1. The theme of the song must be some aspect of Florida (history, heritage, land, sky, water, critters, or people) and clearly identifiable as such.
2. Lyrics and melody must be the original creation of the entrant and must not exceed 4.5 (four and a half) minutes in length.
3. The entry must never have been entered in any of the prior song contest years.
4. Each entrant may submit up to three songs, accompanied by a $10.00 per song check or money order made payable to The Will McLean Foundation
5. Cash prizes will be awarded. The first, second and third place winners will be notified no sooner than February 15, by phone or e-mail, and will be invited to perform at the Will McLean Festival.
6. Entries will not be returned, but all rights remain with the writer(s).
7. The entry package must include the following:
* A standard size compact disc for each song.
The recording must contain only the song itself, no explanations or introductions
* Only the song title should appear on the compact disc.
* Six lyric sheets on letter size paper (8 1/2x11) printed in ink or typed. Five lyric sheets must contain the song title and lyrics only. The sixth lyric sheet must contain the song title, the lyrics, and the name, address and phone number of the composer(s)
* A completed official current entry form
* Entry fee of $10.00 per song.
8. Acknowledgement of the receipt of entry package will be provided to entrants who include a self-addressed, stamped, business size envelope.
9. Criteria for judging include AUTHENTICITY, ORIGINALITY, QUALITY OF the LYRICS AND MELODY, and the EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF THE SONG.
10. The first place winner from last year is ineligible this year.
11. Entries must be postmarked after Oct. 1 and no later than Dec. 31.
12. Use this form as a checklist for submitting your entry.
Send entries to
The Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest
P.O.Box 350335, Grand Island, FL 32735-0335
Visit website http://www.willmclean.com or call (352)465-7208 for additional information
Entrants are encouraged to attend the festival and share their songs in a "Circle of Song"