We trust this message finds you well. We regret to inform that due to unforeseen circumstances, we are forced to cancel the AMUSE event. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We understand the effort and enthusiasm you have put into preparing for the event, and we share your disappointment in having to cancel.
Our utmost priority is to ensure a safe and well-organized event, and unfortunately, we are unable to meet the necessary requirements to guarantee a successful competition.
We will be processing full refund of the registration fees paid within the next 1 month. Please allow for this period as we work diligently to ensure that the refund process is completed accurately and promptly.
We genuinely appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team at amuse@vtsworld.org.
Once again, please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused. We value your participation and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to our future competition .
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Warm regards,
AMUSE Team
UPDATES:
1) Registration date has been extended to SEPTEMBER 05 2023 based on requests from multiple music and dance schools.
2) Prelim round results will be communicated to all the participants, to their registered email, starting August 17th.
Please contact amuse@vtsworld.org for any questions
By registering to the AMUSE competition, I Accept and Agree to all of the below listed -
"TERMS and CONDITIONS"
"RELEASE OF CLAIMS and WAIVER AGREEMENTS"
VT Seva & JET USA Inc.
AMUSE
The term “organization” is used throughout the section refers to both VT Seva and JET USA Inc.
TERMS and CONDITIONS
The organization has the right to change these terms & conditions at any time without any advance notice. Participants will be notified if any changes occur.
Penalty for breach of any of the terms and conditions is Disqualification.
The competition is open to all participants ages 10 years and above and that reside in the United States of America.
Age category is determined by the age of the participant as of SEPTEMBER 05, 2023. If requested, proof of age MUST be provided for each participant.
Organizers of AMUSE and/or members of their immediate families are not eligible to participate.
People whose livelihood is teaching music and/or dance are not eligible to participate.
Gurus/teachers/instructors of music and/or dance are not eligible to participate.
Full-time and/or paid professional performers are not eligible to participate.
Participants may register in multiple categories (Vocals & Dance). Please note that separate registration is required for multiple entries.
Free-choice program for all rounds - choice of music is at the discretion of the participant as long as it is relevant to the category of the competition and the music does not have any slang or derogatory language.
A participant may NOT perform the same music/dance from round to round.
Competition Age Groups
10 years to 15 years
16 years to 20 years
Competition Categories
CATEGORY # | CATEGORY TYPE | AGE (YEARS) |
I | VOCAL - INDIAN - CLASSICAL | 10 - 15 |
II | VOCAL - INDIAN - CLASSICAL | 16 - 20 |
III | VOCAL - INDIAN - SEMI-CLASSICAL / FILM DEVOTIONAL | 10 - 15 |
IV | VOCAL - INDIAN - SEMI-CLASSICAL / FILM DEVOTIONAL | 16 - 20 |
VI | DANCE - INDIAN - CLASSICAL | 10 - 15 |
VII | DANCE - INDIAN - CLASSICAL | 16 - 20 |
Competition Rounds
There are 4 rounds to the competition:
Date & Location
1) Preliminary
Online Submission
Deadline to register and submit YouTube link - SEPTEMBER 05th 2023
If qualified, participants move to Quarter-Finals.
2) Quarter-Finals
In-Person
Held in 3 centers on weekend of September 09, 2023 - Austin, Dallas and Houston (venues in each city will be announced)
Top 5 from each of the 6 competition categories, from each of the 3 centers, move to Semi-Finals.
3) Semi-Finals
In-Person
Held in Dallas on September 30th, 2023 (Venue will be announced)
Top 5 from each of the 6 competition categories move to Finals.
4) Finals
In-Person
Held in Dallas on October 1st, 2023 (Granville Arts Center)
Registration Fee & Guidelines
1) Preliminary
Registration fee: $25 (US Dollars) per participant per category.
All registration fees are nonrefundable.
The application form must be accompanied by a link to the performance video.
The video recording cannot be older than two months prior to submission of the Entry Form and must match with your age category at the moment of submission.
Appropriate dress attire is required.
