Judging Panel and Judging
Our judging panel is comprised of three experienced and capable vocal musicians, each with deep backgrounds both in performing and adjudicating vocal solo artists and ensembles. Both Jim DeBusman and Marlene Brauchle are adjudicators for ISSMA (Indiana State Singing and Music Association). Rich Treptow has many years of experience both performing and judging in a variety of singing styles.
The judges will use a scoring scale for ranking purposes and also take written notes during performances. These notes may be shared with the contestants via email a week or so after the contest. Scores, however, will not be revealed. The judges will have the option of conferring with one another in determining their individual scores.
The judges will use a scoring scale for ranking purposes and also take written notes during performances. These notes may be shared with the contestants via email a week or so after the contest. Scores, however, will not be revealed. The judges will have the option of conferring with one another in determining their individual scores.
Jim DeBusmanJim DeBusman was a Music Educator for 45 years and currently judges for ISSMA. He was a high school Choral Director for 19 years and also taught at the University of Oregon for 5 years. He has a Bachelor's in Music Education from Portland State University & a Master's in Performance and Conducting from Pacific Lutheran University. At the University of Oregon, he directed the Vocal Jazz ensemble, and coached and sang with the U of O Gospel Choir. Jim also was a Regional Metropolitan Opera Finalist. While on the staff of the Barbershop Harmony Society, he coordinated the Society’s curriculum and instruction for vocal techniques and was a Singing judge for 33 years, coaching quartets and choruses throughout the world and is a
"Judge Emeritus." Jim has sung as a soloist and in vocal ensembles for 57 years. Jim and his wife, Barbara, live in Zionsville, Indiana. 
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Marlene BrauchleMarlene Brauchle grew up as a barbershop brat, tagging along with her Sweet Adeline's mom, learning vocal technique and choreography. As an adult, her performance skills were developed and honed in musical theater and in "more cultured" performing opportunities while in college, where she minored in Music and sang with Penn State’s Singing Lions. After college Marlene revisited the Sweet Adelines, which helped mold her into the complete musician, coach, judge, and mentor she is today. She has been a Certified Director and an SAI Judge, while her quartet has ranked in the top 20 in the nation. One of her most precious honors, however, was being named "Coach of the Year" by her peers. Marlene also thoroughly enjoys judging and coaching soloists and ensembles as an ISSMA judge. Marlene and her husband, Paul, live in New Palestine, Indiana.
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Rich TreptowRich Treptow has been a featured performer in several genres of vocal music: gospel quartets and trios, vocal jazz quartets, a Broadway showtunes ensemble, and several barbershop quartets (including two international champions). As a judge, he has adjudicated the City of Indianapolis Talent Contest, several ICCA Tournaments (Collegiate A Cappella), and eight International Contests of the Barbershop Harmony Society in the USA, Canada, and Great Britain. Rich was awarded "Judge Emeritus" status by the Barbershop Society, having served as the head Performance Judge of the 30,000-member organization. He also was the founder and conductor of the Lakes Area Chorale (sacred music) in Minnesota before moving to Indiana. Rich is the current President of the Indiana Gospel Music Festival organization. Rich and his wife, Linda Sue, live near Brownsburg, Indiana.
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