Special Categories

Special Categories are separate from the Solo Category.
A piece cannot be performed in multiple special categories in a calendar year (example: A participant cannot use Aria in Classic Style as a concerto by performing with a piano and then perform it with a harp quartet in the chamber category)
If an individual participates in more than one special category (Ensemble, Concerto, Chamber) in a year, their highest achievement will count for recognition.
- A participant cannot utilize the same piece in multiple special categories in a given year.
Special Categories earn recognition after 3 years of “Excellent” or “Superior” in progressive categories (level progress based on Solo Performance, Special Category pieces must be comparable). “Superior” receives automatic recognition and invitation to Honors Recital
- Can be from any Special category year over year (meaning the student can do ensemble one year, concerto the next, and chamber the third, etc)

Concerto (Harp with Piano acc.)

Harpist must perform from memory
Must include accompanist (accompanist can play with music)
- If a harpist would like to use a concerto as their choice piece, they may do so without an accompanist in the solo category
Any Harp Concerto is Eligible. If a desired concerto is not included on the suggested list with levels, please submit to the Festival Repertoire Committee upon registration for Festival. Committee will confirm leveling.

Only the harpist will receive recognition (certificates, ribbons for Superiors)
- If the harpist qualifies for the Honors Recital (Superior), the accompanist may or may not participate (strong recommendation for participation)

Parts must be played as indicated by composer (if written as a duet, only two harpists may perform, etc)
Performers may use music (no deduction, still eligible for Superior)
Any Harp Ensemble piece is Eligible. If a desired Ensemble piece is not included on the suggested list with levels, please submit to the Festival Repertoire Committee upon registration for Festival (using linked form). Committee will confirm leveling.
All participating musicians will receive recognition (certificates, ribbons for Superiors, invitations to honors recital, etc)

Oh Dear! What Can the Matter Be - (Old Tunes for New Harpists) (ensemble if beginning harpist plays the Voice part as a duet)
Il Pleut, Il Pleut, Bergere - Duet (Old Tune for New Harpists #81)
[Suggestions will be added shortly (please send them if you have them!)]

Parts must be played as indicated by composer OR with a reasonable substitution (example, a part written for a flute could be played by a violin) that honors the intention of the composer
All musicians may use music (no deduction, still eligible for Superior)
If the desired piece is not included on the suggested list with levels, please submit to the Festival Repertoire Committee upon registration for Festival. Leveling will be based on the harp part.
All participating musicians will receive recognition (certificates, ribbons for Superiors, invitations to honors recital, etc)

Oh Dear! What Can the Matter Be - (Old Tunes for New Harpists) (Chamber if another musician plays or sings the Voice part as a duet)
[Suggestions will be added shortly (please send them if you have them!)]