We ask your close attention to the following rules.  Everything in this section is considering binding for all groups and penalties have been attached for violation of the various rules.  Any questions concerning the interpretation of these rules must be clarified by contacting the contest direction prior to the day of the contest.

1. This competition is by classification based on the following:

               Class A - Choirs (700+)                    Class B - Choirs (699-)

If there is a class with less than four, a realignment of classes will take place.

2. All performers must be bona fide students of the participating high school as attested to by the principal on the certification form.

3. The director must be bona fide music educator of the participating school.

4. Choirs are free to present any type of performance they wish.  There is no minimum or maximum number of songs a group must perform.  Music need not be provided for the adjudicators.

5.  Directors (or an adult) may be on stage with their choir, may direct, may play piano, if they wish, but may not sing at any time during the performance.

6. Any type of live instrumental accompaniment may be used.  This is judged as an integral part of the group's performance.  Tapes may be used hut points in the accompaniment section will not be given.

7. One, and only one, member of the stage crew, performing group, or other person may be on the stage prior to the official announcement of the group by the contest emcee to assist with the contest stage crew in pre-setting CHS provided equipment the director may also be on stage at this time.  Instrumentalists may come on stage to tune, but then must leave the stage with their instruments.  Nothing belonging to the performing group may be placed on the stage prior to the emcee's announcement and the beginning of the timing.  No taping of the stage floor is permitted unless it is done during your allotted 20 minutes and removed within that time.  The center and quarter points of the stage will already be clearly indicated.

8.  Choirs are allotted 20 minutes total time on stage for set-up, performance, and takedown.  This time is clocked by the contest official and begins when any member of the organization, including stage crew, director, etc., enters the competition area of the stage after the group is given the OK to being.  After set-up and students are in their opening position the timer will stop the clock for the official announcement to be made.  Timing begins the moment any aspect of the performance begins (i.e.; off-stage singing), even though no one may have stepped onto the stage; timing begins at this point.  Official timings ends when the last member of the group, including stage crew and director, steps off the stage, or when all performing stops, if the performance should continue after everyone has left the stage.

9.  No special lightning, which necessitates turning off or changing the contest lighting or the use of electricity, will be permitted.

10.  The use of fire on stage, in any form (i.e.; candles, fireworks, etc.) is strictly forbidden for the safety of performers and audience.

11.  For the safety of the performers and the audience, any unsafe act and/or atmosphere are strictly forbidden.

12.  Special effects that obstruct the effective performance of following groups as determined by a contest official are forbidden.

13.  Any damage or destruction done to any facilities or equipment by any student will result in that student's performing group being disqualified from the contest and barred from further VIP Invitational for a period of three years.

14.  Failure to check in by the deadline will result in penalty points being assessed.  Prompt arrival will keep the contest running smoothly.  Check-in times will be assigned one hour before the approximate warm-up time.

15.  Prompt return of all forms and information is also necessary.  Failure to return items by given deadlines could result in your group being disqualified from the competition.

16.  Flash pictures and audio and videotape recordings are strictly prohibited.  Pictures without flash are permitted.  Failure by any organization member or organization fan to abide by this rule will result in that choir being disqualified.

17.  Ratings for the choir's arc determined as follows:

      Superior -  247-300        Excellent - - 194-246        

Good - - 193 and below