From Matthew McPherson
mcpherson_mj@yahoo.com

Register for Event
Popular Music Festival

The Music Teachers’ Association of California, San Diego Branch, presents the Popular Music Festival, 2010 to be held on November 13th and 14th at Grossmont College.

Popular Music means music that is popular with the student. As we all know, this is different for each student. It is our belief that this festival is important because it is not about the repertoire that we tell them is important – this is about the music that is important to them. Jazz is included, 20th century music is included, Latin music is included, video game music is included, movie music is included, show tunes are included. Japanese Anime, Chinese music, the Beatles. J-Pop, K-Pop, C-Pop, Any-Pop. All cultures, all genres. If you have students who are proud of some music for any reason, bring it here. If we didn’t list something, that does not mean it is not included, it just means we couldn’t possibly make a list inclusive enough.

This is a non-competitive event and the students will receive the judges' comments and a medal.

Please note, no photocopies with the exception of e-copies. E-copies must include a printed copy of the receipt.

One major concern to address is where to find published scores of video-game music. Here are two possible sources, but you don’t need to limit your search to these two.
http://www.play-asia.com/
http://www.squaresound.com/
With regard to the published score: passage improvisations, embellishments, variations, or reading are all permissible. The music need not be memorized. If the music is not memorized, the student must bring a separate score for the evaluator. Remember that no photocopies are allowed. There is a 5-minute time limit for each performance. If a duet is performed, the 5-minute limit still applies.

Registration is online only. For help registering your students online, click on Instructions for Log In on our website at www.sandiegomtac.com The registration fee is $25 per student.. Teachers should send one check, drawn on the teacher’s account, to pay registration fees for all students. No individual checks from students will be accepted.

Please make checks payable to MTAC, San Diego Branch, and send to MTAC c/o Matthew McPherson, 611 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Regarding duo performances, a duo (on one piano) will be considered to be 1 entrant. However, each student in that duo must pay the entrance fee. Again, all music must be published and not photocopied.

Recitals will be arranged to include diversity in level and style of music selected.

The deadline for online registration is midnight, October 16, 2010. The deadline for the check for all students entered, along with the master list printout must be postmarked by October 17, 2010. They will not be entered if this requirement is not met.

Because this is run entirely by volunteers, we are asking each teacher involved to donate a minimum of 2 hours on either day, or to send a monetary donation to cover drinks, snacks, and/or lunch for those working the event. Volunteers will be needed for registration, and general assisting.

Thank you!
Matthew McPherson,
Chair of Popular Music Festival, 2010
mcpherson_mj@yahoo.com
619-573-2094