Official Rules

No Purchase Necessary

Eligibility: Contest is open to bands made up of High School (Grades 9-12) and Middle School (Grades 6-8) musicians. Bands and each of their members ("band") must be: a.) amateurs and have never signed a commercial recording contract; b.) currently registered in the 2009-2010 school year as a High School or Middle School student.

To Enter: A designated representative of the band (hereinafter "entrant") must visit www.RidgefieldBandJam.com to access the contest official entry form. Entrant must coordinate the completion of the official entry form for each band member (up to six members allowed). A parent or legal guardian of each band member must agree, on behalf of his/her child to the terms of these Official Rules and participation in this contest by signing in space indicated on the official entry form. Once complete, the official entry form must be printed and submitted along with a CD containing (only) two songs played by the band (no substitution musicians allowed) to be received by March 14, 2010.The disc must be burned in CD format and include at least one cover tune (For example: two cover tunes or one cover tune and one original tune may be submitted). IMPORTANT: Recordings and songs performed must not be defamatory, or obscene, and may not include profanities as determined by the judges. Any such entries will be disqualified. Sponsors will not acknowledge any entry not meeting all entry requirements (including a parent or legal guardian's signature) and will disqualify those entries. All entries shall become the property of Ridgefield Playhouse and will not be acknowledged or returned. Limit one entry per band. Individual musicians may play in multiple bands.

Steps To Submitt Entry:

  1. Complete and print the entry/registration form
  2. Burn a CD that includes two songs (one of which is a cover tune). Files burned must be in CD format, not MP3)
  3. Clearly label disc with Band Name, main contact name, telephone number and email address
  4. In a large padded envelope place CD in protective case along with completed entry/registration form.
  5. Mail, or hand deliver your envelope to be received no later than March 14, 2010 to:

All entries must be received no later than March 14, 2010.

Selection Process: The selection process will occur in three phases as outlined below:

Phase #1 Semi Finalist Selection: All eligible entries received will be judged by the Playhouse Board Of Directors to select 8) Middle School and (8) High School Bands (for a total of sixteen (16) semi-finalist bands) to participate in Phase 2 as described below. Entries will be judged on Musicianship (Defined as: skill or artistry in performing music )/Overall Sound(0-100 points).
Phase #2 Semi Finalist Live Audition: The (16) semi-finalist bands will be required to audition before a panel of judges by playing the cover tune submitted on disc on date and time designated below at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Each of the (16) semi-finalist bands will be judged to determine (4) Middle School and (4) High School Bands (for a total of four (8) finalist bands) to participate in Phase 3 based on the following criteria: 1) Musicianship (0-40 points), 2) Quality of Sound (0-30 points), and 3) Showmanship (0-30 points).

NOTE: Drums and amplification will be provided.

Phase #3 Finalists Performance: On May 2, 2010 starting at 4:00PM, (8) Finalist bands will perform before a live audience at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Each band will be judged by a panel of celebrity and industry professionals (designed by the Ridgefield Playhouse) whose decisions are final based on the criteria established above in Phase 2.

In the event of a tie in any of the above Phases all such tied entries will be re-judged by a representative appointed by the Sponsors based on band's musicianship: (0-100 points).

All bands must act in a professional and courteous manner or be subject to disqualification.

Prizes: One (1) Grand Prize: The winning band will perform at a Ridgefield Playhouse event during 2010 to be designated by the Executive Director of the Playhouse. Grand Prize winning bands will also have their name inscribed on the Ridgefield BandJam Plaque displayed in the lobby of the Playhouse. Exact time, location & duration of the performance to be determine by the Executive Director of the Playhouse. (16) Semi-Finalist Prizes: Each Semi-Finalist band will receive a 1-hour preparation studio session with Musical Director and recording artist David Morgan from the Music Shed located in Redding, CT. Time & date of session to be determined by David Morgan.

Miscellaneous: Ridgefield Playhouse assumes no responsibility for incomplete, lost, late, damaged, inaudible, illegible or misdirected entries or CD's. In the event any portion of this contest is cancelled, there will be no obligation of the Ridgefield Playhouse in any manner. Semi-Finalist and Finalist bands must be available and agree to perform on dates designated by The Playhouse. If unable to do so, band will be disqualified and an alternate band selected. Decisions of the judges are final and binding. By participating, entrant and their parent or legal guardian acknowledges having read these Official Rules in its entirety and agrees to abide by and be bound by them. Entrants agree the Ridgefield Playhouse shall have the right and permission to use (unless prohibited by law) the band's bio, band members' names and cities of residence, digital audio file, photographs or likenesses, or portions thereof in advertisements and/or in the promotion of the contest; and acknowledges that The Ridgefield Playhouse shall have no liability and will be held harmless for any liability, loss, injury or damage to entrants or any other person or entity, including personal injury, death or damage to personal or real property, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by reason of participation in this contest or the acceptance of a prize, including without limitation, studio time, travel, the activities associated with performing in or participating in this contest or any travel related thereto.