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District MPA 2008-09

District MPA

MPA stands for Music Performance Assessments. These are sanctioned outlets for quality feedback on a variety of musical formats. Each FVA district manages two MPA events per year: Solo and Ensemble MPA and Choral MPA (some larger districts may split these up further for scheduling reasons).

Directors are responsible for knowing and interpreting FVA regulations to their students. Directors are encouraged to study section IV (Annual District MPAs) of the FVA handbook very carefully.

For dates and locations in your area, see your district web site or contact your district chairman.

Applications

Adjudicator Information

Example Adjudication Sheets

These forms are here for educational purposes only. The judges will be provided these with your information already entered.

Most adjudication sheets have been revised for use by all districts. Barbershop groups will now be adjudicated using the Special Category Ensemble sheet. Note: Piano-Harp has not been updated.

Forms to bring

Directors must report to the on-site FVA office at least 30 minutes before their first entry is due in warm-up (choirs) or to perform (solo & ensemble). At that time, directors must turn in the required paperwork. For district solo & ensemble MPA, you only need a typed alphabetical roster of students. At district choral MPA (concert), you will need all of the following files.

Medals & Plaques

There are two different medals available (HS & MS) at the district level for superior performances only. Plaques, however, are only available to MS/JH choirs with superior performances. To avoid a $20 shipping charge, all orders must be received by May 1. Please read the following file before ordering:

Music List

Please read this section carefully, as FVA rules have changed.

For the 2008-09 school year, choirs performing at District MPA are required to perform 2 pieces. One number must be selected from the FVA Music List or Texas UIL Prescribed Music List. Additional numbers may be chosen from any appropriate literature. Music from current All-State Concert Music List may not be used for either selection (any voicing). Performance time should not exceed 15 minutes.

Note: A major revision of the FVA Music List was published January 2009. Directors are encouraged to use it immediately!

Online Registration

In general, directors should fill out and mail the District MPA application(s) to their district chairman with payment before completing online registration. Your online registration will not be processed until the application form and payment have been received. For more information, go to the online registration page.

Sight-Reading

Each choir must perform one rhythmic exercise and one melodic exercise from the book of exercises provided. After consultation with the judge, the director will choose from the exercises appropriate to the group. The exercises are composed based on the MPA Sight-Reading Criteria. Directors are encouraged to use that document and the MPA melodic SR minimum requirements document to help you determine which examples your students may/will perform.

MPA sight-reading books are available for $2.00 each at spring directors meetings. At other times of the year, it may be possible to purchase sight-reading books through Elaine McNamara. Inventory is limited.

The procedures and rules for district sight-reading are laid out in Section IV:F of the FVA Handbook.

Vocal Solo Special Category

The vocal solo special category is a new entry type at FVA Solo & Ensemble statewide for 2008-09. Solo material must be chosen from the book list below, and a FAQ is provided. Questions on this topic should be directed to your district chair.