1. ELIGIBILITY
   The Competition is open to acoustic instrumental ensembles. The ensemble shall consist of 3 to 5 members. Members must be engaged in study and/or performance and must be pursuing a career in music. On November 30, 2007 the average of the ages of all members of the ensemble shall be less than 31. The ensemble may not have more than one piano.
    
2. APPLICATION
   An entry application must be submitted for the ensemble with a postmark no later than November 30, 2007. The application shall identify each member of the ensemble, his or her age on November 30, 2007 and the instrument played. The application shall be accompanied by a payment of $25 for each ensemble member.
    
3. AUDITION CD
   The application must be accompanied by 3 copies of an audition CD of the ensemble with a total playing time of approximately 30 minutes and two works of contrasting period and character.
    
4. PERFORMANCE COMPETITION
   The applications will be evaluated to select the ensembles who will be invited to participate in a performance competition held before an audience at Easton, Maryland at 1 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Each selected ensemble shall be prepared at the competition to perform a complete program of its choice, provided that the program contains three works of contrasting period and character. While it is anticipated that four or five ensembles will be invited to participate, the number of invitations shall be solely at the discretion of the judges.
    
5. PRIZES
   Prizes will be announced at the conclusion of the performances. The Gold Medalist will be awarded the sum of $10,000 and the Silver Medalist the sum of $5,000. The Gold Medalist will also receive a concert appearance at the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival on June 6, 2008. Further awards may include concert appearances at the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance on June 7, 2008 and the Candlelight Concert Series on June 8, 2008. Additional awards may also be offered. Prizes may be distributed, divided, or withheld as the judges determine. The decisions of the judges shall, in all respects, be final.
    
6. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
   Acceptance of the invitation to participate in the performance competition on March 29, 2008 shall constitute agreement by the ensemble and each of its members to fulfill all requirements of this paragraph. The ensemble shall:
   1. participate in the competition;
   2. also be available on Sunday, March 30, 2008 to offer one complete concert performance of approximately 60 minutes duration and will render such performance if requested;
   3. if selected as recipient of concert appearance awards for June 2008, be available and render such performances.

   The ensemble shall submit, within 10 days of the invitation to participate in the performance competition, a photograph, digital if possible, and a brief biography of the ensemble and its members. It is agreed that the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival and Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition may use such materials or any CD submitted with the application and may record any performances at the Festival or weekend of the Competition and shall have full rights of ownership in and use of such recorded performances.
    

7. HOSPITALITY
   The Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival will, upon request, make arrangements for the housing of participants during the weekend of the performance competition.
    
8. APPLICATION
   Application forms and attachments should be mailed to:

   Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition
   PO Box 234
   Easton, Md. 21601

   Rev. June 30, 2007