AMC ICON 2010
Program Guide & Contestant Rules

What is AMC ICON?
Air Mobility Command (AMC) Icon is based loosely around the TV show, American Idol.  AMC Icon is an AMC/CC initiative designed to showcase the vocal talents of the AMC communities.  Each of the 12 AMC installations will conduct a base-level Icon contest during July/August 2010.  The base-level contests are open to all authorized participants 18 years and older.  All participants are equally eligible to win the base-level contests however, only AMC active duty (AD) Air Force (AF) members (to include AMC affiliate units (guard and reservists), will be permitted to represent their installations in the command finals.  The AMC Icon command finals are designated as an official AF function and as such is limited to AD participants.  The top rated AMC AD AF participant from each base will be that installation’s representative in the command finals.  The command finals will include representatives from AMC’s 12 major installations and the top AMC affiliate unit participant.  The command finals will be held on 21 October 2010 at AMC Headquarters, Scott AFB, IL.

Questions regarding this program should be addressed to your installation project officer.  AMC affiliate unit participants should contact the AMC Icon project manager, Mr. Sam Parker, HQ AMC/A1SR at email; sam.parker@scott.af.mil or call DSN 779-7539 or civilian phone (618) 219-7539.


Program Guide

• Each major installation within AMC will conduct their base-level AMC Icon contest during the months of July or August, 2010--no exceptions.  This command level program will be widely promoted to include advertising through the AMC MatchUP program.  Command finals are scheduled for 21 October, 2010 at AMC Headquarters, Scott AFB, IL.

• Each base level contest will be Karaoke-style; contestants are personally responsible for providing their own musical accompaniment in the required format (normally a CD).

• Base-level Eligibility:  AMC Icon is open to all AD military and other authorized Services patrons 18 years of age and older, to include civilian employees.  All participants in the base-level competition are equally eligible to win any/all prizes associated with the local (base level) competition.  However, the command level competition has been designated as an official AF function, and as such, is limited to AD AF members only.  Only AD AF (to include AF Guard and Reserve affiliates) are eligible to advance to the command finals.  The top rated AD member from each installation will represent their base in the command finals.  AMC affiliate units should refer to additional guidance in this program guide.
• AFSC 3N1X1R (Band Vocalist) are not eligible to participate in the Icon program.
• If/when participation warrants, qualifying rounds/semifinal competitions are authorized.  See RULE 1b. for additional information on this process.
• The club should be utilized whenever possible as the venue for these events.  If another site is chosen, i.e. community center or base theater, every effort should be made to have the club/Services operations provide concession services.  Alcoholic beverages may be served if deemed appropriate by local leadership.  Remember, only Services is authorized to serve/sell alcoholic beverages. 
• The top AD winner at each installation will represent their base at the command level contest to be conducted on 21 October, 2010 at Scott AFB, IL.  Geographically separated AMC affiliated units are also encouraged to participate--guidelines for AMC affiliate unit participation are identified later in this document.
• The AMC AF Band will provide musical accompaniment for the command level show.  All participants will utilize the AMC Band.  Performers are judged on their vocal ability/technical excellence and showmanship.  See contest rules for more specific information.
• The top finishing Air-Force member from each AMC installation will be flown to Scott AFB, IL to compete in the command finals.  Airfare and lodging allowances will be provided for each command level finalist, with the exception of the host base finalist.
• Each base-level project officer is required to forward their finalist’s music in MP3 format to HQ AMC/A1S no later than 3 September, 2010.
• Each command finalist will have two rehearsals with the AMC band.  A schedule identifying dates and times will be forwarded to all command finalists in advance of their travel.
• AMC Icon is being conducted in association with AF Entertainment and AF Tops in Blue.  The winner of the AMC Icon competition will receive a special audition/interview opportunity with the US AF Tops in Blue.  This is a non-binding opportunity to either party.
• Commercial sponsorship can be utilized to help enhance base-level programming.  All commercial sponsorship opportunities must be coordinated with HQ AMC/A1SK, Marketing & Sponsorship, Mr Scott Black at DSN 779-7546 / scott.black@scott.af.mil
• DOWNLOADS:  Promotional materials, mini posters, logos, briefing slides, and this guide are available for your use/distribution.  You may download as needed from our website at: www.amcsvs.com  

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AMC ICON RULES

• AMC Base Icon contests will be conducted as solo vocal performances (karaoke-style).

