GENERAL RULES WORKING MANAGEMENT

1. The competitions shall be under the working management of the Syllabus and Program Committee which is hereafter called the “Committee”. Any questions not dealt with in these rules shall be referred to the Committee whose decisions on such matters shall be final and binding on all concerned.

 ELIGIBILITY DEFINITIONS

1. All entries must be fully completed on the appropriate entry form via the Auditionware software.

2. Entry forms, with the appropriate entry fees must be received by the Music Festival , via Auditionware, no later than March 31, 2023.

3. Late entries WILL NOT be accepted.

4. All competitions, unless otherwise stated, shall be open to amateurs only. Professionals may enter the classes marked “Senior/Open”, except in senior provincial classes.

5. Members of Choral Societies, Choirs, Orchestras and Bands may be professionals provided they comply with the terms of Rule 7 or 8, except in national choral classes.

6. All competitions, unless otherwise stated, shall be open to any competitors without regard to domicile, provided they are residents or students in the Province of Nova Scotia.

7. Every competitor in Choirs, Orchestras and Bands must be a bona fide member of their respective organizations.

THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS MUST BE INDICATED ON THE ENTRY FORM during live festivals. This is necessary for seating arrangements. Band and Orchestra Directors are required to complete the seating and equipment layout form and return it with each band/orchestra entry.

8. Conductors may be either amateur or professional. Conductors may conduct any number of organizations in the same class or otherwise, but must not sing with their Choir, nor play with their Orchestra or Band, except in Open classes.

9. In like classes, participants may enter in one class only (e.g. if you enter Grade 1 List A, you are not allowed to enter Grade 2 List A). However, you may enter Grade 1 List A and Grade 2 List B because they are different categories.

10. ALL classes have both a Competitive and a Non-competitive option. Please indicate “Comments Only” on your entry form should you wish to be non- competitive. Please note that eligibility for all trophies and prizes is determined by the results of Competitive classes.

11. Concert Attire is required for competitors and accompanists for both test classes and “Stars of the Festival” Concerts.

12. In classes where an age limit is set, the competitor shall not be over the specified age limit as of December 31st of the previous year.

13. In all vocal classes, pieces must be performed from memory except Oratorio classes. In all other disciplines, competitors may use music, if necessary, although playing from memory is desirable, especially in piano classes. Adjudicators may use their discretion in awarding extra marks for works performed from memory.

14. With the exception of chamber classes, those entering classes for Senior Provincial Competition must play from memory. Memory work for Junior Provincial Competition is strongly recommended, though not required.

15. In Own Choice classes, each competitor chooses stated selection, keeping in mind the quality and standard of the music. Where time limits are stated, competitors must adhere to the rules. All Own Choice selections must be listed on the entry form, TBA selections will not be accepted.

16. In all Concert Group or Own Choice classes, selections must not have been performed by the contestant in another class in the current Festival or in the Festival of the previous festival.

17. In duet or duo classes, one competitor may not perform the same part twice.

18. If contestants wish to be eligible for the Provincial Festival they must enter the required class(es) as stipulated in the syllabus for their instrument or voice.

19. COMPETITORS MUST SUPPLY SCORES FOR THE ADJUDICATORS which they must leave with the cashier prior to the classes in which they are performing during live festival. During virtual festivals, scores must be mailed as a pdf to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

20. NO PHOTOCOPIES FOR ADJUDICATOR, PERFORMER OR ACCOMPANISTS ARE PERMITTED unless accompanied by a letter of consent from the copyright owner or publisher. A performer using a photocopy will be disqualified. Downloaded music is permitted provided proof of purchase is supplied.

21. All music must be claimed from the Adjudicator’s Secretary immediately after the class has been adjudicated during live festivals.

22. Participants, parents and teachers are not permitted to go to the adjudicator’s desk to speak to the adjudicator under any circumstances.

23. Any contestant wishing to enter the Festival, who cannot find a class to accommodate his/her musical instrument or group, should contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your request will be considered by the Festival Committee.

24. Outstanding participants of the Festival will be selected by the Adjudicators to perform in the “Stars of the Festival” concerts.

