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Vocal Syllabus

Adjudicator’s Remarks in Vocal Section

The adjudicator of the vocal section will give feedback in general terms when addressing the participants before handing out certificates. To supplement this feedback, the adjudicator will give “master classes” for the classical and musical theatre sections.

• Age groups will be split into two: 14 years and under and 15 years and up.
• Master classes MUST be signed-up for online during registration.
• Registrations will be accepted on a “first-come, first-served” basis and will be limited to 10 participants per session of two sessions each for Classical and for Musical Theatre. (i.e. 20 performers for Classical and 20 for Musical Theatre).
• When the sessions are filled, we will set up a “waitlist”.  
• Master classes are “free to audit” for any performer registered in the Vocal Section.
• REGISTRATION FOR MASTER CLASSES IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE STUDENTS WISHING TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A PROVINCIAL NOMINATION.

 

Class Certificates

A Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate is issued to all participants of each competitive class.

• Gold: 85 and above
• Silver: 80 to 84
• Bronze: 79 and under

The Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates do not indicate a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place standing in a class. Each colour represents a level of performance achievement.

There will be no set number of Gold, Silver, or Bronze certificates allotted for each class.

Marks will neither be announced nor written on the adjudication sheets. They will be kept privately by the adjudicator’s secretary and adjudicator on a tabulation sheet that will, in turn, be submitted to the Mid Island Performing Arts Musical Festival Bursary Committee. A few days after the end of the Vocal section, teachers will receive their students’ marks from the section chairperson through their Teacher’s Report on the Registration site.

Vocal Rules

1. Please read the general rules carefully.
2. Any vocal class may be entered non-competitively. Please indicate on the entry form.
   1. No pianist or vocalist may perform more than once in any class except in Lieder, or Vocal Solo and Accompaniment classes.
   2. Musical Theatre selections performed in the Vocal Section may not be used in the Dance Section.
3. A competitor must enter more than one solo class to be considered for a bursary.
4. Time limits must be observed, or the performer may be disqualified.
   The maximum time of a performance will be the total time on stage after the first tuning. Introductions, breaks between pieces, additional tuning, applause and any required costume additions will be included in this time. The clock will start when a performer starts to introduce their first piece and stop when they leave after their final piece. Please time your repertoire appropriately so you do not exceed the time indicated for each class.
   PLEASE NOTE that this rule follows the TOTAL TIME regulation in the Provincial syllabus.
5. All vocal pieces having piano accompaniment are to be performed with piano accompaniment, with the exception of Folk Song, Original Composition, Diverse Styles and Pop Classes, which allow for piano or guitar accompaniment, or an unaccompanied performance.
6. In ALL vocal classes, the competitor must submit the original unmarked score of his/her music (NO PHOTOCOPIES) before the class in which he/she is to perform.
   1. Such music must be plainly marked with the competitor’s name, number, and class and page number of the selection, to be given to the adjudicator’s secretary on proceeding to the platform.
   2. Music must be bar-numbered at the beginning of each stanza.
   3. All music must be reclaimed following the adjudication of such classes. The Festival Committee does not accept responsibility for such music.
   4. Using photocopied music by performers or accompanists is prohibited. If original scores are not available, a letter of release is required from the publisher. Internet copies are acceptable only with a valid receipt.
   5. The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals has now deemed it permissible to use photocopies for page turns, etc. as long as the original copy is present at the performance. This does not mean that the adjudicator has the original and the performer the photocopy. There must be 2 original copies present in the competition hall.
7. If a competitor is unable to perform in his/her class on the scheduled day, the Vocal Committee regrets that it cannot allow the performance to be rescheduled.
8. To be eligible for a Provincial Nomination or a bursary in Classical Voice, a competitor must enter at least TWO classes, AND:
   1. In Junior, have performed an Art Song (in the Solo, Art Song or Concert Group classes)
   2. In Intermediate, have performed an Art Song (in the Solo, Art Song or Concert Group classes)
   3. In Senior, have performed an Aria or an Oratorio selection.
9. To be eligible for Provincial Nomination or a bursary in Musical Theatre Vocal or Provincial Excellence, the student must perform in at least two Classical Voice classes and:
   1. One (1) selection in the appropriate Musical Theatre category A (Ballad) or AA (Ballad) and
   2. One (1) selection in the appropriate Musical Theatre category B (Comedy or Other) or BB (Comedy or Other)
   3. Simple costumes are permitted, as is limited stage movement.
   4. Hand-held props only may be used if integral to the performance (in addition to a single chair that will be provided) and must be set up and struck by the performer.
      