• Program consistency is a must.  All installations will be required to use the same program format and judging criteria.  The “Icon” competition must be a one-night competition, with all competing contestants being evaluated on their single performance.  If in the event of a tie,      
       the highest score for Technical Excellence shall advance.  If still tied and Judges cannot agree, the Event Project Officer will cast the decisive vote.  The Project Officer only votes in case of an unbreakable tie among appointed judges.
         
           All base-level shows will use the judging criteria contained in this program guide.
           If in doubt, contact the AMC Icon project officer, Mr. Sam Parker, DSN 779-7539.

Note: If your installation has historically conducted a larger/ longer Icon-type competition with contestants performing a variety of musical styles--consider conducting this type program prior to the AMC Icon competition and reward the winner with a position in the one-night base finals for Icon.  If participation in your base Icon program is overwhelming, conduct a one-time elimination event wherein contestants perform a cappella (without accompaniment) and narrow the field to an acceptable one-night format (usually no more than 12-15 contestants).

• Each contestant will be required to perform one song of their choice.  Contestants are solely responsible for providing their music in the approved/required format.
• Time Limit:  An individual performance cannot exceed 5 minutes.  It is the responsibility of the base project officer to ensure this rule is strictly adhered to—no exceptions.

    
A note regarding song selection; contestants should avoid songs with limited or no melody, like pure rap, which could hurt their overall score -- even American Idol does not allow rap in its pure form -- song difficulty involves a subjective judgment and is intrinsically tied to melody.

• If the contestant advances, the same song must be performed at the AMC-level competition.
• All acts should be well rehearsed.  Failure to meet scheduled rehearsals can result in elimination.
• Standard props (chair/stool, and microphone), basic stage lighting and audio equipment will be provided by the host base. No self-accompaniment will be permitted—no exceptions.

NOTE: This includes no guitars etc being used as a stage prop.

• Base-level Icon contests are open to all AD/military personnel, their authorized family   members and civilian employees 18 years and older.  Family members and civilian employees (18 years and older) may compete at the base-level contests only.  Family members and civilian employees 18 years and older are permitted to participate at base level shows at the discretion of the host base.  Please note; only the top finishing active duty Air Force member is permitted to advance to the command finals.
• AFSC 3N1X1R (Band Vocalist) are not eligible to participate in the Icon program.
• The Command Finals is an official AF function, and as such, only AD AF PERSONNEL may advance to the command level competition.  The top finishing AF AD member from each AMC major installation will advance to the finals.  The top AMC affiliate, as chosen by a panel of AMC judges, will also advance.  See AMC Affiliate Unit Competitors for additional information.
• Vocal Accompaniment: The use of prerecorded music (karaoke-style) is authorized for base-level competitions.  The lead/main vocal must not be part of the recording.  The AMC Band will be the only authorized accompaniment during the AMC command level contest.

Note: This is a vocal competition--self accompaniment is not authorized—no exceptions.  This includes the use of an instrument as a prop.

• Order of Appearance/Performance:  Base-level:  One of two methods may be used:
• Luck of the Draw
• Appointed by Project Officer after considering the flow of the show, staging and other logistical requirements.
• Command Performance:  Order of appearance will be determined by the Command Project Officer after conferring with the Air Force Band.
• Judging Procedures: A panel of three to five judges will be used for the Icon contests at each level.   All base level programs are to be judged using these criteria.
• Judges will use the criteria listed below and rate each performance according to the Talent Contest Rating System as outlined in this program guide. 
• Base-level project officers must verify that all musical accompaniment and performances are a minimum of 2-minutes and do not exceed 5-minutes in duration.  The total length of any single performance will not exceed 5-minutes—no exceptions.
• Talent Contest Rating System: Each contestant competing at the base- and AMC-level is eligible to receive a total of 100 points from each judge, up to 60 points for Technical Excellence, and up to 40 points for Showmanship.  In the event of a tie, the composite score for technical excellence will determine the winner.  In the event there is still a tie, Judges will be asked to break the tie.  If the judges remain deadlocked, the project officer will be the determining vote.  The project officer only votes in the case of a deadlock.
• Standards of Decency: All types of materials used/worn by contestants must conform to accepted standards of decency, decorum, and good taste.  All project officers must check all acts to ensure they conform to this requirement.  Contestants must use material that is suitable for family audiences.  Material must be presented in full during rehearsal.  Any change in presentation from the final dress rehearsal may result in disqualification.
• Disqualification: A contestant can be disqualified for any violation of the contest rules or use of unacceptable material, as well as missing scheduled rehearsals, as deemed appropriate by the judges or base project officer.
• Technical Support: It is the responsibility of the host base to provide qualified technicians to run the sound and light operations. 
• Spectator Control: Personnel in the audience who do not conduct themselves in the best interest of the contestants will be asked to leave.  The audience will be instructed that it is in the best interest of the contestants for spectators to leave and enter the auditorium between acts while the emcee is on stage rather than during a performance.
• Promotional Release: All base-level participants and command finalists must submit a letter of intent (sample attached).  Participation in the AMC Icon competition, and/or the acceptance of any prize constitutes permission to use your name, biographical information, and/or likeness (for example, photograph, video, or sound recording) for any authorized DOD purpose, as deemed appropriate by HQ AMC Marketing, without any further compensation.
• Disputes & Resolution: Any/all base-level issues must be coordinated through the base-level AMC Icon Project Officer for clarification/resolution.  Command level issues and all AMC Affiliate Unit questions should be directed to the command project officer, Mr. Sam Parker who will make final determination regarding any program related issues.

