OFFICIAL RULES
1. The Indiana Gospel Singing Competition will take place at East Columbus Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana, 3170 Indiana Ave, Columbus, IN 47201 on Saturday afternoon, June 8, 2024, beginning at 1:00PM. Check-in will be that day from 9:00AM to 12:00 Noon.
2. Official Entry Forms and fees must be received or postmarked by May 15, 2024. Official Entry Forms may be submitted online, but a check for the entry fee should be mailed to:
Richard Treptow, Competition Chair,
10857 Cedar Ridge Ln.
Indianapolis, IN 46278.
The Competition is limited to 20 entries.
3. Unless contestants are members of the IGMA, at least 50% of the on-stage performers must reside in Indiana, which includes college or university residences. Less than 50% of the singers may be full-time professional musicians or singers, and the group's lead singer may not be a full-time professional. Immediate family members of the judges are not permitted to be a contestant.
4. The Competition is open to both solo artists and groups of 2 to 5 singers. All contestants must be age 18 or older on June 8, 2024. Music must be of a Gospel or Christian genre (no secular music). Songs must be presented in good taste both visually and vocally.
5. This is a juried competition. By May 15 you must submit a demo either in MP3 format or provide a link to a video on YouTube, Facebook, or other format, and email to [email protected]. Up to 20 contestants will be selected by a committee of the IGMA and notifications will be emailed no later than May 25.
6. An entry fee of $75 for solo artists and $100 for groups must be received by May 15, 2024. Make checks payable to “Indiana Gospel Music Association.” If your entry is NOT selected, we will promptly mail a full refund of your entry fee. If your entry IS selected the entry fee is non-refundable or transferable. Each contestant also will receive a non-transferable ticket to the Fanfest Saturday night Showcase.
7. If 20 contestants are accepted, the competition performance will be limited to one song not exceeding 5 minutes in length and not less than 2 minutes, 40 seconds. If fewer than 20 contestants are accepted, depending on the number of contestants, you may be required to sing two songs not exceeding 9 minutes in combined length. We will advise contestants by May 25 how many songs will be required. Time limits will include all speaking time, which will be adjudicated as part of Stage Presence. Exceeding time limits will reduce your score.
8. The use of instrumental accompaniment tracks is acceptable, but there must be no other vocals on the tracks, i.e., no stacked vocals or background vocals. The use of stacked or background vocals on the tracks will result in a zero score. If you use live accompaniment, it is limited to three instruments, including piano. There will be a piano available on stage for your use. There also will be a DI Box and 1/8” jack for your accompaniment track or one instrument (guitar or electronic keyboard). Accompaniment tracks must be on computer or tablet that can be plugged into our sound system. Do not use a CD player, phone, or iPod as the source for tracks.
9. Adjudication of judges will be based on vocal artistry, visual artistry, and stage presence. You must stay on the elevated performance area throughout your performance. The judges will use a point-based scoring system and decisions of the judging panel are final. Scores will not be revealed to the contestants, but the judges will take notes, which may be shared with competitors subsequent to the Competition weekend by emailing the contest chair.
10. The Competition committee will have sole authority in scheduling the order of performances, and controlling the stage set, sound system, lighting, and overall volume level.
- If you have questions regarding these Rules, feel free to contact the Competition Chair.
