UPDATE: This competition is now CLOSED.
2021 Winners:
Fan-En Wu, winner of the pre-college category!
Mundia Litebele, winner of the enthusiast category!
Caitlin Beare, winner of the post-collegiate/professional category!
Watch the book launch replay including competition results HERE!
FOUR categories allow players of all abilities to compete and win!
PRIZES
There will be ONE winner in each category. Each winner will receive a free copy of Finger Fitness Études, Book 1 AND Book 2 (digital or print – your choice) AND will have a dedicated etude in Finger Fitness Études, Book 3. You will get to collaborate on your own etude!
CATEGORIES
1. Pre-college – any age 18 or younger (as of August 1, 2021)
2. Enthusiast – any age 19 or older (as of August 1, 2021) no more than 1 university or conservatory degree in music, for those who do not perform or teach professionally, etc.
3. Collegiate – any age currently enrolled in a college, university or conservatory studying music
4. Post-Collegiate/Professional – any age 19 or older (as of August 1, 2021) for those who perform or teach professionally, etc.
ELIGIBILITY
This contest is FREE to enter and is for all players of all ages and playing levels. Only one entry per person is allowed. Current editors/readers/student readers of Finger Fitness Études, Book 2, and those who already have dedicated études are exempt from this competition. Click HERE to see dedications for Finger Fitness Études, Book 2. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, feel free to contact me.
MUSICAL SELECTION
The musical selection for this competition is the first étude in Finger Fitness Études, Book 2 entitled “June Bug.” You can view and download the music HERE.
INSTRUMENTS
You can record using ANY clarinet in the clarinet family!
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make a video recording of the étude (you can use a phone for this – Dolby On app is free and produces great results – no need for fancy equipment).
2. Announce your name and category at the beginning of the video.
3. This must be a single take and unedited.
4. Record in landscape mode.
5. Make sure your face and hands can be seen clearly in the video.
6. Be mindful of your background and lighting for best results.
7. Publish the video to YouTube as an “unlisted” link.
8. Send the unlisted link to: clarinetplayground@gmail.com with “ENTRY: 2021 Finger Fitness Etudes Competition” as the subject line. You must include your name, date of birth, mailing address, competition category PLUS the link to your video in the email (there is no application for this competition – your email submission is your application).
**EDIT: You will receive a confirmation email after your entry is received. If more than 24 hours go by without receiving a confirmation email, feel free to reach out to me.
9. All submissions are due by midnight (CDT) on July 30, 2021.
10. Winners will be announced at the book release party for Finger Fitness Études, Book 2, on August 6, 2021 (details TBD).
11. Winning videos may be featured in a video compilation for public viewing (upon approval of winning candidates).
JUDGING
Judging will begin on July 31, 2021 and will conclude on August 5, 2021. Winners will be announced on August 6, 2021 at the book release party for Finger Fitness Études, Book 2! (Details TBA). All competitors will accept the final decision of the judges.
**EDIT: The top three in each category will be recognized. Ranking beyond the top three in each category can be shared with individual competitors upon request.
JUDGES
Ixi Chen – Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Music360, Digital Clarinet Academy
Brian Corbin – Performer, Educator, Entrepreneur, Owner of B. Corbin Clarinet Products
Paula Corley – Educational Advisor for Buffet Crampon North America, Vandoren and Buffet Crampon Artist, Author and Woodwinds Editor for Southern Music, Mayor of Clarinet City
Danny Darrough – retired band director of 26 years: BME, MM, National Board Certified, Band Director of the Year (twice), Teacher of the Year (three times)
Sarah Manasreh – La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, Big Black Blotch, International Clarinet Association (ICA) Social Committee
QUESTIONS
Feel free to contact me at clarinetplayground@gmail.com with any questions regarding this competition.
Good luck and have fun!
Kristen
Beautifully painted by Hélène Baum-Owoyele!