The Young Artist Showcase was started by Rural Alliance for the Arts leaders in 1992 to give recognition to students in grades 6-12 who excel in five categories of the arts: music, drama, art, writing and dance.
Students in grades 6-12 who reside or attend school within the Batesville Community School Corp. boundaries or possess an RAA membership are eligible to participate. YAS is divided into two divisions: junior, grades 6-8; and senior, grades 9-12.
Two qualified judges are used for each category. The final score for each person is a composite of the judges’ scores, and awards are given according to the number of points he or she receives: 9.75-10, trophy; 8-9.5, blue ribbon. Students who receive trophies will have their names placed on a special plaque at their school.
The art sign-up deadline is Friday, March 5, at 3 p.m. Students should check with their art teachers for specific details. There is one entry per student. Senior advanced placement classes may submit a “body of work” consisting of no more than four pieces. Photography entries will be judged separately and must be labeled as such on the sign up sheet. Artists will be judged on originality, composition and execution. Artwork will show much better if it is matted. All art entries will be returned. Home-schooled students may submit by e-mailing rcwcook@verizon.net. RAA is not responsible for loss or damage to any entries. For more information, persons can contact Roberta Cook at 933-0877 or rcwcook@verizon.net.
The music sign-up deadline is Friday, March 19, at 3 p.m. Judging will be April 12 and 13 during school hours. Students may sign up for a performance time through their music teacher. Home-schooled students should email indianamom@hotmail.com or call 934-3260. Music categories are vocal, band instrumental, piano, strings and original composition. Ensembles, quartets or smaller groups are eligible to participate this year.
Music contestants must bring two copies of their music with them for the judges. Measures must be numbered in order to provide specific feedback. It is suggested that participants erase all other marks off the music. Put a paper clip on the right page if the music is in a book. Contestants must provide their own accompanist or recorded music. An accompanist is preferred. Contestants will be judged on technique, musicianship and accuracy. Selections must be under five minutes long. For more information, persons can contact Joann Call at 934-3260 or indianamom@ hotmail.com.
Writing entries must be submitted to school offices by Friday, March 12, at 3 p.m. for pick up by a YAS staff member. An entry form must be submitted with each entry. The maximum amount of writing an individual may submit is two poems and one short story or one essay, but not both a short story and an essay. Written work must be typewritten with font size no smaller than 12-point and double-spaced. Pages must be numbered. All entries must be checked for any spelling or grammatical errors. The author’s name should appear on the application only, not on the entry. The title of the entry should appear on the first page of text. Two copies of each entry must be submitted with an application form paper-clipped to them. In the event of a large amount of submissions, entries may be screened prior to the final judging process. No previously published work or work posted to the Internet will be accepted. Students who do not follow these rules will be disqualified. Writers will be judged on style, accuracy, technique and theme. Homeschoolers should email rcwcook@verizon.net to sign-up. For more information, persons can contact Jerilyn Lowery at jlowery@batesville .k12.in.us.
Drama contestants do not need to sign up for an audition time. All drama awards will be determined by judges attending performances of school plays and musicals. There will be no separate drama audition times. Students will be judged on characterization, articulation, timing and overall stage presence.
The dance sign-up deadline is Friday, March 2. Contestants may sign up at schrolo@yahoo.com or by calling 812-689-5494. Usually, dancers are judged at their dance school or teacher’s recitals or performances. Please give the date of performances when signing up. For more information about drama or dance, persons can contact Lois Schrott at 812-689-5494 or schrlo@yahoo.com.
