Guidelines

Choose the appropriate level based on sample resources and teacher's discretion. Level and chosen pieces will need to be written on the entry form. Also, notice that the sample resources are example repertoire for that level, not required.

Please note the following:

Pieces may be played with music or by memory
One original score is required for the judge (no xeroxes allowed). Because of the cost of buying two original scores, however, the student may play out of a xerox while the judge uses the original score. An original score must be provided for the student to be able to play.
Measures must be numbered.
All pieces must follow the music; no self-arrangements or improvisations.
Students will play their pieces for a judge, then receive written comments, a grade, and a certificate of participation.
Parents, teachers, and friends are invited to attend the festival; they create the "congregational setting" for the student.

Piano

Level 1 (Beginner)

Requirements: 2 hymn arrangements

Suggested performance time: 1-2 minutes

Sample resources:

Alfred's Basic Piano Library Hymn Books, Level 1A, 1B, and 2 ; arr. Palmer, Manus, and Lethco
Faber & Faber: PreTime Paino Hymns Primer level ; PlayTime Piano Hymns Level 1 ; ShowTime Piano Hymns Level 2A (FJH Music Company)
The Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Traditional Hymns Level 1, 2, and 3
Keys for the Kingdom: Songs of Faith , Level A and B ; arr. Martin, Angerman, and Hayes (Shawnee Press, Inc.)
My First Book of Hymns and Spirituals: 26 Favorite Songs in Easy Piano Arrangements ; arr. Bergerac

Level 2 (Elementary)

Requirements: 2 hymn arrangements

Suggested performance time: 2-4 minutes

Sample resources:

Hymns Made Easy for Piano , Books 1, 2, and 3 ; arr. Gail Smith (Mel Bay Publications, Inc.)

Level 3 (Late elementary-early intermediate)

Requirements: 2 hymn arrangements

Suggested performance time: 2-5 minutes

Sample resources:

Hymns With Style ; arr. Jerry Ray (Alfred Publishing)
Sacred Silhouettes ; arr. Dennis Alexander (Alfred Publishing)

Level 4 (Intermediate-Late intermediate)

Requirements: 1 hymn out of a standard hymnbook, 1 hymn arrangement

Suggested performance time: 3-6

Sample resources:

Sacred Silhouettes Revisited ; arr. Dennis Alexander (Alfred Publishing)
Shout to the Lord ; arr. Phillip Keveren (Hal Leonard)
Sunday Morning Companion ; arr. Victor Labenske

Level 5 (Advanced)

Requirements: 1 hymn out of a standard hymnbook, 1 hymn arrangement

Suggested performance time: 4-10 minutes

Sample resources:

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God ; arr. Marilynn Ham (FJH Music Co., Inc.)
Complete Church Pianist ; arr. Gail Smith (Mel Bay Publications, Inc.)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ; arr. Jeff Bennett
Keyboard Reflections ; arr. Robin Thomas (FJH Music Co., Inc.)
What Can I Play on Sunday? Books 1-6 ; arr. Cindy Berry
Gospel Classics ; arr. Mark Hayes
Piano Worship ;arr. Marilyn Thompson (FJH Music Co., Inc.)

Organ

Level 1 (Beginner)

Requirements: 2 hymn arrangements

Suggested performance time: 1-2 minutes

Sample resources:

Hymn Settings for Organ and Instruments, Set 2 ; arr. Paul Fetler

Level 2 (Elementary)

Requirements: 2 hymn arrangements

Suggested performance time: 2-4 minutes

Sample resources:

Great Hymns ; arr. James Bastien
An American Hymn Suite ; arr. John Behnke (Concordia Publishing)
Organ Adventure: 105 Favorite Hymns ; arr. Bill Irwin (Hal Leonard Organ Adventure Series)

Level 3 (Late elementary-early intermediate)

Requirements: 2 hymn arrangements

Suggested performance time: 2-5 minutes

Sample resources:

Creative Hymn Accompaniments for Organ, Volume 3 or 4 ; arr. Gerhard Krapf
Five Preludes of Praise, Sets 1-6 ; arr. John Behnke (Concordia Publishing)
National Hymn (God of Our Fathers) ; arr. Mark Thewes (Saint Cecilia Series)

Level 4 (Intermediate-Late intermediate)

Requirements: 1 hymn out of a standard hymnbook, 1 hymn arrangement

Suggested performance time: 3-6

Sample resources:

Sunday Morning Organist: Hymn Accompaniments and Reharmonizations ; Alfred's Classic Editions
Five Preludes of Praise, Sets 1-6 ; arr. John Behnke (Concordia Publishing)

Level 5 (Advanced)

Requirements: 1 hymn out of a standard hymnbook, 1 hymn arrangement

Suggested performance time: 4-10 minutes

Sample resources:

Sunday Morning Organist: Introductions for Hymns and Carols ; Alfred's Classic Editions
Sunday Morning Organist, Volume 5, Best of the Sain Cecilia Series ; Alfred's Classic Editions

North Carolina Church Keyboard Festival