Saturday, April 16, 2022 • Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
5:30 pm Doors Open • 6 pm Competition Commences

Aloha,
Mahalo for your interest in participating in this year's first Leo Ha‘iha‘i Contest. The purpose of this event is to increase awareness of island traditions through interpretation and song. It’s foremost an entertainment opportunity to give amateur female falsetto singers a platform for the preservation and perpetuation of a very unique aspect of Hawai`i’s music industry. “Amateur” is defined as not having released a solo album.

“Hulu” as she is affectionately known is a passionate, professional and hardworking Native Hawaiian. She carries her ethics and values on her sleeve and expects the same from her family and in a champion that represents her name.

This year’s winner, along with the glory, will receive a recording opportunity with Pihana Productions, a cash prize, a wood award and a slew of makana.

You will find below the rules, judging criteria and application. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the event or participation, feel free to contact me at 808.264.8779 • sfdhawaii@gmail.com.

Rules:
1. Mele Solo “Amateur” Contestant (has not been signed to a label or released a solo album and has not already won and championed another falsetto contest.)
2. Contestants are highly encouraged to accompany themselves musically using their own instrument; especially ukulele or guitar. Contestants may use the back-up three (3) man band provided by Festivals of Aloha, or bring their own back-up musicians. A maximum of three back-up musicians is permitted. However, to acknowledge the increased difficulty of playing an instrument while singing, use of any back-up musicians will result in a the contestant receiving a score of 5/10. Accompanying oneself musically will result in a possible a score of 6/10 through 10/10. Non-singing, non-speaking musical accompaniment only. Taped/CD music is not permitted.
3. No duplication of songs. The first to respond will reserve his selection for his performance.
4. Applicant must be at least 14 years of age (with parental consent) by April 1.
5. Applicant must complete and return Contestant Application Form, Demo Tape/CD by April 1.
6. Contestant Song must be relevant to Hawai’i, can be performed in Hawaiian, and must be approved by the committee. Applicant’s demo tape/CD must accompany the application and feature the song listed on the Contestants Application Form. Hawaiian language - is a judged component, the song you select should be, majority, composed in the Hawaiian language.
7. Performance is limited to five (5) minutes, including interpretation, actual song and musical accompaniment.
8. Song interpretation is mandatory and must precede the song.
9. Contestant is responsible for any and all expenses arising from his participation in the contest. This includes, and is not limited to, travel expenses, costumes, back-up musicians, equipment and flowers.
10. Aloha attire is recommended. Lei and other ethnic Hawaiian accessories are encouraged.

Judging Criteria:
Judging will be based on the following criteria.  Judges will rank the contestants in each category on a scale of 1 to 10.  10 being the highest score. Total points possible is 550.
• VOCALS/MUSIC - Vocal Quality (Balance, Intonation, Strength); Vocal Technique (Control, Ha‘i (up/down), Glissando., Vibrato); Vocal Aesthetics (Dynamics/Expression, Individuality, Phrasing); Musicianship (Accompanied by house musicians); Musicianship (Contestant accompanies self)
• HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE - Mele Background (Composer, mo‘olelo; mana‘o/inspiration; amount and accuracy of mo‘olelo Hawai‘i); Pronunciation/Enunciation (Articulation and command of the Hawaiian Language, Kahakō); Technique (Ha‘i/grace note in appropriate places; comfort/ease in mo‘olelo delivery)
• OVERALL PRESENTATION - Grooming; Stage presence; Posture; Communication (Accurate, Enlightening, Entertaining); Delivery; Emotion.
TIME PENALTY, ONE POINT PER MINUTE  OVERTIME DEDUCTED FROM CONTESTANT’S TOTAL SCORE: A one-point deduction off contestant’s final score will be assessed for each minute that the contestant exceeds the five-minute time limit.

Prizes:
In addition to awards and prizes 1st Place will receive $600.00 Cash; 2nd Place - $400.00 Cash; 3rd Place - $300.00 Cash. Contestants are heavily judged on ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, and the contestant with the highest points earned for Hawaiian Language will receive a (2) nights stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in a Deluxe Ocean View room with breakfast for (2) daily, a valued of $1500. Grand prize will be a professional recording ED (4 songs) sponsored by: Napua Greig - Pihana Productions, Michael Casil - I-Vibe Productions and Wailau Ryder.

If selected to participate, you will be contacted to give additional information about the contest. Good luck!

The Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest is brought to you by Festivals of Aloha, Pihana Productions, I-Vibes Productions, Wailau Ryder, Lokahi Pacific and the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.