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Criteria for Judging

• Technical Excellence:  The degree of mastery (display of vocal skill or technique) based on intonation, tone quality, precision, rhythmic accuracy, enunciation and singing in a manner that is stylistically authentic according to the music selected.  A maximum of 60 points can be awarded in this category.
• Showmanship:  The combination of factors such as physical presence, appearance, poise, personality, style, sincerity, energy and polish that a contestant has and communicates to an audience.  A maximum of 40 points can be awarded in this category

 Elements Defined:

Technical Excellence:  The following elements should be considered in this rating;

• Intonation:  Pitch--the performer sings in or out of tune
• Tone quality: Is performer's voice pleasing and appropriate to content of the song
• Precision: The performer's command their vocal instrument is apparent
• Rhythmic accuracy: The performer is rhythmically aligned to the arrangement
• Enunciation: Are the performer's words clear and easily understood
• Stylistically authentic: The performer's rendition of the song matches the musical genre

Showmanship:  The following elements should be considered in this rating;

• Presence: The use of choreography to enhance performance
• Appearance: How well does costume/ensemble enhance the performance
• Poise: Does contestant demonstrate confidence and command the audience's attention
• Personality: Projects a positive/distinct stage persona
• Style: Is personal approach or liberty taken with the song strong and convincing
• Sincerity: Is the performer “believable”; do they “sell” the performance
• Energy: How well does performer elicit excitement from the audience
• Polish: Professionalism on stage—a fine tuned, flawless performance

SAMPLE of Judge's Scoresheet can be DOWNLOADED from the primary file.

AMC AFFILIATE UNITS

AMC Affiliate Unit Competitors
AMC affiliated Guard, Reserve, En Route and Tenant Unit service members are eligible to participate as follows:

1.  If an AMC affiliate unit is collocated, or serviced by a neighboring AMC installation, participants must participate through the main base program--no exceptions.

1.  If geographically separated, AMC affiliate participants must:

    
     a. Submit/coordinate a letter of intent, through unit/commander and forward it electronically  
     to; HQ AMC Services, Mr Sam Parker at email; sam.parker@scott.af.mil.

     b. Record your performance on a MUSIC VIDEO (Karaoke-style)
    
     c. Performance must be between 2-5 minutes
    
     d. Review all the judging criteria--affiliate performances will be judged utilizing the same   
     criteria.
    
     e. Forward an Audio/Video version of their performance along with a signed statement
     authenticating the performance to; HQ AMC Services, Mr. Sam Parker at email;  
     sam.parker@scott.af.mil.  Files may be forwarded electronically, depending upon file size. 
     Those deemed too large will require mailing.  Contestants should contact Mr Sam Parker at;
     DSN 779-7539 or by email, prior to forwarding materials to coordinate delivery process.  It is
     the contestant’s responsibility to ensure their entry is received.
    
     f. Recorded performances must be received by HQ AMC Services no later than 14 August,   
     2010 for consideration.