   5. The piano is not to be used as a prop or vehicle of any kind during a performance.
   6. Immediately before their performance, participants must give a verbal introduction of their selection to “set the scene”. These remarks are not included in the timing of the selection.
      
   7. With the exception of appropriate musical and non-verbal communication during a performance, any additional interaction between an accompanist or other individual or performer after introducing the selection is considered to be a duet.
10. All vocal selections must be indicated on the entry form. (T.B.A. is not acceptable).
    1. Changes, if necessary, will be allowed until January 31; otherwise, the competitor may be disqualified.
    2. ALL ENTRIES MUST INCLUDE THE NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE TEACHER.
    3. All classical pieces must include grade level upon registration.
11. Once a piece/selection has been performed in any vocal class of the vocal section, or Song and Dance class of the dance section, it may not ever be performed by that student in the vocal section of the festival in any format whatsoever. Refer to Dance section Entries rules.

Vocal Solo

Selections chosen for these classes should be similar to art songs. Refer to Conservatory Syllabus for examples. Please enter Folk songs or Sacred Songs etc., in their respective classes.

IN ALL CLASSES, THE QUALITY OF THE MUSIC AND SUITABILITY TO THE SINGER WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Girl’s Solo – One Selection – Own Choice

Class	Age Level
101	6 years and under
102	8 years and under
103	10 years and under
104	12 years and under
105	14 years and under
106	16 years and under
107	18 years and under
108	19 – 22 years

Boy’s Solo – One Selection – Own Choice

Class	Age Level
120	6 years and under
121	8 years and under
122	10 years and under
123	12 years and under
124	14 years and under – unchanged voice
125	14 years and under – changing voice
126	16 years and under – changing voice
127	18 years and under – changing voice

Folk Song – One Selection – Own Choice

The term Folk Song in this syllabus refers to a folk song of any nationality whose author and composer are unknown.
Competitors may choose which one of the two categories below they wish to enter:
F – strophic piano accompaniment, guitar accompaniment, unaccompanied
AF – arranged folk song

Class	Age Level
140	6 years and under
141	8 years and under
142	10 years and under
143	12 years and under
144	14 years and under
145	16 years and under
146	18 years and under
147	19 – 22 years

Sacred Song – One Selection – Own Choice (excludes Oratorio and Cantata)

Class	Age Level
160	6 years and under
161	8 years and under
162	10 years and under
163	12 years and under
164	14 years and under
165	16 years and under
166	18 years and under
167	19 – 22 years

Musical Theatre – Own Choice

A Musical Theatre work is defined as a musical stage-play/production or motion-picture musical. The “Broadway Musical” is representative of this genre. Selections from revues, light opera, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, cabarets, ‘encore’ pieces and similar works are not permitted in this class. Pop songs are not allowed, defined as any songs listed on the Billboard Magazine Pop Songs Top 40 chart within the 12-month period ending December 31 preceding the festival.

Performers are required to make one selection from Musicals category A (Ballad) and/or AA (Ballad) and one selection from Musicals category B (Comedy or Other) and/or BB (Comedy or other). Simple costuming and hand-held props (integral to the performance) may be used. See rule #8.

• A (Ballad) – Early Musical Theatre up to and including 1970*
• AA (Ballad) – 1971* to current Musical Theatre
• B (Comedy or Other) – Early Musical Theatre up to and including 1970*
• BB (Comedy or Other) – 1971* to current Musical Theatre

* (based on the earliest year the musical was performed with the song actually used in the musical)

Up to four (4) classes in total may be entered by a participant. A minimum of two (2) classes of alternate styles (A and/or AA AND B and/or BB) are required to be eligible for a Provincial nomination.

Class	Age Level
180A, 180AA, 180B, 180BB	6 years and under
181A, 181AA, 181B, 181BB	8 years and under
182A, 182AA, 182B, 182BB	10 years and under
183A, 183AA, 183B, 183BB	12 years and under
184A, 184AA, 184B, 184BB	14 years and under
185A, 185AA, 185B, 185BB	16 years and under
186A, 186AA, 186B, 186BB	18 years and under
187A, 187AA, 187B, 187BB	19 – 22 years
188	Provincial Excellence Musical Theatre Class – see explanation

Musical Theatre – Concert Group

All musical theatre rules apply, including scene sets.