The deadline for receiving preliminary round registrations is SEPTEMBER 05th 2023 11:59 PM CST
The video recording, entry form, and registration fee must be received by the deadline - SEPTEMBER 05th 2023 11:59 PM CST
Video recording link can be submitted at the time of registration or can be emailed later, but before September 05th 2023 to Amuse@vtsworld.org
If you are submitting recording link later via email, please include in the email: your first name, last name and Seat# (listed below the QR Code from the email ticket confirmation that you will receive from Funzippy).
Video guidelines for Preliminary round:
Ensure that you have permission to perform a selection if your work is not in the public domain.
For Vocals, Instrument or Karaoke accompaniment is NOT allowed in the video submission.
Video performances must be performed by the applicants and may neither be edited nor enhanced in any way.
Video submission should be in the form of a YouTube link.
Maximum length of the video performance should be 5 minutes
The submitted video should be recorded within the last 6 months prior to preliminary round deadline - should be recorded on or after February 15th 2023
The YouTube video title should have the name of the participant and the category in which they are competing.
Examples:
LastName_FirstName_Youth_Vocal_Classical
LastName_FirstName_Youth_Vocal_SemiClassical
LastName_FirstName_Adult_Vocal_SemiClassical
LastName_FirstName_Adult_Vocal_Film
LastName_FirstName_Youth_Dance
LastName_FirstName_Adult_Dance
Do not announce yourself or provide any text to your video.
Please be sure your videos are set to “Public” or “Unlisted”: VIDEO MANAGER → videos → Basic Info → from the dropdown menu, please choose “Public” or “Unlisted” only.
The organization takes no responsibility for videos that have permissions set to limit viewership or are published through any other video sharing platform (Vimeo, etc).
Ensure that your video is viewable by a third party, even if you choose to make them unlisted.
Only one performance video is allowed per registration. Once the performance video is submitted, it cannot be altered, changed or swapped - it is not negotiable.
Recordings must always consist of uninterrupted video footage of the participant, preferably from a single camera angle with coverage of the performer’s full or upper body. No video splicing (editing a video by putting different video takes together is allowed).
Although the organization does not require professional recordings and accepts video made at your home studio on your devices such as computer, tablet, or phone. The video and audio quality must be such that the judges have a clear and fair representation of your performance.
2) Quarter-Finals
Registration fee: $40 (US Dollars) per participant per category.
All registration fees are nonrefundable.
Appropriate dress attire is required.
Participants should send the song/dance to be performed in advance
Participants will not be allowed to refer the lyrics while singing.
Maximum performance time limit is 5 minutes
3) Semi-Finals
No Registration fee
Appropriate dress attire is required.
Participants should send the song/dance to be performed in advance
Karaoke tracks can be used for Vocals and must be sent in advance
Participants will not be allowed to refer the lyrics while singing.
Maximum performance time limit is 5 minutes. It is expected that each competitor's choice of music fits within the time allowed for each round. Timing begins with the first note of the performance and continues between pieces. If a competitor exceeds the given time allotted, that competitor will be asked to stop but at no penalty to his or her evaluation.
Performers will be stopped when they reach the time limit and any performance exceeding the given time limit will not be counted.
4) Finals
No Registration fee
Appropriate dress attire is required.
Participants should send the song/dance to be performed in advance
Karaoke tracks can be used for Vocals and must be sent in advance
Participants will not be allowed to refer the lyrics while singing.
Maximum performance time limit is 5 minutes.
Finals will consist of 2 rounds
Competition Awards
Quarter-Finals
Top 5 in each of the 6 categories will be awarded trophies
All participants will receive Certificate of Participation
Semi-Finals
Top 5 in each of the 6 categories will be awarded trophies
Finals
For each of the 6 competition categories:
1st prize
Cash/Scholarship award of $1500
Round-trip flight ticket for the participant (1 ticket) and their Guru (1 ticket) to India to perform at Statue of Equality
Performance at Statue of Equality in February 2024
Performance in album
2nd prize
Cash/Scholarship award of $1000
Performance at Statue of Equality in February 2024
Performance in album
3rd prize
Cash/Scholarship award of $500
Performance at Statue of Equality in February 2024
Performance in album
*Important notes on the Awards*
Cash/Scholarship award -
Scholarship award for winners (Ages 10 years - 20 years)
Round-trip flight ticket award –
Only for the winning participant (1 ticket per winner) in Economy class – round trip from either Dallas or Houston to Hyderabad.
