Definitions
Texas Tune & Song Tussle -- a friendly contest that includes a number of ensembles, each consisting of an instructor/coach and
students that are challenged with selecting, rehearsing and performing on
stage a set of tunes and/or songs up to a maximum of 6 minutes.
Purpose
One of the most enjoyable aspects of music is its performance. Regardless
of one’s level, playing or singing in front of others is exhilarating, and
when the audience is packed with encouraging supporters, it’s momentous. We
want our contests to be fun and reflect positively on our tradition of student performance.
Requirements
Students will voluntarily enroll in rehearsals of the TT&ST when they register. There is one 60-minute rehearsal
on Friday and Saturday of the retreat at 4:30-5:30 p.m. and additional rehearsals may be planned by the students. To be eligible to perform with the
ensemble at the Saturday evening contests, we prefer that the students attend all
rehearsals. The instructor/coach may waive this requirement.
Forming Ensembles
A few days before the retreat, students who have previously enrolled in
the rehearsals will be assigned to ensembles by a committee. The committee
will attempt to balance each ensemble as much as is possible with the
enrollment information given. Only the students assigned to the ensembles
will be permitted to perform with their respective ensembles, meaning -- no
recruiting ringers or stealing players from other ensembles. Ensembles may
involve the audience in their performance.
Rules
1. Rehearsals are not limited to the two 60-minute daily sessions. The students may meet or practice outside of these times to prepare their performances. The instructor/coaches, however, can only attend the two scheduled rehearsals.
2. Ensembles entering the TT&ST contest may select any tunes or songs provided they are Irish in origin. It is up to the ensemble to determine what materials it will perform. The instructor/coach may offer ideas and help as requested.
3. All of the students of an ensemble must perform within the 6 minute performance. The instructor/coach may participate as the ensemble chooses.
4. All of the singers and/or instruments will be group miked and a brief sound check will be permitted before the performance begins. This must happen quickly or points could be taken off by the judges.
5. The performance on stage will begin with the first note played or sung and must be no more than 6 minutes in length including any remarks. A timer will be set and the ensemble will be warned when the 6 minutes is about to be up. The performance must end soon thereafter.
6. The judges will deliberate following the contests and announce the awards between instructor concerts.
What the Judges Are Looking For
A number of awards will be awarded but will not be announced until the
contests are over. The top award will be for “Most Entertaining.” Here is a list that the judges
will consider in their deliberations: arrangements, song or music
selection, group spirit, collaborative effort,
presentation, creativity, and other things that make the
ensemble distinctive.
Performances must be “family friendly.”