Official Rules

VERIZON HOW SWEET THE SOUND CHOIR CONTEST

General Overview of the Contest. The 2011 Verizon How Sweet the Sound Contest (the “Contest”), conducted by Verizon Corporate Services Group, Inc. (“Verizon”), is a search for the best church choirs in America. These official rules of the Contest (the “Official Rules”) describe the manner in which the Contest will be conducted. As described in detail below, there are three separate rounds (each, a “Round”) in this Contest: the Video Audition Round (“Round 1”), the Regional Round (“Round 2”), which will involve live events in nine (9) different locations across the country, and the Grand Finale Round (“Round 3”) at which the finalists will be invited to sing to win the honor of being named the Best Church Choir in America.

Please read these Official Rules carefully as they contain important information about how the Contest will be conducted, including which choirs are eligible to enter, deadline dates for entry, and rules regarding the music that can be performed in the Contest. If you have any questions about the Contest or these Official Rules, you may email help@howsweetthesound.com or call 1-800-230-0053.
Eligibility. The Contest is open only to choirs (each, a “Choir”) that meet all of the following requirements:
1. Each performing member of the Choir (each, a “Member” or “Choir Member”) must:
  1. be a legal resident of one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia (excluding Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories);
  2. be at least 18 years of age as of January 15, 2011; and
  3. never have been a spokesperson for a cellular phone distributor, manufacturer or retailer other than Verizon;
2. The Choir must have a meaningful and consistent relationship with a church, temple, mosque or other similar religious organization (the “Religious Organization”). The Religious Organization must have a valid tax identification number, must be a tax-exempt organization as described under sections 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and must have received an exemption letter from the Internal Revenue Service confirming its tax exempt status. The Choir must provide the Religious Organization’s valid tax identification number as part of the registration process, and the Choir, at Verizon’s request, shall submit additional documentation satisfactory to Verizon in its sole discretion confirming the tax-exempt status of the Religious Organization;
3. This Contest will be conducted in 9 different regions (each, a “Region”) as listed in Appendix 1 to these Official Rules. The Choir’s Religious Organization must have a mailing address with a zip code that is within a Region (as set forth in Appendix 1) or that is in a geographic area in close proximity to a Region, as determined by Verizon in its sole discretion;
4. The Choir must consist of between 6-100 performing Members (inclusive of any band members); and
5. Neither the Choir nor any of its Members may be a party to a music recording contract or any other contractual arrangement that would prohibit or restrict the Choir or any of its Members from: (i) entering this Contest; (ii) allowing their performances to be recorded, exhibited, broadcast and used as described in these Official Rules; or (iii) granting the rights granted in these Official Rules.
Employees, officers, directors, representatives, and agents of Verizon or its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies, and members of their immediate families (i.e., spouses, parents, siblings, and children) and those living in their households, are not eligible to enter the Contest. However, a Choir will not be disqualified merely because any of the foregoing individuals are members of or associated with a Choir or the Choir’s Religious Organization so long as such individuals are not participating Choir Members. Verizon shall have the right to verify the accuracy of all information submitted and also reserves the right to disqualify any Choir or Member that Verizon, in its sole discretion, believes might for any reason reflect negatively on Verizon or who fails to comply with these Official Rules. By participating, each Choir and its Members agree to comply with these Official Rules and with the decisions of Verizon and any Contest judges, whose decisions are final and binding in all respects. The Contest is void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law.
Song List and Music Requirements.
1. The list of approved songs for this Contest (the “Song List”) will be posted on www.howsweetthesound.com (the “Website”). Verizon, in its sole discretion, may modify the Song List from time to time, and any modified Song List will be posted on the Website. In addition, information on how the Choirs may obtain sheet music for the songs listed in the Song List will be available on the Website. As noted below, in Round 1, the Choir may (but is not required to) perform a song from the Song List. However, Choirs invited to participate in Round 2 and Round 3 must perform a song from the Song List.
2. In Round 1, each Choir may perform one (and only one) song, and the Choir’s performance in Round 1 shall not include any medleys, “samples,” or interpolations of any others songs. The song performed in Round 1 must be one of the following: (i) a song from the Song List, (ii) an entirely original work (i.e., original composition, arrangement, etc.) composed and completely owned by the Member(s) of the Choir (the “Original Song”), or (iii) a song (including, without limitation, composition and arrangement) owned by a third party for which the Choir has obtained all necessary licenses and permissions to enable the Choir to perform and submit the song in Round 1 (the “Third-Party Song”). The Choir and each of its Members represents, warrants and agrees that (x) if it performs an Original Song in Round 1, the Original Song is 100% original and created solely by the Choir and its Member(s) and the Choir and its Members exclusively own all right, title and interest in and to the Original Song; and (y) if the Choir performs an Original Song or a Third-Party Song in Round 1, such song and the performance thereof shall not violate the rights of any person or entity. The Choir shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties (as defined below) from and against any and all liabilities or claims with respect to or in any way arising from a breach or claimed breach of its agreements, representation and warranties under this Section 3(b). Upon Verizon’s request, the Choir shall submit additional proof of its rights with respect to the Original Song or Third-Party Song (as applicable), and the Choir Representative and the applicable Members of the Choir shall sign any additional releases with respect to such song performed in Round 1.
3. In Round 2 and Round 3, each Choir may perform one (and only one) song from the Song List.
4. Each Choir and its Members agrees, represents and warrants that should it perform a song from the Song List (whether in Round 1, Round 2 or Round 3), (i) the Choir’s performance shall not include medleys of songs, “samples” or interpolations of any other songs, (ii) the Choir’s arrangement of that song shall not change the basic melody or fundamental character of the song and shall not violate the rights of any person or entity (e.g., the arrangement shall be original or in the public domain, etc.), (iii) the Choir shall not change the lyrics to the song, (iv) the Choir grants and assigns to Verizon (and represents and warrants that it has all necessary rights to so grant and assign) all right, title and interest in and to the Choir’s arrangement of the song performed, and (v) the Choir’s performance shall not violate the rights of any person or entity.
