1. The Truro Music Festival is open to all those interested in music.
2. Where there is an age requirement, age will be reckoned as at the first day of January.
3. Entry fees must accompany entry forms or applications will be refused. No refunds once class has been entered.
4. Entrance Fees: (NEW 2008)
5. Music will no longer be ordered through the Festival. Individuals are responsible for obtaining their own music.
6. The Festival will provide adjudicators with copies of test pieces.
7. Non-competitive participants will be given adjudication only, no marks. Participants in non-competitive classes are not eligible to enter competitive classes in the same category. For example, non-competitive voice does not enter competitive voice. Exceptions will be allowed for Student/Teacher and Family duets or groupings ONLY.
8. Following are the school grade/age/RCM grade classifications (Unless otherwise noted):
9. An ENSEMBLE shall be defined as a group of 3 to 10.
10. A CHOIR shall be defined as a selected group from one or from several classes.
11. A CHORUS shall be defined as all children from several classes.
12. CLASSROOM SINGING shall be defined as all children from one class. If a Choir or a Chorus contains children from different grades, then the Choir or Chorus must compete at the level of the highest grade represented in the group.
13. Participants must perform the specified edition of the test piece in the syllabus.
14. All selections are to be performed in the key stated in the test piece with the following exceptions:
(a) Choruses, Choirs & Classroom Singing Groups may RAISE or LOWER the key ONE FULL TONE.
(b) School Instrumental Groups may RAISE or LOWER the key ONE FULL TONE.
(c) Choruses, Choirs & Classroom Singing Groups may TRANSPOSE OWN CHOICE MUSIC to a suitable key.
15. All School Choruses, Choirs & Classroom Singing Groups may be accompanied by no more than two instruments with the exception of Jazz, Blues Choirs and Choruses.
16. Amplification is permitted only in Stage Band Classes and in Jazz and Blues and Pop Choirs (including Jazz Choirs); OTHERWISE, NO AMPLIFICATION IS PERMITTED.
17. THE ADJUDICATORS DECISION SHALL BE FINAL. Any criticism must be made in writing to the Festival Coordinator within 24 hours following the adjudication.
18. In order to be eligible to receive a major award, a performer must reach a standard determined by the adjudicator.
19. All classes will be judged on tone, technique, dynamics, phrasing and interpretation. Choral and Vocal classes will be judged on diction as well.
20. Performers are expected to present themselves with customary stage deportment. This will be a factor in the adjudicator’s assessment of the performers.
21. In test pieces, solo participants must perform their age group selection. If desired, participants may also play or sing ONE CLASS UP from their age groups.
22. Solo and Duet participants are ENCOURAGED TO MEMORIZE . In the case of a tie, memorization will be recognized. If not performing from memory, original music is required.
23. Conductors are not permitted to participate with their groups. Participants will be disqualified, or marks deducted if the conductor participates with her/his group during adjudication.
24. Sight singing/reading classes will be held in private; NO AUDIENCE WHATSOEVER.
25. Each participant (or conductor/teacher) is responsible for passing in OWN CHOICE music to the music desk 15 minutes prior to his/her class. Failure to provide this music on time will result in disqualification.
26. A very stringent copyright act became law in the summer of 1989. Please do not mimeograph, photocopy, Xerox or otherwise copy any part or portion of music without authorization from the copyright owner . The Adjudicators will refuse to adjudicate a contestant who provides him or her with a reproduction of a piece of Copyright music.
27. OWN CHOICE music must be clearly marked with the information on the OWN CHOICE MUSIC FORM and passed in at least 15 minutes before the class.
28. All participants must be present at the correct location 15 minutes before their class time. If this is not possible, then the Festival Co-ordinator must be informed.
29. Participants are to remain in their seats during each performance, and ABSOLUTE QUIET is mandatory .
30. No photography is permitted during a performance.
31. Teachers and parents of participants must refrain from socializing with adjudicators until after the Festival is over.
32. Awards are made in consultation with the adjudicators.
33. The Truro Music Festival Society may withhold an award or trophy in the case of a mark below 85.
34. All award cheques must be cashed within one month of receipt.
35. Because of increased numbers of classes in recent years, it is not possible for all first place winners to perform in the FESTIVAL CONCERT. Award winners and participants who have been recommended by an adjudicator to perform will be notified as soon as possible.
36. Recommendations made for the Provincial Music Festival are made by the adjudicator(s) involved, using the provincial guidelines with all session performances being considered.
37. If a participant is not going to perform in their chosen class they are to provide the Festival with at least twenty-four (24) hour notification if at all possible.
38. Once the program is printed and distributed no changes in scheduling of classes will be considered and/or implemented.
New
Rules 2008
39. University students are required to enter Open classes and/or Senior Concert groups, regardless of age.
40. All instrumental and vocal soloists are advised that they may be accompanied by one instrument (usually piano). Each soloist is responsible for getting his/her accompanist.