STL Ocarina Blog

How do we learn the notes to Simple Gifts?

We've provided you with the music and the tablature to Simple Gifts here. Feel free to get creative with your performance though. What we have provided you is the minimum requirement for Simple Gifts, but you are welcome to make it longer, have other instruments accompany you, and add embellishments to the notes.

Do I need to use accompaniment?

You are welcome to play by yourself on your entry. However, we have also provided a piano accompaniment to Simple Gifts in audio format and in standard musical notation. If you'd like to play along with our piano track, you can download it here. It starts with a short introduction. If you'd like to have a friend play the piano with you, you can download our piano score here. You are also welcome to make up your own accompaniment and play with other instruments.

Where can I get some more help?

You can visit our forum at www.stlocarinaforum.com for more help.

We'll be sharing ways to practice with you so that you can play your absolute best as well as sharing ideas on what kinds of songs would make a great choice piece. The choice piece has to be at least 40 seconds and should sound beautiful on the ocarina, so we'll be sure to share ideas on which songs do not work so well on the ocarina as well as what kinds of songs do work well on the ocarina.

If you have any questions for us you can always email us at competition@stlocarina.com.

How will my entry be judged?

The entries will be judged solely on musical content. Judges will be listening for accuracy of notes and rhythms, good intonation (that means the notes sound in tune), and beautiful pure tone, as well as musical creativity and expression.