     g. A panel of three to five judges will review all recorded submissions and select one
performer to represent all AMC Affiliate Units in the command finals.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three AMC affiliate entries as determined by the panel of judges.  Cash prizes will be; 1st place, $500 / 2nd place, $300 / 3rd place, $200.  A minimum of five affiliate entries are required to warrant cash prizes.  If fewer entries are received, entries will be considered / judged for participation in the command finals, but only the one selected entry will become eligible for command level cash prizes.  No cash will be awarded to the affiliate unit portion of the program unless a minimum of five entries are received.  

h. AMC affiliate performances will be judged on their technical expertise and showmanship—the exact same criteria as main-base participants.

i. The quality of the video is not judged, but should fully demonstrate the performer’s ability.

j. All submissions must conform to the program rules as outlined in this document.

We want you to participate—if you have any questions, contact Mr. Sam Parker at HQ AMC/A1SR / email; sam.parker@scott.af.mil or call; DSN 779-7539 / (618) 219-7539.

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COMMAND FINALISTS

The AMC Icon command finals have been designated as an official AF function.  All finalists are reminded to conduct themselves accordingly.  Rehearsals are mandatory appointments—timeliness is a must.

Base level Project Managers must ensure their finalist’s recordings are forwarded to AMC/A1S no later than 3 September, 2010.  (Recordings must be received by 3 September)

Song Selections:  If selected as base winner, contestant must forward their musical rendition in MP3 format to HQ AMC/A1S for use by the AMC Band.  Note: This must be the song performed in the base-level show.  (Providing sheet music is recommended, but not mandatory).  It is the responsibility of the Base Project Officer to ensure the music is properly formatted and forwarded to HQ AMC in a timely manner.

AF Band of Mid America will provide all accompaniments during the Command Finals.  No self accompaniment or guest performers will be permitted.

Rehearsal with band:  Each command finalists will be responsible for rehearsing their selection and being performance ready.  Each command finalist will have TWO (2) 30-minute rehearsals with the USAF Band of Mid-America.  Punctuality is essential to ensure proper efficiency, equity, and flow of rehearsal schedule.  Rehearsals and all Icon related functions are considered as official duty.  Contestants are not required to be in military uniform.

A completed rehearsal log will be forwarded to all contestants prior to their arrival for the command finals.  Scheduling is tight—plan accordingly; there will be no opportunity for makeup sessions and missing a scheduled rehearsal may result in elimination.

Video Taped Interviews: Immediately following the first rehearsal, each contestant will be interviewed for a video clip introduction to be aired during the command performance.  Please plan and dress accordingly.

TRAVEL / RESERVATIONS / LODGING

AMC will reimburse installations for airfare. All flight arrangements must be coordinated with AMC to ensure proper scheduling of arrivals/departures. Lodging for each contestant (single room) will be provided by AMC. Any additional lodging needs are the individual's responsibility.

TDY ORDERS:
The Project Officer will ensure PERMISSIVE TDY ORDERS are properly prepared, and a copy forwarded to the AMC Icon Program Manager.  * Note: Include a copy (front/back) of the contestant’s DRIVER’S LICENSE with the orders.

AIRLINE RESERVATIONS:  The Project Officer will assist as needed in ensuring airline reservations are secured as directed.  Incoming and returning flights will be scheduled to coincide with the command’s window of availability—group transportation will be provided based upon this window of availability.  Every effort should be made to secure reservations within the window of availability. Do not make any travel arrangements without coordinating with the AMC project officer first.

ARRIVING IN STL:  Contestants arriving in STL should collect their baggage and then meet in the USO (located by the baggage claim area).  All contestants will be picked up from that point at the prescribed time (to be announced)

All finalists (except host-base) will have lodging reservations. Individuals are responsible for all lodging expenses above the basic room rate.

Travel Schedule

18 October; Monday – TRAVEL DAY & Icebreaker
19 October; Tuesday – rehearsal with the band & Video Interview
20 October; Wednesday -- individual rehearsals with band
21 October; Thursday – walk-thru rehearsal & Command Finals
22 October; Friday – TRAVEL DAY

Lodging 4 nights; Monday –Thursday:  Rooms BLOCKED for AMC ICON

CAR RENTALS:  Commercial sponsorship will attempt to procure rental cars for contestant use.  Do not obligate yourself by renting a car—you will not be reimbursed.  If sponsorship is obtained, contestants will pay for gas only.

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