Rules & Regulations
Revised November 2009
1.0 MANAGEMENT
2.0 ELIGIBILITY DEFINITIONS
3.0 TEST PIECES
4.0 ENTRIES (READ CAREFULLY)
5.0 PROGRAMME PROCEDURE
6.0 ADMISSION OF COMPETITORS AND PUBLIC
7.0 SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
8.0 MARKING AND AWARD SYSTEM
9.0 GENERAL
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1.1 The competition shall be under the management of the Oshawa-Whitby Kiwanis Music Festival, which is hereafter called "The Committee". Any question not dealt with in these rules shall be referred to the committee whose decision on such matters shall be final and binding.
2.1 All competitions, unless otherwise stated, are open only to amateurs as defined by rule 2.2. NON amateurs may enter where allowed by rules 2.4 & 2.5 or where the competition description specifies the eligibility of professionals.
2.2 For this Festival, an amateur is defined as either (a) anyone whose principal means of livelihood is not or ever derived from the performance, practise or teaching of their chosen art form; (b) a full time student in an University Music or Drama Faculty.
2.3 All competitions, unless otherwise stated, shall be "OPEN" in that competition and the competitors are not restricted by age, sex, residence or domicile.
2.4 Competitors in Choral Societies, Drama Clubs or Societies, Choirs, Orchestras, Bands and Ensemble Groups must be Bona Fide members of their respective organizations, the number of which must be entered on every entry form. This rule applies to school bands and choirs equally.
2.5 Conductors and directors may be professional or amateur. The directors or conductors may lead any number of organizations in the same class or otherwise, but they may not sing, perform or act with, or for their respective organizations.
2.6 In all classes in which an age limit is set, the competitors must not be over the prescribed age on the first day of January in the year of competition.
2.7 In all classes in which a grade limit is set, the competitors must not have exceeded the prescribed grade on the first day of January in the year of competition. Competitors must enter the class of the prescribed grade in which they are studying as of the first day of January in the year of competition or one grade higher.
2.8 NO individual or group shall be allowed to compete in more than one entry in any class.
3.1 Where specified, test pieces must be performed in the prescribed key; transpositions are not allowed unless specified under the class. Where a specified edition of a Test Piece is indicated competitors must not use any other edition.
3.2 Choral and Dramatic numbers should be performed in the language specified in the test piece.
3.3 In all classes repeats are to be omitted unless otherwise specified. Da Capos should be played.
3.4 Competitors may use script or music during their performance if they choose, however the copy used must be an original publishers copy with the royalties having been paid. Memorization of the selection may increase marks especially in the event of a tie also lack of memorization may decrease marks. The final decision as to marking remains with the adjudicators who are familiar with this rule.
3.5 The use of the pedal is optional in the case of very junior contestants.
3.6 In cases where the entrant is not able to span a chord (as in the case of junior pupils) the top or bottom note of such chords may be omitted as the teacher sees fit.
3.7 Vocal soloists who enter a class specifying the type of voice may not enter any other class where a different type of voice is specified.
3.8 If a competitor enters more than one class he/she must play a different selection for each entry except for PLAYOFF classes.
3.9 Where the Syllabus (a) specifies a choice of two or more selections, or (b) specifies "Competitors Own Choice", competitors must not perform a selection for which they have received an adjudication in this Festival in the past two years.
3.10 In classes where the Test Piece is a selection or act of the "Competitors Own Choice", the title, author or composer thereof must be specified on the entry form. Once selected and accepted no substitution of selection will be permitted. To avoid disqualification an original copy for use of the adjudicator of all OWN Choice selections must be provided to the box office 15 MINUTES before the commencement of the class. Under Copyright law:
- Photocopying of copyright music for the purpose of performance is illegal. No photocopies, computer-generated copies or copy derived from computer programmes will be allowed in this Festival in any case whatsoever, unless they show legal authorization by the publisher, proof of payment or proof of public domain. Public Domain is not applicable for anything in Music Theatre.
The Association reserves the right to disqualify any competitor presenting an illegal photocopy, computer-generated copy or copy derived from computer programmes. Please note that this applies to accompanists also; please use page-turners, if required. However, accompanists are permitted to play from photocopies as long as originals are clearly visible either on the piano or under the piano bench.
A receipt must be supplied if music has been purchased via the internet.
