Reviewing Music Adjudication Forms
The significant impact an adjudicator has on students and music teachers continues long after a music festival or assessment event has passed. Through any adjudication format, the experience should positively impact students’ understanding of music literature and concepts, provide opportunity for constructive comments and suggestions to improve student performance, encourage students to continue with their musical development, and celebrate the growth students have had to date. For this reason, music adjudication forms should focus on the current growth toward or mastery of these elements in a developmentally appropriate way.
Schools/states are encouraged to review current language in adjudication forms and consider removing or revising any categories that may include disparate language that focuses on student appearance, cultural expression, performance etiquette or subjective categories that could isolate a specific race, religion, ethnicity or gender.
Copyright Compliance
Schools should comply with all U.S. Copyright Laws when working with their performing arts programs. Music educators should exercise due diligence to protect programs against costly fines and potential litigation when using copyrighted material. There are many companies that will assist in securing copyright compliance www.copyright.nfhs.org and be sure to take the NFHS Learning Center course on Copyright Compliance at nfhslearn.com.
Mental Health and Wellness
It is widely known that stress, anxiety and depression create challenges for both society and individuals, including interscholastic students. Several psychological issues, including depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders and substance-use disorders can have illness or injury as triggers and/or have unique presentations in adolescents. Severe conditions can lead to the worst outcomes, such as suicide. To support students, their peers and anyone responsible for their care and well-being, the NFHS Learning Center course, Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, focuses on physical and psychological causes and provides strategies and helpful resources for student wellness.
Marching Band Heat-Related Illness
Students participating in high-intensity, long-duration or repeated same-day practices and training activities during the summer months or other hot-weather days are at risk for heat illness. Following the recommended guidelines in the “Heat Illness Prevention” position statement can reduce the risk of serious illness during marching band activities. States are strongly encouraged to incorporate all heat illness prevention fundamentals with emphasis on acclimatization, hydration, immediate first aid and emergency action plans in suspected heat illness situations. The online NFHS Learning Center courses, Heat Illness Prevention and/or Marching Band Safety, are strongly recommended for all directors and staff.
Event Safety and Security
A diverse range of event management and event security challenges confront the operators of music venues and events. Prevailing best practices and standards have emerged addressing the reasonable care to protect the safety and well-being of participants, spectators, coaches, judges, event workers and other third parties present at a venue. Event organizers should assess, mitigate, communicate and monitor the risks during all music events. Planning and implementation of event security and safety protocols including minimizing the risk and maximizing the security for all can affect the safety and success of any event.
