Teachers: Please make these known to all entrants
1
No professional performer may compete. A professional is someone who derives his/her livelihood from the branch of performance, defined by the class title, in which she/he seeks to enter the Festival. In any ensemble, all members must adhere to that principle. This rule does not apply to conductors.
2
Age limits, where stipulated, apply to January 1st, 2025 and Year groups to the current school year of the competitor.
The Children and Young Persons Act 1963 Section 37(3)(b)
Schools entering pupils must agree to use absence code V when entering and to provide details of the children participating and supervising adults to North Northamptonshire Council, as part of our Body of Persons Approval (BOPA), by March 20th on the Group Participant Information form that will be sent to you.
Private teachers and parents/carers should be aware that your pupil/child will need a performance licence, if they are not entered by their school, should their class be scheduled in school hours. Application forms for a performance licence will be sent to the parents/carers of these competitors.
3
Online entry will close on Wednesday January 22nd. The Festival is under an obligation to the Performing Rights Society to provide accurate details of all works performed. Therefore, it is vital that details of Own Choice items – title, composer/author and publisher are given when entering.
4
Late entries may be accepted if they can be fitted in after initial timetabling, and will be charged a double entry fee.
5
No change to the original entry, either performer or own choice piece, is allowed without the prior permission of the organisers.
6
A competitor may enter more than once in a Duet or Duologue Class provided that he/she performs a different piece and a different part or instrument.
7
A piece must not be offered more than once by the same competitor for adjudication during the Festival or in consecutive years.
8
Performers are encouraged to make use of the full time allocation for Own Choice classes, but their performance, including introductions, must not exceed the time limits stated. Performers running over the allotted time will be adjudicated but not awarded a mark. Marks will be awarded in accordance with the scale recommended by the British & International Federation of Festivals.
9
Trophies and medallions will only be awarded to class winners when a mark of 85 or over is gained. Winners are responsible for the safe-keeping of trophies which must be signed for and returned to the Trophy Secretary on or before March 3rd. Trophies should not be engraved.
10
Adjudicator’s Copy. Copies of all Own Choice items, including those for Grade Classes, must be brought to the Festival for the use of the adjudicator. Copies must be clearly marked with the competitor’s name, class number and with the page number of the chosen piece.
11
Competitors requiring the Official Accompanist must state this when entering. Failure to comply means an accompanist will not be timetabled.
An original copy of the piano accompaniment must be sent to the Music Secretary to arrive by February 14th 2025 so that the Official Accompanists may prepare for the Festival.
This must be clearly labelled with the name of the competitor and class.
Notes on Music for Official Accompanists
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An original copy of the piano accompaniment must be sent to the Music Secretary to arrive by February 14th 2025 so that the Official Accompanists may prepare for the Festival.
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This must be clearly labelled with the name of the competitor and class.
- In some circumstances a clear photocopy of a linger work will be accepted, provided that the separate sheets are sellotaped together, edge on edge, in page order, and in a readable condition from which the accompanist can play.
12
Unauthorised photocopying is illegal. To comply with the code of Fair Practice, any photocopies brought for the use of the Adjudicator will be retained by the Committee and destroyed.
13
CD backing tracks are only allowed where specified in the syllabus.
14
Photographing, videoing or recording by any means of Festival performances is not allowed.
15
The Committee reserves the right to accept or refuse any entry and its decision on any point is final.
MARKS
Marks will be awarded in accordance with the scale recommended by the BIFF:
65 – 69 DEVELOPING
A performance demonstrating an awareness of technical skills, requiring more consistency and artistry
70 – 74 MODERATE
A performance showing development of technique and/or communication and commitment
75 – 79 MERIT
A competent performance showing some artistic appreciation &/or technical ability
80 – 84 COMMENDED
A convincing performance technically and artistically with increasing stylistic & communication skills
85 – 89 HONOURS
An excellent performance, demonstrating fluent technical and artistic skills with emerging individuality
90 – 94 OUTSTANDING
An impressive performance technically and artistically displaying spontaneity & clear individuality
95 + EXCEPTIONAL
A superlative performance, displaying exceptional artistic individuality