4.1 The Official Syllabus and entry form is on the website at www.oshawawhitbykifest.ca.
4.2 COMPETITORS ARE COMPLETELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENTERING CORRECT CLASS (ES). Competitors entered into an incorrect class will be disqualified and receive an adjudication only.
4.3 The information requested on the entry form MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED. In the case of OWN CHOICE SELECTIONS, THE TITLE, COMPOSER/AUTHOR AND PERFORMANCE DURATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE PUBLICIZED DATE, LOCATED UNDER NEWS & SCHEDULE. ALL groups must show the NUMBER OF MEMBERS.
4.4 The Committee reserves the right to accept or refuse any entry for any reason.
4.5 Entry fees cannot be refunded except under circumstances wherein the entry is rejected by the Committee or the Festival is cancelled..
4.6 The closing date for entries has been set by the Committee and is clearly displayed on the web site.
4.7 The failure of a participant to perform IN ALL CLASSES ENTERED AND PROGRAMMED WILL INFLUENCE THE AWARDING OF SCHOLARSHIPS.
4.8 The Committee may, at its' sole discretion, combine classes if it considers the number of entries in such classes to be insufficient.
4.9 Students studying at the ARCT level who have not taken their exam MUST enter Pre-Diploma classes. Students who HAVE completed their ARCT, MUST enter OPEN classes.
4.10 Solo candidates who have won the playoff competition at the highest level in their particular discipline are eligible to compete only in the alumnus class offered in that discipline. A scholarship may be awarded to the winner of this alumnus class. Entrants in the alumnus class may also be considered for Provincial nomination. Alumnus candidates are eligible to compete in any other discipline where they have not won the top award.
5.1 Immediately following the closing date for entries, the Committee shall decide the order in which classes will take place and reserves the right to alter the order, if necessary (space for notes to this effect are provided on the entry form). Special requests for dates, times etc. will not be accommodated.
5.2 All contestants are forbidden to rehearse in the auditorium previous to the competitions. Any infraction of this rule will disqualify the offender.
5.3 There must be no coaching of individuals by anyone attending the festival sessions in which the competitor is performing. Any infraction of this rule will disqualify the contestant.
5.4 The Committee reserves the right to split any class into two or more groups of approximately equal numbers, or to combine classes if it considers the number of entries warrant such action. Awards and certificates will be issued for each group as a separate class.
5.5 At the discretion of the Committee two or more competitors awarded the highest marks in their class may be selected by the adjudicator to compete in a final test.
5.6 The Committee reserves the right to substitute or appoint additional adjudicators.
5.7 The Adjudicator reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who is not ready to perform within five minutes of being called. Competitors MUST be in the Auditorium at least fifteen minutes before the set time for the class because all starting times for all classes are approximate.
5.8 COMPETITORS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN ACCOMPANIST. Adjudicators stress the importance of good accompaniment at all times. Programme order will not be changed to accommodate accompanists. Please note that copyright/photocopy regulations also apply to all accompanists - see Rule 3.10. Accompanists are permitted to play from photocopies as long as a copy of the original score is present, face up on the piano.
5.9 A Chord may be given on the piano at the commencement of each piece of unaccompanied music.
5.10 COMPETITORS WHO FIND THEY CANNOT ATTEND THE COMPETITION SHALL NOTIFY THE FESTIVAL COORDINATOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS.
5.11 In string classes for juniors, competitors may have their instruments tuned by a teacher or other person.
5.12 NO COMPETITOR, TEACHER, RELATIVE OR MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC MAY APPROACH THE ADJUDICATOR. This may result in disqualification. Necessary questions from a competitor must be directed to the adjudicator's clerk.
5.13 The marks awarded by the adjudicator are final. Adjudicators reports will be announced and distributed at the close of each class. Only the marks of the first, second and the third place winners will be announced. Adjudicator reports can be written, verbal or both.
5.14 The title of an "Own Choice" piece should be announced by the Competitor, Leader, Director or Teacher. Please note it should be announced.
6.0 ADMISSION OF COMPETITORS AND PUBLIC
6.1 The admission of competitors and public to the hall or halls in which competitions are held, is governed by regulations established by the Committee.
6.2 All competitions are open to the public. An admission fee may be charged as determined by the Committee.
6.3 Competitors and the general public MUST NOT MOVE ABOUT OR INDULGE IN CONVERSATION DURING THE PROGRESS OF ANY PERFORMANCE OR ADJUDICATION.