Class	Age Level	Time Limit
189	10 years and under	20 minutes
190	12 years and under	20 minutes
191	14 years and under	20 minutes
192	16 years and under	20 minutes
193	18 years and under	20 minutes

Please refer to the Provincial Excellence Musical Theatre Rules in the Provincial Section.

Provincial Excellence Musical Theatre

Class 188

Age: 18 – 22 years (no minimum age limit if the student has won the Senior Musical Theatre Class at Provincials)

Time limit: 35 minutes

This class (plus performing in at least two Classical Voice classes) is required for a Provincial Excellence nomination but does not guarantee a nomination, as that is strictly at the adjudicator’s discretion.

Repertoire: A well-rounded program that comprises works by different composers representing various styles and periods. General Musical Theatre rules apply to this class.

Contemporary Christian Music – Own Choice

Class	Age Level
201	10 years and under
202	12 years and under
203	14 years and under
204	16 years and under
205	18 years and under

Lieder / Art Song – Own Choice

One selection by any recognized composer of German Lieder (Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Franz, Wolfe, R. Strauss) to be sung in German, including German Art Songs. Anyone requesting a separate class entry for a vocalist and accompanist in the same age group will be accommodated.

Class	Age Level
220	12 years and under
221	14 years and under
222	16 years and under
223	18 years and under
224	19 – 22 years

Art Song – Own Choice

One selection by any recognized composer of Art Songs, except Lieder. Please enter all German Art Song in a Lieder class. Original language is preferable. All classical pieces must include grade level upon registration.

Class	Age Level
240E (English) 240F (French) 240I (Italian) 240S (Spanish)	8 years and under
241E, 241F, 241I, 241S	10 years and under
242E, 242F, 242I, 242S	12 years and under
243E, 243F, 243I, 243S	14 years and under
244E, 244F, 244I, 244S	16 years and under
245E, 245F, 245I, 245S	18 years and under
246E, 246F, 246I, 246S	19 – 22 years

Oratorio – Own Choice

One selection from any standard sacred oratorio. Recitative, if any, should be sung.

Class	Age Level
260	16 years and under
261	18 years and under
262	19 – 22 years

Opera – Own Choice

(Baroque and early Italian arias may be used)

Class	Age Level
280	16 years and under
281	18 years and under
282	19 – 22 years

Concert Group

Three contrasting selections of various periods, styles and moods, no composer being used more than once. At least one song in a language other than English.

Class	Age Level
301	12 years and under
302	14 years and under
303	16 years and under
304	18 years and under
305	19 – 22 years

Provincial Excellence Classical Voice

This class (plus at least one other class) is required for a National Classical Voice Provincial nomination but does not guarantee a nomination, as that is strictly at the adjudicator’s discretion.

Class 306

Age: 18 – 22 years (no minimum age limit if the student has won the Senior Classical Voice Class at Provincials)

Time limit: 35 minutes

Repertoire: A well-rounded program that comprises works by different composers representing various styles and periods. Individual movements of multi-movement works may be included.

 

Novice Section

Less than 1 year’s study and may only be entered in this category in 1 year only. These classes have been incorporated into the syllabus to accommodate late beginners. If a student enters a novice category, he/she is not eligible to enter a regular class. These classes are for adjudication only and are not eligible for a bursary.

*Refer to Classes 105, 106, 107, 108, 124, 125, 126, 127, 144, 145, 146, 147, 164, 165, 166, 167, 184A, 184B, 185A, 185B, 186A, 186B, 187A, 187B and 305 for details and description information.

Class	Description
105N*	Girl’s Solo – 14 years and under
106N*	Girl’s Solo – 16 years and under
107N*	Girl’s Solo – 18 years and under
108N*	Girl’s Solo – 22 years and under
124N*	Boy’s Solo – 14 years and under – unchanged voice
125N*	Boy’s Solo – 14 years and under – changing voice
126N*	Boy’s Solo – 16 years and under
127N*	Boy’s Solo – 18 years and under
144N*	Folk Song – 14 years and under
145N*	Folk Song – 16 years and under
146N*	Folk Song – 18 years and under
147N*	Folk Song – 22 years and under
164N*	Sacred Song – 14 years and under
165N*	Sacred Song – 16 years and under
166N*	Sacred Song – 18 years and under
167N*	Sacred Song – 22 years and under
184NA*	Musical Theatre – 14 years and under
184NB*	Musical Theatre – 14 years and under
185NA*	Musical Theatre – 16 years and under
185NB*	Musical Theatre – 16 years and under
186NA*	Musical Theatre – 18 years and under
186NB*	Musical Theatre – 18 years and under
187NA*	Musical Theatre – 22 years and under
187NB*	Musical Theatre – 22 years and under

