SECRET PORTA EN instructions

PHASE 1: PORTAFOLIO PREPARATION
NOW to NOV 13
this is the sign-up phase! in order for everyone to be assigned a partner you must opt in now. you must send me your "portafolio" which consists of:
- the music that will be passed to your "porta pal". you may send a single tune that you want them to cover, or a selection of tunes / link to your music page so they can choose what they're most interested in.
- any additional info or tips for your porta pal.
- if you're new or your info has changed since the last pxtunes, also send your preferred handle and links for the album desc

once I have received your portafolio you're all signed up and you can rest until phase 2...

PHASE 1B: PORTA PAL APPORTIONMENT
NOV 13
I will randomly shuffle the submitted names and assign each person a partner. if you played last year, you will not get the same partner. the person you are assigned to cover, your "porta pal", is revealed to you and their information is sent along. the person covering you, your "portraitist", will remain a secret until later.

PHASE 2: PORTRAITURE
NOV 14 to DEC 12
here's where the action begins. if necessary, select a tune by your porta pal, then get to work! there are few strict rules about what you can do, but try to transform it an interesting way!
- don't just edit the source ptcop--you can copy some material over but it's best to start from a fresh file.
- don't be intimidated! this can be an opportunity to stretch and experiment but the important thing is to have fun and make something you can be proud of. your porta pal will, by law, be happy with whatever you're able to make.
- you don't have to use pxtone for this one--secret porta is kinda more about pxtoners than pxtone.
- if you want to ask your porta pal a question or send extra info to your portraitist, you may communicate indirectly through me, acting as the "communications Portal". don't reveal yourself! this also means not sharing wips that will give away what you're covering.
PHASE 3: DAY OF PORTENT
DEC 12
the day of portent exists as a mercy option for those who sign up and are unable to finish their tracks, AND as your opportunity to put in double duty for some sweet porta points. here's the deal:
IF YOU'RE FINISHED WITH YOUR TRACK BY DEC 12, YOU MAY:
1. relax until the next phase, OR
2. volunteer to take on an extra cover, which will earn you one porta point!
IF YOU'RE NOT FINISHED WITH YOUR TRACK BY DEC 12, YOU MAY:
1. forfeit honorably and suffer no consequences OR
2. take a one week extension to finish your track.

make sure to tell me your choice on or before the day of portent!

PHASE 3B: PORTENTOUS PARADE
DEC 13 to DEC 19
this is the lightning round! if you asked for an extension, finish up your track now or suffer a penalty. if you signed up for a second cover, you'll work on that now too. failing to complete your second cover will also result in a penalty.
the penalty is not precisely defined but may result in your being barred from a future secret porta.

PHASE 4: PORTA DAY! ~ TELEPORTA
DATE TBD
on porta day we hold the synclisten or "teleporta", during which the partners and our gifts to each other are revealed! if you're not able to attend, remember to send your thanks to your portraitist when you can.



PHASE ???:
NOW to DEC 19
this year I am running a bonus sub-compo within secret porta. participating is totally optional, comes with no risks, and will net you one half porta point.
you may remember that last year I contributed a special closing track for secret porta, "sine-lent night"--an arrangement of the christmas tune "silent night" played only on sine waves with some wacky reharm. this year I would like to invite all to contribute one verse to the sequel, "oh christmas tri". I will then string everyone's verses together.
the rules:
- use only triangle wave sounds to make an arrangement of the melody "oh christmas tree". you can mix up the rhythm, the harmony, the texture, whatever you want. try to do something fun and unique.
- I will not be picky about the precise types of triangle allowed. you can use aliased 2a03 tri. you can use a ptvoice with an envelope on it or a detuned 2nd voice or smth. you can use a sampled tri pitch-shift kick drum. whatever
- for consistency, let's stay in the key of F. you could change up the mode if you want but the melody should start with C - F.
- you can mess around with the melody but it should still be recognizable. you should approximately cover the whole thing in aaba form, so like "16 measures" of melody, though your ptcop may be laid out differently. keep it relatively brief! your verse is just part of the complete tune.