The annual Song Trials is held on the first full weekend of November in most years. The 2019 annual Song Trials will be held on Saturday, November 8-9th at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile Road in Livonia, Michigan.
This is an American Singer specialty show.
Spectators are welcome between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission for the public is $1.00.
The judge for the 2019 Song Trials will be ASC sanctioned judge Joaquin Torres from Chicago.
DRAGON abides by all rules for shows outlined in the ASC constitution.
Benching of birds will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Michigan time) on FRIDAY- no benching on the day of the show.
The entry fee per singer is $4, per hen $3, per tutor bird $4.
DRAGON members may bring sale birds - canaries only- for $1 each.)
Entry limit for 2019 will be determined in the month of October after our AS census, so check back.
There is no limit on hen entries.
DRAGON offers old and young Hen sections. Both Young and Old Hens will be awarded rosettes and the best two young hens will be awarded $50 and $25 as well as other prizes.
DRAGON offers a Tutor section with the limit of one tutor bird entry per exhibitor. A Tutor Bird must be an American Singer NOT bred or banded by the individual exhibiting it. It must have been purchased from another American Singer breeder. Young and old Tutors are judged in the same class.
Judging will begin on Saturday at a time to be determined by the judge and will continue until all entries have been judged. In 2019 judging will commence at eight a.m. or earlier to accommodate the anticipated number. Awards presentation will follow shortly after the conclusion of judging, usually around seven p.m.
DRAGON sponsors a beloved and much-anticipated Harvest midday meal, on Saturday, served around 1:30, to which all are welcome ($11 adults, $6 for children under eleven). DRAGON also offers a Friday Pizza supper and Saturday morning snacks for exhibitors.
DIRECTIONS TO THE SHOW HALL at 30650 Six Mile, Livonia MI: 6 Mile Road runs east and west between Merriman and Middlebelt Roads. From western Michigan or Chicago, take I-94 E. to M-14 to I-275 N. to the 6 Mile Road exit; turn right (east) onto 6 Mile. The church is on the left or north side of 6 Mile, just east of the Methodist church. Holy Cross Church is the one with the huge rock in the front yard. Most park on the west (left) side of the church to unload birds. From the east side or Detroit, take I-96, exiting at Middlebelt (then turn right onto Middlebelt) or 8 Mile Road West to Middlebelt and then Middlebelt to 6 Mile Road to go west. The church will be on the right (north) side of Six Mile Road..
For general information regarding the show, please contact Judy Snider, assistant to the Head of DRAGON, at froggyrosa@gmail.com. To preregister your birds, contact Kristine Stewart at dixonkm@juno.com, the show's registrar and secretary.
Explanation of Divisions
Division I: Old American Singers
All entries must be flighted birds wearing closed ASC bands registered in the name of the exhibitor. Birds are entered according to the group system, in rotation so that an exhibitor will compete against himself as little as possible.
Division II: Young American Singers
All entries must be unflighted birds (hatched within the same calendar year as the show) and must be ringed with closed ASC bands in the name of the exhibitor. Birds are entered according to the group system, in rotation so that an exhibitor will compete against himself as little as possible.
Division III: Tutor American Singer, any age
Exhibits need not be banded by the exhibitor, but must wear a closed ASC band. Birds in this category are not eligible for any trophies sponsored by the American Singers Club, Inc. The purpose of this class is to allow birds of exceptional quality to come to the show where they may be heard and recognized in their own way. A rosette will be presented to the highest scoring bird in Division III.
Division IV: Unflighted Hens
Hens entered must be unflighted (hatched within the same calendar year of the show) and must be ringed with closed ASC bands in the name of the exhibitor. Hens will be judged according to the rules laid down in the ASC constitution, 35 points for conformation, 15 points for condition. Color and marking will have no bearing. This category is to encourage breeders to give just weight to AS conformation. Birds showing Border or Roller conformation will not be considered for prizes. Rosettes and teapots are awarded to the first, second, and third place birds in this division.
Division V: Old Hens
Hens entered must be flighted birds and ringed with ASC bands in the exhibitor's name. Old hens will be judged the same as young hens- 35 points for conformation and 15 points for condition. First place in this division will be awarded a rosette.
ATTENTION NEW AMERICAN SINGER EXHIBITORS: DRAGON members will be happy to assist you- simply step up to a steward (who will be wearing a DRAGON shirt) and say "here I am, what do I do now?"
For information about past DRAGON Song Trials winners, check out the past show winner's page.
For those seeking birds, the show is a good place to meet with breeders and to purchase birds for pets or breeding. The sales table usually has dozens of singers to choose from every year!