There will be only 1 playing competition category: Solo - One person performs. Electronic enhancement, reverb, accompaniment or any other type of effect is not permitted. The flute playing must be "dry", although it will be amplified during the live Final Round. Multi-chambered flutes are NOT allowed.

The fee to enter the competition is $20.

The 2011 First Place Winner cannot enter the 2012 competition.

Finalists for the competition will be chosen from recorded auditions. (See requirements in the Rules section below)

Each finalist will be expected to perform at the Musical Echoes Native American Gathering and Cultural Event in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, on Friday, April 20, 2012, for a panel of judges. This will henceforth be called the "Final Round" of the competition.

Final Round: Each finalist will perform live for a panel of judges.

• The first two parts of the Finals Round will be comprised of the performance of two musical selections of the performer's choosing that are contrasting in character/mood (e.g. one should be slow and lyrical, the other fast and more rhythmic). First, each finalist will play his "faster/more rhythmic" selection. Each piece should be no longer than 2 minutes in duration. Different flutes may be used for each song, however, only 1 flute per song can be used (no changing flutes mid-song, or playing 2 flutes at the same time).
• The last part of the Finals Round will be a performance based upon a pre-existing melody. Each finalist will be notified what the melody is, well in advance of the competition finals. The finalist will be required to perform his/her version of the melody, infusing it with his/her own creativity and inventiveness, but without straying so far that the melody becomes unrecognizable. Only 1 flute can be used for this song.

No sacred tribal songs.

Native American-style wooden or cane flutes are to be used in competition. Multiple chamber flutes are NOT allowed. A multi-chamber flute can be used as long as the bird is removed from one chamber and the judges only hear sound from the remaining 1 chamber.

CDs must be received by January 20, 2012. Fees must accompany entry CD and registration form. Musical Echoes is not responsible for delays in the mail.

Each contestant may submit only one audition recording for the competition. These will not be returned after use.

Application fees are not refundable.

Entry recordings need to be standard CD. CD tracks need to be standard .cda files, playable on any CD player (mp3s are not acceptable). Do not use re-writable discs, as they may not play in a standard CD player. The recordings should contain only two musical selections, of contrasting character, and of the performer's choosing. They should each be on a separate track totaling 2 tracks per CD. The slower, more lyrical melody should be first, and the faster contrasting piece should be second. Each selection may not last more than 2 minutes, with a total playing time on the recording of 4 minutes. The remainder of the CD must be left blank. NO speaking is permitted on the recording. Different flutes may be used for each song, but only 1 flute can be used for each song (no changing flutes mid-song, or playing 2 flutes at once).

CDs must be free of writing or any stray markings. CDs may not have names, addresses, or any other type of personal information on them. When we receive each recording, it will be assigned an identification number only, so that each recording will be judged on its musical content and not by any other means.

Five finalists and one alternate will be selected, based on the results of the recorded audition. Finalists will be notified well in advance of the competition date. All finalists are expected to perform in the Finals Round in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, on Friday, April 20, 2012. Finalists who do not perform in the Finals Round will be disqualified.

Judges, Musical Echoes Board members, 2012 Musical Echoes paid guest artists, and immediate families of the above are ineligible to enter the playing competition.

All contestants are responsible for their own expenses, including accommodations and transportation.

Alcohol possession and/or consumption is prohibited at this event. Anyone violating this rule will be disqualified and asked to leave, immediately.

All decision of the judges are final.

We congratulate any finalist who chooses to release a CD at Musical Echoes, be we require that such activities do not interrupt or conflict with any official Musical Echoes' events. In addition, any CD release by a finalist can only occur AFTER the Playing Competition Finals. This is necessary in order to protect the integrity of the competition.

Everyone who enters the competition will receive a sterling silver Natvie American flute necklace, specially designed for this event.

Flute Players Competition Awards
	First Place:	$300
	Second Place:	$200
	Third Place:	$100