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RULES & REGULATIONS
Professional Musicians:
Are not allowed to compete. A professional musician is considered to be one who derives the main part of their income from performances with voice or music.
Honorary Accompanists:
You are reminded that entrants are responsible for arranging their own accompanist should this be required. If you require assistance in securing an accompanist, please contact the Tournament Secretary at least four weeks prior to the date of the class(es) entered to allow time for rehearsals.
Selection of Performance Pieces:
Copies of your performance pieces, along with your entry form, will be required at the time of entry, unless "No Copy Required" is stated in the notes. All entries and performance pieces MUST be with the Secretary by January 31st, 2023 (See Photocopies). This Rule will be strictly enforced to facilitate the smooth running of the classes and to comply with BIFF regulations. Failure to do so will result in the entrant being allowed to compete, but no mark will be awarded.
Class Times:
Class times are, by necessity, provisional. Would you please ensure that all performers and any interested parties arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the published class time in the programme to avoid disappointment.
Time Limits:
Are to include any preamble to the piece and must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the performance will be disqualified. Adjudicators’ comments may be made available but no mark awarded. Adherence to time limits is the sole responsibility of the competitor. Please note the indicated time limit for each class in the syllabus.
Own Composition Classes:
Adjudication will include performance as well as composition.
Junior Classes: May be entered by School Students up to the age of 18 years. See Syllabus for the age ranges.
Senior Classes:
All competitors must be 18 years or over, Exceptions are members of church choirs, family class, ensembles over eight performers and brass and silver bands.
Certificates:
In the Junior Classes certificates will be given to all competitors.
In Senior Classes only the winner will receive a certificate.
Taking Part:
Competitors are not allowed to take part more than once in any class. Exceptions are conductors and accompanists, competitors with a change of instrument. Competitors are not restricted to the number of different ensembles, bands, orchestras etc. in which they perform within the same class. However, it is not permitted for an individual to take part more than once in duet, trio or quartet vocal classes.
Beginning and Finishing:
The adjudicator reserves the right to order a competitor/competitors to begin or finish the performance of a test piece at any point.
Backing Tracks for Young Singers:
Wherever possible please use an accompanist rather than a backing track. A backing track presents a lack of flexibility for young performers to recover from any unintentional mistakes they may make whereas a sympathetic accompanist will be able to assist the performer in recovering from a missed line, wrong verse, etc. Whilst pre-recorded backing is allowed, entrants are responsible for providing and operating the appropriate equipment.
Friendly advice for young Instrumentalists:
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Tune up before the class begins - ‘fine tune’
before you start playing.
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The adjudicator will let you know when to start.
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Announce your piece before you start playing - be confident!
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Don’t hide behind your music stand - we’d like to see and
hear you!
Repetition of Choice:
In all Classes competitors’ choice may not be repeated within FIVE consecutive years.
Sound and Visual Recordings: Please note it is illegal to record performances and that soundtrack, still or moving image recording on any capable device or photography of any type is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited, to the use of cameras, video cameras, mobile phones, tablets or any other device capable of recording and storing such information for retrieval at a later time. Members of the audience will be required to switch off any such devices on entering the performance area and anyone using such equipment during any performance will be asked to leave the area by a member of the Tournament Council or its appointed representatives.
Photocopies:
The Music Publishers Association has issued a revised Code of Practice on copying copyright works and the following concession is made for copying own choice pieces from volumes only for the adjudicator. Other items must not be copied without the permission of the copyright holder in each case.
“When an 'Own Choice’ work is selected from a publication containing several different works and which is not published separately, one copy may be made for the use of an adjudicator at a Competition or Festival provided that the competitor or participant has already purchased his/her own copy, and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the Administrator of the Competition of Festival immediately after the event”.
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 3rd Floor, Strandgate, 18-20 York Buildings, London WC2N 6JU). It is the competitors’ own responsibility to ensure that they seek permission to copy direct from any copyright holder whose names do not appear on the MPA list. Single items may not be photocopied without the prior permission of the copyright holder. The permission does not apply to making copies for the Accompanist, who should always be given a printed copy from which to work. Photocopies for the Adjudicator must always be totally legible or they may be refused.
COMPLAINTS
Must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Secretary following the Tournament.
NO DISCUSSIONS WILL BE ENTERED INTO AT THE ADJUDICATOR'S TABLE AT ANY TIME.
COMPETITORS OR THEIR AGENTS ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED FROM APPROACHING THE ADJUDICATOR’S TABLE AT ANY TIME.
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