
Scottish Primary School
Glee Challenge
2025
SCORING CRITERIA
Scotland's largest independent singing initiative
OVERVIEW
The aim of the Challenge is to widen opportunities and access to music and to foster educational goals and developmental progress. The Challenge also aims to be accessible, engaging and fun. Judging artistic performance is understandably difficult because of the varied views and the subjective factors involved. We have tried through the Challenge to create a contest framework which has quality, integrity and fun at its core and where education for every child is the prize.
We have attempted to create a scoring framework that enables our school Glee (show) choirs to be scored and that will allow for feedback to be provided which will in turn inform future participation. We have identified 4 categories which we have drawn from the world of show choir assessment and which we feel will best fit the aims of the Challenge. Within each category we have included both objective and subjective criteria. In applying the criteria it is also important to remember our judges reflect different areas of the performing arts and bring their own experiences to bear - they are human after all
We must remember that the Challenge is about having fun and creating unique experiences. The contest and the scoresheet is an educational tool that provides encouragement and helps to drive the Glee experience special. But what truly makes the experience special is the children and amidst the scoring and awards we mustn't forget that.
THE FOUR AREAS

VOCALS - 30 marks total
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Tone & Technique
Demonstration of support, release of tension, posture, tone quality, resonance and other techniques associated with trained singing
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Intonation/Pitch
Choir is in tune when singing in unison and in parts
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Ensemble - Vocal Blend & Balance
Relative volume of voice parts and individuals is well proportioned, unobtrusive and harmonious. A particular section rarely overpowers another section. No individual voices oversing the ensemble. Where soloists are present the balance of soloist to choir in the performance across the two numbers should still be representative of a choir performance and not dominated by the soloists
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Diction
Lyrics are understood, consonants and vowels are natural and appropriate.
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Timing, Rhythm & Precision
Choir demonstrates rhythmic integrity, synchronized onsets, and uniform releases
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Musicality & Interpretation
Elements of phrasing, sensitivity, and nuance are present

VISUALS - 30 marks total
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Consistency
Unification and comformity of movement is maintained throughout the performance
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Timing, Rhythm, Precision & Execution
Choreography and movements are are rhythmically precise and synchronous across ensemble
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Movement - Stylistic Authenticity & Content
Ensemble fully performs distinctive aesthetic movements according to song genre choice
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Organisation, Appearance & Poise
Group is organized, rehearsed and ensemble demonstrates a strong level of proficiency and confidence
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Communication & Expression
Emotion, characterization, and intent are clear, true, and believable; Group presents evidence of inclusive communication through signing (either BSL or Makaton) - Set Song 1 heats only
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Staging/Spacing/Transition
Max score: 5
Spacing and layering of the ensemble in relation to stage compliment visual effect, and performance flow is uninterrupted

TEAMWORKING - 15 marks total
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Energy Level of Group
Both numbers are presented with energy and commitment which is maintained throughout and are enjoying the experience
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Group Dynamic
Performers show good rapport, work as a group and demonstrate a good attitude toward one another. As a team follow conductor's directions
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Engagement of All Participants
All performers are actively engaged in the presentation

PERFORMANCE -15 marks total
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Fit with Theme (Scottish Pop and Rock)
Overall stimulating, imaginative and persuasive interpretation which clearly fits with the genre of Scottish pop and rock and not traditional song or dance
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Overall Effect/Entertainment Value
Combination and presentation of vocal and visual elements create an entertaining, captivating and exceptional performance across both songs.
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Audience Engagement
Overall performance communicates a very engaging and convincing intention throughout both numbers. Audience engages with the group throughout.