How the Big Ears Olympics Works continued...
4. The M.C. will carry the show with personality and charisma, the judges communicating with bells and gongs are otherwise mute. Students are encouraged to dress in thematic costumes. Rabbit ears (the furry and metal telescopic kinds) have been donned in past events.
5. The competition takes place in ‘waves’ of contestants: one at each podium. They are asked a question of music theory to qualify for a chance to respond to an ear training query for points. Questions asked of the entire group whose member’s hands must be at their sides. The first to clap her hands is recognized by the judges. If she gives an incorrect response the others clap for a chance to answer (and fewer points for the ear training questions).
6. After several rounds, there is a ‘hear-off’ to add suspense by giving the lagging teams a last chance to pull a win. If there is a tie for first place, another dramatic ‘hear-off’ will take place.
7. All questions and answers are projected above the stage to the audience to add to the suspense.
8. There is an intermission where the band gets to play for the audience.
9. Prizes are given to 1st and 2nd places. Gag prizes to everyone else.
All music, scripts, questions, props and materials will be provided.
The B.E.O. can easily be hosted as a stand alone event at your school. In the past it has served a novel way to frame a set of standard student instrumental and vocal recital performance. As a contest/show and concert it promotes the musical and academic achievements of the music department. As a first step, the before mentioned qualifying quiz would be administered as described above. The personnel `(M.C., judges, point keepers, computer handlers, lights, sound etc) would have to organized. In the meantime, all music for the intermission concert, quiz examples and the show’s general flow will have to be meticulously rehearsed.
It bears repeating here that The Big Ears Olympics is a wonderful melding of musical skill and intellect with sheer goofy fun. It’s a highly entertaining enterprise.
Please contact me with any questions you may have.
4. The M.C. will carry the show with personality and charisma, the judges communicating with bells and gongs are otherwise mute. Students are encouraged to dress in thematic costumes. Rabbit ears (the furry and metal telescopic kinds) have been donned in past events.
5. The competition takes place in ‘waves’ of contestants: one at each podium. They are asked a question of music theory to qualify for a chance to respond to an ear training query for points. Questions asked of the entire group whose member’s hands must be at their sides. The first to clap her hands is recognized by the judges. If she gives an incorrect response the others clap for a chance to answer (and fewer points for the ear training questions).
6. After several rounds, there is a ‘hear-off’ to add suspense by giving the lagging teams a last chance to pull a win. If there is a tie for first place, another dramatic ‘hear-off’ will take place.
7. All questions and answers are projected above the stage to the audience to add to the suspense.
8. There is an intermission where the band gets to play for the audience.
9. Prizes are given to 1st and 2nd places. Gag prizes to everyone else.
All music, scripts, questions, props and materials will be provided.
The B.E.O. can easily be hosted as a stand alone event at your school. In the past it has served a novel way to frame a set of standard student instrumental and vocal recital performance. As a contest/show and concert it promotes the musical and academic achievements of the music department. As a first step, the before mentioned qualifying quiz would be administered as described above. The personnel `(M.C., judges, point keepers, computer handlers, lights, sound etc) would have to organized. In the meantime, all music for the intermission concert, quiz examples and the show’s general flow will have to be meticulously rehearsed.
It bears repeating here that The Big Ears Olympics is a wonderful melding of musical skill and intellect with sheer goofy fun. It’s a highly entertaining enterprise.
Please contact me with any questions you may have.