Schedule of events

9:00 - 9:30 Check In (Rooms TBA)

9:30 Opening Remarks

9:45 Poetry Recitation

Culture Bowl

10:15 Musical Presentations

11:15 Dramatic Presentations

12:15 Lunch

12:15 - 2:00 Activities/Sports

2:00 - 3:00 Awards Assembly

1. Registration requires timely submission (postmarked no later than February 10,2006) of a completely filled out entrance form and a twenty dollar non-refundable registration fee per school, regardless of the number of participants. Checks should be made out to the WPA-AATG.

2. In the interest of fairness, we ask for strict adherence to competition rules. Deviation from the guidelines is grounds for disqualification.

3. Each school may enter as many or as few of the competitions as it chooses.

4. Students with native or near native speaking ability acquired under the conditions described below are not eligible to enter writing or recitation competitions. They are, however, encouraged to contribute their talents to group efforts in the areas of dramatic and musical presentations (leading roles excluded) and to engage creatively in the Art competitions.

• students who were born and raised in a German speaking country (five years)
• students who were born in the U.S. but were raised by German speaking parent(s)
• students who have attended a German language school for more than 6 months
• students who have spent extended periods of time in German speaking countries (6 months)

5. German exchange students are not eligible to enter the competitions.

6. Repetition of performances from year to year is not acceptable.

7. Each entry must identify the competition category for which it is intended. (This refers particularly to Art and Writing competitions.)

8. Each entry must identify the school of origin and should do so (wherever possible) by means of the school code number and not the school name. School names are to be concealed from the judges wherever that is practicable.


School codes will change each year and are given out upon receipt of paid registration.


Please address questions or requests for further information to:

Peg Grasso

Mt. Lebanon High School
155 Cochran Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Home phone: (412) 885-1623
School phone: (412) 344-2003
Email: Pgrasso@mtlsd.net


WRITING COMPETITIONS CATEGORIES AND RULES

NB: ALL writing competition entries must be postmarked by February 10,2006. The writing competition entries are judged during the weeks before German Day 2006 on March 9, 2006. Awards for the writing competition and all other competitions are given on March 9, 2006.


Writing Sample Requirement
For each student participating in a writing competition there must be submitted a sample of the student's work in German. The student's name must appear on the sample, and each sample must be signed by the submitting teacher to verify that it was produced, without help, in a supervised setting. Regular in-class, hand-written work (with or without teacher markings) is acceptable. Samples should be at least one page in length.

Writing samples are to be kept separate from entered documents. Each teacher submitting student entries is asked to include all writing samples for said entries in a single envelope. The envelope should be clearly marked with the following: the code number of the school and the words "Writing Samples." Major discrepancies-- as to correctness, style, language level, diction, and usage--between an entry and the corresponding writing sample are grounds for disqualification of the entry.

A. NONFICTION
1. Each school is limited to five entries in this genre. Each student in this genre is limited to one entry.

2. Students must write in German on the required topic: "You are traveling to Germany this summer to stay with a host family you've never met. Write a letter to introduce yourself so the host family can get to know you before you arrive." Students should write this in an informal letter format.

3. Students entering this competition will produce typed (double-spaced) essays up to three pages in length.

4. Entries must be the original work of the student. (For the purposes of this competition, simply translating or paraphrasing the work of another does not count as original work.) Although topics will not ordinarily require research, any sources used (whether written, electronic or spoken) must be acknowledged.

5. For each nonfiction entry, there must be on file a teacher-signed sample of the student's writing (see "Writing Sample Requirement" above.)

6. Entries must be typed (double-spaced on unlined 8 1/2 x 11 paper and submitted with a cover page indicating (a) the student's name, (b) the code number of the school, (c) the title of the entry, and (d) the competition category for which it is intended.

7. Entries will be evaluated on basis of the following:
a) relevance to the required topic (unrelated entries will not be accepted)
b) originality (argument, tone, style, approach)
c) correctness (correctness of information and correctness of language skills)
d) unity (the entire entry must focus on the assigned topic)
e) coherence (organizational pattern and transitions)
f) support (well constructed arguments, concrete examples, specific details)

B. FICTION
1. Each school is limited to five entries in this genre. Each student in this genre is limited to one entry.

2. There is no requirement as to length.

3. Entries must be the original work of the student. (For the purposes of this competition, simply translating or paraphrasing the work of another does not count as original work.)

4. For each fiction entry, there must be on file a teacher-signed sample of the student's writing (see "Writing Sample Requirement" above.)

5. Entries must be typed(double-spaced on unlined 8 1/2 x 11 paper and submitted with a cover page indicating (a) the student's name, (b) the code number of the school, (c) the title of the entry, and (d) the competition category for which it is intended.