Adult Open Section (23 years and over)

These classes have been incorporated into the syllabus to accommodate adults over the qualifying age for Provincial Competition.

*Refer to classes 147, 167, 187A, 187B, 224, 246, 262, 282 and 305 for details and descriptive information.

Class	Description
200AD*	Folk Song – 23 years and over
201AD*	Sacred Song – 23 years and over
202ADA*	Musical Theatre (Ballad) – 23 years and over
202ADB*	Musical Theatre (Comic/Other) – 23 years and over
203AD*	Lieder – 23 years and over
204AD*	Art Song – 23 years and over
205AD*	Oratorio – 23 years and over
206AD*	Opera – 23 years and over
207AD*	Concert Group – 23 years and over

Vocal Duet, Trio or Quartet – One Selection – Own Choice

Classes may be subdivided as necessary.

Classical – CL

Class	Age Level
220CL	10 years and under
221CL	12 years and under
222CL	14 years and under
223CL	16 years and under
224CL	18 years and under
225CL	19 – 22 years, any combination of voices
226CL	Over 22 years, OPEN

Folk – FK

Class	Age Level
220FK	10 years and under
221FK	12 years and under
222FK	14 years and under
223FK	16 years and under
224FK	18 years and under
225FK	19 – 22 years, any combination of voices
226FK	Over 22 years, OPEN

Contemporary – CONT

Class	Age Level
220CONT	10 years and under
221CONT	12 years and under
222CONT	14 years and under
223CONT	16 years and under
224CONT	18 years and under
225CONT	19 – 22 years, any combination of voices
226CONT	Over 22 years, OPEN

Musical Theatre Duet / Trio – Own Choice

Classes may be subdivided as necessary. Simple costuming and one basic prop each may be used. See rule #8.

Class	Age Level
240A	10 years and under
240B	10 years and under
241A	12 years and under
241B	12 years and under
242A	14 years and under
242B	14 years and under
243A	16 years and under
243B	16 years and under
244A	18 years and under
244B	18 years and under
245A	19 – 22 years, any combination of voices
245B	19 – 22 years, any combination of voices
246A	Over 22 years, OPEN
246B	Over 22 years, OPEN

Vocal Solo and Accompaniment – One Selection – Own Choice

Both the vocalist and the accompanist will be adjudicated.

Class	Age Level
260VA	12 years and under
261VA	14 years and under
262VA	16 years and under
263VA	18 years and under

Barbershop Quartet – Two Selections – Own Choice

Class	Age Level
270	19 years and over (OPEN) any combination of voices.

Family Music

This class is created to foster music in the home. Open to two or more members of a family and may include relatives not of the immediate family. The accompanist (if necessary) must be a family member. Selection(s) may not exceed 10 minutes.

Class	Age Level
275	Competitors can be of any age

Original Vocal Composition

Musical Notation should be included

Class	Age Level
280VC	12 years and under
281VC	14 years and under
282VC	16 years and under
283VC	18 years and under

Additional classes will be added upon request if the Committee feels they are warranted.

Vocal Variety

One selection chosen from a light opera, operetta, Gilbert & Sullivan production, Revue or Cabaret, Classical repertoire or Musical Theatre. Pop songs are not allowed, defined as any songs listed on the Billboard Magazine Pop Songs Top 40 chart within the 12-month period ending December 31 preceding the festival.

A small handheld prop may be used if appropriate. Costumes are not necessary but may be used.

Class		Age Level
300VV	Junior Vocal Variety	8 years and under
301VV	Junior Vocal Variety	10 years and under
302VV	Junior Vocal Variety	12 years and under
303VV	Junior Vocal Variety	14 years and under
304VV	Intermediate Vocal Variety	16 years and under
305VV	Intermediate Vocal Variety	18 years and under
306VV	Senior Vocal Variety	19 – 22 years
307VV	Adult Open	Over 22 years

Diverse Styles

From any of the following styles: Popular, Country, Ethnic or Gospel (excluding Rap). Live Guitar and/or Piano accompaniment only – see Pop Class.

