All SCPA ensembles must have a Participating Ensemble Master Agreement (PEMA) on file before the season begins. This single, comprehensive document covers important topics such as participant protection, copyright, liability, and scholastic eligibility. Please review the agreement's details carefully, including the requirement to share the Code of Conduct with everyone associated with your ensemble.

Ensembles without a completed PEMA on file will not be allowed to compete at any SCPA event, with no exceptions.

SINGLE SCHOOL SCHOLASTIC ENSEMBLE

If all your performers attend the same school, complete the Single School Participating Ensemble Master Agreement. This applies to the vast majority of scholastic ensembles.

• The principal of the school must sign the Master Agreement and the Scholastic Eligibility Certification letter.

COMBINED SCHOOLS SCHOLASTIC ENSEMBLE

In some instances, scholastic ensembles may be approved to include members from multiple schools. Examples could include students from a feeder school participating with their future school's ensemble, or scenarios where multiple schools share membership for music programs, sports, or clubs.

A group may apply for approval to combine students from multiple schools within a school district under the following guidelines:

• Only one (1) ensemble (competitive or non-competitive) may be formed as a result of combining schools. A combined group may not have a second percussion ensemble.
• If two or more schools have their own, separate marching band programs, they are not eligible to combine.
• Participation in the combined program must not be determined by any form of audition.
• Scholastic groups that include students from parochial, vocational, or charter schools, as well as those from feeder schools (e.g., middle schools that feed into a high school), must apply for approval under combined school guidelines.

If these scenarios apply to your ensemble, complete the Combined Schools Participating Ensemble Master Agreement.

• The superintendent of the school district must sign the Master Agreement and complete the Combined Schools Superintendent Confirmation Form.
• The principal of each school involved must sign a Scholastic Eligibility Certification letter.

If you have any questions about combined schools eligibility, please email [email protected].

INDEPENDENT ENSEMBLE

If your ensemble competes in an independent class, complete the Independent Ensemble Participating Ensemble Master Agreement.

• An officer of the organization needs to sign the Master Agreement.
• All independent ensemble participants must complete either the Release/Waiver Form or the Minor Release/Waiver Form. These will be submitted as a single file at the time of PEMA submission.
• Independent ensembles must also submit their proof of nonprofit incorporation and proof of liability insurance along with their PEMA.

Completed PEMAs should be scanned and uploaded as a single file using the SCPA Ensemble Data Submission Form.

The deadline to submit your Participating Ensemble Master Agreement is December 15th. Failure to submit the PEMA on time will result in the loss of your ensemble's registration date for performance order.

If you have any questions about completion or submission, please contact [email protected].