rules & regulations

The International Horn Competition of America is open to hornists of all nationalities. The competition does not discriminate based on the model of horn, tone color, or choice of performance style/school. The International Horn Competition of America seeks to support and promote excellence in horn playing in the preferred style of the contestant.

All contestants will be afforded standard concert etiquette. Applause will precede and follow all performances, which will be played in their entirety without interruption.

All contestants will receive copies of judge's evaluation sheets following their performance(s). Non-finalists are given the opportunity to meet with jurors for consultations.

All decisions by the judges are final. The judges may decline to award first or second prizes, or name finalists. If a first prize is awarded, the judges may decline to award a second prize. In the event of a tie, the prize money will be divided equally.

Previous winners of the International Horn Competition of America are ineligible to compete in the division that they won.

Professional contestants must perform standing unless a physical condition prevents them from doing so, in which case they may perform seated. University contestants are encouraged to perform standing, but are allowed to sit down to perform.

Memorization is required in the Professional Division for all Mozart performances. For all other divisions and rounds memorization is optional.

Contestants using IHCA accompanists are allowed one rehearsal and the first round performance. Private (non-IHCA) accompanists may be used in the first round only. All finalists must use IHCA accompanists.

Judges will not be allowed to adjudicate family members.

10.

By submitting an application to and participating in the IHCA, contestants grant permission to record, photograph, and broadcast performances and to use names and likeness for promotional and archival purposes.

11.

Contestants will bear all applicable expenses including, but not necessarily limited to meals, lodging, and transportation.

12.

The pitch standard for the International Horn Competition is A = 440.

13.

Required attire is what is appropriate for a performance as a soloist or elite chamber musician at a prestigious and visible concert venue.

14.

University contestants must not have previously signed a full-time professional performer contract, and must meet one of the following criteria:

a) Currently enrolled as a full-time student in a degree program, actively participating in their university’s music program as a major, minor, or non-major; or

b) Graduated from a university degree program within the past nine months, having actively participated in their university’s music program as a major, minor, or non-major during their enrollment.

15.

High School students may enter the University division contingent on providing documentation showing that they are attending with legal permission of an adult whom assumes full legal responsibility for the student.

16.

By participating in the International Horn Competition of America, participants acknowledge that they are voluntarily participating and assume all risks associated with travel, performance, rehearsal, and attendance at competition activities. Participants are responsible for their own safety, health, and personal property at all times.

17.

Participants hereby release and hold harmless the International Horn Competition of America, its officers, directors, staff, volunteers, adjudicators, sponsors, and host venues from any and all claims, demands, or liability arising from participation in the competition, including claims resulting from ordinary negligence.

18.

In the event of a medical emergency, participants authorize competition staff to obtain necessary medical treatment at the participant’s expense.

19.

Application to the International Horn Competition of America constitutes acceptance of all rules and regulations.