2007–2008 PTA Reflections Program

LITERATURE RULES

Theme: I can make a difference by… 

Students must adhere to the general rules as well as the following Literature Rules.

Description

Literature entries may be works of fiction or nonfiction. Prose, poetry, and drama are all accepted. 

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique.

 Originality

Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Literature entrants are not to borrow from copyrighted material.

 Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas, writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the students.

Entry Form

All participants are required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible to participate in the program. In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s name.

 Students have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official Entry Form.

Return of Artwork

The national PTA office does not return literature entries.

 Judging

All national entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of the theme.

 Presentation

·   Entries must not exceed 2,000 words.

·   One original and one copy are to be submitted.

·   Entries may be handwritten or typed, either on a typewriter or with a computer.

·   Number all pages.

·   Illustrated entries, including “books,” with pictures drawn by the student are acceptable; however, only literary content is judged.

·   Entries are to reflect grade-appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

·   Format:

—Submit entries on any kind of paper, not to exceed
8½ inches by 11 inches in size.

—Submit the original and one copy in a manila file folder with the Official Entry Form stapled to the back of the folder.

—Do not mount entries.

—Write the student’s name on the back of each page in case pages become separated.

·   Collections of poems or short stories are not acceptable. A student may submit more than one work, but each one must be submitted separately.

Assistance

Dictation and typing

·   Students may have their entries typed by another person as long as the original work or a copy of the original work is attached.

·   Students who are physically challenged or students in kindergarten or 1st grade may dictate to another person who may type or write down the original work.

·   Transcribers should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original work.

 Translation

·   Students for whom English is not their first language may submit literature entries in their own languages. An interpretive translation must accompany the entry.

·   Translators should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original work.

Optional Artist Statement

On the Official Entry Form, describe what inspired you to create this work.

2007–2008 PTA Reflections Program

MUSICAL COMPOSITION RULES

Theme: I can make a difference by... 

Students must adhere to the general rules as well as the following Musical Composition Rules.

Description

A musical composition entry may be for voice, instruments, or a combination of voice and instruments. Lyrics may or may not be included in vocal compositions. The composition is not to exceed five minutes.  

The use of composition software is permitted. Students are strongly discouraged from submitting highly edited MIDI sequences or audio files. The recording submitted must capture performers in real-time. The entry may not include imported MIDI or other source files, or use algorithmic composition software.

 Use of notation software for the purpose of creating scores and printed parts is permitted. Whether the score is handwritten or computer-generated, appropriate instrumentation and voicing are required for the performance.

 Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique.

 Originality

Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Musical composition entrants are not to borrow from copyrighted material.

 Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas, writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the students.

 Entry Form

All participants are required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible to participate in the program. In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s name.

 Students have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official Entry Form and must answer a few questions about how they created their works (see Required Information).

 Return of Artwork

The national PTA office does not return musical composition entries.

 Judging

All national entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of the theme.

 Presentation

·    Students must submit musical notation as required by their
grade divisions.

—Primary and Intermediate: No notation is required. Iconic notation may be submitted. Iconic notation is “made-up” notation.

—Middle/Junior and Senior: Notation, either traditional, tablature, or electronic, is required. The notation should aid the listener and serve as a guide through the piece.

—Adults may not assist. Physically challenged students may dictate to another person who may write the notation. The quality or accuracy of the notation and performance support the musical idea, but they are not considered judging criteria.

·    Entries may not exceed five minutes.

·    Students are not required to perform their own compositions. A student’s composed work may be performed by a group.

·    Score size

—Entries should be no larger than 11 inches by 14 inches.

—Band and orchestra compositions may be 11 inches by
16 inches.

—Do not mount or bind the scores.

·    Recording requirements

—All grade divisions must submit an audiocassette or CD recording of the composition.

—Submit the audiocassette or CD in a plastic or cardboard container; identify both the audiocassette/CD and container with the student’s name, grade division, state, and year.

—Pack the audiocassette or CD with the score (if required) in
a large envelope.

—Secure the Official Entry Form to the outside of the envelope with masking tape.

Recommendations for quality recordings

·    Make the room you record in as quiet as possible. Close
windows and turn off all noise-making devices in the room (air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.). Do not place the recording device on top of an instrument or speakers.

·    If recording on cassette, use Dolby B Noise Reductions to reduce background tape hiss.

·    Don’t record at too loud (in the red zone on the meter) or too soft (meter barely moving) a level.