Class	Age Level
320	8 years and under
321	10 years and under
322	12 years and under
323	14 years and under
324	16 years and under
325	18 years and under
326	19 – 22 years
327	Over 22 years

Additional classes will be added upon request if the Committee feels they are warranted.

Pop Class

This class allows the opportunity for additional Pop music to be performed. Live Guitar and/or Piano accompaniment only. Also, see Diverse Styles. A guitar accompanist must bring and set up their own equipment if amplification is needed. Pop duets will be accommodated upon request.

Class	Age Level
328A	14 years and under
328B	18 years and under
328C	22 years and under

Master Classes

The adjudicator will give “master classes” for the Classical and Musical Theatre sections. Age groups will be split into two: 14 years and under, and 15 years and up. They MUST be signed-up for online during registration. They will be on a “first-come, first-served” basis and will be limited in numbers. See Adjudicator’s Remarks.

Class		Age Level
310	Master Class Classical	14 years and under
311	Master Class Classical	15 years and over
312	Master Class Musical Theatre	14 years and under
313	Master Class Musical Theatre	15 years and over

Provincial Finals

General Regulations, Guidelines, and Class Structure

1. One selection must have been performed at the local level. This applies to all levels.
2. Art Songs and Lieder must be sung in the original language.
3. Lieder will be adjudicated for the vocalist only.
4. Musical Theatre and pop selections are not allowed in these classes.

 

Classical Voice

Junior Voice

Age: 14 years and under	Time Limit: 17 minutes	Standard: Minimum Grade 4 level.
Three contrasting selections, one of which must be an Art Song. No Oratorio or Operatic Arias of the Post-Baroque era are allowed at this level.

Intermediate Voice

Age: 17 years and under	Time Limit: 22 minutes	Standard: Minimum Grade 7 level.
Three contrasting selections, one of which must be an Art Song (including German Lieder). No Oratorio or Operatic Arias of the Post-Baroque era are allowed at this level.

Senior Voice

Age: 22 years and under	Time Limit: 25 minutes	Standard: Minimum Grade 9 level.
THREE contrasting selections made up of the following: An Art Song (including German Lieder) An operatic aria in the original language with recitative where applicable or an aria from a Major Sacred Work (oratorio cantata, mass) with recitative where applicable. (language optional) If performing an opera aria, the performer is required to introduce it. (ie. “set the scene”) Costumes, staging and sets are not permitted. Own choice.

Provincial Excellence Classical Voice

Age: 22 years and under

Time Limit: 35 minutes

Vocal Variety

The following are optional classes only for those students already recommended in Classical Voice or Musical Theatre. The selections chosen in these classes need not have been performed at the local festival. However, care should be taken in the choice of music.

One selection chosen from a light opera, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan production, Revue, Cabaret, classical repertoire or Musical Theatre. A small handheld prop may be used if appropriate. Costumes are not necessary but may be used.

Junior Vocal Variety

Age: 14 years and under

Time Limit: 7 minutes

Intermediate Vocal Variety

Age: 17 years and under

Time Limit: 7 minutes

Senior Vocal Variety

Age: 22 years and under

Time Limit: 8 minutes

Provincial Excellence Vocal Variety

Age: 22 years and under

Time Limit: 8 minutes

Musical Theatre

Available for participants at the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Levels, who have entered the Classical Voice and Musical Theatre sections at the local level. Students entering these classes will be judged on their ability in Musical Theatre. This should be demonstrated in their performance of TWO contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.

For the purpose of the Provincial Festival, a Musical Theatre work is defined as a musical stage-play/production or motion-picture musical. The “Broadway Musical” is representative of this genre. Selections from revues, light opera, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, cabarets, ‘encore’ pieces and similar works are not permitted in this class. Pieces to be performed must be listed on the entry form as follows: name of song and name of the show in which it is used. (ie. Circle of Life from The Lion King).

Contemporary pop, Gilbert and Sullivan, Reviews, and Cabaret pieces are not acceptable in these classes. Pop songs are defined as any songs listed on the Billboard Magazine Pop Songs Top 40 chart within the 12-month period ending December 31 preceding the festival. Costuming, stage movement and/or dancing should be included. Performers are required to introduce their selections. (ie. “set the scene”).