5. The Choir may not perform any song in Round 1 that was performed by that Choir at any previous How Sweet the Sound Regional event or Grand Finale event.
How to Enter: Round 1 or the Video Audition Round. Each Choir must follow the following procedures to enter Round 1 (also referred to herein as the “Video Audition Round”) of the Contest, and thereby enter the Contest:
1. Choir Representative. Each Choir must designate a representative who is a Member of the Choir (“Choir Representative”) who shall be the spokesperson on behalf of the Choir and responsible for the submission of all required information and documentation. The Choir Representative must be 21 years of age or older as of January 15, 2011.
2. Method of Entry and Deadlines for Entry (Round 1): The Choir may enter Round 1 of the Contest online at the Website or by mail.
  1. Online Entry: Online versions of all entry materials can be found at the Website. To enter online, visit the Website and follow all instructions to create a profile, submit all required information, and upload the Round 1 Video (as defined below). Online entries may be submitted beginning at 6:00 am Eastern Time (“ET”) on January 15, 2011 and ending at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 30, 2011.
  2. Mail Entry. Copies of all entry materials can be downloaded from the Website or obtained by calling 1-800-230-0053. Mail-in entries must be received by Verizon no later than April 30, 2011. To enter by mail, mail a single package containing all entry materials and your Round 1 Video to the following address
    
    How Sweet the Sound
    125 East Broad Street
    Greenville, SC 29601
  3. Verizon, in its sole discretion, may change the deadlines for Entry, and any changes will be noted on the Website.
3. Required Materials: Regardless of the method of entry, each Choir will be required to provide and submit the following information and materials:
  1. Round 1 Video: The Choir must create and submit an audition video (“Round 1 Video”) which must:
    1. be an audio-visual recording of the Choir’s performance (whether public or private) of one (and only one) song selected by the Choir, which performance must comply with Section 3 of these Official Rules;
    2. be no less than thirty (30) seconds and no longer than three (3) minutes in length. If the Round 1 Video is longer than three (3) minutes in length, Verizon shall have the right (in its sole discretion) to disqualify the entry, demand a revised and compliant Round 1 Video, or consider only a three-minute portion of the Round 1 Video, such portion to be selected by Verizon in its sole discretion;
    3. comply with the requirements set forth in these Official Rules, including, without limitation, those set forth in Section 9 below. PLEASE NOTE that only Members who appear in the Round 1 Video may be eligible to participate/perform in later Rounds of the Contest (if selected) unless Verizon agrees otherwise in its sole discretion;
    4. if submitted via the online method of entry, (a) the “title” of the Round 1 Video must be the Choir’s name, and (b) the Round 1 Video must be in one of the following formats: FLV, MOV, WMV, AVI, MPEG or MP4; and
    5. if submitted via the mail-in method of entry, (a) the Round 1 Video must be labeled with the Choir name, the song performed on the Round 1 Video, and the Choir Representative’s name, address and phone number, and (b) the Round 1 Video must be in one of the following formats: Hi-8, DVD, MiniDV or VHS format.
  2. Registration Information: The Choir must provide all requested information in the online or mail-in registration forms (the “Registration Form”), including the Choir’s name; the Choir Representative’s name, address, phone number and email address; the name of the song performed on the Round 1 Video, whether the song performed in the Round 1 Video is a song from the Song List, an Original Song or a Third-Party Song); and the name, address (including zip code) and tax identification number of the Choir’s Religious Organization. The Choir must also designate whether it believes it should be considered in the “Small/Medium Category” (6-35 Members, inclusive of any band performers) or “Large Category” (36-100 Members, inclusive of any band performers). (Whether the Choir ultimately will be considered in the Small/Medium Category or Large Category shall be determined by Verizon, in its sole discretion.) The Registration Form for mail-in entry is available as Appendix 2 to these Official Rules and on the Website.
  3. Release: On behalf of all Choir Members, the Choir Representative must agree to and sign (electronically or by hand, depending on method of entry) a liability/publicity release (the “Release”). (A copy of the Release is attached as Appendix 3 to these Official Rules.) In the Release, the Choir Representative must represent that he/she has the authority to act on behalf of the Choir and enter into the Release on behalf of all Choir Members and bind all Choir Members to the terms of the Release. At any time during the Contest, Choir Members may be required to provide additional signed releases, as determined by Verizon in its sole discretion. If any Choir Member does not grant the Choir Representative the requisite authority required hereunder and/or in the Release, then the Choir Representative shall ensure such Member does not participate in the Contest (and that such Choir Member’s performance is not embodied in the Round 1 Video).
  4. Song Choices: Each Choir must provide a list of its top four (4) songs from the Song List (the “Song Choices”) that it would like to perform if the Choir is invited to advance to Round 2 or Round 3 of the Contest. The Choir must rank the Song Choices in order of preference. If, in Round 1, the Choir chose to perform a particular song from the Song List, the Choir may, at its election, include the same song as one of its four (4) Song Choices. (The manner in which songs will be assigned to Choirs in Round 2 and Round 3 is described below.)
