Entering SchoolJam USA
Q: How much does it cost for my band to participate?
A: There is no entry fee for bands to participate. The only costs that are involved are travel expenses to Anaheim, California, if your band advances to the finals.
Q: Does SchoolJam USA retain the rights to my music?
A: No. You keep all the rights to your music. What you provide to us is a royalty-free license to use your material to promote the program. We retain the rights to any materials that we create, for example, the recording of the final event.
Q: My band doesn't play rock music, do we still qualify?
A: YES! We welcome all styles of music, and we mean ALL STYLES, as long as it's appropriate. So, if you're in a jazz group, mariachi, bluegrass, classical, rock, alternative or any other type of band, you qualify!
Q: Do all members in the band have to be from the same school?
A: No. Band members can be from different schools, as long as they fall into the general guidelines for age, graduation etc. (See the Official Rules for details).
Q: If I'm 18, do my parents need to sign all of the paperwork?
A: No, you only need your parents permission to participate if you are 17 or under.
Q: One of our band members is under 13, can we still enter?
A: All band members must be 13 years or older when the band enters. There are strict laws that we must follow and therefore we cannot make exceptions to this rule.
Q: Are all band members required to be involved in their school music programs?
A: No. Although we highly encourage you to get involved!
The Voting Round
Q: How may times a day can I vote?
A: One time per day.
Q: Who can vote?
A: Anyone over 13 who has an e-mail address.
Q: Is it one vote per person per calendar day or 24 hours?
A: Calendar day.
Q: What time zone is the voting tracked?
A: Pacific Time.
Q: How do I promote my band's involvement?
A: We've provided numerous tools for bands to promote themselves and their involvement. Tools can be found on your band profile page.
Q: What if I believe a band is cheating?
A: Please e-mail us at info@schooljamusa.com and we'll look into it.
Q: What if someone claims my band is cheating?
A: We may ask you a few questions and if there is a problem we'll look into it and make a decision using our best judgment. We will never disclose who sent a complaint nor will we ever discuss another band with anyone regarding a complaint.
Q: Where can I see how many votes I received?
A: On your band's profile page.
SchoolJam USA Finals
Q: How many bands advance to the finals?
A: 8 bands.
Q: How are the finalist bands chosen?
A: Finalist bands will be chosen based on a combination of their overall number of public votes and their musical score—to be determined by a panel of qualified judges. See the "How It Works" page for the specfiic calculations.
Q: Will our band see our final scores?
A: We share the total vote count, but not the music score. If judges provide comments for the bands we will share those.
Q: What costs are involved with participating in the finals?
A: You are responsible for getting yourself to Anaheim, California, and some meals. We cover the cost of your hotel and some of your meals. We will provide bands with a method for fundraising to help with the cost of travel.
Q: Will we receive passes to the NAMM Show?
A: Yes, you and your family will receive passes to visit the NAMM Show. Please note there are some restrictions for minors on the show floor. (Band Members are covered.)
Q: Can we sell merchandise at the finals?
A: Yes, and we encourage you to do so.
Q: Who judges the finals?
A: There will be a panel made up of industry experts and partners who will judge the finals. Exact individuals will be named closer to the date.
Q: Can we bring a chaperone?
A: Yes, it's actually required. We will cover the cost of a hotel for 1 chaperone per band, of whom everyone must agree upon. Chaperones must be a parent or legal guardian of one of the band members, not an older sibling or friend, and at least 21 years of age.
Q: What if one of our band members can't travel?
A: Substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can we play different songs than we auditioned with?
A: Yes, but each song must be original and must be approved prior to the finals.
Prizing
Q: If our band members are from different schools and we receive prizing, how is it split up?
A: The prize money will be split evenly among the number schools represented - not the number of band members in each school.
Q: Can our band give money to our rock school or other after school program?
A: No. the prize money for the schools must go to a state recognized middle or high school. After-school programs, for profit music schools, camps, etc. are not eligible.
Q: Will we be responsible for taxes on prizes awarded?
A: Yes, you will be responsible for any taxes due on prizes, and we will provide all of the necessary paperwork.
Q: How are the prizes provided?
A: The cash prizes for the bands are provided in a pre-paid debit card. The prizes for the school music programs are awarded via a check to the school.
Q: Does the winning band really get to play in Germany?
A: Yes, we really do take the winning band to Germany (as long as they qualify—meaning the band is still a band, there's no legal barriers, etc.).
Q: What happens if the winning and is not able to travel to Germany?
A: We can offer the trip to the 2nd place band, then 3rd place and so on.
Q: What costs will the winning band have for the trip to Germany?
A: We cover the winning band's hotel and airfare to Frankfurt, Germany, plus provide a one-time stipend to assist with meals. Band members are repsonsible for sightseeing, souvenirs, some meals and any other miscellaneous items the band needs.
Q: Does the winning band need a chaperone?
A: Yes, the same rules that apply for Anaheim apply for Germany. We pick up the hotel and airfare cost for the band's chaperone.
Q: Can our families travel to Germany with us?
A: Yes, families are welcomed. But all expenses related to the trip are their responsibility.
