Sound and Music Category Changes

We're excited to share updates to the Sound and Music categories. In 2022, dedicated task forces were formed to review each category and recommend enhancements. After review from the Judge Specialists, the Education Direction Committee (EDC) and the International Board of Directors (IBOD), these changes will officially go into effect beginning October 2025 at the International competition in Columbus, Ohio.

What has changed for both categories?

1) Scoring Weight from 70/30% to 100%

• Performances will be assessed in a holistic way, taking into account all elements of the category, with each song worth a possible 100 points.

• Allows judges to more accurately describe performances with more clarifying language, vocal pedagogy terminology, and clearly defining the hierarchy of skills.

2) Category Elements Language

• Some of the elements listed on the scoresheets were renamed and reorganized in an effort to better guide our members in understanding how judges have been evaluating performances at competitions.

3) Scoresheet Design

• Since the adjudication is now a holistic 100%, there is no breakdown of the elements into two columns. Instead, all the elements to be considered are in one column at the top of the scoresheet.

To learn more about the changes to the Sound and Music categories, please refer to the updated Judge Category Description Book on the Sweet Adelines website and watch the videos below from our judge specialists.

Please direct questions to competition@sweetadelines.com.