4. Complete Entries. A complete entry (the “Entry”) will consist of: the Video, a completed Registration Form, an original Release signed (electronically or by hand, depending on the method of entry) by the Choir Representative, the Choir’s Song Choices, and any other materials or information requested by Verizon. All required information and materials must be included in the Entry for the Entry to be valid. Each Choir may submit only one Round 1 Video via only one Entry, and each Religious Organization is only permitted to have only one Choir enter the Contest. If any Choir submits more than one Round 1 Video or Entry, Verizon, at its sole discretion, may choose one Round 1 Video (or Entry) to be eligible, or may disqualify all the Round 1 Videos (or Entries) submitted by that Choir. If more than one Choir designates the same Religious Organization, the Religious Organization may be required by Verizon to choose one of such Choirs to be eligible. Verizon, at its sole discretion, may honor the Religious Organization’s direction, or may disqualify all/any Choirs that designate the same Religious Organization. Verizon is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible, incomplete, inaudible, corrupted, or incorrect Entries. Verizon has no obligation to acknowledge receipt of, return or respond to Round 1 Videos (and Entries). All Entries become the property of Verizon and will not be returned. Failure to timely submit an Entry may disqualify the Choir from the Contest.
5. THIS CONTEST MAY BE CANCELLED OR MODIFIED, IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF VERIZON, IN THE EVENT AN INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE OR SATISFACTORY ENTRIES ARE RECEIVED.
Selection Process. Within each of the nine (9) Regions, eligible Choirs will be divided into two categories (“Categories”) for judging, based on the number of performing Members in each Choir: (i) The “Small/Medium Category” shall be Choirs with 6-35 performing Members; and (ii) The “Large Category” shall be Choirs with 36-100 performing Members. These Official Rules designate below the number of Choirs in each Category and in each Region that Verizon anticipates will be selected to participate in each Round of the Contest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Verizon reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to have a different number of Choirs (more or fewer) than the numbers designated in these Official Rules participate in any Category, Region or Round of the Contest. In addition, Verizon reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to assign a Choir to a particular Category even if it has more or fewer Members than the numbers designated above for such Category.
Round 1 – Video Audition Round. After April 30, 2011, a panel of independent judges (“Judges”), selected by Verizon in its sole discretion, will review the eligible Round 1 Videos submitted and, based on the Judging Criteria (as defined below), score and select four (4) Choirs from the Small/Medium Category and four (4) Choirs from the Large Category in each Region (for a total of eight (8) Choirs per Region) to advance to Round 2 of the Contest. Verizon and the Judges reserve the right to either disqualify any ineligible Entries or to request that any Choir re-submit an Entry to conform to these Official Rules, within a time-frame dictated by Verizon. Should any Choir asked to re-submit an eligible Entry fail to do so within the time-frame communicated by Verizon, such Choir may be disqualified in Verizon’s sole discretion.
Round 2 – Regional Round.
1. Announcement and Notification. The Choirs (the “Regional Finalists”) selected by the Judges to advance to the second round of the Contest (i.e., Round 2 or the “Regional Round”) will be announced on the Website, and Verizon will notify the Choir Representatives for such Regional Finalists by telephone and/or follow-up email confirmation on or about May 31, 2011.
2. Confirmation by Regional Finalists and Member Lists. Within twenty-four (24) hours of Verizon’s notification, the Choir Representative for each Regional Finalist must confirm to Verizon in writing (in the manner that Verizon specifies) that the Regional Finalist is willing and available to participate in Round 2 and attend the Round 2 Event (as defined below) (and Round 3, if selected) in person on the applicable date and at the applicable location. In addition, the Choir Representative must also provide to Verizon a complete list (“Member List”) of all Choir Members (first and last names and dates of birth) who appeared in the Round 1 Video and who will also perform at the Round 2 Event and Round 3 (if selected). For clarity, only Members who appeared in the Round 1 Video may participate in Round 2 and Round 3 (if selected), unless Verizon agrees otherwise in its sole discretion. Subject to exigent circumstances (e.g., illness or other health-related issues) as determined by Verizon in its sole discretion, the Choir Members named on the Member List shall be the only Choir Members eligible to (a) participate in the Round 2 and Round 3 (if selected); and (b) receive any prize described in Section 13 of these Official Rules (including, without limitation, any transportation, accommodations, meals, etc.). The Members of the Regional Finalists may also be required to provide additional signed releases, as determined by Verizon at its sole discretion. The failure of a Regional Finalist to provide such confirmation or such additional releases within the time frame specified by Verizon may result in disqualification of the Regional Finalist.
3. Essays and Round 2 Videos. Each Regional Finalist will be required to submit an Essay and Round 2 Video (as defined below) which will be posted on the Website for public voting, as described below. As also described below, the results of the public voting will count towards the winner of the V CAST People’s Choice Award (as defined below) at each Regional Event (as defined below).
  1. Essay: Following notification that a Choir has advanced to Round 2, Verizon will send an email (or such other method as determined by Verizon) to the Choir Representative of each Regional Finalist with a form containing the question, “How is your ministry advancing your community?” (the “Question”) and a space for one (and only one) response to the Question (the “Essay”). The Choir must write/type the Essay (no more than three-hundred (300) words) in the space provided on the form, and submit the form in accordance with Section 7(c)(iii) below. The Essay must comply with all requirements set forth in these Official Rules, including, without limitation, Section 9.
  2. Round 2 Video:
    1. On or about July 15, 2011 (such date subject to change, in Verizon’s sole discretion) Verizon shall mail one (1) Verizon handset with video capture capability (or similar device) (the “Device”) to the Choir Representatives of the Regional Finalists. The Round 2 Video (defined below) must be shot solely on the Device, and the Device must be returned to Verizon in accordance with these Official Rules. If necessary (as determined by Verizon in its sole discretion), Verizon shall activate the Device for a limited time (from approximately July 15, 2011 through approximately August 5, 2011) solely for Round 2 Video filming purposes. The Choir shall not incur any charges for using the Device to film the Round 2 Video in accordance with these Official Rules. For clarity, the Device is to be used solely in connection with filming the Round 2 Video. Verizon shall not be responsible for any other charges (voice charges, text charges, etc.) incurred in connection with use of the Device.
