Chapter 8
Mid-Semester Examination Brief – Idol Course
1. All participants are required to prepare a two-and-a-half minute long solo performance to a song of their choosing (cover). Original songs will not be entertained in the Idol Course. Performances short or long of the two-and-a-half minute designated time limit by more than fifteen (15) seconds will be penalized.
2. Participants are to provide their own music for the performance. Instrumental backing track or live instrumental accompaniment (whether conducted by the participant him/her self or by a member of the Composing Course) will be permitted. Kindly note that A Capella performances will not be allowed and participants choosing to perform as such will be met with a '0' grade.
3. Participants will be judged both live and via recording by a panel of five (5) examiners based on the below-listed criteria:
-Vocal ability,
-Performance ethics,
-Song choice,
-Overall expression, and
-Idol Presence.
Criteria breakdown (Total: 50 points per judge)
a. Vocal Ability (10 Points) –Vocal capacity, range and style of the participant as illustrated by his/her chosen song.
b. Performance Ethics (10 Points) – Includes all idol etiquette on-stage, display of fan-idol connection or fan interaction, utilization of the stage area, selection of attire and understanding of proper handling a dynamic microphone.
c. Song Choice (10 Points) – Genre, relative popularity of the song and its original artist, suitability to the participant's singing style and range, consideration of the song's lyrical message, if any. This criteria correlates with that of 'Vocal Ability' and 'Overall Expression'.
d. Overall Expression (10 Points) – Ability of the participant to carry out the song of his/her choosing, vocal-wise, emotion-wise, and image wise. This criteria correlates with that of 'Vocal Ability', 'Performance Ethics' and 'Song Choice'.
e. Idol Presence (10 Points) – Presence of the participant's idol persona, measure charisma. The X-Factor.
Examination Process
1. The exam will be conducted across a series of three (3) days dated from [insert dates].
2. Participants for each examination date shall be randomized through classes S-G, in no particular order. Detailed listings will follow within the next few days and posted on the student Notice Board in the Main Hall, as well as each respective classroom.
3. Participants of a specific date are to report to their respective classrooms by 8.30am on the day itself for an attendance check before transferring to the exam location to await his/her turn. Latecomers of more than fifteen (15) minutes will not be entertained without valid documentation explaining the participant's late-coming.
4. Non-participants of a specific date may attend the examination of their classmates for moral support but will be asked to leave the venue in the event of 'sabotage' or 'needless distraction'. Not that both offences are punishable by a '0' grade.
Final Notes
Exam Venue: Saotome Gakuen Courtyard
Commencement Time: 9.00am (1 hour lunch break at 12.30pm)
Results: Will be posted on the Bulletin Board upon completion of grading. Exceptional talents stand a chance of class promotion.