Musical Theatre Vocal – Junior

Age: 14 years and under	Time Limit: 15 minutes
Selections from animated musical productions are allowed at this level.

Musical Theatre Vocal – Intermediate

Age: 17 years and under

Time Limit: 17 minutes

Musical Theatre Vocal – Senior

Age: 22 years and under

Time Limit: 20 minutes

Provincial Excellence Musical Theatre

Age: 22 years and under

Time Limit: 35 minutes

Choir Classes

Final Closing Date: December 31st
Late entries: May be accepted up to January 10th, at the discretion of the Chairperson, with a double entry fee.

When submitting entries, we require the names and ages of all choir members ages 10 and under. Please list them in the Comments section of the entry form.

Please note: All choirs qualifying for provincials will be recorded live, complying with the Provincial Syllabus. If a recording is done at the time of the original performance, then no later recordings shall be submitted to the Provincial office.

1. Classes 500 – 506 are intended for individual divisions. In cases where rooms combine two grades, the teacher should enter the grade in which the majority of his/her students are registered.
2. A grading system consisting of “Excellent”, “Very Good”, “Good” and “Satisfactory” is used in all School Choir Classes. Choirs wishing to enter for adjudication only, please indicate so on the entry form.
3. Please read #6 in Vocal Rules about “own choice” selections.
4. Conductors who are unable to complete their “Own Choice” selections by entry closing must submit them by January 31st, or their choirs will be liable to disqualification.

 

Two Contrasting Selections

Class	Grade
500	Kindergarten or Grade 1 Classroom Choir – one of the selections may be a singing game.
501	Grade 2 Classroom Choir
502	Grade 3 Classroom Choir
503	Grade 4 Classroom Choir
504	Grade 5 Classroom Choir
505	Grade 6 Classroom Choir
506	Grade 7 Classroom Choir
507	Grade 1 – 3 Primary Composite Choirs
508	Elementary Composite Choir
509	Elementary Boys Composite Choir
510	Elementary Folk Song (any traditional Folk Song)
511	Elementary Operetta Class – one or two selections, including any optional solo parts with simple costumes and basic props if desired. Not to exceed 6 minutes
512	Elementary School Choir (may include students from more than one school).
513	Secondary Mixed Choir (may include students from more than one school).
514	Secondary Choir, Grades 8 – 10 (Standard or Classical Repertoire)
515	Secondary Choir, Grades 8 – 10 (Pop, Jazz, or Swing Choir – Rhythm and/or instrumental accompaniment optional)
516	Secondary Choir Grades 8 – 12 (Standard or Classical Repertoire)
517	Secondary Choir, Grades 8 – 12 (Pop, Jazz, or Swing Choir – Rhythm and/or instrumental accompaniment optional)
518	Secondary Folk Song Choir (Traditional)
519	Secondary Folk Ballad Chorus (Modern)

Vocal Ensembles

(Should consist of not less than 5 voices and not more than 12. Conductor optional. 2, 3, or 4 parts)

Class	Age Level
520	12 years and under
521	14 years and under
522	16 years and under
523	18 years and under
524	Open

Madrigal or Chamber Choir

(24 voices or under)

Class	Age Level
525	12 years and under
526	14 years and under
527	16 years and under
528	18 years and under
529	Open

Early Music Ensemble

Any combination of instruments and voices (maximum of six). Selection(s) may not exceed 10 minutes.

Class	Age
530	Competitors can be of any age

Church and Community Choirs

Class	Age Level
531	12 years and under	Sunday School Primary Choir
532	18 years and under	Junior Church Choir (under 35 voices)
533	18 years and under	Junior Church Choir (over 35 voices)
534	Open	Church Choir (S.A.T.B.)
535	18 years and under	Private School Choir
536	10 years and under	Junior Community Choir
537	12 years and under	Junior Community Choir
538	14 years and under	Intermediate Community Choir
539	14 years and under	Intermediate Musical Theatre Ensemble – simple costuming and/or basic prop may be used
540	18 years and under	Teen Community Choir
541	Open	Community Choir (Mix Voices)
542	Open	Community Womens’ Choir
543	Open	Barbershop Groups

Additional classes will be added upon request if the Committee feels they are warranted.

