National Academics & Fine Arts Competition

A thorough explanation of rules and guidelines for Bible, music, speech, art, and academics may be found in the National Competition Manual. Science fair rules and forms are outlined in the AACS Science Fair Rules and Guidelines publication.

Purpose

The AACS National Competition has been organized to provide a challenge toward excellence among the students of fundamental Christian schools across America. This competition will allow Christian young people to showcase disciplined skills in various areas of proficiency so that they might better serve the Lord throughout their lives. Certainly a worthy goal of Christian education is to follow the example of our Saviour who “... increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Eligibility of Contestants

Only Senior High students (grades 9-12) who have won or placed in an AACS certified state or regional competition may participate in the National Competition. However, this requirement will be waived for the following exceptions: students in grades 7 and 8 may compete in orchestra/band and handbell/handchime choir. Students will be allowed to compete only if their school is currently a member of a state association who is in good standing with the AACS. A state may enter only one individual or group in each category.

Eligibility of Entries

The same entry (i.e., music composition, speech manuscript, art entry, science fair project, sermon, or Bible teaching lesson) which placed at the state level must be entered in National Competition. See “General Rules” of each Area for additional eligibility requirements.

Limitation of Contestants

Competition is divided into five areas (Bible, Music, Speech, Art, and Academics). In individual competition a student may enter one category in any three of the following four areas: Bible, Music, Speech, and Academics. In addition, a student may enter one or two categories in Art.

      Example:       A student may enter Sacred Piano, Declamation, English Testing, Calligraphy, and Sculpture.

      Example:       A student may enter Expository Preaching, Vocal Solo, Sculpture, and Old Testament Bible Knowledge.

This applies only to individual competition. A student may enter group competition in addition to the three individual categories.

Note: Students entering Bible Memory, Debate, and Spelling may encounter irreconcilable scheduling conflicts and should give consideration to limiting their competition to one of these categories.

Registration

Registration must be completed in accordance with the instructions provided by the AACS National Office. Failure to submit the appropriate registration forms by the indicated deadline may result in disqualification. Entry fees and room and board fees will be determined annually.

Date and Location

The dates and location of the Competition will be set by the AACS National Office.

Classes of Competition

Two class distinctions shall be made in the categories of choral group, handbell/handchime choir, and orchestra/band. Class A groups in these categories are allowed to participate at the class AA level if the Class AA category does not have a sanctioned winner designated by the state competition coordinator.

      Class A....................... 80 or fewer students in Senior High (grades 9-12)

      Class AA..................... 81 or more students in Senior High (grades 9-12)

Awards

Awards will be given for first, second, and third place. The State Association which receives the most points (three points for first, two points for second, and one point for third) will be awarded the AACS Cup of Excellence. The winning state will receive a plaque that remains in the state.

National Competition Categories

BIBLE

      Bible Quizzing
      Bible Memory
      Bible Teaching
      Bible Preaching
            Expository Preaching
            Evangelistic Preaching
            Topical Preaching

MUSIC

      Female Vocal Solo
      Male Vocal Solo
      Small Vocal Ensemble
      Large Vocal Ensemble
      Choral Group
      Instrumental Brass Solo
      Instrumental Woodwind Solo
      Instrumental String Solo
      Instrumental Percussion Solo
      Small Instrumental Ensemble
      Large Instrumental Ensemble
      Orchestra/Band
      Sacred Piano Ensemble
      Classical Piano Solo
      Sacred Piano-Organ Duet
      Handbell/Handchime Ensemble
      Handbell/Handchime Choir
      Sacred Piano Duet
      Classical Piano Duet
      Instrumental Organ Solo
     
SPEECH

      Debate
      Dramatic Interpretation
      Oral Interpretation of Poetry
      Religious Reading
      Declamation
      Humorous Interpretation
      Duet Acting
      Original Persuasive Oratory
      Extemporaneous Speaking
      Oral Interpretation of Scripture
      Readers’ Theater
      Choric Speaking

ART

      Calligraphy
      Monochromatic Drawing
      Polychromatic Drawing
      Watercolor
      Oil Painting
      Acrylic Painting
      Sculpture
      Textiles
      Crafts
      Printmaking
      Still Life Photography
      Landscapes and Architecture Photography
      People and Animals Photography
      Digital Media
      Woodworking
      Mixed Media

ACADEMICS

     Academic Testing
            Old Testament Knowledge
            New Testament Knowledge
            English
            Algebra/Geometry
            Advanced Mathematics
            Biology
            Chemistry
            Physics
            World History/Geography
            U.S. History/Geography
            Creative Writing: Poetry
            Expository Writing: Essay
            Spelling
            Accounting
            Home Economics
            Political Science/Economics
            Music Theory
            Spanish

      Science Fair
            Biological Sciences
            Physical Sciences