learning experience that helps every ensemble move forward with new ideas and greater confidence.

Celebrate Your Achievement

Preparing a show choir production requires months of dedication, teamwork, and commitment.

By participating in the State Show Choir Festival, you demonstrate:

• Musical excellence.
• Artistic creativity.
• Commitment to your ensemble.
• Discipline and perseverance.
• Pride in representing your school and community.

Performing on the festival stage is an accomplishment that reflects the work of every student, director, choreographer, accompanist, and support staff involved in your program.

Grow as a Performer

Every performance is an opportunity to learn.

The festival allows you to:

• Apply the skills developed throughout rehearsals.
• Perform for experienced show choir educators.
• Receive constructive feedback you can use immediately.
• Strengthen both your musical and visual performance skills.
• Gain confidence performing in a professional setting.

The educational clinic following your performance often becomes one of the most valuable learning moments of the entire season.

Learn Through Evaluation

The State Show Choir Festival uses an evaluation system developed specifically to recognize the many elements that contribute to successful show choir performance. Rather than simply assigning a rating, the evaluation process helps you understand how vocal performance, movement, musicianship, staging, communication, and professionalism work together to create an outstanding performance.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is continuous improvement.

Become Part of Iowa’s Show Choir Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of the festival is performing alongside outstanding ensembles from across the state.

The festival provides opportunities to:

• Learn from other performers.
• Experience different styles of programming and performance.
• Celebrate the accomplishments of fellow students.
• Build friendships and connections through a shared passion for music and performance.

Together, participating schools represent the strength and excellence of Iowa’s show choir tradition.

Skills That Extend Beyond the Stage

The lessons learned through show choir reach far beyond music.

Students develop:

• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Leadership and responsibility.
• Time management and self-discipline.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Confidence and resilience.
• Professionalism and effective communication.

These skills benefit students in college, careers, and everyday life.

A Celebration of Excellence

The IHSMA State Show Choir Festival celebrates the dedication, creativity, and artistry of Iowa’s student performers and music educators. Every ensemble brings a unique story, distinctive style, and shared commitment to excellence.

Whether this is your first State Show Choir Festival or your final performance as a senior, your participation is part of something much larger—a statewide tradition that values artistic achievement, educational growth, and the transformative power of music. Perform with confidence, support one another, embrace the feedback you receive, and take pride in knowing that you are contributing to the continued excellence of show choir in Iowa.