The attention of entrants and competitors is drawn to NEW RULE, number 19.
1. Professionals
1. Professionals
Competitions are intended mainly for amateurs. Professionals are invited to enter in the 'Open' classes. For the purpose of this Festival a professional is defined as:
a. One who holds a recognised degree or diploma.
b. A teacher of subjects included in the syllabus.
c. A performer, present or past, whose principle means of livelihood is, or was, derived from the class he desires to enter.
2. Entry
Entries, accompanied by the entry fee, must reach the respective Secretary not later than Saturday, 14th November 2009. Entries will not be accepted after this date. They must be on the official forms. No entry will be accepted unless accompanied by the full entry fee. No entry fees can be refunded.
The committee shall have the right to transfer an entry to any other class or, if expedient, to reject it. Any class may be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the Committee, there are not sufficient entries.
3. Age Limits
Age limit in individual classes is governed by the competitor's age on 1 Sept 2009. It does not apply to accompanists. For School Choirs, School Orchestras / Bands etc., the qualifying age is 1 Sept 2009.
4. 'Own Choice' Pieces
Music and Speech: A copy of the item(s) to be performed, with the competitors name and class thereon, must be handed to the Adjudicator's steward, on the day, before the commencement of each class.
N.B. Where an accompanist has been arranged, a separate copy of 'Own Choice' music must be sent to the accompanist by the first week in January, 2010.
The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who fails to comply.
Mime Solo classes: If musical accompaniment is required, please state what kind is needed on the entry form.
Speech and Drama classes: 'Own choice' entries should preferably be non-copyright plays or poems, but if copyright plays are chosen, competitors MUST produce, at the time of the performance, written authority from the author or publisher, to present the selected piece.
a. One who holds a recognised degree or diploma.
b. A teacher of subjects included in the syllabus.
c. A performer, present or past, whose principle means of livelihood is, or was, derived from the class he desires to enter.
2. Entry
Entries, accompanied by the entry fee, must reach the respective Secretary not later than Saturday, 14th November 2009. Entries will not be accepted after this date. They must be on the official forms. No entry will be accepted unless accompanied by the full entry fee. No entry fees can be refunded.
The committee shall have the right to transfer an entry to any other class or, if expedient, to reject it. Any class may be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the Committee, there are not sufficient entries.
3. Age Limits
Age limit in individual classes is governed by the competitor's age on 1 Sept 2009. It does not apply to accompanists. For School Choirs, School Orchestras / Bands etc., the qualifying age is 1 Sept 2009.
4. 'Own Choice' Pieces
Music and Speech: A copy of the item(s) to be performed, with the competitors name and class thereon, must be handed to the Adjudicator's steward, on the day, before the commencement of each class.
N.B. Where an accompanist has been arranged, a separate copy of 'Own Choice' music must be sent to the accompanist by the first week in January, 2010.
The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who fails to comply.
Mime Solo classes: If musical accompaniment is required, please state what kind is needed on the entry form.
Speech and Drama classes: 'Own choice' entries should preferably be non-copyright plays or poems, but if copyright plays are chosen, competitors MUST produce, at the time of the performance, written authority from the author or publisher, to present the selected piece.
5. Set Pieces
The prescribed edition of music must be used and rendered exactly as written and in the same key except where otherwise stated.
The prescribed edition of music must be used and rendered exactly as written and in the same key except where otherwise stated.
6. Time Limits
When set, time limits must be adhered to without exception. Adjudicators’ attention will be drawn to this rule. Any infringement will be penalised by reduction of marks or disqualification.
7. Music Stands
Competitors must provide their own music stands if required.
8. Free Admission Tickets
Free cards/letter will be issued to all competitors. These will give admission to the session in which the competitor is due to appear. All non-competitors pay an admission charge.
9. Conductors
Choirs and orchestras are allowed a conductor. No competitor other than a conductor may be entered in more than one choir or orchestra in the same class.
10. Composition Classes
Manuscripts and tapes for classes 690-697 must be sent to the General Secretary by the first week in January 2010.
11. Dancing Classes
Competitors may only enter once in each class in Solo, Duet and Trio, and twice in Group classes. Singing is only permitted in the following sections: Song and Dance Solos, Cabaret Duets, Cabaret Trios, and Modern or Tap groups. Character or Demi-Character work to be based on Classical Ballet or Greek Technique. Music for dancing should be provided by the competitor's own CD, minidisk or cassette tape. CD,cassette player and minidisk amplification are provided by the Committee.
The use of resin is strictly prohibited. Teachers or parents are not allowed beyond the stage doors. No cameras or video cameras to be used during performance.
12. Certificates
Music & Speech classes: All competitors will receive a certificate / adjudication sheet.