    2. The Regional Finalist shall be required to use the Device to create and submit another video (the “Round 2 Video”) which must:
      1. be an audio-visual recording of the Regional Finalist’s response to the Question and must comply with all requirements set forth in these Official Rules, including, without limitation, Section 9;
      2. be no less than two (2) minutes and no longer than three (3) minutes in length. If the Round 2 Video is longer than three (3) minutes in length or otherwise fails to comply with these Official Rules, Verizon shall have the right (in its sole discretion) to disqualify the Choir, demand a revised and compliant Round 2 Video, or consider only a three-minute portion of the Round 2 Video, such portion to be selected by Verizon in its sole discretion;
      3. not contain any music whatsoever (including, without limitation, music performed live by the Choir or any individual, music submitted as part of the Round 1 Video, music performed or to be performed at any Round of the Contest, recorded music, background music, licensed music or any other music).
  3. How to Submit Essay & Round 2 Video: A package containing (a) a printout of the completed form that includes the Essay and (b) the Device with the Round 2 Video recorded on it – must be received by Verizon by no later than August 5, 2011, via mail, at the address provided above in Section 4(b)(ii). Verizon shall provide each Regional Finalist a pre-paid envelope that may be used by the Regional Finalists for mailing the package. The package must be labeled with the Choir name, and the Choir Representative’s name and address. Verizon has no obligation to acknowledge receipt of, return or respond to Choirs regarding submission of these packages. All such packages become the property of Verizon and will not be returned. All required content and information must be included in this package for it to be validly submitted. Failure to timely submit this package may, as determined by Verizon in its sole discretion, disqualify the Regional Finalist from the Contest.
4. Online Voting for V CAST People’s Choice Award.
  1. Posting Essay and Round 2 Video: Essays and Round 2 Videos that are in compliance with these Official Rules will be posted on the Website on or about August 17, 2011. The Essays and Round 2 Videos (and the identification of the corresponding Regional Finalist) will be arranged on the Website by Region and by Category.
  2. Online Voting: Beginning at approximately 12:01 am ET on August 17, 2011 and ending at approximately 11:59 pm ET on August 31, 2011 (the “Online Voting Period”) visitors to the Website who follow all instructions on the Website to register as voters (collectively, the “Online Voters”) will be permitted to review the Essays and Round 2 Videos and vote for one (1) Regional Finalist per Region per day only once, and all in accordance with the Online Voting Criteria (defined in Section 11 below). Verizon, in its sole discretion, may change the start date or end date of the Online Voting Period, and any changes will be noted on the Website.
  3. Scoring: Online voting results will be taken into consideration to determine the V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner (as defined below) as follows: the Regional Finalist with the highest total number of online votes in each Region will receive an additional number of votes equal to five percent (5 %) of its text-to-screen voting results at that Regional Finalist’s Round 2 Event. In the event of a tied number of online votes in a particular Region, multiple Choirs may receive the five percent (5 %) increase to their text-to-screen voting results.
  4. Online Voting Results: The online voting results shall be announced on the Website on or about September 7, 2011. The V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner for each Region will be announced at each Regional event. (For clarity, there is no prize for any Choir in connection with just the online voting results.)
5. Round 2 Event Details. The Regional Finalists from each Region shall perform at a live event for each Region (the “Regional Event(s)”) in accordance with the following:
  1. Musical Composition Assignment & Requirements: Verizon, in its sole discretion, will assign to each Regional Finalist a song from the Song List that the Choir will perform at the Regional Event. In making the assignment, Verizon will take into consideration (among other factors) the Song Choices submitted by the Regional Finalist; however, all decisions regarding song assignments are at the sole discretion of Verizon, and Verizon reserves the right to assign to a Regional Finalist any song from the Song List, including a song not included among the Regional Finalist’s Song Choices. Verizon will notify each Regional Finalist (by telephone, mail or email) of its song assignment prior to the Regional Finalists’ Regional Round competition. Each Regional Finalist, and each of its Members, represents and warrants that, during the Regional Event, it will only perform the song assigned to it pursuant to the terms of these Official Rules, and that its performance will comply with these Official Rules, including Section 3 of these Official Rules.
  2. Regional Event Dates and Locations: The dates and locations of each Regional Event will be determined by Verizon in its sole discretion and will be posted on the Website. The Regional Finalists will be required to check in on the applicable date at the designated location at a call time Verizon will determine and announce. Members may be subject to personal searches and must comply at all times with the rules and regulations of the venue. Specifically, Members shall be required to wear identification in the form provided by Verizon at all times at the designated location on the date of the Regional Round. Each Regional Finalist and all its Members shall be solely responsible for all expenses (including transportation, accommodations and any food/drink/refreshment costs) in connection with their participation in the Regional Round.
  3. Regional Round Allowances: If requested by a Regional Finalist, Verizon may provide one (1) of each of the following items for use in the Regional Finalist’s performance at the Regional Event: organ, piano, drum kit, guitar amplifier and bass amplifier. Verizon, at its sole discretion, will decide what, if any, equipment, props or instruments may be used by the Regional Finalists, and Choir Members must carry on and off stage any permitted equipment, props or instruments. All decisions by Verizon are final.