 PROGRAM PROCEDURE

1. During live festivals, immediately after the Entry Form due date, the Committee shall decide the order in which classes shall be taken and the order of competition. Competitors must perform in the order listed in the program unless changed as a result of extenuating circumstances.

2. The Committee reserves the right to alter the order if necessary to accommodate competitors from a distance or competitors taking part in more than one class of conflicting times. The Adjudicator’s comments may be obtained from the Adjudicator’s Secretary at the end of each class or session. Unclaimed reports will be mailed out to competitors via email.

3. During virtual festivals, immediately after entry videos will be forwarded to the adjudicators for each discipline. The adjudicators will complete their written adjudications, which will. then be forwarded to participants.

4. Competitors are expected to supply their own accompanist. If this is not possible, the service of an accompanist may be arranged by notifying us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 2 weeks in advance.

5. Competitors are asked to notify us of any cancellations at least 24 hours in advance by either emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via telephone message at 902 - 385-3378

6. During live festivals, once the Adjudicator's Secretary has obtained silence in the hall, no performance shall commence until the Adjudicator has given the sign (either visual or spoken).

7. If a selection exceeds the time limit specified in the syllabus, the contestant may be stopped by the Adjudicator.

8. Competitors will be called from their seats to the stage by number or name.

9. During live festivals, competitors must check in 5 minutes before the class is scheduled to begin.

10. At the conclusion of each class the Adjudicator may announce the marks of the top three competitors only, provided the marks are above 80%.

11. Comments may be general or individual, at the Adjudicator’s discretion.

12. A contestant requesting to play at another time than the designated time of the class, unless a conflict of classes has been entered in the festival, will be marked as a Non- competitive entry unless a second split of the class in question exists.

13. Entry fees are NOT REFUNDABLE.

14. It is the responsibility of every teacher or ensemble conductor (choir, band, orchestra or ensemble) to become familiar with the rules and regulations because they will be adhered to through-out the festival.

RULES ENFORCEMENT AND CONDUCT

1. The Festival Site Manager/ General Manager will enforce all Festival Rules and Regulations.

2. Each large ensemble (choir, band or orchestra) shall bring a minimum of one (1) chaperone for each fifteen (15) students.

3. The conduct of a participating ensemble and its individual members is the responsibility of the individual director. It is expected that participants will demonstrate respect at all times for the rights of others and conform to all rules of the Festival.

4. Problems and violations brought to the attention of the respective Festival Site Manager will be dealt with appropriately and may result in “Disqualification” or “Dismissal”.

5. An ensemble may be disqualified as a result of flagrant time violations, age or affiliation infractions, using photocopies (unless accompanied by a letter of consent from the copyright owner or publisher), illegal substitution and tampering with sound and stage equipment, or with not obeying the Festival Site Manager’s instructions.

6. The ensemble shall be deemed ineligible to receive any Festival Standards or Awards.

7. An ensemble which has been dismissed will have all rights and privileges of participation in the Annapolis Valley Music Festival revoked and will forfeit all registration fees.

8. Dismissal will result either from conduct which is perceived to be detrimental to the aims of AVMF or interference with another ensemble's performance.

COMPLAINTS AND PROTESTS

1. Any complaint or protest must be made in writing to the festival and must be accompanied by a protest fee equivalent to the entry fee of the class being protested. If upheld, the fee will be refunded.

AWARDS

1. All award cheques must be cashed within one month of receipt.

2. Prizes not picked up at the Stars of the Festival concerts will be given to the teachers of these students.

PROVINCIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL RULES

 I. CONTESTANT QUALIFICATION -JUNIOR and SENIOR

1. It is the responsibility of each contestant to read and comply with the rules and regulations governing the Provincial Music Festival, including the Concept and Dress Code as set out in competition guidelines. If clarification or assistance is needed, contestants should contact the Provincial Administrator/Registrar.
2. The Provincial Music Festival competition shall be open to live performance nonprofessional musicians residing or studying in Nova Scotia who perform at festivals affiliated through the Federation of Music Festivals of Nova Scotia.

