43rd Chicago Area Chapter 2023 Virtual Poetry Contest
*NEW THIS YEAR: Choral Reading/Poesía Coral
Grades K-12
This format has many advantages that our previous annual contests did not:
NO memorization (students can read!)
Builds community
More focus on meaning of poem and interpretation
No conflicts with transportation, distance or date
Prize money: $50
Procedure:
Students work in groups as small as 5, as large as 10 to
present the level appropriate poem and send video link with a partially completed rubric to our address: chicagoaatsp@gmail.com
Judging will be scored using the attached rubric that gives a numeric rating 1-5 based on these elements:
1. Quality of pronunciation/enunciation
2. Appropriate expression (voice modulation and gestures)
3. Speaking parts reflect a variety of grouping dynamics: singles, doubles, whole chorus, low/high voices
4. A variety of volume changes-from whispers to shout outs
5. Timing/Group function: matching one’s personal timing and rhythm to the group’s performance.
Bonus points are awarded for each of the following: Choreography, clothing, or instruments
*Perfect score = 25 (with and additional 3 bonus points)
*There is a 2 group limit for any school, but the groups’ teacher(s) or SHH/SHA sponsors must be 2023 members of the Chicago Area Chapter.
If there are more groups that participate within any class or school, we urge that teacher/school to hold its own contest using our rubric.
Any group can select a poem at a higher level. You may also submit an equivalent level poem for our approval ahead of time.
POEMS ARE INCLUDED WITH THE FULL DIRECTIONS HERE.
Deadline: March 31st (or send link anytime before) as judging begins in April.
Prizes:
Any group that receives a judging score of 22 or above will receive a check for $50. This money can be donated to a class cause or to use for group activities.
*SHH sponsors or SHA sponsors may enter members of their honoraries, and their entries count toward the 2 group limit for any school. They should choose a poem at the level of the majority of the group.
For more information, email chicagoaatsp@gmail.com.
Chicago Area Chapter 