Instrument contests provide an opportunity to showcase the talent and artistry of musicians who have achieved a high level of skill. To facilitate the process and to manage the limitation of time, anyone who is interested in competing in the contest will need to submit an application with the accompanying fee. These entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will then select the 10 to 12 contestants who will be invited to compete on Saturday, May 4th. The chosen contestants will be listed on the website prior to the event. Applications must be received by April 26th. The application fee is non-refundable.

How do I upload a video for an instrument competition?

Follow these instructions to create a channel that only you can manage using your Google Account.

1. Sign in to YouTube on a computer or the mobile site.

2. Click your profile picture Create a channel.

3. You’ll be asked to create a channel.

4. Check the details (with your Google Account name and photo) and confirm to create your channel.

5. In the top-right corner, click CREATE / Upload video.

Scoring Criteria for All Contests:

Tone
Technique
Rhythm and Timing
Degree of Difficulty
Execution
Judges Subjective Evaluation

Contest Guidelines for GallagherFest 2024

1. Check in with the stage manager as soon as your category is called.

2. Remain backstage throughout the entire duration of the category.

3. While waiting in the backstage area, be respectful of others and the

proceedings onstage. Practicing or “warming up” must be done away from the

immediate backstage area.

4. Failure to appear when called may result in disqualification and loss of entry

fees. It is NOT the responsibilities of staff to make sure you are there ready to

participate. Please keep aware of the proceedings and respond immediately

when your name is called.

5. No additional registrants will be allowed in a category after the first contestant

begins. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Chairman of Judges.

6. No back-up instrument is required in any music category. The presence or

absence of back-up instrument(s) will not be a basis for judging the

performance, unless the accompaniment overshadows or distracts from the

main instrument. A maximum of two (2) back-up instruments is allowed.

However, contestants are encouraged to limit the accompaniment to only one

(1) back-up instrument.

7. The duration of contest songs or tunes should not exceed approximately

three (3) minutes. Judges may interrupt the performance and/or disqualify any

excessively long entries. Contestants are encouraged to choose selections

which are truly appropriate for the categories. The playing of “overused” selections is discouraged. Feel free to consult the Chairman of Judges with any

questions about the appropriateness of a selected piece of music.

8. GallagherFest is a family oriented event. Lewd, vulgar or otherwise generally

offensive material may not be performed. At their discretion, the judges may

disqualify inappropriate performances.