3. A non-professional shall be defined as a person whose principal means of livelihood is not obtained from the performance of music in the particular category in which he or she is competing. This stipulation does not, however, preclude such a person having occasionally received remuneration for musical services rendered, even in the area in which he or she is competing.

4. Contestants in Senior Classes 1 through 8, 20 and 21 shall not be over the age of 28 on December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival. Local Festivals must obtain proof of age.

Contestants in Junior Classes 101 through 107 and 120 shall not be over age 18 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.

5. A written recommendation from the adjudicator is necessary before any contestant may advance from the Local Festival to the Provincial Level. The recommendation from the Local Level must be SIGNED by the contestant, signifying knowledge of and agreement with the General Regulations.

DEADLINES FOR ENTRIES TO THE PROVINCIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRAR ONE MONTH FROM THE CONCLUSION OF THE LOCAL FESTIVAL OR BY MAY 15, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

 In Musical Theatre, the local adjudicator may recommend one person from appropriate classes at the local festival to each of classes 20, 21 and 120 at the Provincial Music Festival.

6. Solo contestants may enter the Nova Scotia Provincial Music Festival classes in local festivals only if they reside or study in Nova Scotia, and may be recommended to the Provincial Level from only one festival in Nova Scotia.

7. The majority (51%) of members in a chamber group must study or reside in Nova Scotia.

8. No marks shall be given, but the winner in each class at the Provincial Level shall be named.

9. Should a regular member of a Chamber Group (for valid reasons) be unable to proceed to the Provincial Music Festival, ONE substitution will be permitted.

10. Arrangements will be made for contestants by the Host Festival to practice at the Provincial Music Festival.

11. Senior: A first-place winner in Classes 1 through 8, and 21, at the Provincial Music Festival who has placed first at the National Festival shall not be eligible to compete in the same class at succeeding Provincial Music Festivals in the following 3 years.

12. There shall be no non-sanctioned recording or photographing of contestants during performances.

13. The President of the Federation of Music Festivals of Nova Scotia shall be the final authority in all matters pertaining to the Provincial Festival.

 

REPERTOIRE

1. A high standard of music selection is expected at each level, both Local Festival and Provincial Festival.

2. SENIOR: Selections must be of advanced difficulty and should include at least one large scale work.

3. Competitors in Senior Musical Theatre Classes must consult the descriptors of music appropriate for that competition.

4. JUNIOR: Juniors must be performing at least Grade 8 (Grade 7 for voice) repertoire as recognized by any Canadian Conservatory of Music (Grade 4 for Chamber Group as defined by Music Company literature).

5. All copyrights MUST be observed. Photocopies or manual copies of copyright music will not be accepted, unless written permission has been obtained from the publisher.

6. Contestants must provide original scores of music, containing SOLO AND ACCOMPANINENT in the proper key, for the adjudicator.

7. THE ACCOMPANIST must perform from another ORIGINAL score, and members of chamber groups must perform from ORIGINAL PARTS. Failure to do so automatically disqualifies the contestant.

8. As an aid to the adjudicator, contestants MUST NUMBER the first bar of each line in their scores.

9. Memory work is mandatory in Senior Classes 1 through 6, and 20 and 21. It is strongly recommended that contestants perform from memory in Junior Classes 101 through 106, and 120.

10. For Class 7, all works for solo percussion instruments must be memorized.

11. For multi instrument works, memory is encouraged but not required.

12. For Class 8, memorization is not required.

13. For Junior Class 107, memorization is not required.

14. Contestants in solo classes who have previously competed at the Provincial Level shall not repeat repertoire previously used in competition.

15. In the Chamber Group class, if more than one member returns, no repetition of music will be allowed.

16. Contestants shall be responsible for providing their own accompanists and covering the accompanists' expenses.

17. Accompaniment is restricted to one (1) piano in Senior Classes 1 through 8, and 20 and 21, and in Junior Classes 101 through 107, as well as 120.

18. The accompanist's name MUST be submitted with registration.

CONTESTANT CONDUCT: for both Junior and Senior competitors, PROVINCIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL This code has been developed to provide the best conditions for competitors in the Provincial Music Festival. Competitors should always remember they are guests of the Provincial Music Festival.

