Event Date: May 17, 2025
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
The Excellence in Music Awards Program is back for its second year, with new improvements
based on our experiences from last year. We encourage all teachers with students in grades
7–12 to consider participating in this enriching program.

2025 EMTA Excellence in Music Awards Competition Detailed Information

Program Mission:
Our mission is to support and encourage students to be active members of their EMTA
community while acknowledging exceptional ability, dedication, and accomplishment. We aim to
provide financial assistance to outstanding students in grades 7–12.

What’s New in 2025:

1. Increased Award Funds:
   This year, we’re offering a total of $4,500 in awards for students in grades 7–12.
2. Eligibility for Returning Participants:
   Students who received 10% or less of the award money in the previous year are eligible
   to participate in the same age group the following year. (please see grid below)
3. Teacher Participation:
   Teachers of participating students are required to be available as judges on the day of
   the event, with exceptions for significant life events like weddings or graduations.
4. Student Responsibility:
   Students and teachers are responsible for making their own cuts to music selections to
   fit within the time limits.
   Award Categories and Amounts:
    7/8th Grade: $500 total, with a maximum individual award of $150
    9/10th Grade: $1,000 total, with a maximum individual award of $300
    11/12th Grade: $3,000 total, with a maximum individual award of $1,200
   Participation Requirements:
    Volunteerism:
   Students and their teachers must volunteer at the Musicianship Festival on May 3, 2025.
    Event Participation:
   All students must perform in two EMTA events during the year. One must be the 2025
   Music Artistry Program. Other options for the second performance include the Jazz,
   Rags & Blues Festival, Time Era Festival, Community Recitals, or the Musicianship
   Festival. Note that WSMTA and MTNA contests, including the State Recital Competition
   and the Young Composers Project, do not fulfill this requirement.
    Essay and Interview (11/12 Category):
   Students in the 11/12 category are required to write an essay and participate in an
   interview with the judges.
   Here’s the breakdown for categories.
   2024

Category 2024 Total Amount 10%
7/8 th grade $300 (100 max) $30
9/10 th grade $700 (250 max) $70
11 th /12 th grade $2,000 (800 max) $200

2025
Category 2025 Total Amount 10%
7/8 th grade $500 (max 150) $50
9/10 th grade $1,000 (max 300) $100
11 th /12 th grade $3,000 (max 1200) $300

The application and further information will be updated on our website.
Angela Michael and Jensina Oliver – event chairs