·    Record a short test and listen to it while watching the meter. If needed, improve recording quality by changing the record volume or microphone location.

·    If recording on cassette, rewind to the beginning, record
15 seconds of silence, and then begin performing your composition. Finish with another 15 seconds of silence.
CD submissions may reduce silence to two seconds.

 Required Information

On the Official Entry Form, please answer the following:

·    Who performed your composition?

·    Did you use traditional instrumentation or a synthesizer?

·    If you used MIDI, what software and hardware did you use to compose your work?

·    If you included lyrics, how do they work with your composition?

Optional Artist Statement

On the Official Entry Form, describe what inspired you to create
this work.

2007–2008 PTA Reflections Program

PHOTOGRAPHY RULES 

Theme: I can make a difference by... 

Students must adhere to the general rules as well as the following Photography Rules.

Description

A photography entry must be an original black-and-white or color image, or a group of images, produced by a photographic process. The entry must relate to the theme. 

The entry may incorporate such techniques as montage, multiple exposure, negative sandwiches, and photograms. Images may be manipulated conventionally or digitally. Images should demonstrate the student’s proper use of photographic techniques such as depth of field and exposure. The images may be created using various lenses, filters, and light sources. Photographs with added graphics over the image, including lettering, are not acceptable. 

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique.

 Originality

Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. This includes the use of copyrighted cartoon characters or other such material.

 Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas, writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the students.

 Entry Form

All participants are required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible to participate in the program. In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s name.

 Students have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official Entry Form and must answer a few questions about how they created their works (see Required Information).

Return of Artwork

Please contact your state PTA for the artwork return policy. If your entry receives a national-level award, your original artwork will be used to prepare the Reflections Program online gallery. Following the completion of the website, the national PTA office will make every effort to return your artwork by early 2009.

 Judging

All national entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of the theme.

 Presentation

·   A single print or collage may not exceed 11 inches by
14 inches, including a mat.

·   Print the entries on paper or other two-dimensional material.

·   Mount all prints on a cardboard mat, poster board, or some other sturdy material.

·   Protecting the work with shrink-wrap or a transparent plastic cover is optional but highly recommended.

·   Framed entries, original film (negatives or transparencies), and multidimensional pieces are not accepted.

·   Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it (with masking tape) to the back of the photograph on top of the shrink-wrap.

 Required Information

On the Official Entry Form, give the dimensions of the piece and describe the process used in preparing the piece.

 Optional Artist Statement

On the Official Entry Form, describe what inspired you to create this work.

2007–2008 PTA Reflections Program

VISUAL ARTS RULES 

Theme: I can make a difference by...

 Students must adhere to the general rules as well as the following Visual Arts Rules.

Description

A visual arts entry must be an original print, drawing, painting, collage, photographic collage, metal etching or punch work, fiber work, or computer-generated artwork that relates to the theme.

 Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique.

 Originality

Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. This includes the use of copyrighted cartoon characters or other such material.

 Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas, writings, or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the students.

 Entry Form

All participants are required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible to participate in the program. In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s name.

 Students have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official Entry Form and must answer a few questions about how they created their works (see Required Information).

 Return of Artwork

Please contact your state PTA for the artwork return policy. If your entry receives a national-level award, your original artwork will be used to prepare the Reflections Program online gallery. Following the completion of the website, the national PTA office will make every effort to return your artwork by early 2009.

Judging

All national entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of the theme.

 Presentation

·   All art must be flat and may not be more than 3/8 inch thick. This includes all two-dimensional materials and images, including small, flat items (such as string, fabric, and screening) that have maximum surface contact with the face of the image. Nothing three-dimensional (noodles, beans, beads, boxes, etc.) may extend off the surface of a work.

·   No art may exceed 24 inches by 30 inches, including
a mat.

·   Entries may be submitted on paper, canvas board, cardboard, hot or cold pressboard, or canvas (not to exceed 3/8-inch thickness).

·   Mount all paper or canvas entries on sturdy cardboard mats, but not in wooden, metal, plastic, or glass frames.

·   Protecting the work with shrink-wrap or a transparent plastic cover is optional but highly recommended.

·   Lamination is discouraged because it can permanently damage the surface of the artwork.

·   Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it (with masking tape) to the back of the artwork on top of the shrink-wrap.

 Works Not Accepted

·   Sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and other three-dimensional artwork

·   Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork

 Required Information

On the Official Entry Form, give the dimensions of the piece and describe the media used to create the piece.

 Optional Artist Statement

On the Official Entry Form, describe what inspired you to create this work.