  4. Regional Round Performance Requirements: Regional Finalists shall perform as follows at the Regional Event: Members may not leave the stage or stage area during their Choir’s performance. Each Regional Finalist will have a maximum total stage time (the exact amount of which shall be determined by Verizon, in its sole discretion, and communicated to the Regional Finalists prior to the performance), regardless of any technical difficulties. If a Regional Finalist exceeds the proscribed time limit, then Verizon may deduct point(s) and/or disqualify the Regional Finalist, at Verizon’ sole discretion. In addition, all Regional Finalists may be required to remain at the applicable Regional Round venue until all Regional Finalists have performed, after which all Regional Finalists may be required to together perform a song chosen by Verizon and led by an individual chosen by Verizon.
6. Selection of Regional Finalist Winners. Based on the Judging Criteria, at the close of the Regional Event, the Judges shall select the following in each Region:
  1. Large Category Regional Winner: The Regional Finalist in the Large Category with the highest score from the Judges will be selected as the “Large Category Regional Winner”;
  2. Small/Medium Category Regional Winner: The Regional Finalist in the Small/Medium Category with the highest score from the Judges will be selected as the “Small/Medium Category Regional Winner”; and
  3. National Finalist: The Judges will select an over-all winner for each Region (the “National Finalist”) from between the Large Category Regional Winner and the Small/Medium Category Regional Winner for that Region. Only the National Finalist from each Region will advance to the third and final round of the Contest.
7. V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner. In addition, attendees of the Regional Event in each Region will be invited to vote, through text-to-screen voting, for their favorite Regional Finalist. The Regional Finalist with the most votes from text-to-screen voting combined with the online voting results (as set forth in Section 7(d) above) will be named the “V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner.” Text-to-screen voting will be open following all performances at each Regional Event, for a period of time to be announced and determined by Verizon at its sole discretion, and the V CAST People’s Choice Award Winners will be announced at the close of each Regional Event.
Round 3 – Grand Finale Round.
1. Confirmation by National Finalist. The National Finalist from each Region will advance to the third and final round of the Contest (Round 3 or “Grand Finale Round”). Verizon will officially notify the Choir Representative of the National Finalist for each Region by telephone and/or email within approximately fourteen (14) days after the date of the applicable Regional Event. Within twenty-four (24) hours of Verizon’s notification, each National Finalist must confirm in writing (in the manner that Verizon specifies) that it is willing and available to attend the Grand Finale Round at a location (“Grand Finale Location”) and on a date (“Grand Finale Date”) to be selected by Verizon at its sole discretion and communicated to the Choir Representative of the National Finalist. (The Grand Finale Date and the Grand Finale Location will be posted on the Website when they are available.) The Members of the National Finalist may also be required to provide additional signed releases, as determined by Verizon at its sole discretion. The failure of a National Finalist to provide such confirmation or such additional releases within the time frame specified by Verizon may result in disqualification of the National Finalist. Each National Finalist will receive transportation to and accommodations for the Grand Finale Round as described in Section 13(b)(i) below.
2. Musical Composition Assignment & Requirements. Verizon, in its sole discretion, will assign to each National Finalist the musical composition it will perform at the Grand Finale Round. In making the assignment, Verizon will take into consideration (among other factors) the Song Choices submitted by the National Finalist; however, all decisions regarding song assignments are at the sole discretion of Verizon, and Verizon reserves the right to assign to a Choir any song from the Song List, including a song not included among the Choir’s Song Choices. Verizon will notify each National Finalist (by telephone, mail or email) of its song assignment prior to the Grand Finale. Each National Finalist, and each of its Members, represents and warrants that, during the Grand Finale Round, it will only perform the song assigned to it pursuant to the terms of these Official Rules and its performance will comply with these Official Rules, including Section 3 of these Official Rules.
3. Grand Finale Round Allowances and Requirements. The provisions of Sections 7(e)(ii), 7(e)(iii), and 7(e)(iv), regarding the Regional Round shall also apply to the Grand Finale Round as appropriate, including, without limitation, the requirement for all National Finalists to perform together a song to be chosen by Verizon at the conclusion of the Grand Finale Round. In addition, on the Grand Finale Date, the National Finalists will be required wear identification as required by Verizon and to check in at the designated venue at a call time Verizon will determine, which will be several hours prior to any performances.
4. Selection of Winner. Based on the Judging Criteria, at the close of the Grand Finale Round, the Judges will select one (1) “Grand Prize Winner” and one (1) “Runner-Up”.
5. V CAST National People’s Choice Award Winner. In addition, attendees of the Grand Finale Round (and potentially, if the Grand Finale Round is telecast live, viewers) will be invited to vote, through text-to-screen voting, for their favorite National Finalist. The National Finalist with the most votes from such text-to-screen voting will be named the “V CAST National People’s Choice Award Winner.” (For clarity, results from Round 1 or Round 2 of the Contest shall not be considered in determining this Winner.) Voting will be open following all performances at the Grand Finale Round, for a period of time to be announced and determined by Verizon at its sole discretion, and the Verizon V CAST National People’s Choice Award Winner will be announced at the close of the Grand Finale Round.
Submission Content.
1. The Round 1 Video, Round 2 Video (if the Choir advances to Round 2) and Essay (if the Choir advances to Round 2) shall collectively be referred to herein as the “Submission(s).”
