A Touch of Class Competition Rules

Choirs will compete during the daytime competition in three divisions based on school size, class 1A-2A, 3A and 4A.  Trophies will also be awarded to choirs in the prep division , with the majority of the members being 9th and 10th grade students.  Choirs in classes compete under sized regulation of the Iowa High School Music Association, which has sanctioned this event.  

The riser levels are 8",16",24" and 32". Our stage is a 40' X 40' raised (24 inches) stage. The band area is carpeted.  It will NOT be a  SET stage.  You may indicate the riser formation you wish to have on the director submission page or fax a set up to John Hayden at 319-228-8747.  It would help us if your parent group knows your set up and can assist, but it is not necessary.

A Touch of Class Competition Rules 

1. Choirs will compete during the daytime competition in three divisions based on school size, class 1A-2A, 3A and 4A.  Trophies will also be awarded to choirs in the prep division , with the majority of the members being 9th and 10th grade students.  Choirs in classes compete under sized regulation of the Iowa High School Music Association, which has sanctioned this event.  

2.  All performers, including instrumentalists, must be students of the participating school, although one adult may play the acoustic or electric piano as the main accompanying instrument.  

3. The riser levels are 8",16",24" and 32". Our stage is a 40' X 40' raised (24 inches) stage. The band area is carpeted.  It will NOT be a  SET stage.  You may indicate the riser formation you wish to have on the director submission page or fax a set up to John Hayden at 319-228-8747.  It would help us if your parent group knows your set up and can assist, but it is not necessary.

4. Choirs are free to present any type of performance they wish.  Directors may be on stage  with their choirs and may direct.  Any type of instrumental accompaniment is allowed, however, the IHSMA rules prohibit the use of taped accompaniments,  sequenced sounds or drum machines.

5. In our gymnasium all equipment, including that which is carried by individual performers (e.g. hats, canes, or other props) can be brought onto the stage by way of stage left OR right, and can be removed stage left or right.  Once you are in the gym, there IS room to travel behind the stage to stage left to set up, enter and exit. Eventually you will ALL exit the gym on the stage right side, but there is room behind the stage to cross. There is room on stage left for entry and exit within the show. Performers may begin and end the show from either or both sides as long as equipment flow is not congested.  The band will enter and exit on steps BEHIND the stage.

6. There is no time penalty, we simply ask groups to set up, tear down and perform as quickly as possible. Timing has nothing to do with music education, so there are no penalties, thus helping to alleviate stress for everyone.

7. No pyrotechnics,or fog machines (they set off our fire alarm!)and no strobe lights are allowed.   Glitter, confetti, dry ice  are permitted. 

Our stage crew will assist you in setting up any additional equipment.

Who is eligible for evening finals?

The top five scoring groups from the daytime competition are invited into the championship finals. In addition to the five groups, the HIGHEST scoring show choir from 1A,2A, or 3A  will also be invited to compete in the evening finals.  If the highest scoring 1A, 2A or 3A group is ALSO one of the top five scoring choirs from the day, then the sixth spot will be reserved to the NEXT highest scoring 1A,2A or 3A group.

Prep groups ARE eligible for finals.