WSMA Festival News
2026–2027 WSMA Festival Rules and Information Revisions
Rules for every event are found in two separate places: Festi- val Rules which contains general festival rules that apply to all events, and the Event Headers, found in the WSMA Festival Music List under each event, which contain rules specific to that event. Please review the Festival Rule and Event Header changes listed below before choosing music for the 2026-2027 Festival Season.
WSMA Festivals Committee members meet bi-annually to review festival rules based on feedback from WSMA member teachers, and the desire to continue to improve how we are able to serve students. Discussion and suggested revisions are re- fined to a proposal that is recommended to the WSMA Board of Directors for approval.
The teachers that serve on this committee are a reflection of the entire state of Wisconsin, and their service provided is appreci- ated. It is encouraged that teachers share ideas with members of this committee or with WSMA staff to continue the continued growth of the festival experience. If you are interested in serv- ing a three-year term as a member of the Festival Committee, please contact WSMA or visit the WSMA Committees website to apply online.
Revisions to WSMA Festival Rules and Event Headers include:
For all participants
• Instrumental scores for concert festival adjudicators (Festival Rule IV. 5. B. 3. b.): To remain copyright compliant, concert festival adjudicators for both vocal and instrumental groups must be presented with original, publisher printed scores unless permission from the publisher to provide photocopies is provided. More information and options can be found here.
Updated Festival Rule:
3. The adjudicator(s) must be provided with a complete score of all music to be performed. The required selection must be the matching, correct edition.
a. All choral scores must be original or legal electronically printed music.
b. Instrumental scores for adjudicators must be original unless permission from publisher to use photocopies is provided. More information and options can be found here.
68 Comments for choral and instrumental scores:
• Label all scores with school name, class entered, and teacher’s name. The numbering of measures is highly recommended, but not required.
• Music saved to an electronic device (such as an iPad) is not permissible for the adjudicator.
• Teachers and students should follow federal copyright laws in providing music for all performers.
• Legally purchased e-print music should state that the music was purchased by (name) through (music publisher/website) or similar printed on the top of each page or on a separate cover page. If no statement or cover page is provided by the publisher, attach proof of purchase.
• Clarification of solo performance requirements (Festival Rule V.B.2): In response to inquiries, additional clarification has been added to the Festival Rules regarding solo performance requirements.
Updated Header:
A student may enter a maximum of ten (10) Solo & Ensemble events per District Festival, but can only enter once in the same solo event per school year.
• Festival Rule addition: Exemplary Performance Project procedures. There are no changes to the project or procedures, they are added as an additional reference point.
V. F. State Festival Exemplary Performance Recognition Project
1. This project is intended to expand recognition of truly outstanding student performances.
2. Eligibility Criteria
a. Any Class A State solo or ensemble performance. b. Performance must receive a “1” in all rubric categories.
c. Performance must go above and beyond what is expected as defined by the rubric.
3. Nomination and Award Process
a. The number of nominations and awards is prorated by WSMA for each performance site based on the number of events in the site.
i. Adjudicators are not required to use all of the nominations available.
September 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