2. By entering this Contest and by submitting any Submission (as applicable), the Choir and each of its Members represents, warrants and agrees that: (i) they have all necessary rights to submit the Submissions and authorize Verizon to use them as set forth herein, including, without limitation, all rights from all people who participated in the creation of the Submissions; (ii) the Submissions are 100% original and were created solely by the Choir (and/or, with respect to the Round 1 Video and Round 2 Video, any videographer from whom the Choir has acquired all necessary rights); (iii) other than a song from the Song List or a properly licensed Third-Party Song (performed in accordance with Section 3 above) in the Round 1 Video, the Submissions do not consist of or incorporate any materials that are owned by anyone other than Choir Members (including, for example and without limitation, photography, film clips, sound recordings, sound effects, artwork, trademarks or logos owned by anyone other than the Choir Members); (iv) the Submissions do not show, depict or reference any individuals (other than Members) or third parties unless the Choir has obtained all necessary releases and permissions from such individuals/third parties; (v) other than a Round 1 Video incorporating a song from the Song List that was submitted for a previous How Sweet the Sound Contest, the Submissions have not been previously submitted or published in connection with any other contest or promotion; (vi) the Submissions do not contain any defamatory material and do not violate the rights of any third party, including any copyright, trademark, publicity right, privacy right or any other right; and (vii) the Round 1 Video is not of a live performance of the Choir (at a Regional or Grand Finale event) from any previous How Sweet the Sound Contest.
3. In addition, the Submissions must not contain any content that: (i) is abusive, racist, sexist, homophobic, vulgar, obscene, pornographic, offensive, indecent or references drugs; (ii) promotes racism, bigotry, sexism, homophobia, hatred or physical harm of any kind against any group or individual; (iii) promotes pornographic or sexually explicit behavior, illegal activity or conduct that is abusive, threatening, profane, indecent, obscene, defamatory, libelous or otherwise objectionable; (iv) contains any advertising or other commercial content; or (v) is otherwise deemed inappropriate by Verizon (as determined in its sole discretion).
4. Verizon may, in its sole discretion, demand a Choir re-submit/modify any Submission, consider only a portion of the relevant Submission (such portion to be determined by Verizon in its sole discretion) or disqualify any Choir should Verizon determine, in its sole discretion, that a Choir’s Submission fails to conform to these Official Rules or contain otherwise unacceptable content.
Judging Criteria. The Judges will judge the Choirs based on the following weighted criteria (“Judging Criteria”):
1. 30% based upon presence, [including, without limitation, enthusiasm, connection with audience, and general appearance (poise, uniformity, and professional behavior)];
2. 40% based on technical merit, [including, without limitation, diction (clarity, naturalness, purity of vowel, and articulation of consonants), ensemble (tone, quality, consistency, projection [beauty, freedom, vitality, resonance, color], choir blend, and entrances), rhythmic accuracy (control, balances, releases, precision, and evenness of vocal line [voice, control, and full use of vocal range]), and conductor’s abilities (awareness of musical elements and choir communication)]; and
3. 30% based on originality/interpretation (including, without limitation, dynamics/style, expression/artistry and musical interpretation).
In the event of a tied score between Choirs, the Choir with the higher score in technical merit will be deemed the winner/advancing Choir. In the event that such tied Choirs also have tied scores in technical merit, the Choir with the higher score in presence will be deemed the winner/advancing Choir. In the event that such tied Choirs have tied scores in technical merit and presence, the Judges will break the tie, based on the Judging Criteria, at their sole discretion. As noted above, if a Choir exceeds the proscribed time limit, Verizon may deduct point(s), and/or Verizon may disqualify the Choir, at Verizon’ sole discretion. The decisions of the Judges are final and binding in all respects.
Online Voting Criteria. Online Voters will be instructed to vote for the Regional Finalists (for the online voting portion of Round 2) based on the following weighted criteria (the “Online Voting Criteria”):
1. 25% based on how clearly the Essay answers the Question (i.e., “How is your ministry advancing your community?”) and expresses how the Choir and its ministry advances its community;
2. 25% based on how clearly the Round 2 Video answers the Question and expresses how the Choir and its ministry advances its community;
3. 25% based on how inspirational both the Essay and Round 2 Video are; and
4. 25% based on the Essay’s and Round 2 Video’s overall impression.
The decisions of Verizon are final and binding in all respects.
Notification & Disqualification Details.
1. Additional Releases. Every Member of each Regional Finalist and National Finalist, in addition to the Release submitted with Entry, may be required to complete, execute and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Release and (unless prohibited by law) a Publicity Release within the time period specified by Verizon. A Choir will not become a finalist or an official winner of any round of the Contest under these Official Rules until each Member signs and returns all requested affidavits, releases and other documentation, until his/her eligibility has been formally verified by Verizon, and until the Choir has been declared to be an official finalist or winner (as applicable) of the applicable Round by Verizon. In addition, Verizon may require the Choir Representative of any Choir selected to win any prize hereunder to confirm any information supplied in connection with the Contest and to sign and return additional affidavit(s) and release(s) related thereto. Further, if any Choir Member is considered a minor in his/her state of residence, that Member must, at Verizon’ request, have a parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to participate in the Contest, and such parent or legal guardian must, at Verizon’ request, sign any requested affidavits, releases and other documentation required by Verizon or these Official Rules.
2. Disqualification. Any Choir selected to advance to any Round in this Contest may be disqualified at Verizon’ sole discretion, and an alternative Choir may be chosen, if such Choir (a) has a Choir Representative who is unreachable (by telephone or email) within twenty-four (24) hours after Verizon’ first attempt to notify such individual; (b) informs Verizon that it is unable or unwilling to participate in or attend a Round of the Contest for which it has been selected to participate; (c) informs Verizon that it is unable for any reason to claim any prize awarded; (d) fails to return all documents fully executed as required by Verizon within the specified time period; (e) performs or uses any song or music in connection with the Contest other than as permitted by these Official Rules; or (f) does not comply with these Official Rules. Further, Verizon reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify and/or exclude any Member of a Choir or any Choir from the Contest at any time, for any reason, including if any Member or Choir (or a Member’s family or associates) exhibit offensive behavior during any portion of the Contest, in the sole judgment of Verizon. Members and Choirs will not be permitted to carry/use any weapons, alcohol or non-prescriptive controlled substances at any event in connection with the Contest. All Members of each Choir selected as a winner at the Regional Round or the Grand Finale Round must be on site to win, or that Choir may be disqualified, at Verizon’ sole discretion, and the next highest scoring eligible Choir may be declared the winner.
