5 Tips to Impress at Your Next Music Festival (What Choral Adjudicators Really Want to See)

Music festival season is here, and if you're hoping to leave a lasting impression on the judges, you’ve come to the right place. After years of evaluating ensembles of every size and style, I've seen what separates a good performance from a truly superior one. Spoiler: it’s rarely about the notes. It's more about artistry and the kind of care that makes an audience lean in.

Here are five areas that will genuinely move the needle with adjudicators like me.

1. Musicality: Go Beyond the Page

Dynamics written in the score are just the starting point. What really catches a judge's ear is the subtle shaping and shading that transforms a technically correct performance into an artful one. Give long notes direction: let them swell or taper rather than simply sitting there. Think of phrasing as something that blossoms and breathes, with singers moving toward a phrase together and tapering out of it with intention. And pay close attention to syllabic stress: honoring the natural emphasis of spoken language makes lyrics land with far more musicality and impact.

2. Expression: Make Us Feel Something

Singers have a unique and powerful job beyond just the notes; they communicate the mood and character of every piece. The best place to start is the text itself. Analyze the words, understand what they mean, and find a personal connection to them (just as an actor would). Then let it show. Facial expression isn’t just a visual bonus; it genuinely changes the sound that comes out. We can hear your emotions, and so can your audience.

3. Decorum and Demeanor: The Performance Starts Before You Sing

Whether you realize it or not, adjudicators are watching from the moment you arrive. The way your choir walks to the performance space, assembles on the risers, warms up, and exits the stage … all of this shapes the overall impression. A simple guiding principle: when singers demonstrate respect for each other, the audience, other choirs, and the venue, that professionalism will naturally carry into the music.

4. Dress for Unity: We Are One

Since a choir is always working toward a unified sound, a uniform appearance reinforces that principle before anyone sings a note. A polished look doesn't require expensive or formal attire. Try a matching color scheme, a choir t-shirt, all black, or even jeans and a white top can get the job done. 

5. Tune That Tone: The Biggie

Here’s something many directors may not realize: most scoring deductions are related to one thing — tone quality. Of course, beautiful singing isn’t something you can fix the night before a festival; it needs to be practiced, modeled, and encouraged at every rehearsal. But in your final warm-up, remind singers to “listen and blend,” to sing “never louder than lovely,” and to channel their best bel canto sound. Small reminders go a long way.

Want to develop richer tone quality in your ensemble? Check out the Vocalize! series for exercises and guidance you can use at every rehearsal.

Now go get 'em — good luck out there!

-Andy