This festival encourages participation in small group ensembles. A workshop, recital, and other performance opportunities will be available for participants at the state convention. Complete chamber groups or individual students may register. Local associations are responsible for organizing their groups. Ensembles are often composed of duet teams playing on ten or more pianos, although other instruments are sometimes used.
Ensembles often appear in costume.
Groups may perform either with or without a conductor. All ensemble members must perform by memory. Original Composition Contests Student composers are encouraged to enter solo or ensemble compositions. Entrants must have passed the appropriate state graded theory test. Compositions may be entered in any of the ten divisions, which are based on school grade.