Only 1 round-trip flight ticket to the Guru of the winner (only 1 Guru) from either Dallas or Houston to Hyderabad. The Guru's flight ticket will be provided only if the winning participant will be performing at Statue of Equality.
Only 1 round-trip flight to the Guru irrespective of the number of students winning different categories.
If the participant does not include the Guru name at the time of registration, no additions and/or changes will be allowed later - no exception.
The flight booking/reservation will be made by the organizers at their discretion (Airlines and dates in February only).
If any of the winner does not avail the flight ticket, no flight ticket will be provided to the participant's Guru.
If any of the winner and/or their Guru does not avail the flight ticket, no equivalent cash will be awarded, and the flight ticket will be forfeited.
The organizers at their discretion can award the flight tickets to the 1st runner-up and their Guru in the same category.
Performance at Statue of Equality –
The performance will be at Statue of Equality in February 2024
The song selection will be provided by the organizers, only the song(s) provided by the organizers should be performed.
There will be mandatory practice sessions both online while in USA and in-person prior to the performance day in India - it is mandatory for participants to be in India for in-person practice sessions.
All travel and accommodation (lodging and boarding) expenses (except for the round-trip flight tickets to the winner and their Guru) are the responsibility of the participants.
An appropriate dress code is mandatory, the details of which will be provided to all the participants.
Opportunity to perform at Statue of Equality is subject to operational logistics.
Performance in Album –
The song selection will be provided by the organizers, only the songs provided by the organizers should be performed.
Opportunity to perform in album is subject to operational logistics.
Travel Expenses
For Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals, the participants are responsible for their own as well as their accompanists’ travel, accommodation (lodging and boarding) expenses.
Photo/Video
All photos/videos taken during the AMUSE Music Competition by the authorized personnel or agents of the organization are copyrighted and owned by the organization.
Candidates cannot claim legal rights to video recordings and/or photos submitted or broadcasts that may be made in connection with the competition. All legal rights are reserved by the organization and no fee is payable to any competitor for performances, photos, recordings or television broadcasts.
Publicity
By submitting the entry form, each participant, parent or legal guardian (if such participant is a minor) authorizes the use of competitor’s name, photo, audio and/or video recording for the publicity and advertisement purposes related to the competition by the organization.
General Terms
The organization is not responsible for and shall not be held liable for:
(a) lost, late, delayed, damaged, incomplete, illegible, unintelligible, or misdirected entries;
(b) telephone, electronic, hardware or software program, network, Internet, or computer malfunctions, failures, or difficulties of any kind;
(c) failed, incomplete, partial, garbled, or delayed computer transmissions;
(d) any condition caused by events beyond the control of the organization that may cause the competition to be disrupted;
(e) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the competition;
(f) any claims, suits, actions, liabilities, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind in connection with the competition or resulting from acceptance, possession, or use of any prizes and awards.
In addition, the organization cannot guarantee that someone will not be exposed to and contract COVID-19 or other contagious disease(s). By attending any of the live events conducted by the organization each attendee, competitor, parent / legal guardian, teacher, and guest: (a) does so at one’s own risk with possibility of being exposed to contracting or spreading COVID-19 or other contagious diseases along with all related consequences, (b) agrees to comply with all health and safety protocols based on applicable federal, state, and local rules and guidelines as implemented by any of the venues where the organization conducts its live events, and (c) gives up a right to bring any claims, including but not limited to claims of negligence, resulting from attending such live events.
The organization has the right to cancel the event or cancel / merge any categories based on the number of registrations received.
By entering AMUSE Music Competition, each entrant, parent / legal guardian (if such entrant is a minor), agrees to accept these rules and be bound by the decisions of the organization, its judges and staff, which are final and binding in all matters.