1. After arriving at the Festival, contestants are to remain for the duration of the Festival and take part in all functions such as performance workshops, classes, adjudications and the Grand Awards Concert.

2. Performance adjudications will be given following the conclusion of the Provincial class. Workshops will be scheduled on either of the two festival days. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, it is expected that all contestants will attend these workshops prepared to perform.

3. Contestants are prohibited from being in contact with the adjudicators until competitions are completed.

 4. All contestants are expected to attend the Grand Awards Concert. The winners are required to perform. Formal attire is required for all performers.

5. Contestants must be considerate of others by observing practice and rehearsal times.

 6. Practice rooms will be available for all contestants and accompanists.

 7. Contestants are encouraged to attend as many of the competitions as possible.

8. No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are allowed on the Festival site. Any infringement of this rule will lead to disqualification.

9. The Federation of Music Festivals of Nova Scotia is not responsible for lost or damaged musical instruments.

 GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL FESTIVALS

1. Each of the registered Music Festivals in Nova Scotia is eligible to send one (1) entry to each of the 10 Senior classes and each of the 8 Junior classes in the Provincial Festival, providing each has been recommended by the respective adjudicator. Alternates may be recommended at the discretion of the adjudicator, should a satisfactory standard be obtained.

 2. Adjudicator recommendation forms with fees from the Local Festivals must be received by the Provincial Festival Registrar one month from the conclusion of the local festival or by May 15, whichever comes first.

3. Secretaries of local Festivals will be advised regarding time and place of the provincial level of competition in their respective areas.

(a). SENIOR - ADDED PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS

1. For the purpose of the Provincial Festival, Classes 2 to 7, a Concerto or Concerted Work is defined as any composition originally written for solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment. Only one concerto is permitted.

 2. Own Choice selection is defined as "a single movement composition, or one or more movements of a multi-movement composition". Song cycles are an example of a multi-movement work.

 3. In Senior Class 1, contestants proceeding to the Provincial Level of competition MUST include selection(s) on which they were recommended by the adjudicator at the local level. The recommended selections must include at least two of the following: an operatic aria, a sacred aria from the standard repertoire, with recitative where applicable or three movements from a song cycle.

4. In Senior Classes 2,3,5,6, contestants proceeding to the Provincial Level of competition must perform at least two (2) consecutive movements of the selection on which they were recommended by the adjudicator at the local level. In Senior Class 21 contestants must perform the two Musical Theatre selections on which they were recommended from their local festival.

5. Contestants are advised to reflect a variety of styles and periods in their choice of repertoire.

6. Contestants are encouraged to use Canadian compositions in their performances.

7. Oral introductions are not permitted in competitions at the Provincial Festival in all disciplines, except Music Theatre Classes 20 and 120. In Classes 20 and 120, a brief introduction setting the scene for the musical extract to follow may be given but is not a requirement.

VOCAL SOLO (SENIOR), ANY VOICE Local Festival Competitors must be recommended to provincial competitions from at least two of the following: A selection from a Senior Opera, with recitative where applicable, original key, original language; A Senior sacred Aria (aria form an oratorio, a work of J.S.Bach, or other major sacred work), with recitative where applicable; At least one movement of a multi-movement/ song cycle. Or from local National Class, as provided for in the Provincial/Local Syllabus. Provincial Festival Maximum time limit is 40 minutes. Two or more languages are to be used Three selections consisting of: One selection from an Opera, with recitative where applicable, original key, original language One Aria from a major sacred work, with recitative where applicable, original key, original language Multi-movement/ song cycle (at least three movements of a selection that could be performed at the National Festival), or a complete song cycle if less than four movements.

 PIANOFORTE SOLO (SENIOR) Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from a Senior Sonata, Concerto, Concerted Work or Provincial Class, as provided for in the Local Festival Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 40 minutes - Two selections consisting of : 1. At least two consecutive movements of a Senior Sonata or Concerto, or a complete Concerted Work 2. One Own Choice selection (may not be another concerto or another movement of the above.)