Marking will be divided into four categories:
O = Outstanding,
V = Very good,
G = Good,
M = More security needed.
The competitors marks in each class will be announced by the Adjudicator who will then present a trophy to the winner, where appropriate and certificates to those who have achieved 'O' or 'V' standard.
Dancing classes: Marking will be divided into 6 categories as specified by the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech for use at Dance Festivals:
90+ or OUTSTANDING - An exceptional performance, both technically and artistically.
87-89 or DISTINCTION - An excellent performance technically and artistically.
84-86 or COMMENDED - A convincing performance technically and artistically.
81-83 or MERIT - A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or communication.
75-77 or FAIR - A performance limited in its communication.
In addition to these grade a First Prize certificate is awarded to the competitor in each class who receives the highest mark. A Second Prize certificate is awarded to the competitor who received the second highest mark and all other competitors will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Certificates / adjudication sheets will be available at the end of each session. If not collected, they will be sent by post on payment of £1.00.
13. Trophies
Recipients will be responsible for their safe custody and return, and for any new inscription thereon. Such inscriptions must not be made on the actual trophy, but upon a small plate/shield to be attached to the base. Addresses for the return of trophies will be notified to winners on the day.
14. Adjudicators
The Committee may appoint other adjudicators if the entries should warrant it or if an adjudicator engaged is unable to attend. Communication with adjudicators by teachers, competitors or other interested parties is prohibited.
V = Very good,
G = Good,
M = More security needed.
The competitors marks in each class will be announced by the Adjudicator who will then present a trophy to the winner, where appropriate and certificates to those who have achieved 'O' or 'V' standard.
Dancing classes: Marking will be divided into 6 categories as specified by the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech for use at Dance Festivals:
90+ or OUTSTANDING - An exceptional performance, both technically and artistically.
87-89 or DISTINCTION - An excellent performance technically and artistically.
84-86 or COMMENDED - A convincing performance technically and artistically.
81-83 or MERIT - A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or communication.
75-77 or FAIR - A performance limited in its communication.
In addition to these grade a First Prize certificate is awarded to the competitor in each class who receives the highest mark. A Second Prize certificate is awarded to the competitor who received the second highest mark and all other competitors will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Certificates / adjudication sheets will be available at the end of each session. If not collected, they will be sent by post on payment of £1.00.
13. Trophies
Recipients will be responsible for their safe custody and return, and for any new inscription thereon. Such inscriptions must not be made on the actual trophy, but upon a small plate/shield to be attached to the base. Addresses for the return of trophies will be notified to winners on the day.
14. Adjudicators
The Committee may appoint other adjudicators if the entries should warrant it or if an adjudicator engaged is unable to attend. Communication with adjudicators by teachers, competitors or other interested parties is prohibited.
The Adjudicators' decisions shall be final. They shall have the power to withhold any award, and may stop any performance at their discretion.
15. Disputes
The decision of the Committee, upon all questions or disputes arising out of or not provided for in these rules, shall be final. The Committee reserves the right to qualify any rule or to make any other rules as occasion may arise.
Complaints, protests, or representation must be made in writing and addressed to one of the Secretaries, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
16. Acceptance of Entries
The Committee reserves the right, at its unfettered discretion, to decline to accept any entry, without giving any reason.
17. Stiletto Heels
The wearing of stiletto heels on school premises is prohibited, by order of the West Sussex County Education Committee.
18. Junior Orchestras, Ensembles or Groups.
These may include not more than two adult members, provided that they do not play leading roles.
19. Recorded Accompaniment.
The use of CD or Tape Recordings, instead of an accompanist, to provide piano accompaniment for other instruments, is permitted, provided that the recording is of piano music only. The inclusion of other, e.g. rhythm instruments, is not permitted. The means of playing such recordings must be supplied by the competitor.
15. Disputes
The decision of the Committee, upon all questions or disputes arising out of or not provided for in these rules, shall be final. The Committee reserves the right to qualify any rule or to make any other rules as occasion may arise.
Complaints, protests, or representation must be made in writing and addressed to one of the Secretaries, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
16. Acceptance of Entries
The Committee reserves the right, at its unfettered discretion, to decline to accept any entry, without giving any reason.
17. Stiletto Heels
The wearing of stiletto heels on school premises is prohibited, by order of the West Sussex County Education Committee.
18. Junior Orchestras, Ensembles or Groups.
These may include not more than two adult members, provided that they do not play leading roles.
19. Recorded Accompaniment.
The use of CD or Tape Recordings, instead of an accompanist, to provide piano accompaniment for other instruments, is permitted, provided that the recording is of piano music only. The inclusion of other, e.g. rhythm instruments, is not permitted. The means of playing such recordings must be supplied by the competitor.
Festival Rules & Conditions