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Concert Division

Concert Division

Medal of Distinction

Global Initiative for Talented Students (GIFTS) in association with Perform America – TX, LLC is excited to offer a new educational opportunity for middle and high school band, choir and orchestra programs. Introducing Medal of Distinction, a unique recording submission process designed to celebrate excellence in performance while simultaneously offering practical and exciting opportunities of growth for both students and directors. All participants will have access to a wealth of knowledge from evaluators with a variety of musical backgrounds. The Medal of Distinction program serves as a means to bring together a community of musicians and educators striving to better themselves, their programs and the art of music-making.

CONTEST OVERVIEW

Ensemble recordings are evaluated in two rounds by judging panels composed of nationally recognized educators and conductors. After the initial listening in the ‘Premier Performance’ round, the top performing ensembles are advanced to the Encore Circle for an “encore” listening and will be listed as ‘Encore Circle Winners’ ensembles.  The top ensembles in this group will be listed as the ‘Maestro’s Circle National Winners’ and the opportunity to have a Medal of Distinction evaluator make a personal visit to their program for a clinic. This in-person interaction with a master teacher is what makes Medal of Distinction a truly educational experience!*

*Some ensembles have one evaluator, but will still have the opportunity to receive a visit from the evaluator based on availability!  International Ensembles if participating can earn recognition in the Encore Circle or as National Winner in the Maestro’s Circle, but are not eligible for an in person clinic at this time.

2024 Entry Information

2024 Medal of Distinction Evaluators (will be updated soon, 2024 evaluators are listed on registration form)

PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING 

Kerry Taylor

Cindy Bulloch

ENCORE CIRCLE LISTENING

Steve Davis

Dr. Albert Nguyen

PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING

Michael Zook

ENCORE CIRCLE LISTENING

J.D Burnett

PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING

Joshua Thompson

ENCORE CIRCLE LISTENING

Carolyn Watson

PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING

Scott Wilson

PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING

Jose Longoria

PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING

Brian Hecht

PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING

Jacob Gall

Who can enter?

Medal of Distinction is open to all Non-Varsity and Varsity ensembles:
National Youth Wind Ensemble of Distinction
    • Middle School Concert Band
    • High School Concert Band
    • University Ensemble
    • Youth / Community Ensemble
    • International Ensembles in above categories including Elementary and University*
National Youth Choir of Distinction
    • Middle School Treble Choir
    • High School Mixed Choir
    • Children’s / Boy’s Choir
    • Middle School Open – any type of choral ensemble
    • High School Open – any type of choral ensemble
    • University Choir
    • Community Choir
    • International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Orchestra of Distinction
    • Middle School Full Orchestra
    • Middle School String Orchestra
    • High School Full Orchestra
    • High School String Orchestra
    • Youth / Community Orchestra
    • University Ensemble
    • International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Jazz Ensemble of Distinction
    • Middle School Jazz Ensemble
    • High School Jazz Ensemble
    • International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Mariachi of Distinction
    • Middle School Mariachi Ensemble
    • High School Mariachi Ensemble
    • International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Chamber Wind Ensemble of Distinction
    • High School Chamber Winds
    • College/University Chamber Winds
    • Community Chamber Winds
    • International Chamber Winds in above categories*
National Youth Percussion Ensemble of Distinction
    • Middle School Percussion Ensemble
    • High School Percussion Ensemble
    • International Ensembles in above categories*

*INTERNATIONAL Ensembles if participating can earn recognition in the Encore Circle or as a National Winner in the Maestro’s Circle, but are not eligible for an in person clinic at this time.*