RULES & GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRIES: The closing date for entries is MONDAY 30th JANUARY 2012.  

There is no late entry date and late entries will only be accepted if timings allow.  Any late entries allowed will be published on the daily amendment sheet.

AGE LIMITS are determined as at midnight 1st January 2012.  In group classes where age limits are stated, the age of the eldest child will denote the class entry.

ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS in music, poetry or prose must accompany the entry form.    These  will  be  timetabled  for  performance  and  discussion,  although the performance need not be by the composer.

CLASSES.  There is no limit to the number of classes for which a competitor may enter,  but  where  categories  are  offered  (i.e. preliminary, primary etc)  only one category may be entered.

Where GRADED CLASSES are offered, a competitor may enter two consecutive classes,  one  for  which  they hold the qualification and the next one, unless they won the class in the previous year.

Competitors  may  not make  more than  one entry in  any solo class,  but in duet and  trio  classes,  competitors  may enter  more than  once, if accompanied by a different person and that person will not be performing elsewhere in the same class.

It should be noted that performers must only be entered within their grade. 

If duet/trio partners are of different grades, the entry must be made in the  highest grade:  e.g. duet/trio partners of Grades 2 and 4, must be entered in a class which caters for Grade 4.

Performers  who  in  the  6 months  prior to the  Festival have been pupils of an Adjudicator  appointed to the class in which they have entered, will be ineligible to compete.

TEACHERS  AND  PARENTS  ARE  REMINDED  THAT  CARE  SHOULD  BE TAKEN  TO  ENSURE  THAT  PERFORMERS  ARE  ENTERED  IN  THE CORRECT CLASS ACCORDING TO HIS/HER STANDARD.

Winners of any solo class, with the exception of the advanced classes, may not enter the same class the following year, unless where an age is stipulated, they are still within the age range.

NOVICE CLASSES.  The qualification for entering a novice class is that the entrant should definitely be Pre-Grade 1 and must not enter Grade 1.

CHOIR CLASSES.   Where a Year Group is specified, younger children may enter the group, but the entry must be made in the age range of the eldest children. Where number on roll is specified, if the school roll is very close to the specified number, consult the Festival Office for guidance.

PROFESSIONALS & RETIRED PROFESSIONALS.  Solo classes are not open to professionals  or  retired professionals.    A limited number of professionals/retired professionals  may  take  part  in  an  instrumental  ensemble,  orchestra  or  choir, provided that they do not receive payment.   In chamber groups of up to 10 persons, only one to be professional.  In larger groups, the professional element must not be more than 20%:   10% in the case of brass bands. 

For the purpose of this Festival, professionals/retired professionals are defined as those who derive or have derived the bulk of their earnings from remuneration for work in that branch of the Arts with which the competition is concerned.

TIME LIMIT.  Where a time limit is imposed, this must be strictly adhered to.   Marks will be deducted for an over-run.

COPIES OF OWN CHOICE WORKS FOR ADJUDICATORS.  The Music Publishers Association Code of Practice on photocopying copyright works make a concession for copying own choice pieces FROM VOLUMES ONLY for the use of the adjudicator at a festival, provided that the entrant or participant has already purchased their own copy.   Photocopies for the adjudicator must be totally legible or they can be refused.  Any photocopy will be retained and destroyed by the Festival Organiser immediately after the close of the class.  Single copies of items may not be photocopied without the prior permission of the copyright holder.

This permission does not apply to music for the accompanist or competitor, who must always perform from a printed copy, except where copies are required to avoid page turning.  Competitors are advised that this permission applies only to copyright holders who are members of the Music Publishers Association, listed at the back of the Code of Practice leaflet, obtainable from the Association at 103, Kingsway, WC2B 6QX.  It is the competitors’ own responsibility to ensure that they seek permission to copy direct from any copyright holder whose name does not appear in the list.

SONGS FROM THE SHOWS - VOCAL & DANCE ENTRIES.           All performances using  music  from  shows  in  current  production  are  subject  to  copyright  law.

Songs from shows in current production may be sung as a concert item, i.e. with no costume or movement without need for copyright permission.

Where movement or costume are included in a performance, it is the responsibility of the performer to obtain copyright permission and the festival committee accepts these entries on the basis that the appropriate copyright permission has been sought Performers  or  teachers  with queries  on  how  to  obtain copyright  permission  for performance items should contact Festivals House on 0870 7744 290 before making

their entry.   

OFFICIAL ACCOMPANIST.  An Official Accompanist will be provided if competitors state on their entry form that they will require this service.  A fee of £5.00 per entry is charged.  If no request is made, it cannot be guaranteed that the accompanist will be in attendance.  A copy of own choice music for the use of the official accompanist must be sent to PO Box 181, Hereford HR2 9YN, by Monday 13th February at the very latest. 

SET PIECES.  Any difficulty in obtaining music pieces or poetry/sight reading books should be notified to the Festival Office immediately.

OWN CHOICE MUSIC, POETRY, SCENES OR PLAYS.  Competitors must provide for the use of the Adjudicator on the day of the competition, a copy of their selected own choice items,. Own choice titles and composers must be submitted on the entry form.

The co-operation of teachers and competitors in sending information at the correct time would be very much appreciated.

Where performers select a poem from the set books, a photocopy of the chosen piece should be handed to the steward prior to the class.

