Symphonic Competition

I think it's great people are discussing the progress of their pieces on here. However, I think that this should be an anonymous competition. In other words, scores should be submitted without any names or other ways the judges can recognize the participants. If too much of your music is described now, it will not be possible to make this an anonymous competition and therefore it won't be as objective for the judges. I think mum should be the word for now, until all pieces are officially submitted.

Why do you feel this is an anonymous competition? is it? I didn't know...

I think anonymity is a good idea. We did the last one like that. Actually, we tried to do the last one like that, except some people left their names on their work by accident.

Originally Posted by neuhausen

I think it's great people are discussing the progress of their pieces on here. However, I think that this should be an anonymous competition. In other words, scores should be submitted without any names or other ways the judges can recognize the participants. If too much of your music is described now, it will not be possible to make this an anonymous competition and therefore it won't be as objective for the judges. I think mum should be the word for now, until all pieces are officially submitted.

I disagree, and I think I have stated before that this will not be an anonymous competition. While what you're saying does make sense, I don't think it's necessary, and also I don't believe we could ever pull one off that's entirely anonymous, so why try? It's also harder to organize it that way. I've tried to do it in the past, and people send me audio files and .mus files with their name all over it... It can be a hassle.

I also believe that the styles of music people write in here are so different that it will be hard for the judges not to try to figure out who's piece is who's. I have found that there can be an urge to figure out who goes with what piece, and that in itself, rather than a clear answer of who's piece is what (without anonymity), can lead to difference in judging rather than what you might think. People aren't really so prejudice against one another as you might think.

Nick, I'd be willing to act as a "go between" for any Finale files if you wish... I could take them, number and catalogue them, then send you the "anonymous" numbered .MUS files, while keeping the identities of the submissions here on my computer.

It's a thought.

unfortunately, I can't do anything with Sibelius files.. although I COULD ask Alan Belkin to do it for me (as long as it's just removing names and keeping track of them).

Well, this for one will be unfair to Nico. He is entering a part of a symphony he has already finished movements for. Not only will people hear themes from the other movements, they already know the general style he is writing in, so they will probably be able to figure out rather quickly that it is him. And myself as well; I'm worried that my music would stick out so that people would know it's me. It's just that if the other contestants don't encounter this problem, then they get full anonymity and (sort of) no bias, but as for Nico and myself, for examples, we get treated differently. It just doesn't seem the logical way to run a competition. Also, most people use Finale but a couple of us use Sibelius and I'm fairly certain most people know who those few are, so that's another thing that could ruin the intent of anonymity.

Hmm, I think I agree. It may well be for the best if we give anonymity a miss in future competitions (or just this one at least).

I think it's good, just not for something like a symphony, where I feel it is harder to hide one's 'own voice', as the music needs to be lengthy and developed and such, if that makes sense.

I think we'll be able to tell if there is any bias in the judges. From the list, I do think it will be a rather fair and fun competition. May the best composer win!

Thanks for a good competition attitude, Nico! Although I'm not too thrilled about being in competition with you.... oh well. I'm pretty excited about what I have in store.