Q: What should I do BEFORE the Slam?
A: Make sure you REGISTER here on the Weebly site (will open April 2). You'll need to paste the text of your TWO slam poems in the appropriate boxes on the Registration form. You'll also want to practice, practice, practice those poems before the big show!
Q: Why two poems?
A: All poets will perform their first poem in Round 1. Those who make it to the second round will perform their second poem. The winner of the Slam is the person with the highest score from Rounds 1 and 2 combined. You will want to think about which poem you want to perform in Round 1 and which you want to save for Round 2, should you make it.
Q: What do I do the day of the Slam?
A: Come to Overland High School at 4:30 on Thurs., April 19. We will run practice workshops with other poets to make sure you have the jitters out and are ready to go when the show begins. We will also provide PIZZA and beverages for all poets around 5:30. (We wouldn't want you slamming hungry.) Also note, if you are performing in the Slam, you don't have to pay a dime. (Slam spectators, however, have to pay the fee).
Q: When will I perform?
A: At Slams, each poet draws a number randomly before the show. That number indicates the order in which you will perform, keeping it nice and random. However, exceptions can be made if time conflicts arise. Just let Mrs. Hoggarth ([email protected]) know if you need to perform, for example, on the late-end of the show because you have another school-related event earlier in the evening. We will do our best to make it work!
Q: How will I be judged?
A: At Poetry Slams, judges rate each poem based on two criteria or equal weight: The Poem (the words) and The Performance. So, Slam Poets need to remember that how they PERFORM the poem is just as important as what they SAY in the poem. That means, you'll want to practice your tone, volume, speed, expressions, gestures, movements, etc. Although memorization is not required, the performance of your poem will likely be stronger if your poem is memorized or close to it.
There are typically five judges at a Slam. After you perform your poem, they will hold up your score on a scale from 1-10. The top score and the bottom score are thrown out, so your actual score will be the "middle" three scores added up, giving each poet a score between 0-30 points.
But the most important thing to remember is THE POINTS ARE NOT THE POINT, THE POINT IS THE POETRY. ( :
Q: Which teacher at my school can give me more information?
A: 6 of our high schools have an English teacher who can help give you information/guidance regarding the Slam.
Overland: Ms. Landen
Smoky Hill: Mr. Fitzgerld
Grandview: Mrs. Hoggarth
Cherokee Trail: Mr. Martin and/or Mrs. Drown
Cherry Creek: Mr. Mazenko
Eaglecrest: Ms. Mcculloch
A: Make sure you REGISTER here on the Weebly site (will open April 2). You'll need to paste the text of your TWO slam poems in the appropriate boxes on the Registration form. You'll also want to practice, practice, practice those poems before the big show!
Q: Why two poems?
A: All poets will perform their first poem in Round 1. Those who make it to the second round will perform their second poem. The winner of the Slam is the person with the highest score from Rounds 1 and 2 combined. You will want to think about which poem you want to perform in Round 1 and which you want to save for Round 2, should you make it.
Q: What do I do the day of the Slam?
A: Come to Overland High School at 4:30 on Thurs., April 19. We will run practice workshops with other poets to make sure you have the jitters out and are ready to go when the show begins. We will also provide PIZZA and beverages for all poets around 5:30. (We wouldn't want you slamming hungry.) Also note, if you are performing in the Slam, you don't have to pay a dime. (Slam spectators, however, have to pay the fee).
Q: When will I perform?
A: At Slams, each poet draws a number randomly before the show. That number indicates the order in which you will perform, keeping it nice and random. However, exceptions can be made if time conflicts arise. Just let Mrs. Hoggarth ([email protected]) know if you need to perform, for example, on the late-end of the show because you have another school-related event earlier in the evening. We will do our best to make it work!
Q: How will I be judged?
A: At Poetry Slams, judges rate each poem based on two criteria or equal weight: The Poem (the words) and The Performance. So, Slam Poets need to remember that how they PERFORM the poem is just as important as what they SAY in the poem. That means, you'll want to practice your tone, volume, speed, expressions, gestures, movements, etc. Although memorization is not required, the performance of your poem will likely be stronger if your poem is memorized or close to it.
There are typically five judges at a Slam. After you perform your poem, they will hold up your score on a scale from 1-10. The top score and the bottom score are thrown out, so your actual score will be the "middle" three scores added up, giving each poet a score between 0-30 points.
But the most important thing to remember is THE POINTS ARE NOT THE POINT, THE POINT IS THE POETRY. ( :
Q: Which teacher at my school can give me more information?
A: 6 of our high schools have an English teacher who can help give you information/guidance regarding the Slam.
Overland: Ms. Landen
Smoky Hill: Mr. Fitzgerld
Grandview: Mrs. Hoggarth
Cherokee Trail: Mr. Martin and/or Mrs. Drown
Cherry Creek: Mr. Mazenko
Eaglecrest: Ms. Mcculloch