STRING SOLO (SENIOR) Contestants are requested to state which instrument they will play. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from a Senior Concerto, Concerted Work or Provincial Class, as provided for in the Local Festival Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 40 minutes - Two selections consisting of: 1. At least two consecutive movements of a Senior Concerto of a complete Concerted Work 2. One Own Choice selection (may not be another Concerto or another movement of the above)

CLASSICAL GUITAR (SENIOR) Local Festival Where applicable, piano accompaniment is permissible. Contestants must be recommended from a Senior, advanced work or Provincial Class, as provided for in the syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 40 minutes. - Two selections consisting of : 1. One own choice selection of a Senior or Advanced work, that may be a multimovement work or at least two consecutive movements of a concerto. 2. One Own Choice selection (may not be another concerto or another movement of the above.)

WOODWIND SOLO (SENIOR) Contestants are requested to state which instrument they will play. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from a Senior Concerto, Concerted Work or Provincial Class, as provided for in the Local Festival Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 40 minutes 10 - Two selections consisting of: 1. At least two consecutive movements of a Senior Concerto, or a complete Concerted Work 2. One Own Choice selection (but not another Concerto or another movement of the above)

BRASS SOLO (SENIOR) Contestants are requested to state which instrument they will play. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from a Senior Concerto, Concerted Work or Provincial Class, as provided for in the Local Festival Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 40 minutes - Two selections consisting of: 1. At least two consecutive movements of a Senior Concerto, or a complete Concerted Work 2. One Own Choice selection (may not be another Concerto or another movement of the above)

 PERCUSSION SOLO (SENIOR) Contestants must state which solo instrument they will play) Local Festival Competitors must be recommended to Provincials from a Senior Advanced work or National class as provided for in the Provincial/Local Festival Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time is 40 minutes - Three selections consisting of contrasting styles to include works on mallets, tympani and snare drum. Where appropriate, piano accompaniment is permissible. 1. At least 2 consecutive movements of a multi-movement work. 2. One multi-percussion work. 3. One own choice selection. Please note that the provincials will provide a Provincial Music Festival kit of percussion instruments.

CHAMBER GROUP (SENIOR) Competitors must state their voice category or instrument. A combination of any recognized orchestral instruments including harp, guitar, recorder and/or percussion with or without piano and/or one voice, with a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6 performers, each having their own part. When piano is included, the piano part must be original and not an orchestral reduction. Instrumentation and amplification may be used only as indicated in the original score. Local Festival Competitors must be recommended from a Senior or Provincial class as provided for in the Local Festival Syllabus. No conductor. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 40 minutes including set-up, tuning, pauses and striking (removal of equipment) - Two selections consisting of: 1. At least two consecutive movements of own choice selection performed at Local level 2. One Own Choice selection (may not be another movement of the above)

 MUSICAL THEATRE (SENIOR) Candidates in this class do not proceed to National competitions. Repertoire for this class is restricted to music from stage productions only. Music from movies or television productions is not permitted, and will result in disqualification. Interpretation must be of the character originally written by the dramatist. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from Musical Theatre Classes or Provincial Musical Theatre Class in the Local Syllabus. Provincial Festival ACCOMPANIMENT – For the sake of logistics, accompaniment shall be restricted to one piano, which will be provided at the venue. PROPS – Prop must be set up on the stage within three minutes. Abuse of this time limit will result in disqualification. On stage props should be inanimate. The piano must be respected as an instrument and may not be used as a prop; similarly, the pianist is an accompanist and not a stage character. TIME LIMIT – Actual performance time of the piece should not exceed seven minutes.