6. Entries will be evaluated on basis of the following:
a) originality (story line, character, situation, etc.)
b) coherence (organization and story craft)
c) perspective (author's narrative presentation)
d) correctness of language skills

C. POETRY
1. Each school is limited to five entries in this genre. Each student in this genre is limited to one entry.

2. There is no requirement as to length.

3. Entries must be the original work of the student. (For the purposes of this competition, simply translating or paraphrasing the work of another does not count as original work.)

4. For each poetry entry, there must be on file a teacher-signed sample of the student's writing (see "Writing Sample Requirement" above.)

5. Entries must be typed(double-spaced on unlined 8 1/2 x 11 paper and submitted with a cover page indicating (a) the student's name, (b) the code number of the school, (c) the title of the entry, and (d) the competition category for which it is intended.

6. Entries will be evaluated on basis of the following:
a) originality (style, language, image, sound, form)
b) coherence (how all elements contribute to the poem)
c) perspective (clarity and uniqueness of voice)
d) correctness of language skills

NB: ALL writing competition entries must be postmarked by February 10,2006. The writing competition entries are judged during the weeks before German Day 2006 on March 9, 2006. Awards for the writing competition and all other competitions are given on March 9, 2006.

Submit to:

Peg Grasso
Mt. Lebanon High School
155 Cochran Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Home phone: (412) 885-1623
School phone: (412) 344-2003
Email: Pgrasso@mtlsd.net



ART COMPETITIONS: CATEGORIES AND RULES

This competition includes the following categories:

1. Folkloric Crafts and Construction Models

2. Paintings

3. Drawings

4. Posters based on one the following proverbs:

a. Die Tat wirkt mächtiger als das Wort.
( Actions speak louder than words.)

b. Wer den Pfennig nicht ehrt, ist des Talers nicht wert.
(A penny saved is a penny earned.)

c. Erst wägen, dann wagen.
(Look before you leap.)

d. Ein Unglück kommt selten allein.
(When it rains, it pours.)

e. Wo ein Wille, da ein Weg.
(Where there’s a will, there’s a way.)


The following rules apply to all four categories in Art:

a) Each school is limited to five entries in each genre, one entry per student per genre.

b) To each entry there should be attached a 3 x 5 card indicating (a) the student's name, (b) the code number of the school, (c) the title of the entry, and (d) the genre of the entry. All information must be typed or printed.

c) Entries will be evaluated on the basis of (a) cultural authenticity, (b) creativity, (c) understanding of media, (e) design sense, and (f) color sense. For the Poster genre, ability to capture the German essence of the proverb will be judged.

POETRY RECITATION RULES

1. Each school is limited to two entries. Please note, this is a change from previous years. ONLY TWO STUDENTS per school may enter the Poetry Recitation competition.
As it is difficult to provide reliable equipment, students should be prepared to recite LOUDLY with NO MICROPHONES.

2. Students will be required to memorize one of five poems listed below.

3. Memorization is required.

4. Each entry will include only one participant.

5. Street dress is mandatory. Props/Costumes are not acceptable in this competition.

6. Entries will be evaluated on the following:
a) pronunciation (correctness, accent, and intonation)
b) interpretation (expressiveness, subtlety and correctness of scansion [poetry], rhythm, tone)
c) stage presence (vocal steadiness, demeanor, attitude)

1.
Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926)

Herbsttag

Herr: es ist Zeit. Der Sommer war sehr groß.
Leg deinen Schatten auf die Sonnenuhren,
und auf den Fluren laß die Winde los.

Befiehl den letzten Früchten voll zu sein;
gieb ihnen noch zwei südlichere Tage,
dränge sie zur Vollendung hin und jage
die letzte Süße in den schweren Wein.

Wer jetzt kein Haus hat, baut sich keines mehr.
Wer jetzt allein ist, wird es lange bleiben,
wird wachen, lesen, lange Briefe schreiben
und wird in den Alleen hin und her
unruhig wandern, wenn die Blätter treiben.

2.
Georg Trakl (1887-1914)

Verklärter Herbst

Gewaltig endet so das Jahr
Mit goldnem Wein und Frucht der Gärten.
Rund schweigen Wälder wunderbar
Und sind des Einsamen Gefährten.

Da sagt der Landmann: Es ist gut.
Ihr Abendglocken lang und leise
Gebt noch zum Ende Frohen mut.
Ein Vogelzug grüßt auf der Reise.

Es ist der Liebe milde Zeit.
Im Kahn den blauen Fluß hinunter
Wie schön sich Bild an Bildchen reiht –
Das geht in Ruh und Schweigen unter.

3.
Ingeborg Bachmann (1926-1973)

Die grosse Fracht

Die große Fracht des Sommers ist verladen,
das Sonnenschiff im Hafen liegt bereit,
wenn hinter dir die Möwe stürzt und schreit.
Die große Fracht des Sommers ist verladen.

Das Sonnenschiff im Hafen liegt bereit,
und auf die Lippen der Galionsfiguren
Tritt unverhüllt das Lächeln der Lemuren.
Das Sonnenschiff im Hafen liegt bereit.

