Welcome to the  Winter Conference Session Proposal Form  for the NYSSMA 2024 Winter Conference to be held in Rochester, December 5 - December 8, 2024.  This form is for anyone wishing to present at the conference.  The deadline for submissions to be considered is April 26, 2024.

If you are applying on behalf of an Affiliate Organization (e.g. NYSBDA, NY-ASTA, etc.)please be sure you are either the president or president's designee for the session to be considered.
 

If you are presenting about a specific product or are an Institutional Member,  you should be applying for a SHOWCASE,  using this form. For more information on Institutional Membership please contact the NYSSMA office at 516-997-7200 ext.12.
 

We ask that all clinicians consider NYSSMA’s commitment to the  BEDR statement when selecting presentation titles and abstracts. As you consider the format of your presentation (content, break out groups, etc) we ask clinicians to consider these principles. For more information on the NYSSMA BEDR initiatives please click here.

All session proposals will be considered. If your session is accepted, all information submitted will be the information used in the printed conference program and app. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Perconti, President-Elect at presidentelect@nyssma.org

Procedure and information
Application Deadline is May 15.
 Conductors of traditional and emerging ensembles from all levels (elementary through college and community) who wish their groups to be considered to perform for one of the NYSSMA® Winter Conference Concert Hours to be held in Rochester, December 5 - December 8, 2024 must fill out this form completely.
 To facilitate the completion of this application, please have the following available for upload:
 A. Projected number of students/persons who will perform
 B. The group director's name, NYSSMA (NAfME) membership number, home address, school address, home and school phone numbers, home and school email addresses.
 C. Dates and Locations of group's previous performances at NYSSMA or other Association Conferences (if applicable).
 D. Copies of two years NYSSMA Major Organization Evaluation Festival Ratings (if applicable) (to be uploaded).
 E. Letter of Approval from the Chief School Administrator or Organization Official (to be uploaded)
 F. Copies of concert programs (to be uploaded)
 G. Recordings of three (3) compositions by the group in performance.  This is to be done as three (3) separate files (to be uploaded).  Name each file as title. format (e.g. starsandstripes.mp3)
 Conductors will be notified of the outcome of their application during the second week of June 2024.
Conductors of accepted performing organizations should be aware of the following:
 A. Participating organizations and schools must assume ALL financial responsibilities of their performance at the conference.
 B. Each accepted organization will be responsible for making its own lodging and food arrangements.
 C. Participating schools will accept the performance and rehearsal times and lengths as scheduled by the committee and will furnish all musical equipment.
 D. If it is necessary to stay overnight, all school organizations will adhere to rules established by NYSSMA® and will provide an ample number of adult chaperones.
 E. The purpose of the Concert Hour performances is to offer the opportunity for outstanding ensembles from various levels (elementary, secondary, college, community, etc.) to perform for the attendees at the winter conference. We, therefore, request that participating groups not include professional artists performing with their ensemble.
 F. Directors of non-traditional ensembles, and those representing diverse populations from across New York State, are encouraged to apply.
G. Directors of performing ensembles selected to participate will receive further information regarding health and safety protocols.
Conductors of accepted performing organizations must notify President Elect Kathy Perconti by June 21, 2024, if they are accepting the offer to perform.

Thank you for your support as an Institutional Member of NYSSMA.  Showcases are offered to registered conference exhibitors with institutional membership based on the level of membership and the number of exhibit booths that have been contracted.  If this application is received on or before May 15, every effort will be made not to schedule close to a competing session.  Later applications will be scheduled based upon remaining space and time, without regard to showcase content.  For additional Information regarding Institutional Memberships please see the NYSSMA Website page: https://www.nyssma.org/exhibitors/ or contact Debby Super in the NYSSMA Office at dsuper@nyssma.org

Welcome to the NYSSMA Young Composers Honors Concert Application!  Students who submit a composition will receive a written evaluation of their piece, as well as consideration for inclusion in the 26th Annual Young Composers Honors Concert at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester.  Selected students will also participate in coaching workshops and a post-concert reflection with their fellow student composers, members of the NYSSMA Composition & Songwriting Committee, and the NYSSMA Composer-In-Residence.
AGE CATEGORIES

• Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
• Works by 12th graders will receive evaluations but will not be considered for concert performance.
• Although composition quality is the primary criterion, NYSSMA will attempt to represent all three age categories and will seek to program a concert of varied style, genre and instrumentation.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Each K-12 student making application must be enrolled in a NYSSMA Participating School District in order to be eligible to submit compositions.
• Compositions must not exceed five (5) minutes in duration.
• Composition submissions shall include a score and an audio recording of the work.
• Compositions may be for a solo instrument or voice or for an ensemble of instruments and/or voices.
• If the composition is composed using electronic media and is intended to be performed in a recorded format, please submit to the Electronic Music Showcase.
• Art songs utilizing poetry written by the student or another poet should be submitted to this Young Composers Honors Concert.  Songs in any style with original lyrics should be submitted to the Songwriters Showcase.
• Each applicant may submit a maximum of two compositions, but each submission requires a separate application and payment of the $30 submission fee.
• If a composition is selected for performance at the Winter Conference, NYSSMA will assist in recruitment of performers, but NYSSMA cannot guarantee that a performance will take place.
• Students whose compositions are selected will be expected to attend the Winter Conference.
• Travel, housing and other expenses for students who attend the Winter Conference are the responsibility of the students' family and/or sponsoring school.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
The committee evaluates the submitted compositions based on three broad criteria:
Compositional Technique includes the following elements, where applicable:

• Organization of pitch elements such as melody, harmony and counterpoint
• Organization of rhythmic elements
• Formal design
• Accuracy and clarity of notation
• Appropriate writing for instruments and/or voices

Overall Musical Appeal includes the following aspects:

• Stylistic coherence, regardless of the particular style
• Effective handling of unity/variety and tension/release
• Effective use of dynamics, articulations and expressive marks
• Interaction of all of the musical elements (atmosphere, mood, direction, flow of the work)

Creativity refers to aspects of the piece that reveal the composer's individual "voice" and distinguish the piece from a musical exercise or a direct imitation of another piece.
If some of these terms are not familiar to you, please discuss them with your teacher or contact the committee chairperson at comp@nyssma.org.
The criteria listed above are not intended as a "checklist" for each student to go through as they compose a piece.  Each work is unique.  The committee attempts to assess each composition on its own merit.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Complete the Submittable Application Form and upload materials no later than June 9, 2024.
2. Upload the score as a PDF file
3. Upload an mp3 audio file recording of the composition.
4. Submit the $30 payment as per Submittable.

For further information, please contact Dr. Rob Deemer, NYSSMA Composition Committee Chair at comp@nyssma.org.

Welcome to the NYSSMA Student Songwriters Showcase Application!  Students who submit a song will receive a written evaluation of their piece, as well as consideration for inclusion in the 3rd Annual Student Songwriters Showcase at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester.  Selected students will also participate in coaching workshops and a post-concert reflection with their fellow student songwriters and members of the NYSSMA Composition & Songwriters Committee.

AGE CATEGORIES

• Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
• Works by 12th graders will receive evaluations but will not be considered for concert performance.
• Although song quality is the primary criterion, NYSSMA will attempt to represent all three age categories and will seek to program a concert of varied style, genre and instrumentation.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Each K-12 student applicant must be enrolled in a NYSSMA Participating School District in order to be eligible to submit songs.
• Songs must not exceed five (5) minutes in duration.
• Song submissions shall include an audio recording and a lyric sheet.
• Songs may be for a solo voice or for an ensemble of voices with or without instrumental accompaniment.
• Song lead sheets are not required but will be accepted.
• Songs may be in any style.
• Song music and lyrics must both be written by students.
• Songs that are intended to be performed in a recorded format are equally eligible as those intended to be performed in person.
• Each applicant may submit a maximum of two songs, but each submission requires a separate application and payment of the $30 submission fee.
• Songs will be adjudicated based on three criteria: Technique, Musical Appeal and Creativity.
• If a song is selected for performance at the Winter Conference, NYSSMA will assist in recruitment of performers, but NYSSMA cannot guarantee that a performance will take place.
• Students whose songs are selected will be expected to attend the Winter Conference.
• Travel, housing and other expenses for students who attend the Winter Conference are the responsibility of the students' family and/or sponsoring school.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
The committee evaluates the submitted compositions based on three broad criteria:
Compositional Technique includes the following elements, where applicable:

• Organization of pitch elements such as melody and harmony
• Organization of rhythmic elements
• Organization of lyric elements
• Formal design/narrative/story
• Clarity of material
• Appropriate writing for voice and instruments

Overall Musical Appeal includes the following aspects:

• Stylistic coherence, regardless of the particular style
• Effective handling of unity/variety and tension/release
• Effective use of dynamics, articulations and expressive marks
• Interaction of all of the musical elements (atmosphere, mood, direction, flow of the work)

Creativity refers to aspects of the piece that reveal the songwriter's individual "voice" and distinguish the piece from a musical exercise or a direct imitation of another piece.
If some of these terms are not familiar to you, please discuss them with your teacher or contact the committee chairperson at comp@nyssma.org.
The criteria listed above are not intended as a "checklist" for each student to go through as they write a song.  Each work is unique.  The committee attempts to assess each composition on its own merit.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Complete the Submittable Application Form and uploads no later than June 9, 2024.
2. Upload an mp3 audio file recording of the song.
3. Upload as a PDF file the lyric sheet and a song lead sheet if so desired.
4. Submit the $30 payment as per Submittable.

For further information, please contact Dr. Rob Deemer, NYSSMA Composition Committee Chair at comp@nyssma.org.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Welcome to the Application for the NYSSMA Piano Showcase.  Students are eligible to apply for this honor based on the following criteria:

 

1. Having performed a level 6 solo from the current NYSSMA Manual during the 2024 Festival Season.
2. Having earned a score of 100.
3. Attending a NYSSMA member school and being a member in good standing of a performing group in the school at the time of the NYSSMA evaluation and at the time of the performance at the NYSSMA Winter Conference.  Performing group membership is defined as attending a minimum of 50% of the rehearsals and performances of that group, where such groups exist.  Students may come from any school grade 4 through 11 at the time of the submission of this application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The school music teacher who is the director of the above-mentioned performing group or school arts administrator will be required to submit the following (please note that this application may not be completed by private lesson teachers):

 

• An unedited video recording of the student performing the solo from memory.
• A copy of the NYSSMA Festival evaluation form.
• A letter of endorsement from your school music teacher or district music administrator.  
• Applications must be completely submitted no later than JUNE 19, 2024.
• Students who are chosen to perform at the NYSSMA Winter Conference will be notified by September 8, 2024.  They will be provided with information as to the date, time and place of rehearsal and performance, as well as suggested hotels in the Rochester area should lodging be required.  Only selected students will receive notification.
• The student's family is responsible for all costs involved in attending the Conference and for supervision of the student while in attendance.

Welcome to the NYSSMA Electronic Music Showcase Application!  Students who submit a composition will receive a written evaluation of their piece, as well as consideration for inclusion in the 29th Annual Electronic Music Showcase at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester. Selected students will also participate in coaching workshops and a post-concert reflection with their fellow student composers, members of the the NYSSMA Composition & Songwriting Committee, and the NYSSMA Composer-In-Residence.
AGE CATEGORIES

• Grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
• Works by 12th graders will receive evaluations but will not be considered for concert performance.
• Although composition quality is the primary criterion, NYSSMA will attempt to represent all three age categories and will seek to program a concert of varied style, genre and instrumentation.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Each K-12 student application must be enrolled in a NYSSMA Participating School District in order to be eligible to submit compositions.
• Compositions must not exceed five (5) minutes in duration.
• Composition submissions shall include an audio recording of the work.
• Compositions should either be composed electronically or include electronic instruments (vocal and/or acoustic instruments may be combined with electronic instruments) and should be intended to be performed in a recorded format.  Songs with original lyrics should be submitted to the Songwriters Showcase.
• Each applicant may submit a maximum of two compositions, but each submission requires a separate application and payment of the $30 submission fee.
• Students whose compositions are selected will be expected to attend the Winter Conference.
• Travel, housing and other expenses for students who attend the Winter Conference are the responsibility of the students' family and/or sponsoring school.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
The committee evaluates the submitted compositions based on three broad criteria:
Compositional Technique includes the following elements, where applicable:

• Organization of pitch elements such as melody and harmony
• Organization of rhythmic elements
• Organization of non-pitch sonic elements
• Formal design/narrative/story
• Clarity of material
• Appropriate treatment of electronic media

Overall Musical Appeal includes the following aspects:

• Stylistic coherence, regardless of the particular style
• Effective handling of unity/variety and tension/release
• Interaction of all of the musical elements (atmosphere, mood, direction, flow of the work)

Creativity refers to aspects of the piece that reveal the composer's individual "voice" and distinguish the piece from a musical exercise or a direct imitation of another piece.
If some of these terms are not familiar to you, please discuss them with your teacher or contact the committee chairperson at comp@nyssma.org.
The criteria listed above are not intended as a "checklist" for each student to go through as they compose a piece.  Each work is unique.  The committee attempts to assess each composition on its own merit.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Complete the Submittable Application Form and uploads no later than June 9, 2024.
2. Upload an mp3 audio file recording of the composition.
3. Submit the $30 payment as per Submittable.

For further information, please contact Dr. Rob Deemer, NYSSMA Composition Committee Chair at comp@nyssma.org.

Purpose:  To give recognition for exceptional support and outstanding accomplishments in the service to NYSSMA toward the advancement of music education in the schools of New York, public or private.
Nominee Eligibility

• Must be a full-time or retired NYSSMA member who is, or has been, employed in the field of music education in New York State for a minimum of 20 years.
• Has demonstrated effectiveness in teaching young people through music and who has the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school and community in a balanced program.
• Has demonstrated a concern for music education by active involvement in NYSSMA, as well as other local, district, state, regional or national professional organizations.
• Has demonstrated interest in, and application of, educational innovation and has recognized the necessity for continued professional growth.

Method of Nomination
Any NYSSMA member may nominate a person(s) deemed worthy of this special recognition.

• Complete the form below.
• Upload your letter of recommendation
• Upload two additional letters of recommendation, one preferably from an administrator and the other from a music teacher.

Number of Awards to Be Presented Annually
No more than two (2) Distinguished Service Awards will be given in one year.
Method of Selection

• The NYSSMA Awards and Recognition Committee will review each nomination.
• If not selected, individuals submitting nominations may petition the committee to reconsider the application the following year.
• The committee reserves the right to not recommend any award recipient when appropriate.

Presentation
The Awards and Recognition Committee will recommend the recipient to the NYSSMA President who will notify the recipient.  The award may be presented during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference.

Purpose:  To give recognition through service to Music Education for exceptional support and outstanding accomplishments by one or more music educators in the advancement of music education in the schools of New York, public or private through the collegiate level  in the first  five to nine years of their career.

Nominee Eligibility

• Must be an active NYSSMA member who has employed full time in the field of music education for five to nine years.
• Must be employed in New York State at the time of application.
• Has demonstrated effectiveness in teaching young people through music and who has the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school and community in a balanced program.
• Has demonstrated interest in music education by active involvement in NYSSMA as well as other local and district activities.

 Method of Nomination
 Any member of NYSSMA may nominate a person(s) deemed worthy of this special recognition. 

• Complete the form below.
• Upload your letter of recommendation
• Upload two additional letters of recommendation, one preferably from an administrator and the other from a music teacher.

 Number of Awards to Be Presented Annually
 No more than two (2) Early Career Achievement Awards will be given in one year.

Method of Selection 

• The NYSSMA Awards and Recognition Committee will review each nomination.
• If not selected, individuals submitting nominations may petition the committee to reconsider the application the following year.
• The committee reserves the right to not recommend any award recipient when appropriate.

 Presentation
 The Awards and Recognition Committee will recommend the recipient to the NYSSMA President who will notify the recipient.  The award may be presented at a local function.

Purpose:  To give recognition through service to music education for outstanding accomplishments by one or more of our members in the advancement of music education in the schools of New York, public or private, through the collegiate level with ten or more years of their career.

