Spotlight General Guidelines

Participants must be ages 7-23 as of June 3, 2027. No one over the age of 23 by June 3, 2027.
Participants must be active in a Salvation Army music or arts program within the USA Southern Territory.
Only divisional winners advance to the territorial Spotlight competition.
Each division may send one winning entry per published category. Spotlight participants may participate in one solo category and multiple groups.
Participants and ensembles must compete in and qualify through their divisional process.
A qualifying entry must perform at Spotlight in substantially the same form in which it won at the divisional level. Any necessary personnel or repertoire change must receive prior territorial approval.
Each participant may compete in a maximum of one solo category. This limit does not restrict participation in group categories; participants may enter multiple group categories where eligible.

Soloists perform the required selection assigned to their category and level. No separate solo time limit applies.
Brass Ensembles perform 2 pieces of their choosing in two contrasting styles. The combined performance must not exceed 10 minutes.
All Ensembles (excluding brass) will perform 1 required piece and one piece of their choosing. The combined performance must not exceed 10 minutes.
Choice pieces must have a Christian message or be appropriate for use in a worship or ministry setting.
Scores, scripts, audio files, artist statements, stage plots, and other required materials must be submitted by May 21, 2027.
Memorization is encouraged where appropriate but is not required unless stated in the category-specific repertoire instructions.
All selections requiring approval must be approved by the participant’s Divisional Music Director before the divisional deadline.
In both FUSE and VOX, pieces must be performed from memory.

Participants may provide their own accompanist.
Territorial Headquarters will provide an accompanist when a participant does not have one.
Recorded accompaniment tracks are permitted for FUSE and AMP entries only.
Brass-band accompaniment is not permitted for BLAST brass solos.
All recorded audio tracks must be submitted in the required format by the May 21 deadline, and participants should bring a backup copy.

Attire and costumes must be modest, safe, and appropriate for Christian ministry. Salvation Army uniform will be worn for soloists and ensembles where attire is not a part of the medium.
Props, equipment, choreography, staging, and movement must prioritize participant and audience safety.
Only provided or pre-approved equipment may be used.
Participants must follow room, stage, photography, sound-check, and backstage instructions provided by event staff.

Qualified adjudicators will evaluate entries using category specific rubrics.
Judging will consider the criteria appropriate to each category, including preparation, technique, artistry, communication, and ministry effectiveness.
Written feedback and ratings will be provided whenever practical.
The adjudicators’ decision is final.

Ensembles compete in one open ensemble level; there are no Foundation, Artist, or Virtuoso ensemble divisions.
Each ensemble must include at least four participants who meet the category’s age requirements.Ensembles may also include up to two supporting members who exceed those age requirements. Supporting members are optional and do not count toward the four-participant minimum. The conductor does not count toward the supporting member limit.
For every four eligible youth participants, an ensemble may include no more than two adult supporting members. Adult members are optional and do not count toward the four member minimum.
Two corps may combine to form one ensemble, provided that both corps maintain regular, active local groups. The combined entry must meet the minimum requirement of four eligible youth participants and comply with the two supporting member limit.
No more than two corps may combine for a single entry; an ensemble representing three or more corps will be considered a divisional ensemble and will not be eligible.
Supporting members from another corps do not count toward the two-corps limit but must regularly rehearse and participate with the local group.
Adults, including DMDs, may not join an ensemble solely to perform at the competition.
For Singing Companies, there is no specific number of male and female singers that is required. However, with mixed voice groups, it is recommended that the number of male and female singers is roughly equal for balance.

Spotlight participants represent their corps, division, and The Salvation Army. Every participant is expected to contribute to a safe, encouraging, Christ-centered event.
Preparation: Arrive fully prepared, with required music, materials, equipment, attire, and backup audio files.
Punctuality: Arrive early and report to registration, warm-up, sound check, staging, and performance locations at the assigned times. Participants must be ready when called, even if a competition room is running behind schedule.
Attendance: Remain for the entire Centennial Celebration weekend and participate in the scheduled programs, services, rehearsals, and activities communicated for Spotlight participants.
Christian Conduct: Demonstrate courtesy, humility, encouragement, and respect toward fellow participants, adjudicators, volunteers, staff, venue personnel, and guests.
Care of Facilities: Respect the Georgia World Congress Center, instruments, technical equipment, dressing rooms, warm-up spaces, and all event property.
Cooperation: Follow instructions from event staff and observe all stage, backstage, sound, safety, photography, and venue procedures.
Sportsmanship: Receive adjudication and results graciously. Celebrate the work and progress of other participants.