Linfield Spring Song Contest

Who is eligible?

The contest is open to all Linfield students, faculty, staff and alumni. The contest is open to amateur and professional songwriters.


How to enter:

The content of each song must revolve around some aspect of the “Linfield Experience.”

Contestants may submit their song to be judged in one of two categories:

TRADITIONAL: These include songs in the alma mater style

CONTEMPORARY: These includes songs among many different contemporary genres including: World / Latin, Blues, Jazz, Electronic / New Age, Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Folk, Country, Gospel/Inspirational

Each entry must consist of:
•    Completed entry form (or photocopy) or electronic copy sent as an attachment.
•    CD(s) or Mp3 or wav file containing one song only, five (5) minutes or less in length
•    Lyric sheet, typed or printed legibly, or submitted as an electronic copy sent as an attachment (please include English translation, if applicable) with each entry.

* CDs and lyric sheets will not be returned
Entries can be submitted via either e-mail or snail mail. Those that choose to submit their materials electronically can send their entry forms and lyric sheets as Word documents, and Mp3 or wav files, as attachments to: aalarsen01@gmail.com

Those that choose to send hard copies must submit them to the following address before April 28, 2008.

The Linfield Song Contest
c/o Aaron Larsen
Linfield College Unit #2706
900 S.E. Baker Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN Friday, April 28, 2008

Each submitted song must be the contestant's original work. Songs may not exceed five (5) minutes in length. No song previously recorded and released through major national distribution in any country will be eligible.

Songs may have multiple co-writers, but please designate one name only on the application. Contestant may submit up to one song for each category, but each entry requires a separate CD, entry form, and lyric sheet.

The writer retains all rights to songs submitted. However, Linfield College reserves the right to use winning songs for promotional purposes. Entry implies permission to use winners' names, likenesses, and voices for future advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation.

Entries that do not comply with contest rules and requirements will not be accepted.


Judging

Judging will be done on two levels. The first phase of judging will take place within a week after the deadline, where the top song in each category from each division will advance to the final round of judging. Up to six finalists will be selected by an Executive Committee consisting of noted students, faculty, and alumni.

Songs will be judged based on melody, composition, lyrics, and consistency with the topic of the “Linfield Experience.” The quality of performance and production will not be considered during this phase. The finalists will be notified via e-mail and results will be posted on Linfield’s Sesquicentennial website (http://www.linfield.edu/150/may.php) no later than May 4, 2008.

The selected finalists will then compete for one grand prize on May 9, 2008. The finalists will perform their pieces in front of the Executive Committee and student body. This time the songs will be judged based on melody, composition, lyrics, consistency with the topic of the “Linfield Experience,” performance, and overall popularity with the audience. Finalists that are unable to attend this performance may select a proxy to perform their song.

Final results will be announced at the end of the event on May 9th, and posted on Linfield’s Sesquicentennial website (http://www.linfield.edu/150/may.php) no later than May 15th, 2008.

All finalists will be asked to transpose and submit their songs for publication in the future edition of the Linfield Song Book. They will be asked to submit the transposed copy before May 31st, 2008.

Winners must sign and return an affidavit of eligibility/recording rights/publicity release within 14 days of the notification date. The affidavit will state that winner's song is original work and s/he holds all rights to song. Failure to sign and return such affidavit within 14 days or provision of false/ inaccurate information therein will result in immediate disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. Affidavits are subject to verification by Linfield College and its agents.

Because songs are a creative work, the evaluation of the entries is clearly subjective. The opinions of the judges are final.


Prizes

Prizes will be awarded jointly to all authors of any song. Division of prizes is responsibility of winners. Void where prohibited. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Each finalist will receive:
•    A gift certificate of $20 to spend at any local business that is a member of the McMinnville Downtown Association.
•    Publication in the future edition of the Linfield Song Book
The Grand Prize Winner will receive:
•    $100
•    Publication (with honors) in the future edition of the Linfield Song Book
The finalists and Grand Prize Winner will be announced at the May 9th event. They will also be listed on Linfield’s Sesquicentennial website (http://www.linfield.edu/150/may.php) on May 15th 2008, and in various Linfield newsletters and periodicals (i.e. the Linfield Review). Finalists will be notified by e-mail no later than May 4, 2008.


Questions or Concerns?

Feel free to contact:

Aaron Larsen
Spring Sing Coordinator
Linfield Sesquicentennial Committee.