BELIEVE, DREAM, INSPIRE: Reflections Contest 2013

It’s time for the annual PTA Reflections Contest! Whether you’re new to Reflections, or if you’ve entered before, this will tell you everything you need to know to get involved.

WHAT IS REFLECTIONS? Reflections is a contest for students to display their talents in the arts. And whatever your interest, there is a category to enter!

Visual Arts (drawing, painting, collage, computer art, etc.)

Photography (photos taken by the student)

Literature (poetry, story, essay, illustrated “books,” etc.)

Music (original compositions for voice or instrument)

Dance (original choreography)

Multimedia (screenwriting, video, animation, etc.)

Theatre (original plays, storytelling, mime, monologue)

3D Art (sculpture, jewelry, mobiles, ceramics, etc.)

Here’s how to enter:

1. Read the rules. There are specifications for entry size, length, and the way it is presented. Use the links to the right to find the rules for your category. You must use the theme “Believe, Dream, Inspire . . ."

2. Be creative! We want to see what you can do with your amazing talents! You can enter more than once – every submission gets a prize.

3. Print an entry form. (They will not be distributed at school). You’ll find this form to the right.

4. Turn it in! Entries are due to your teacher on Wednesday, November 6th.

How to turn in your entry

Congratulations! You've completed your entry and you're ready to turn it in.

Here's what to do next:

1. Make sure you've followed the official rules. Your entry is the correct size, format, material, etc. as requested in the rules. If you're not sure, click on the link of your category to the right.

2. Fill out an OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM. You MUST complete the bottom section with the information found below. You and a parent must sign this form.

3. Fill out an ARTIST STATEMENT. This form is really important to help the judges understand how your entry relates to the theme. Spend some time thinking it through and doing your best. Often the artist statement is used to help judges make their final decision. This form is required for all categories EXCEPT literature.

4. Fill out a CONSENT FORM. This is needed is someone else's voice or image is recognizable in your entry (for example, someone in a photo you took, someone in a dance number you choreographer, or someone's voice in a video you made.) THE OTHER PERSON must sign this form.

5. Give your entries to your teacher by Wednesday, November 6th.

Rules at a Glance

Here are the rules for each category at a glance. For more information, click on the PTA links on the right:

LITERATURE

Prose, poetry, short story or drama
No larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches
Not to exceed 2,000 words
Write on one side with name on back of each page
Handwritten or typed
Grade appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling
May be illustrated
May be typed by another with original attached
Three copies in manila envelope
Tape student entry form in sheet protector to envelope

VISUAL ARTS

Printmaking, painting, drawing, collage, etching, fiber work, computer generated art
No large than 24 by 30 inches
No thicker than 3/8 inches
No frames
No 3 D art
Mount on sturdy board
Shrink wrap recommended
Tape student entry form in sheet protector to outside back of art
Name on the BACK only. Do not SIGN the art.

MUSICAL COMPOSITION

Original composition
With or without lyrics
May not exceed 5 minutes
On CD
Copy of musical score required only for middle/junior and seniors
Enclose in a plastic or cardboard case
Put in a large manila envelope
Tape student entry form in sheet protector to envelope

PHOTOGRAPHY

Color or black and white
Single print or collage
Most processes accepted
Mount on sturdy board
No larger than 11 by 14 inches including the matting
No frames, slides, 3D or transparencies
Shrink wrap recommended
Tape student entry form in sheet protector to outside back of picture

FILM PRODUCTION

Written, directed and filmed by student
Animation, narrative, documentary or experimental styles
No power point
On DVD as an .flv file
One copy
May not exceed 5 minutes
Credit background music
Enclose in a plastic or cardboard case
Put in large manila envelope
tape student entry form in sheet protector to envelope

DANCE

One choreographer
Up to 3 dancers
On CD or DVD as a .flv file
May not exceed 5 minutes
Credit background music and costumes
Enclose in a plastic of cardboard case
Put in large manila envelope
Tape student entry form in sheet protector to back