• Each band will be given 15 minutes to play; tracking the time is the responsibility of each band. Judges will also be keeping track of time. If you play over the 15 minutes you will lose points and could have your power turned off.
• Absolutely no obscene, offensive lyrics or gestures while performing will be tolerated. It will be the sole decision of the panel of judges to determine what is obscene or offensive. Breaking of this rule is grounds for immediate disqualification.
• On the day of the performance, band members must be dressed in clothing free of obscenities, drugs, alcohol, sex or other subject matter not suitable for a family audience. If a band incites moshing or any other sort of violence in the crowd, the band will be disqualified.
• By entering High School Rocks each contestant grants an exclusive, royalty free and irrevocable right to photograph and record the show and license to publish, print, edit or otherwise use the contestants entry, in whole or in part, for any purpose and in any manner or media in perpetuity and to license others to do so without limitation or compensation.
• All bands must arrive on April 20 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. All bands unload at Truck Entry #6 on the bay side of the DECC Arena. Once unloaded all vehicles need to park in the main parking lot. The parking fee applies to all vehicles.
• Each band will be assigned a time to play at least 7 days in advance and must be ready to go in the "on deck" area back stage 30 minutes before performance. If a band is not ready to go during the assigned time they will be disqualified.
• Immediately after each band's 15-minute set, you must pick up your gear and exit the stage so the next band can get setup.
• DECC Arena; Junior Achievement Worldwide and other vendors that are part of High School Rocks are not responsible for damage or theft of personal property.
• Abuse or theft of the provided equipment is grounds for immediate disqualification.

Technical Information

• The following backline gear will be provided for all bands. No replacement of equipment will be allowed. Any questions concerning gear should be directed to Junior Achievement at (218) 727-8745 or twigchers@jaum.org
  • 2 guitar amps and speakers of professional quality
  • 1 bass guitar and speaker of professional quality
  • (2) 5-piece drum set and a high hat stand (used in rotation)
  • Drummers must provide their own sticks, cymbals, cymbal stands, bass drum pedal, additional stands and high hat clamp/clutch
  • 2 direct boxes
  • 6 vocal microphones and stands of professional quality
  • Monitor mix and monitor wedge for each member of the band
  • Microphons will be provided for all instruments
• Participants must use provided drum kit and any of the above equipment as needed. Participants must provide any additional equipment. This equipment must be able to plug into the professional sound equipment provided.
• Participants may bring and use their own effects pedals
• High School Rocks will provide a professional audio technician who will mix all bands.
• Professional lighting will be provided.
• A stage crew will be on hand to assist each band in setting up and quick sound check. It is the band's responsibility to set gear and be ready to perform within the allotted time.
• Stage management has final say on all activities on stage. Any band going over the 15-minute limit, or disregarding event management's direction about anything, including safety and time, may be disqualified or powered off.
• No guest lists - only performers get in for free, everyone else must purchase a ticket. Only band members and event staff will be allowed back stage or in non-public areas. No friends or family will be allowed beyond security lines.

Rules

• There will be a panel of pre-selected judges whose decision will be final.
• Each band will be judged under the following criteria
  • Content - appearance, appropriate material
  • Time - use of the 15 minutes
  • Originality - quality of original material and/or interpretation of cover material
  • Musical Ability - vocal/instrumental skill, intonation, fluidity, complexity of music
  • Crowd Response - audience applause, overall enthusiasm
  • Stage Presence - group communication, audience appeal, entertainment value
  • Overall impression
    • The high and low score for each band will be thrown out.
    • If a tie occurs, combined Overall impressions score will be used as the tie breaker.