Prizes and Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”). The Choirs and any individual Members receiving any prizes hereunder (collectively, “Winner(s)”) are solely responsible for all taxes, fees and expenses associated with this Contest and redemption of prizes. (The Religious Organizations may be required to provide additional documentation of tax-exemption and/or 170(c)(2) and 501(c)(3) status.) Cash prizes will be payable to the Winner’s Religious Organization indicated in the Entry. Verizon will send the applicable check to the attention of the Choir Representative within approximately fourteen (14) days after notification that the Choir is a Winner. The prizes are as follows:
1. Round 2 – Regional Finalists. Each Regional Finalist that is not selected as a Large Category Regional Winner, Small/Medium Category Regional Winner or V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner will receive a $3,000 prize in the form of a check from Verizon made payable to the Religious Organization indicated in the Regional Finalist’s Entry.
2. Round 2 Winners.
  1. The National Finalists will receive a trip to attend the Grand Finale Round which will consist of the following:
    1. Each Member of the National Finalists will receive round-trip transportation to the Grand Finale Location (from the National Finalists’ designated Religious Organization). If National Finalists’ designated Religious Organization is within 500 miles of the Grand Finale Location, Verizon will provide a chartered bus from the address of the National Finalists’ Religious Organization; if the National Finalists’ designated Religious Organization is more than 500 miles away from the Grand Finale Location, Verizon will provide round-trip economy class plane tickets for each Member between the major U.S. gateway airport nearest the National Finalists’ designated Religious Organization (as determined by Verizon) and the Grand Finale Location. Verizon will not provide any transportation to/from an airport within a National Finalist’s Region. Verizon will determine all transportation details in its sole discretion.
    2. Verizon will also provide (a) standard hotel rooms (two individuals per room) (room rate and related taxes only) for the Members of the National Finalists for two nights (the night before and the night of the Grand Finale Date); and (b) various meals for the Members of the National Finalists, as determined by Verizon, at its sole discretion, throughout the weekend of the Grand Finale Round.
  2. Each of the nine (9) Large Category Regional Winners will receive a $10,000.00 prize in the form of a check from Verizon made payable to the Religious Organization indicated in the Large Category Regional Winner’s Entry.
  3. Each of the nine (9) Small/Medium Category Regional will receive a $10,000.00 prize in the form of a check from Verizon made payable to the Religious Organization indicated in the Small/Medium Category Regional Winner’s Entry.
  4. Each Member of the nine (9) National Finalists will also receive a handset selected by Verizon (ARV $399) and a $50 Verizon gift card. Verizon reserves the right to substitute a prize of greater or comparable value.
  5. Each of the nine (9) V CAST People’s Choice Award Winners will receive a $5000.00 prize in the form of a check from Verizon made payable to the Religious Organization indicated in the V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner’s Entry.
3. Round 3 – Grand Finale Round Winners.
  1. The one (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a $25,000.00 prize in the form of a check from Verizon made payable to the Religious Organization indicated in the Grand Prize Winner’s Entry.
  2. The one (1) Runner-Up will receive a $15,000.00 prize in the form of a check from Verizon made payable to the Religious Organization indicated in the Runner Up’s Entry.
  3. The one (1) V CAST National People’s Choice Award Winner in Round 3 will receive a $5,000.00 prize in the form of a check from Verizon made payable to the Religious Organization indicated in V CAST National People’s Choice Award Winner’s Entry.
Additional Prize Details. All details of the prizes shall be as determined by Verizon in its sole discretion. All Members who receive prizes involving travel must possess all required travel documents (i.e., valid photo i.d., which may be in the form of a passport or driver’s license) to travel. All tickets and other reservations are subject to availability and blackout dates, and all travel arrangements must be made by Verizon. Winners are responsible for any costs and expenses associated with prizes not specified herein as being provided, as well as all federal, state and local taxes that may be due on such prizes and on any services or other items provided by Verizon in connection with the Contest. Any stay by a Member in the Grand Finale Location beyond the time allotted by the transportation provided shall be at the Member’s sole expense, and Members shall bear all costs associated with changes to the bus/flight itinerary. Prizes are not transferable, redeemable for cash, or substitutable, except by Verizon. The actual value of all prizes awarded hereunder may vary depending on a number of variables (including, without limitation, the number of Members participating in the Regional and Grand Finale events, etc.). Verizon reserves the right to substitute prizes of comparable or greater value at its sole discretion.
Grant of Rights.
1. Submissions. The Choir and each Choir Member understands and agrees that by submitting any Submission (or permitting the Choir Representative to submit any Submission) and signing and submitting the Release (or permitting the Choir Representative to sign and submit the Release), the Choir and each Choir Member is granting to Verizon (and has the right to grant to Verizon) a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), assignable, fully paid, royalty free, license to use and exploit the Submission, and any material based thereon or derived therefrom, edited or altered as Verizon, in its sole discretion so chooses, together with any other material (whether fictional or non-fictional) and the image, picture, likeness, performance, statements, voice, name and biographical information of the Choir Member contained in the Submission (as applicable), in any manner, venue or media whatsoever (whether now known or hereafter devised) (including, without limitation, and as applicable with respect to the particular Submission, on all forms of television, print, radio, broadcast media, industrial and event usage, the internet and new media (e.g., podcasts, V CAST videos, etc.) and any other media whatsoever) anywhere in the world at any time, without compensation or permission, for any purpose, including, without limitation, for purposes of advertising, trade, promotion and/or merchandising in connection with Verizon, its products and services or the Contest (and any subsequent or similar promotions).