MUSICAL THEATRE SOLO, ANY VOICE (SENIOR) Candidates in Class 21 may proceed to National competitions. All selections are to be sung from a published score, in the published key (no transposing), of a staged musical and be gender/voice type appropriate. Competitors may use costumes, one(1) hand prop per selection, and stage movement (no dance break). Spoken passages are allowed only if published in the score provided. The term “Up-Tempo” is used to describe music with a lively tempo, often comedy, ie One Hundred Easy Ways (Wonderful Town). The term “Ballad” is used to describe music with a slower tempo, often of a serious or introspective nature, ie – On My Own (from Les Miserables). The following is a definition of the Musical Theatre Repertory: *Tin Pan Alley era (1920 – 1949) – Composers such as Berlin, Kern, Gershwin, Porter, Rodgers and Hart, and Weill, etc. * The Golden Age (1943-1974) – Composers such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Harnick and Bock, Sondheim, etc. * Contemporary Musical Theatre repertoire (1974-present day) - Composers such as Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Schwartz, Finn, Jason Robert Brown, etc. One selection by Sondheim is recommended. Selections are not to include operetta/light opera (ie: Romberg, Johann Strauss, Lehar, Offenback, etc.) Local Festival Competitors must be recommended to the Provincial Music Festival with two (2) selections consisting of the following: One (1) selection must be a Musical Theatre Ballad. One (1) selection must be a Musical Theatre Up-tempo. Provincial Festival Maximum time limit is 40 minutes. Three(3) selections consisting of : One (1) selection must be a Musical Theatre Ballad One (1) selection must be a Musical Theatre Up-tempo One (1) selection from the Musical Theatre Repertory .

 JUNIORS - ADDED PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS

1. Each contestant will perform live two contrasting Own Choice selections, which will be the qualifying selections performed at the local Music Festival and recommended by the Adjudicator.

2. The maximum time is 20 minutes, except vocal, which is 15 minutes.

JUNIOR VOCAL SOLO, Any Voice Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from classes of a minimum grade 7 conservatory level or Provincial Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 15 minutes - Recommended but not compulsory that one foreign language be used - Two contrasting selections of a high standard of music.

 JUNIOR PIANO SOLO Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from classes of a minimum grade 8 conservatory level or Provincial Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 20 minutes - Two contrasting selections of a high standard of music.

JUNIOR STRING SOLO Contestants are requested to state which instrument they play. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from classes of a minimum grade 8 conservatory level or Provincial Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 20 minutes - Two contrasting selections of a high standard of music.

JUNIOR CLASSICAL GUITAR Only a solo, unaccompanied work is permitted Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from classes of a minimum grade 8 conservatory level or Provincial Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 20 minutes - Two contrasting selections of a high standard of music.

JUNIOR WOODWIND SOLO Contestants are requested to state which instrument they play. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from classes of a minimum grade 8 conservatory level or Provincial Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 20 minutes - Two contrasting selections of a high standard of music.

 JUNIOR BRASS SOLO Contestants are requested to state which instrument they play. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from classes of a minimum grade 8 conservatory level or Provincial Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 20 minutes - Two contrasting selections of a high standard of music.

JUNIOR CHAMBER GROUP Contestants are requested to state their voice category or which instruments they play. A combination of any recognized orchestral instruments including harp, guitar, recorder and/or percussion with or without piano and/or one voice, with a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6 performers, one performer to a part. When piano is included, the piano part must be original and not an orchestral reduction. No conductor. Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from classes of a minimum grade 4 ensemble literature or Provincial Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival - Maximum time limit of 20 minutes - Two contrasting selections of a high standard of music.

 JUNIOR MUSICAL THEATRE Repertoire for this class may be any music from stage productions or movie musicals Local Festival Contestants must be recommended from Musical Theatre Classes or Provincial Musical Theatre Class in the Syllabus. Provincial Festival ACCOMPANIMENT - For the sake of logistics, accompaniment shall be kept to one piano, which will be provided at the venue. PROPS - Props must be set up on the stage within three minutes. Abuse of this time limit will result in disqualification. On stage props should be inanimate. The piano and pianist are not to be used as props. TIME LIMIT - Actual performance time of the piece should not exceed seven minutes.

 CHORAL REGULATIONS

 Note: Choirs submitting CDs to the Provincial Level of competition must perform the same selections on which they were recommended by the adjudicator at the local level. Please note that the definition of the term ‘selection’ is “one piece of music by a composer, and not two or more short pieces from a collection, cycle or larger work”.

1. Participation is limited to amateur Nova Scotia choirs, performing in the appropriate class(es) at affiliated festivals.

 2. A festival official must supervise and witness the recording of the performance of choirs recommended for Provincial competition. Recording guidelines are available from your Provincial Festival Office.

 3. If a CD/Audio DVD is submitted for adjudication at the Provincial Festival, the same CD/Audio DVD must be submitted to the National Festival. Conversely, a live performance at the Provincial level shall be recorded and that CD/Audio DVD submitted to the National level.

