We were talking about possibly doing a contest over in the off topic area, and I thought since we have such a wide range of talents in here, we should do a two part contest (it's more for fun, but yeah). Let me know what you think, if enough folks are interested, I'll put down some dates and we'll start!
In the first portion, everyone will create their own instrument. You can only create one (though a logical set such as a drum set, group of pitched bowls/cups, group of several articulations, or a section of a type of instrument playing in unison will count as one). We'll be working in SFZ for cross-platform compatibility (you'll see why in a minute)- I will be providing some empty templates and putting together a rough video walkthrough that will go over the process of making a sample library. You are encouraged to make your own samples, even if you don't have a great mic or a "real" instrument handy, but you can use existing samples online (e.g. on freesound or from existing sample sets, provided permission is available). You may also make samples of synthesized sounds for this portion.
For a 90's era twist, no instrument may be greater than 16 MB in total sample size (either through compression, reduced channels, sample rate, or bit depth- don't forget, SFZ supports .ogg Vorbis).
Entries will be judged based on detail, playability, consistency, and quality, but the emphasis is on creativity and working with creative/technical limits.
Bonus Points:
+10% for fitting it in just 4 MB, a fairly standard size for instruments in the mid-90's.
+5% for using .wav not .ogg.
This will create our "Scoring Central Orchestra", which will be part of...
2. Composition & Virtual Orchestration
In this portion, everyone will create a piece of music in any style, between 1-5 minutes in length. You must use only the "Scoring Central Orchestra" in your composition (effects of any kind are acceptable, but no other samples, synthesizers, or instruments allowed). You may edit or manipulate the instruments to taste (I will create an additional video walking you through several common edits in the sfz format as well).
Entries will be judged based on quality of composition, "realism" of orchestration, and general creativity, in this round by blind evaluation by all entrants (see 'judging process' below for details).
Bonus Points:
+10% for using at least 80% of the instruments in the "orchestra" at least once.
+5% for editing at least two sfz's to fit needs (list edits when submitting).
Judging Process
For the first part, all instruments should be posted directly in the contest thread, optionally along with a short demo. I'll put together an impromptu panel which will rate each out of 1-10, as well as take a "popular favorite" vote, the top one will receive the full 10 points automatically.
For the second part, entries should be sent to me via e-mail or PM. I will upload all entries to Instaud.io as numbers and set up a form for folks to rate their choices- the winner takes the cake.
The scores from the two will be summed- whoever has the highest score wins.
Prizes
$100 for first prize, $50 for second, and $25 for third.
Everyone gets the SCO of course- I'll host it on VS!!
Rules
Contest requires registration at Scoring Central to enter, but no previous posts/membership necessary. Entries which break any of the requirements in the sections above will be disqualified.
- Sampling/Instrument Building
- Composition & Virtual Orchestration
In the first portion, everyone will create their own instrument. You can only create one (though a logical set such as a drum set, group of pitched bowls/cups, group of several articulations, or a section of a type of instrument playing in unison will count as one). We'll be working in SFZ for cross-platform compatibility (you'll see why in a minute)- I will be providing some empty templates and putting together a rough video walkthrough that will go over the process of making a sample library. You are encouraged to make your own samples, even if you don't have a great mic or a "real" instrument handy, but you can use existing samples online (e.g. on freesound or from existing sample sets, provided permission is available). You may also make samples of synthesized sounds for this portion.
For a 90's era twist, no instrument may be greater than 16 MB in total sample size (either through compression, reduced channels, sample rate, or bit depth- don't forget, SFZ supports .ogg Vorbis).
Entries will be judged based on detail, playability, consistency, and quality, but the emphasis is on creativity and working with creative/technical limits.
Bonus Points:
+10% for fitting it in just 4 MB, a fairly standard size for instruments in the mid-90's.
+5% for using .wav not .ogg.
This will create our "Scoring Central Orchestra", which will be part of...
2. Composition & Virtual Orchestration
In this portion, everyone will create a piece of music in any style, between 1-5 minutes in length. You must use only the "Scoring Central Orchestra" in your composition (effects of any kind are acceptable, but no other samples, synthesizers, or instruments allowed). You may edit or manipulate the instruments to taste (I will create an additional video walking you through several common edits in the sfz format as well).
Entries will be judged based on quality of composition, "realism" of orchestration, and general creativity, in this round by blind evaluation by all entrants (see 'judging process' below for details).
Bonus Points:
+10% for using at least 80% of the instruments in the "orchestra" at least once.
+5% for editing at least two sfz's to fit needs (list edits when submitting).
Judging Process
For the first part, all instruments should be posted directly in the contest thread, optionally along with a short demo. I'll put together an impromptu panel which will rate each out of 1-10, as well as take a "popular favorite" vote, the top one will receive the full 10 points automatically.
For the second part, entries should be sent to me via e-mail or PM. I will upload all entries to Instaud.io as numbers and set up a form for folks to rate their choices- the winner takes the cake.
The scores from the two will be summed- whoever has the highest score wins.
Prizes
$100 for first prize, $50 for second, and $25 for third.
Everyone gets the SCO of course- I'll host it on VS!!
Rules
Contest requires registration at Scoring Central to enter, but no previous posts/membership necessary. Entries which break any of the requirements in the sections above will be disqualified.
Sample library developer, composer, and amateur organologist at Versilian Studios.
" - bigcat1969
