Page 35 - The Singing Contest 2019 Magazine

The Orchestration of the Singing Contest

• Preparation for each season of the contest begins as • Months of organizing the line-up of potential
soon as the Finals are over. entertainers and judges and advertisement for the Final
• Venues are selected and the schedule is created. begins.
• It is essential to arrange sponsorship early enough to • We prepare for the 2 semifinal rounds.
be able to determine what we will be able to offer the • All semifinalists are brought in to rehearse both of
next group of contestants. their songs.
• The Rules and Regulations are reviewed to see if any • The semifinals are held on the weekend when more
changes need to be made. people are free to attend and detailed seating
• To attract new contestants, advertising is prepared. arrangements may be required.
• There are interviews on television, on radio, in • A group event weekend is prepared for educational
newspapers and the first posters & flyers are and group bonding purposes. A group song for the
distributed. Finale is also rehearsed during the event.
• The files of early online registrations are opened and • The finalists are scheduled into the studio to record
audition lists are started. their songs.
• Song choices are reviewed and some music prepared. • The SCJS Orchestra is provided with the music for the
• The next set of posters are prepared and distributed. finalists’ songs.
• Auditions are organised and all online registrants are • Rehearsals with the finalists and the band are
invited to attend one of the Audition & Orientation scheduled.
events which start in September. • All finalists are brought to the studio to film promo
• After passing the audition, we help contestants narrow segments and to do a photo shoot.
their song choices to down 2 songs... 1 “fast” and 1 • The music is mixed, the CD cover is designed and the
“slow”. compilation CDs are made.
• We help them choose the appropriate key. • Sponsors, dignitaries, VIPs and media are personally
• The music is prepared for the contestants to rehearse invited to attend the final.
with. Tracks are recorded, converted to mp3s and sent • Volunteers are arranged to help tabulate the votes,
out by e-mail for them to practise with at home. to help with greeting and seating the guests, to help
• By October, a weekly rehearsal schedule is set up for a guide the finalists through a very hectic night and to
maximum of the first 25 contestants. help clear the equipment from the hall.
• After the first rehearsal, any necessary changes to the • The equipment requirements are reviewed with the
musical arrangement or the key of the song are dealt people in charge of lights & sound and those filming
with. Tracks are revised and new mp3s e-mailed to the and streaming the event.
contestant. • Trophies and plaques are ordered.
• Each Wednesday, rehearsals start at about 5:30 and go • Tickets for the final are being advertised and
till 9:30 or 10:00. distributed.
• Vocal coach, Jheo joins and Lisa and/or John for weekly • Seating arrangements are made.
rehearsals. • A detailed schedule, months in the making, is provided
• Constant communication with the contestants and their to all those who need it.
parents via phone and e-mail. • The week of the final:
• For each qualifying round, judges must be arranged - Friday - finalists tour the venue for the first time and
and the schedule & ballots must be prepared & printed. learn on how the evening will proceed
• Contestants must be reminded of the time, date and - dress rehearsal with the SCJS Orchestra and hosts
location of their qualifying round. John Santos & Marisa Oliveira
• The equipment is generally set up the day before the - soundcheck for guest performers.
event so that placement of the sponsors’ placards is not - Saturday morning - last minute cancellations, last
rushed. minute reservations.
• Photos are taken to be used the following month to - Saturday night - showtime... fingers crossed!
make sure that the placards are rotated appropriately. - everything out before dawn or we all turn into
• This is repeated over the 5 months of the regular pumpkins!
qualifying rounds.

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