4. The performance should be recorded on high quality cassette CD/Audio DVD. No acoustic or electronic compensation, filtering, or other enhancement is to be used while recording.

5. CDs/Audio DVDs and music should contain no reference to the name of the choir, its conductor or the festival from which the tape has been sent.

6. It is preferable to have the recording done during the actual competition performance, but should this not be feasible, it must be done within three weeks with the same choir, conductor, accompanist, and accompaniment and location as in the original performance. CD/Audio DVD should be its first take.

 7. Two complete original music scores for each selection, containing choral parts and accompaniment, as well as two CD/Audio DVDs are required for the adjudicators. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification. As an aid to the adjudicators, the first bar of each line in the score must be numbered, and the performance key shall be indicated on the score. 8. All copyrights regarding music must be observed. Manual copies or photocopies of copyright music will not be accepted. The competition will be conducted at two progressive levels: Local Festival Adjudicators at the local festival may choose, in each of the ten Choral categories, one choir which is felt to be of Provincial standard. The written recommendation along with the CDs/Audio DVDs of the performance and original music shall be sent to the Provincial Registrar by May 15th, if there is not a live choral festival at the Provincial level. Provincial Festival Adjudicators at the Provincial festival may choose, in each category submitted, one choir which is felt to be of National standard. The written recommendation along with the CDs/Audio DVDs of the performance and original music shall be sent to the Executive Director of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals by registered mail not later than July 1st.

CHORAL CLASSES

The National Music Festival provides opportunities for the following types of choral groups: Ensemble - limited to 8 to 12 singers.

School choirs - must have a minimum of 13 singers all from one school.

Community choirs - must have a minimum of 13 singers and are not school choirs.

Male voice choirs - may be school or community and may be unchanged or changed voices, or a combination of them.

 These rules apply to all classes:

a. Only selections performed, adjudicated and recommended from local and provincial festivals are acceptable.

b. The competition is based on the performance of TWO CONTRASTING SELECTIONS, only one of which may include brief solo or solo ensemble passages.

 c. The total number of bars of the solo or solo ensemble passage(s) must not exceed 10% of the total length of the selection. Please note that the definition of the term 'selection' is "one piece of music by a composer, and not two or more short pieces from a collection, cycle or larger work".

d. In classes limited by an upper age, 5% of the members may exceed the age limit by not more than two years.

e. Ages are determined as of December 31 preceding the festival.

ENSEMBLE:

 1. The Richard W. Cooke Award (Class 104)

 a. must be an ensemble

b. one selection must be in three or more parts

c. one selection must be a madrigal, which may be a contemporary madrigal

SCHOOL CHOIR:

 The members of a school choir must all be from the same school. Only one folk song is permitted.

 1. Paul J. Bourret Award (Class 103)

a. singers must be 19 years of age and under

 b. at least one selection must be sung in three or more parts

2. David Ouchterlony Award (Class 106)

 a. singers must be 16 years of age and under

 b. at least one selection must be sung in two or more parts

3. Florine Despres Award (Class 108)

a. singers must be 12 years of age and under b. at least one selection must be sung in two or more parts

 COMMUNITY CHOIR:

A minimum of 13 singers is required. Only one folk song is permitted.

1. The Honourable Barbara J. Hagerman Award (Class 100)

a. the majority of members must be 19 years of age or over

 b. at least one selection must be sung in three or more parts

2. George S. Mathieson Award (Class 102)

a. singers must be 19 years of age and under b. at least one selection must be sung in three or more parts

 3. Dr. & Mrs. J.F.K English Award (Class 105)

a. singers must be 16 years of age and under

 b. at least one selection must be sung in three or more parts.

 4. Margaret Wharton Award (Class 107)

 a. singers must be 12 years of age and under

b. at least one selection must be sung in two or more parts

5. Barbara Clark Award (Class 109)

a. singers must be 25 years of age and under

b. at least one selection must be sung in three or more parts

 MALE CHOIR:

1. The City of Lincoln Award (Class 101)

a. restricted to male singers

 b. no age limitation

 c. at least one selection m