Provincial Excellence Choral Classes

Local Festival

Adjudicators at the local festival may choose, in each of the Choral categories, up to two choirs that are felt to be of an exceedingly high standard. The signed recommendation along with the recording of the performance and original music shall be sent to the Provincial Office.
Provincial Festival.

Mp3 files forwarded by the local Festivals will be adjudicated prior to the Provincial Festival, with winners announced during the Festival. There will be a $500 grand prize and other cash awards for winners of each class.

Note: Choirs submitting recordings to the Provincial level of competition must perform the same selections on which they were recommended by the adjudicator at the local level.

1. Participation is limited to amateur choirs, performing in the appropriate class(es) at affiliated festivals.
2. A choir may enter only one choral class at the Provincial level.
3. A festival official must supervise and witness the recording of the performance of choirs recommended for the Provincial competition.
4. All choral entries must be submitted as mp3 files. These should be sent as attachments to emails to the Provincial office, with the choir name, festival and name of the class in the subject line. Mp3 files must be clearly labelled with the name of the piece only and NOT the name of the choir. Please end the recording as soon as the performance is finished and do not include comments or announcements. Each piece of choral music must also be scanned, including the cover page, and sent as files with the sound files. As an aid to adjudicators, the first bar of each line in the score should be numbered and the performance key shall be indicated on the score. Please send scanned scores as PDFs and not jpegs. A pdf of the completed entry form should also be included; however, the required entry fee must still be submitted by mail. In conclusion, each email should include 5 files: 2 sound files, 2 scores and 1 entry form.
5. Recordings may be done up until May 1, with the same choir, conductor, accompanist, and accompaniment as in the original performance. The recording must be the first take. No acoustic or electronic compensation, filtering, or other enhancement is to be used while (or post) recording. When making recordings, please stop the recording as soon as the choir finishes singing.
6. Recordings and music should contain no reference to the name of the choir or its conductor. Pieces are not to be announced.
7. Complete choral entries must be received at the Provincial Office by Monday, May 11.

Provincial Festival

The Provincial Music Festival provides opportunities for the following types of choral groups:

• School Choirs
• Community Choirs
• Other

These rules apply to all classes:

1. Only selections performed, adjudicated and recommended from local festivals are acceptable.
2. The competition is based on the performance of TWO CONTRASTING SELECTIONS only one of which may include brief solo or solo ensemble passages. The total number of bars of a solo or solo ensemble passage may not exceed 10% of the total score.
3. One selection may be one or more movements of a multi-movement work.
4. Ages are determined as of December 31 preceding the festival.
5. Total Time limit: 15 minutes

 

School Choirs

The members of a school choir must all be from the same school. Split grades should register in the higher grade category. Only one folk song is permitted.

Class	Grade
99	Musical Theatre School Ensemble
A Musical Theatre work is defined as a musical stage-play/production or motion-picture musical. The “Broadway Musical” is representative of this genre. Selections from revues, light opera, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, cabarets, ‘encore’ pieces and similar works are not permitted in this class. Pop songs are not allowed, defined as any songs listed on the Billboard Magazine Pop Songs Top 40 chart within the 12-month period ending December 31 preceding the festival. One or two selections (selections need not be from the same musical) Please include the number of participants in each performance. Performers may perform in more than one selection and may be conducted or not conducted. If you have more then one ensemble please give them different names or indicate a #1 or #2 etc.

Class	Grade
100	Grade 12 & Under – At least one selection sung in three or more parts
101	Grade 10 & Under – At least one selection sung in three or more parts
102	Grade 8 & Under – At least one selection sung in two or more parts
103	Grade 6 & Under – One selection sung in two parts is strongly encouraged
104	Grade 4 & Under – Unison only

Community Choirs

Only one folk song is permitted. Audio recording only.

Class	Age Level
105	19 & Over The majority of members must be 19 years of age and over At least one selection sung in three or more parts
106	19 & Under No more than 5% of the members may exceed the age limit by more than one year. At least one selection sung in three or more parts
107	16 & Under No more than 5% of the members may exceed the age limit by more than one year. At least one selection sung in three or more parts
108	12 & Under No more than 5% of the members may exceed the age limit by more than one year. At least one selection sung in two or more parts

Other

Class	Age Level
109	Male Voices only restricted to male singers [no age limitation] at least one selection sung in three or more parts
110	Female Voices only restricted to female singers [no age limitation] at least one selection sung in three or more parts