6.4 The use of CAMERAS, CELLPHONES, TAPE/CAMCORDERS DURING COMPETITIONS AND ADJUDICATIONS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
6.5 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH RULES 6.1 - 6.4 CAN RESULT IN EJECTION FROM THE HALL OR HALLS OF COMPETITION. EXCEPTIONS TO THE FIRM WRITTEN POLICIES OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE ANNOUNCED PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL CLASSES.
7.1 A scholarship is a monetary award, available to amateurs only for the use of the recipient(s) in the advancement of his/her or their artistic development.
7.2 Scholarships are available to individual competitors in solo classes for voice and instrumental as well as for group competitors. Individual recipients must have a mark of 80% or more.
7.3 A complete list and classification of scholarships will appear in the official programme. Winners of Awards and Scholarships must consent to the use of their name in any and all public announcements made by the Committee to this effect as the Committee deems appropriate.
7.4 An Award consists of a cup, trophy, plaque or any other non-monetary prize including shields, ribbons, medallions or certificates.
7.5 Scholarships and awards will be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator(s). Scholarships are awarded to the competitors WHO SHOW THE GREATEST PROMISE OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND NOT NECESSARILY GIVEN TO FIRST PLACE WINNERS.
7.6 Winners of scholarships and awards will be determined and notified as soon as possible following the close of competitions. Scholarship cheques are valid up to six months upon recieipt.
7.7 Those wishing to donate Scholarships or Awards for competitions are warmly invited to contact the Festival Office. The Festival Committee is responsible for exact wording of the description of the award, and for ensuring that the value of any scholarship is appropriate in relation to other awards.
7.8 All scholarships will be awarded as funds are available. The awarding of scholarships remains at the discretion of the adjudicator(s) and are subject to change at anytime.
7.9 Competitors may receive one scholarship only in any one category in each festival. There is no restriction to the number of awards that a competitor may receive.
7.10 Winners of PLAYOFF competitions are not eligible to compete for that particular scholarship again, but may compete at a higher level for that particular Festival section.
7.11 To be eligible for PLAYOFF COMPETITIONS, a competitor MUST be a class winner and be recommended by the adjudicator. If a competitor is a qualified winner in more than one class, he or she will only compete once and shall elect which class he or she represents.
7.12 In PLAYOFF COMPETITONS, each competitor must compete at the highest level at which he/she has competed and won.
8.1 Scholarships and Awards will be awarded within these guidelines:
Bands – Competitive
GOLD: A first rate performance showing excellence in all areas for the class of participants being judged.
SILVER: A commendable performance showing a high standard of musical accomplishment but lacking on one or more areas characteristic of a superior rating.
BRONZE: An good performance showing latitude for improvement.
Choirs - Competitive
GOLD: A first rate performance showing excellence in all areas for the class of participants being judged.
SILVER: A commendable performance showing a high standard of musical accomplishment but lacking on one or more areas characteristic of a superior rating.
BRONZE: An good performance showing latitude for improvement.
Non-Competitive Bands & Choirsreceive a verbal adjudication and a participation certificate only.
8.2 Certificates will be awarded in all classes in accordance to the following classification of minimum marks required:
FIRST PLACE CERTIFICATE: 87+ MARKS OR OVER
SECOND PLACE CERTIFICATE: 82-86 MARKS
THIRD PLACE CERTIFICATE: 75-81 MARKS
Unless these minimum marks are obtained, certificates will be withheld regardless of the number of entrants. Certificates will be presented to the winners immediately following the adjudication of each class.
Unless these minimum marks are obtained, scholarships and awards will be withheld regardless of the number of entries.
PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATES and/or RIBBONS will be given to those competitors in the Junior categories, Grades 1 - 4 inclusive, 11 years & under who do NOT receive a First, Second or Third Place Certificate.
8.3 As requested by the Durham Regional Board of Education Advisory Council, the adjudicators' verbal remarks relating to school band and choral competitions will not include references to the specific overall rating that has been given to any one band or any one piece. Written Adjudication sheets and/or cd will include a rating of GOLD, SILVER OR BRONZE which will then be presented via a certificate.
9.1 All complaints or protests must be made to the Committee in writing and must be accompanied by a fee equivalent to the entry fee of the class protested. If the protest is sustained by the Committee, the protest fee will be refunded.
9.2 The Committee welcomes any constructive suggestions or criticism from performers, teachers, parents or any interested party. Please forward said comments in writing to the Festival Coordinator. All comments will be considered and where feasible and beneficial, implemented accordingly.