Please see note at commencement of speech and drama section

CONDUCTING OF SPEECH & DRAMA.  Conducting of performers, either verbally or facially by teachers/parents is not allowed.  Performers should be adequately prepared, but, if through nerves he/she requires a prompt, the adjudicator is able to do this from the desk.

ENTRANCE TO VENUES.  All performers, teachers, accompanists and conductors must display badges on entering the auditorium.  Badges are supplied free of charge and will admit performers to all session of the Festival.  

Please order when entering.   

Parents and others in any way connected with the performers, are not entitled to free admission and must purchase a ticket (£1.50) on the door.

NO FOOD OR SWEETS to be taken into any hall.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME & TIME TABLE.  Each entrant requires a Festival Programme to ascertain the time and day of performance.  

Price £2.00 plus postage.  

These will be available at the beginning of March and should be ordered when entering.  (Only one is required - not one per entry)

Performers should carefully consult the programme as the Festival accepts no responsibility for performers being unaware of their competing day and time. 

Performers entering more than one class should check to make sure there is not a clash of timings, and, if there is, they should contact the Festival Office immediately.

RECORDED MUSIC.  This Festival is affiliated to the British & International Federation of Festivals and participates in its Group Licence to cover payment of fees for the use of  recorded  music  at  its  event.  Teachers  using  tapes  created  from  commercial recordings  are  advised  that  they  should  themselves  seek  permission  from  the record companies concerned to re-record.  The Festival cannot take responsibility for this.

PUBLISHED WORKS.  The Festival Committee reminds entrants that there must be no re-arrangement of published works.

PERFORMANCE OF SET PIECES.  The adjudicator may call upon competitors to perform  the  whole  or  part  of  the  set  pieces  and  may  even request a second performance.    Competitors  may  play  or  sing  from  their  music  if  they  wish. In the Poetry Speaking classes, competitors must not read from the script.

TUNING.  Competitors in brass & string classes must complete their tuning outside the Auditorium, where possible.   Those over 15 years of age must carry out their own tuning.

ADJUDICATION SHEETS AND CERTIFICATES should be collected from the Festival Office at The Courtyard, Hereford, during Festival week.

PRIZES & AWARDS.  Certificates will be awarded to competitors gaining 75 and over.    The marking will reflect the standardisation and moderation of marks being recommended by the Federation and will be as follows:

Outstanding  90 & over                                              Merit             81 - 83

Distinction     87 - 89                                                  Moderate      78 - 80

Commended 84 - 86                                                  Fair              75 -77

Descriptors:

Outstanding:  An exceptional performance both technically & artistically

Distinction:  An excellent performance technically & artistically

Commended:  A convincing performance technically & artistically

Merit:  A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or technical ability

Moderate:  A performance showing development of technique and/or communication

Fair:  A performance limited in its communication

Trophies  

· will only be awarded for a mark of 84 or over

· are engraved, where applicable, at the competitor’s expense and must be in keeping with previous engraving

· are held for TEN MONTHS ONLY.  Care must be taken of them and any

        damage or loss must be made good by the holder.

Trophy winners will be required to sign an acknowledgment undertaking the safe keeping of trophies.

An adjudicator may with-hold any award and may stop any performance at his/her discretion.  The Adjudicator’s decision in all cases shall be final.  It is forbidden to communicate with the Adjudicator during classes.

A full list of trophies & awards will be published at the Festival.

ETIQUETTE IN HALLS  Performers are reminded that whilst they are waiting for adjudications, there should there be little or no movement around the hall, conversation should be kept to the minimum and eating is not allowed.

NON-COMPETITIVE CLASSES.  Competitors in these classes will receive a written  adjudication and a Festival certificate, but no marks and no trophy.

FESTIVAL CONCERT— SATURDAY 24th MARCH  2011 at 7.00 p.m.

Selected performers will be invited to perform their test pieces.  

Tickets will be available from The Courtyard Box Office - telephone  01432 340555 or www.courtyard.org.uk

OBJECTIONS & APPEALS.  Any objection or appeal must be made to the Festival Organiser,  in  writing,  immediately  after  the  result  is  announced.  It must be accompanied by a deposit of £5 which will be returned if the appeal is allowed or not considered frivolous.     The Committee’s interpretation of the Rules and its decision on any point shall be final.

DUTY OF CARE TO YOUNG PERSONS.  Parents and teachers are reminded that the safety of young people in their care is their responsibility during the Festival. 

The Festival Committee have done their best to ensure that you can keep within eye contact throughout the Festival.

The Courtyard staff, or staff at other venues, cannot accept responsibility for young people not in the care of a parent or teacher.

Please read Child Protection Policy.

AUDIENCE.   The Festival accepts no responsibility for members of the audience missing a performance.  The position of performers in a class may be changed on the day for various reasons and withdrawals may mean the class will close early.  

To ensure that no performance is missed it is advisable that persons wishing to be present for a particular performance are present at the venue at least 5 minutes before the commencement of the class.

No class will commence before the published time.  

Tickets available at door on day of performance.

DISCLAIMER.  All attending the Festival are reminded to take care of their personal property - handbags, instruments, etc. 
 

The Festival cannot be responsible for loss.

PHOTOGRAPHY, FILMING, VIDEO, TAPE-RECORDING, DIGITAL RECORDING

OR RECORDING BY ANY MEANS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.