Please contact amuse@vtsworld.org for any questions
VT Seva & JET USA Inc.
AMUSE
The term “organization” is used throughout the section refers to both VT Seva and JET USA Inc.
RELEASE OF CLAIMS
By participating in the event (AMUSE), I (I or the “Participant”) hereby execute this waiver and release (the “Agreement”) effective as of the date I register for the event. In consideration of my participation, I agree as follows:
I hereby release the organization and their respective officers, directors, members, representatives, sponsors, volunteers, successors, and assigns (the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, damages, rights of action, or causes of action, arising out of my participation in AMUSE.
This Agreement extends and applies to all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated, and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss, and liability, and the consequences of them, as well as those disclosed or known to exist. I expressly waive all provisions of any state, federal, local, or territorial law or statute which provides that releases will not extend to claims, demands, injuries, or damages that are unknown or unsuspected to exist at the time to the person executing the release.
I indemnify and hold harmless the organization and their respective officers, directors, members, representatives, sponsors, volunteers, successors, and assigns (the “Released Parties”) from any loss, liability, damage or cost they may incur while I am at the Event or on the Premises, whether or not caused by the negligence or gross negligence of the Releasees.
I release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the organization and their respective officers, directors, members, representatives, sponsors, volunteers, successors, and assigns (the “Released Parties”) from all liability to me, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin, for any claims, causes of action, obligations, lawsuits, charges, complaints, controversies, damages, costs or expenses of whatsoever kind, nature, or description, whether direct or indirect, in law or in equity, in contract or in tort, or otherwise, whether known or unknown, arising out of or connected with my (or my child’s/ward's) attendance at the Event or while on the Premises, whether or not caused by the negligence or gross negligence of the Releasees.
If any provision of this Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability will not affect any other provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement will be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.
By entering into this agreement, I knowingly and voluntarily waive any and all rights I might have to a trial before a jury, and agree to mandatory binding arbitration of all disputes or claims arising out of this Agreement.
This agreement is legally binding upon me and my heirs, estate, assigns, legal guardians, and personal representatives.
This is a release of liability. By registering for the event (AMUSE), I hereby accept and agree to all terms of this Agreement.
WAIVER AGREEMENTS
AUDIO AND VIDEO WAIVER
I authorize the organization assignees to use and publish (with or without my name, company name, or with a fictitious name) any audiovisual recordings, photographs, pictures, portraits or images of me in any and all forms and media and in all manners, including, but not limited to, composite images and distorted representations, for the purposes of publicity, illustration, commercial art, advertising, publishing (including publishing in electronic form or on Internet websites) for any product or services, or for any such other lawful uses as may be determined by the organization.
I waive any and all right to review or approve any uses of my name, likeness, images, written copy, or finished product.
COVID / HEALTH HAZARD WAIVER
I acknowledge that there is a chance of exposure during the event. I hereby release the organization and their respective officers, directors, members, representatives, sponsors, volunteers, successors, and assigns (the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, damages, rights of action, or causes of action, arising out of my participation at AMUSE as it relates to COVID-19 and any other communicable disease.
I recognize and acknowledge that there are hazards and risks of physical injury or illness to Event attendees and that not all such hazards or risks can be fully eliminated. I freely and voluntarily agree to assume the full risk of death, bodily injury or property damage, regardless of severity, that I (or my child/ward) may sustain as a result of my attendance at the Event, whether or not caused by the negligence or gross negligence of the Releasees.
JUDGING WAIVER
A jury of qualified judges will evaluate all rounds of AMUSE based on criteria for artistry such as technical ability and musicality.
Contestants will be judged solely on their musical abilities and not on the basis of their race, gender, or other protected characteristics.
The decision of the judges is final and cannot be appealed.
No disputes or disagreements arising from the competition’s results will be entertained or reviewed.
By participating in AMUSE, I agree to these rules and waive my right to dispute the allocation of all/any prizes and awards.
Please contact amuse@vtsworld.org for any questions