Arizona Chapter of the
American Choral Directors Association

AzACDA / ChoDA Sightreading Component
(click here to download this information as a PDF file)

Personnel: One adjudicator, one assistant
Materials: Stopwatch, metronome, piano, sight-reading materials.

Again, as in ’08-’09, ratings will only be an indication of success level, and will not count
toward final score.

Instructions:
  1. Entrance & Material distribution:
    Choir and Director enter room. When everyone is settled, materials are
    distributed. No one is to mark on the music unless instructed to do so by the
    adjudicator. When the director states everyone is ready, the scores are opened
    and the timing process begins.
  2. FIVE -minute preparation period [NO SINGING ALOUD PERMITTED]:
    The director and choir have five (5) minutes to study the score. While the director
    looks at the score and calls out information, students may work on rhythm, pitch,
    dynamics, etc. using any method (rhythm-counting, solfege, numbers, etc.) The
    students may work as a group or in sections. The director may play and/or sing
    the tonic chord at any time during this study period. Tempo markings will be
    suggested – but directors may choose their own tempo. A metronome will be
    available. Directors may conduct, snap fingers, call out beat numbers or
    otherwise indicate the beat and tempo to assist the choir but may not sing except
    to give the tonic chord pitches.
  3. First Reading:
    At the end of the five minute preparation period, the tonic chord and starting
    pitches may be played, which the director and choir may sing. The choir must
    then sight-read the piece from beginning to end. Once the choir has begun
    reading, the director may not make any other audible contribution.
  4. TWO- minute Problem-Spot Discussion:
    Immediately following the conclusion of the first reading, the director and choir
    have two minutes to talk through any problem spots.
  5. Second Reading:
    The director plays the tonic chord and starting pitches, which, again the director
    and choir may sing. The choir then reads the piece from beginning to end for the
    second time.
  6. Collection of Sight-Reading Materials:
    The adjudicator's assistant will collect and account for all sight-reading materials
    before the choir is excused from the sight-reading room.

RATINGS:
I. Superior: Performance worthy of distinction, or a first-place ranking.
II. Excellent: Performance showing a need for minor improvement in a few areas.
III. Good: Performance showing a need for improvement in several areas.
IV. Fair: Performance showing a need for major improvement in several areas.