BAND, CHORUS, & TALENT

• Membership: Performer(s) must be current Idaho FFA members in good standing.

• Appropriateness: Content must be school-appropriate and align with FFA standards.

• Time & Format: Performances must follow the published time limit and format guidelines in the State Leadership Convention materials (solo or small group as allowed).

• Attire: Follow published attire guidance for on-stage performances.

• Safety: Performances may not include open flames, weapons/replicas, live animals, or hazardous materials. Props must be safe and quickly set/struck.

• National Programs: National FFA Band/Chorus/Talent have separate, national requirements (instrument/voice proficiency, audition recordings, etc.).

• Idaho (State) – Talent: Vocal, instrumental, dance/novelty, or other performing arts (solo or small group per current year guidelines).

• National – Band, Chorus, & Talent:

  • National FFA Band (instrumental)

  • National FFA Chorus (vocal)

  • National FFA Talent (varied performing arts)

• March 7 – Applications/auditionsdue. Refer to the resources folder (linked above) or review information sent to advisors through the Idaho Ag Ed Listserv.

• Mid-March – Finalists notified prior to the State Leadership Convention; performance schedule provided by state staff.

• During State Leadership Convention – On-stage performances occur during the State Leadership Convention.

• Mid-July - Applications/auditions due for National Band, Chorus, and Talent. Refer to the National FFA website for exact details and deadlines.

• Chapter Level: Encourage chapters to feature performers at local banquets and events.

• State Level: State Talent finalists perform on stage at the State Leadership Convention; honorees are recognized during sessions.

• National Level: Selected applicants perform with the National FFA Band/Chorus or as National Talent at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

• State Talent:

  • Submit the state talent application (and required audition media) by set deadlines.

  • Clearly list performance needs (mic/DI, stands, tracks, power) and any required equipment.

  • Advisors verify member eligibility and approve submissions.

• National Band/Chorus/Talent:

  • Submit directly to National FFA following current audition and documentation instructions (typically mid-July deadline).

  • Meet any proficiency requirements (instrument/voice), audition recording standards, and forms.

• Inclusive & appropriate: FFA is a welcoming space. Choose school-appropriate material suitable for all audiences.

• Use “radio edits” when available: Even without explicit language, themes can be inappropriate for FFA stages.

• Not suitable for performance: Songs that reference excessive drinking, drug use, domestic violence, sexually explicit topics, or violence toward others will not be approved.

• Avoid overt religious/political undertones.

• Lyric modifications: These are allowed for specific songs to meet standards. For example, in Wagon Wheel: change “had a nice long toke” to “had a nice long talk,” or a similar clean alternative.

• Review & approval: All songs presented on stage are reviewed and must be approved by Idaho FFA to ensure alignment with goals, purpose, and standards.

• Sound Check: Arrive early for assigned sound-check windows; late arrivals may forfeit checks. Depending on convention schedule and availability of stage staff, sound checks may not be available some years.

• Safety: No open flames, weapons/replicas, live animals, or hazardous materials. Props must be safe and quickly set/struck.

• Content: Keep language and themes school-appropriate and representative of FFA values.

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