Rules and Information

2027 MILDRED MILLIGAN SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

GREATER HOUSTON CHAPTER of the AMERICAN HARP SOCIETY

Saturday, April 17th, 2027 | Elkins High School

RULES AND INFORMATION
Please read carefully

ELIGIBILITY

  • The contestant as well as their teacher must both be current members of the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Harp Society (GHC).
  • Membership to the national chapter of the AHS is not required.
  • If you have previously won first place in a division, you are not eligible to compete in that division again. However, you are eligible to compete in a more advanced division.
  • You are welcome to compete in a more advanced division than your actual grade level, but not a less advanced division.

REGISTRATION

The registration deadline is March 6th, 2027.

  1. JOIN THE GHC HERE (student membership – $15)
  2. COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM FOR THE MILLIGAN COMPETITION HERE
    Please note, there are two separate transactions – one for membership to the chapter, one for the competition fee. The link to the competition fee is found at the end of the competition registration form.
  3. Early Bird Registration Discount (September 1st, 2026 – November 22nd, 2026) $25
    Regular Registration Fee (November 23rd, 2026 – March 6th, 2027) $30
    Late Registration Fee (must contact Milligan Competition Chair directly) $40

MUSIC

  • All music must be performed from memory. Divisions V, VI, & VII may use music for the required orchestral excerpt or cadenza. The free choice piece must be memorized.
  • Repeats are optional, unless otherwise stated.
  • On the day of the competition, you must provide one original and two photocopies of your free choice piece for the judges, with each measure numbered.
  • It is not necessary to provide a copy of the required repertoire for the judges.

SCHEDULE

  • The competition will take place from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday, April 17th, 2027.
  • Arrival, warm-up, and competition times will be sent via email to all registered contestants after registration has closed.
  • Please plan your arrival to allow yourself plenty of time to be tuned, warmed up, and ready to play. Competitors who arrive late may not be able to warm-up or compete.
  • Results will be announced via email the day following the competition. The decisions of the judges are final.

ADJUDICATION

  • Students will perform before a panel of judges (without a screen).
  • No judge will serve in a division in which they have a student.
  • Honorable Mention(s) may be named in each category at the judges’ discretion.
  • The judges’ decisions are final.
  • All contestants will receive a comment sheet from the judges and a certificate of participation.

INFORMATION

  • Contestants may be disqualified if there is any disregard to rules.
  • A category deemed too large may be split into two groups.


DAY OF THE COMPETITION

  • Contestants will be escorted to warm-up rooms following check in.
    Contestants will be notified when they are next to perform and then escorted into the recital hall for their performance.
  • Contestants may provide their own instruments, or use the provided pedal or lever harp. Assistance in moving harps will be available.
  • Contestants are expected to dress professionally.
  • The competition is open to the public. All contestants as well as family, friends, and teachers are welcome to observe performances. Contestants will not perform behind a screen.
  • Please do not talk in the hallways. Behavior must be respectful and courteous. As in any competition, noises are distracting and inconsiderate.

AWARDS

Judges will choose a First, Second, and Third Place winner for each Division.
Judges may designate one or more Honorable Mentions at their discretion.

First Place Prizes


Division I (grades 1-2) – $50
Division II (grades 3-4) – $75
Division III (grades 5-6) – $150
Division IV (grades 7-8) – $200
Division V (grades 9-10) – $250
Division VI (grades 11-12) – $250
Division VII* (college) – $400


*The Division VII winner will also receive a solo recital performance opportunity as part of the GHC’s 2027-28 season.

Second and Third Place winners will receive a gift certificate to a harp retailer.

First, Second, Third Place winners and Honorable Mentions in each category will be invited to perform in the Milligan Winners’ Recital, Date TBD.


All competitors will receive a Certificate of Participation.