2. Other. By participating in the Contest, the Choir and each Choir Member grants to Verizon the right (but not the obligation) to (a) film, videotape, record, interview and/or photograph the Choir Member and the Choir Member’s performance(s) at any time throughout the entire Contest; and (b) distribute, publish, exhibit, digitize, broadcast, display, reproduce, and otherwise use and exploit the results and proceeds of such films, videotapes, recordings, interviews and photographs, the image, picture, likeness, performance, statements, voice, name and biographical information of the Choir Member, the Choir name, and any material based thereon or derived therefrom, edited or altered as Verizon in its sole discretion so chooses, together with any other material (whether fictional or non-fictional), in any manner, venue or media whatsoever (whether now known or hereafter devised) (including, without limitation, on all forms of television, print, radio, broadcast media, industrial and event usage, the internet and new media (e.g., podcasts, V CAST videos, etc.) and any other media whatsoever) anywhere in the world at any time, without compensation or permission, for any purpose, including, without limitation, for purposes of advertising, trade, promotion and/or merchandising in connection with Verizon, its products and services or the Contest (and any subsequent or similar promotions).
Publicity/Media Requirements. By participating in the Contest, the Choir and each Choir Member agrees, (i) if Verizon requests, to appear at events (including, without limitation, at in-store promotions, photos sessions, autograph signings, press/publicity appearances, conferences, “meet and greets,” tradeshows and other public events and activities as Verizon shall determine in its sole discretion), and to render services for Verizon to film, photograph, shoot or otherwise create promotional, advertising, marketing and other materials promoting the Contest, Verizon or Verizon’ products and services, and render such other promotional services as Verizon requests, on dates and times to be determined by Verizon, all for no compensation; (ii) to allow Verizon to use the proceeds of the services at such events, and the image, picture, likeness, performance, statements, voice, name and biographical information of the Choir Member, and any material based thereon or derived therefrom, edited or altered as Verizon in its sole discretion so chooses, together with any other material (whether fictional or non-fictional), in any manner, venue or media whatsoever (whether now known or hereafter devised) (including, without limitation, on all forms of television, print, radio, broadcast media, industrial and event usage, the internet and new media (e.g., podcasts, V CAST videos, etc.) and any other media whatsoever) anywhere in the world at any time, without compensation or permission, for any purpose, including, without limitation, for purposes of advertising, public relations, trade, promotion and/or merchandising in connection with Verizon, its products and services or the Contest (and any subsequent or similar promotions); and (iii) to sign any other documents as Verizon may request in connection with any promotional, public relations, marketing, merchandising or advertising services.
Conditions/Releases. By participating in the Contest, each Choir and each participant/Member agrees: (i) to be bound by these Official Rules, the Terms of Use of the Website, and any other documents Verizon requires to be signed; (ii) to release and forever discharge Verizon and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, media partners and advertising and promotion agencies (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all liabilities or claims with respect to or in any way arising from the Contest, participation in the Contest or any part thereof, the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any prize, any exploitation of any of the rights granted herein (including, without limitation, any claims based upon copyright, trademark, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, or defamation), and any liability for economic injury, personal injury, illness, property damage, loss or any other harm; (iii) to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all liability or claims relating to or arising from such participant’s acts or omissions in connection with participation in the Contest or any part thereof, the Round 1 Video, the Round 2 Video, the Essay, the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any prize, or claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, trademark infringement or infringement of any other third party right; (iv) that the laws of the state of New York shall govern the Contest (excluding its principles of conflict of laws); (v) to waive all rights to claim or collect punitive, incidental, consequential, or any other damages; (vi) that all causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action; (vii) that any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out of pocket costs incurred, excluding attorneys’ fees; and (viii) that any and all disputes that he or she may have with, or claims he or she may have, relating to, arising out of or connected in any way with the Contest or any prize will be resolved in the federal or state courts located in the City and County of New York, and in the courts of appellate jurisdiction therefrom. Each participant/Member consents to jurisdiction and venue in the federal or state courts located in the City and County of New York, and waives any defenses based on venue or forum non conveniens. Further, each Member represents and warrants that he/she is in good physical and mental condition and has no physical or mental ailment that would prevent the Member from fully participating in this Contest in any manner. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if notified a reasonable time in advance, Verizon shall make reasonable accommodations for any handicapped or physically/mentally challenged Members.
General. Verizon is not responsible for any typographical or other errors in the printing, offering, or description of any prize or in any other materials produced in connection with the Contest. Verizon is not responsible for lost, late, stolen, misdirected, mutilated, or illegible registrations, entries, Submissions, nor for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations, transmission or broadcast, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of Submission materials or for technical, network, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive an Entry or Submission by Verizon on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or any combination thereof. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, VERIZON RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. If for any reason, including infection by computer viruses, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes, the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Contest is corrupted or affected, Verizon reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. In addition, if for any reason, in its sole discretion, Verizon determines that the Contest should not or cannot be run as planned, Verizon may cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. Uses of automated devices are not valid for entry or for any online/text voting, and will be subject user to immediate disqualification. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, that determination shall not affect the remainder of these Official Rules, which shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if they did not contain the invalid or illegal provision. All decisions of Verizon related to the Contest are final and binding.
Communications. By participating in this Contest, each Choir Member agrees to receive communications regarding the Contest and any future contests, sweepstakes, promotions or events of or relating to Verizon.
Sponsor. This Contest is conducted by Verizon, One Verizon Way, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Appendix 3