Nominee Eligibility

• Must be an active or retired NYSSMA member who is or has been employed in the field of music education for a minimum of ten years.
• Has demonstrated effectiveness in teaching young people through music and who has the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school and community in a balanced program.
• Has demonstrated an interest in music education by active involvement in NYSSMA as well as other local and district activities.

 Method of Nomination
  Any member of NYSSMA may nominate a person(s) deemed worthy of this special recognition.  

• Complete the form below.
• Upload your letter of recommendation
• Upload two additional letters of recommendation, one preferably from an administrator and the other from a music teacher.

 Number of Awards to Be Presented Annually
  No more than two (2) Established Educator Awards will be given in one year.

Method of Selection 

• The NYSSMA Awards and Recognition Committee will review each nomination.
• If not selected, individuals submitting nominations may petition the committee to reconsider the application the following year.
• The committee reserves the right to not recommend any award recipient when appropriate.

 Presentation
  The Awards and Recognition Committee will recommend the recipient to the NYSSMA President who will notify the recipient.  The award may be presented at a local function.

Purpose:  To give recognition for innovative programming in the advancement of music education in the schools of New York, public or private, thru the collegiate level within or outside the school day.

Nominee Eligibility 

• Must be a NYSSMA member who is or has been employed in the field of music education in New York State.
• Has demonstrated effectiveness in teaching young people through music and who has the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school and community.
• Has demonstrated interest in, and application of,  educational innovation and has recognized the necessity for continued professional growth.

 Method of Nomination
   Any member of NYSSMA may nominate a person(s) deemed worthy of this special recognition.   

• Complete the form below.
• Upload your letter of recommendation
• Upload two additional letters of recommendation, one preferably from an administrator and the other from a music teacher.

 Number of Awards to Be Presented Annually
   No more than two (2) Music Education Innovation Awards will be given in one year.

Method of Selection 

• The NYSSMA Awards and Recognition Committee will review each nomination.
• If not selected, individuals submitting nominations may petition the committee to reconsider the application the following year.
• The committee reserves the right to not recommend any award recipient when appropriate.

 Presentation
   The Awards and Recognition Committee will recommend the recipient to the NYSSMA President who will notify the recipient.  The award may be presented at a local function.

Purpose:  To recognize an individual, organization, or corporation who has contributed in an extraordinary manner to the support of music education in New York State
Nominee Eligibility

• An individual, a business or corporation that is not a New York State music educator.
• One who has demonstrated a concern for music education by exceptional service to NYSSMA as well as other local, district, state, regional or national professional organizations.

 Method of Nomination
Any member of NYSSMA may nominate a person(s) deemed worthy of this special recognition.

• Complete the form below.
• Upload your letter of recommendation
• Upload two additional letters of recommendation, one preferably from an administrator and the other from a music teacher.

 Number of Awards to Be Presented Annually
No more than two (2) Distinguished Service Awards will be given in one year.

Method of Selection

• The NYSSMA Awards and Recognition Committee will review each nomination.
• If not selected, individuals submitting nominations may petition the committee to reconsider the application the following year.
• The committee reserves the right to not recommend any award recipient when appropriate.

 Presentation
The Awards and Recognition Committee will recommend the recipient to the NYSSMA President who will notify the recipient.  The award may be presented during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference.

 Qualifications
 

• The NYSSMA Outstanding Urban School Award is presented to urban schools that act as models for music education school programs in New York State. 
• The school should provide a well-rounded music program.  
• Schools/districts must be NYSSMA members.

Application Instructions
 

• The completed application should provide a profile of your school's music program and include commentary on factors especially important to your school.
• The quality of the submitted written material will have considerable influence on how the Awards & Recognition Committee evaluates the application.
• Complete descriptions of your school policies, programs and practices are essential elements of a successful application.
• Failure to directly and adequately address each and every question may result in an unfavorable review, even though the school's music program may be quite excellent.
• All questions in the application must be answered.  Please do not respond with "See Supporting Materials."

 Presentation
 The Awards and Recognition Committee will recommend the recipient to the NYSSMA President who will notify the recipient.  No more than two (2) Outstanding Urban School Awards will be given each year. The award may be presented at a local function.