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.

What happens if I apply in the wrong proficiency category?
SAE projects must fit the written description of the selected proficiency award area. Applications submitted in the wrong category will not be recategorized by state staff and will be marked Participant. If you are unsure which category fits best, contact Idaho FFA State Staff before submission.

Can I reuse parts of my own past proficiency application?
Yes. Students may reuse their own text, but not text from others.

What happens if my application exceeds the replicated text threshold?
Applications with more than 10% replicated text will be disqualified. Applications between 10–15% may be evaluated for exceptions only if the replication involves sibling submissions with clear differences.

How many proficiency award applications can I submit?
Members may apply in more than one area, but only one application per award area is allowed.

Do I need a certain amount of SAE experience to apply?
Yes. Applications must be based on at least two calendar years of SAE records in the selected award area.

Can a student participate in the State Proficiency Award program and also compete in other award areas (such as State Star, Agriscience Fair, or CDE/LDE events)?
Yes. Students are encouraged to pursue multiple award and competition opportunities. However, any potential scheduling conflicts must be communicated in advance with Idaho FFA State Staff and the appropriate event superintendents to ensure fair participation and smooth event management.