PERFORMANce guidelines

• Each school can have a maximum of three students perform in each category. For example, two students performing in Lower School Piano Solo, plus one student in Upper School Piano Solo.

• Each individual student is allowed to perform in one solo category only. Students cannot, for example, perform in Solo Instrumental (Classical) and Solo Piano. In this example, they must choose one category.

• Each school can have a maximum of two ensembles for each ensemble category. For example, one large instrumental ensemble and one small instrumental ensemble. See the category for specific details about ensemble size.

• Each school can enter only one band for the Battle of the Bands category. 

• Students may enter a maximum of 20 students across the solo competition. A school may bring more students but the other students will participate as part of the ensembles.

Solo Competitions

The following solo competitions will be offered: 

Musical Futures

Please note:

Where a competition is divided into Lower School and Upper School sections, the maximum of three entries applies across both sections combined, not separately to each section.

For example, in the Solo Piano competition, a school may enter a maximum of three students in total.

These could be:

• 3 Lower School students;

• 3 Upper School students; or

• a combination of Lower and Upper School students, such as 2 Lower School students and 1 Upper School student.

Important: Schools may NOT enter three students in the Lower School section and an additional three students in the Upper School section. The maximum is three students in total for each solo competition category.

The same rule applies to Piano, Classical Instrumental, Contemporary Instrumental, Classical Vocal, Contemporary Vocal competitions and Solo Musical Futures.

Each individual student may enter one solo competition category only.

ensemble categories

The following ensemble categories will be offered:

Entry rules:

• Each school may enter a maximum of one Small Instrumental Ensemble and one Large Instrumental Ensemble.

• A Small Instrumental Ensemble must comprise 3 - 9 musicians.

• A Large Instrumental Ensemble must comprise 10 or more musicians.

• Lower School and Upper School students may perform together in the same instrumental ensemble.

Entry rules:

• Each school may enter a maximum of one Vocal Ensemble in each age category: one Lower School ensemble and one Upper School ensemble.

• Each Vocal Ensemble must comprise 4 - 15 singers.

• The size of the ensemble will not form part of the adjudication criteria. Ensembles will be assessed on the quality and effectiveness of the performance in relation to their chosen repertoire and ensemble size.

• This means that a smaller chamber vocal ensemble will not be disadvantaged when competing against an ensemble with a larger number of singers.

awards

Music Festival Opportunities

Alongside the competition programme, all students participating in the Festival will have the opportunity to take part in one of three collaborative workshops:

• Orchestral Workshop

• Choral Workshop

• Composition Workshop

• ABRSM (Teachers Only) TBC

Students participating in the competitions will be able to select the workshop that best reflects their interests and musical experience. The workshop programme has been designed to ensure that every participating student is actively engaged in one of these three areas and has the opportunity to collaborate with students from other schools.

Workshop & Rehearsal Schedule

The collaborative programme will include:

• Friday: 1½-hour Orchestral and Choral Workshops

• Sunday: 1-hour Orchestral and Choral Workshops

• Sunday: an additional 1½-hour combined Tutti Rehearsal for orchestra and choir, immediately prior to the Grand Finale

Students participating in the orchestral and choral workshops should therefore be prepared to contribute both to their respective ensemble repertoire and to the combined tutti performances.

Scores will be duly distributed for learning purposes prior to the event.

Accompaniments & Backing Tracks

We recommend music teachers accompany their own students, where possible. 

Whilst a fully live performance is preferable, students may wish to perform with backing tracks, especially in the contemporary categories.

For contact details, please see the Contact Us tab.