Wenn hinter dir die Möwe stürzt und schreit,
kommt aus dem Westen der Befehl zu sinken;
doch offnen Augs wirst du im Licht ertrinken,
wenn hinter dir die Möwe stürzt und schreit.

4.
Joseph von Eichendorff (1788-1857)

Mondnacht

Es war, als hätt der Himmel
Die Erde still geküsst,
Dass sie im Blütenschimmer
Von ihm nun träumen müsst.

Die Luft ging durch die Felder.
Die Ähren wogten sacht,
Es rauschten leis die Wälder,
So sternklar war die Nacht.

Und meine Seele spannte
Weit ihre Flügel aus,
Flog durch die stillen Lande,
Als flöge sie nach Haus.


5 .
Ich bin ich
von Yvonne Steinemann

Ich bin ich.
Und wer bist du?

Ich bin auch ich!
Gib jetzt Ruh.

Oh, das kann doch
gar nicht sein.
Ich bin ich!
Du bist gemein!

Ich verstehe
gar nichts mehr.
Wie kannst du ich sein,
bitte sehr?

Komm. Wir tauschen
Kleid und Schuh,
dann bist du ich,
und ich bin du!

Nein, ich gehe nicht so krumm!
Und ich lache nicht so dumm!
Und ich kann viel höher springen!
Und ich kann viel schöner singen!

Und überhaupt!
Weißt du was?
Du sein macht mir
keinen Spaß!

Hin und her,
her und hin.
Ich bleib lieber,
Wer ich bin.

PERFORMANCE COMPETITIONS CATEGORIES AND RULES

A. DRAMATIC PRESENTATIONS: Please note rule one. It has changed from previous years.

1. Each school is limited to a single presentation. Set up for the presentation will take a maximum of two minutes. Each presentation will take a maximum of 6 minutes. Both set-up and presentation will be timed by the time judge. No act that exceeds the time limits will be allowed to win first place. Acts that exceed the 6 minute presentation limit may be asked to stop their performance.

No microphones or other electronic equipment will be provided or allowed. Students should be prepared to perform LOUDLY with NO MICROPHONES.

2. Each entry must take the form of a play, part of a play, or an original adaptation to be performed by students in German.

3. Each entry must have a minimum of four speaking parts. Schools may add non-speaking roles provided that such non-speaking roles advance the action and presentation of the drama.

4. Memorization is required for all actors.

5. Dramatic presentations will be evaluated on the basis of the following:
a) pronunciation (correctness, accent and intonation)
b) originality (uniqueness of the interpretation, tone and style)
c) expression (acting skills and dramatic impact of such skills)
d) mise-en-scene (costuming, props, setting)


B. MUSICAL PRESENTATIONS: Please note rule one. It has changed from previous years.

1. Each school is limited to a single presentation. Set up for the presentation will take a maximum of two minutes. Each presentation will take a maximum of 6 minutes. Both set-up and presentation will be timed by the time judge. No act that exceeds the time limits will be allowed to win first place. Acts that exceed the 6 minute presentation limit may be asked to stop their performance.

As it is difficult to provide reliable equipment, students should be prepared to perform LOUDLY with NO MICROPHONES.

2. Pianos and cassette/CD players will be available upon request.
Please do NOT bring electric guitars, amplifiers, etc. We cannot support them technically and thus will not allow their use. Please note: This rule will be strictly enforced. No musical presentation will be allowed to win a prize if they use any of the above equipment. If you have questions, please contact Peg Grasso.

3. Only group performances are acceptable. (A group is defined as three or more students performing vocally or instrumentally at the same time.)
The group performance:
a) may include vocal or instrumental solos and dancing
b) must include singing in German
c) must not include pantomimes accompanied by instrumental music or lip syncing

4. Memorization of lyrics is required by all singers.

5. Musical presentations will be evaluated on the basis of the following:
a) pronunciation (correctness, accent and intonation)
b) originality (material selection, uniqueness of the interpretation, costuming)
c) musicality (style, vocal or instrumental skills)
d) mise-en-scene (costuming, staging)


CULTURE BOWL RULES

1. Each school is limited to five entries. Students compete individually.
THIS IS NOT A TEAM EVENT.

2. Selected questions with answers are available here. Teachers are encouraged to print out the questions and give them to students for practice.

Please note that not all questions are posted. This is a change from previous years. Students will be asked additional questions on the following topics of German, Austrian, and Swiss culture: Important people, Festivals & Holidays, Capitals & states, Geography, Du vs. Sie, Attractions, School system. The question reader reserves the right to ask other questions not necessarily directly related to these topics, especially in the event of a tie.

3. An incorrect answer/an answer given in English/no answer will prevent students from continuing on in the competition.

4. When there are only two competitors left, a miss by one competitor must be followed by a correct answer by the opponent to win the competition.

5. Questions will be asked only once.

6. A time limit of 20 seconds will be given after each question has been asked.

updated 22 October 2005