Texas Guitar Conference

November 15-16, 2020

The Texas Guitar Conference offers outstanding opportunities for guitar ensembles and student soloists to compete and learn through masterclasses and clinics with acclaimed musicians. This year's conference will include ensemble clinics with Dr. Joseph V. Williams II as well as masterclasses with and concerts by The Texas Guitar Quartet (https://www.txgq.net) and Les Freres Meduses (http://www.lesfreresmeduses.com). All events will be held at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the beautiful Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center (810 N. Main Street, Belton, TX 76513).

Early registration is appreciated! Deadline for registration is Friday, November 8, 2020

Large Ensemble Competition -- $250 for entire group

Youth Small Ensemble Competition --$30 for each member (Duo=$60, Trio=$90, Quartet=$120)

Youth Solo Competition--$50 for each soloist

Conference Schedule

General Info:

• All competitions are one round only.
• Competitions are in concert style and are open to the public.
• Three winners will be chosen for each of the three categories within each division.
• All winners will receive a certificate of recognition.
• Cash prizes are awarded for solo competition winners only.

Competition Rules:

• All players must play on a classical guitar. No steel-string or electric instruments are allowed.
• The addition of acoustic-bass guitars and/or smaller-size nylon-string guitars is permissible for the ensemble competitions.
• The registration fee must be paid in order to compete.
• The directors may conduct the large ensembles.
• The directors are not allowed to conduct the small ensembles (duos/trios/quartets).
• If directors play with the student ensemble, there will be a deduction in the scoring by the judges.
• Competitors may be stopped by the judges when their max time limit has been reached (see below). This will not affect the judges scoring of their performance.
• 1st place winners of the large ensemble competition (both divisions) are not allowed to compete in the same competition the following year, but may be invited to perform at next year’s festival.
• 1st place winners of the solo competitions are not allowed to compete again within their division.

High School (Division I) - Ages up to 19

• Large Ensembles must perform a 6-10 minute program of at least two contrasting works of his/her choice.
• Small Ensembles (Duo/Trio/Quartet) must perform a 5-8 minute program of at least two contrasting works of his/her choice.
• Soloists must perform a 6-10 minute program of at least two contrasting works of his/her choice.
• Solo Competition Prizes
  • 1st - $500
  • 2nd - $300
  • 3rd - $200

Middle School (Division II) - Ages up to 14

• Large Ensembles must perform a 6-10 minute program of at least two contrasting works of his/her choice.
• Small Ensembles (Duo/Trio/Quartet) must perform a 5-8 minute program of at least two contrasting works of his/her choice.
• Soloists must perform a 5-8 minute program of at least two contrasting works of his/her choice.
• Solo Competition Prizes
  • 1st - $500
  • 2nd - $300
  • 3rd - $200