- EAST ACCOLADE BUILDING, YORK UNIVERSITY
- CHRISTIAN CENTRE CHURCH
MAY 12-17, 2025 • TORONTO, ON
MusicFest Canada Officers
Bryan Stovell, President • Carmella Luvisotto,Vice-President • Kevin Merkley, Secretary • Andy Morris • Lynne Watt • Dr. Mark Hopkins • Colin Clarke
Jim Howard, Executive Director • Neil Yorke-Slader, Associate Director/Treasurer
Executive
- Dr. Shirantha Beddage, Vice Chairman, Instrumental Jazz Division
- Isabelle Brassard-Porter, Vice-Chairman, Concert Band Division
- John Chalmers, Chairman, Choral/Contemporary Music Division
- Alex Dean, Vice Chairman, Instrumental Jazz Division
- Donnie Deacon, Vice Chairman, Orchestra/Strings Division
- Jean-Francois Fauteux, Technical Director, French Language Coordinator
- Kelsley Grant, Chair, Instrumental jazz Division
- Sharon Fitzsimmins, Chair, Concert Band Division
- Pratik Gandhi, Vice Chairman, Concert Band Division
- Dr. Mark Hopkins, Educational Liason
- Jim Howard, Executive Director
- Thaddeus Howard, Administrative Director
- Scott Leithead, Vice Chairman, Choral/Contemporary Music Division
- Dr. Tony Leong, Chairman, Orchestra/Strings Division
- Dr. Gillian MacKay, Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra Director
- Marilyn Mann, Honour Ensembles Coordinator
- Jaimee Morse, Transportation Coordinator
- Aisling O’Donnell, Registration Coordinator
- Changyong Park, Web Developer
- Kim Vrieling, Production Director
- Neil Yorke-Slader, Associate Director
Objectives
These are the official rules and regulations for the National Festival of MusicFest Canada involving the Instrumental Jazz, Concert Band, Orchestra/Strings and Choral/Vocal Divisions. The Executive Committee has developed these rules and regulations under the authorization of the Board of Directors.
The Rules and Regulations are established to maintain the educational integrity and effective management of the Festival.
MusicFest Canada acknowledges the role that the sanctioned Affiliated Festivals play in the growth and development of music education in Canada and continues to seek ways of assisting these Affiliated Festivals.
THE OBJECTIVES OF MUSICFEST CANADA ARE:
- To provide an opportunity for students and educators from across Canada and elsewhere to meet, share and demonstrate their musical achievements and creativity.
- To evaluate and reflect on musical achievement and creativity in a constructive and educationally focused way.
- To encourage the study and performance of music written and arranged by Canadian composers.
- To complement and enhance the teaching, learning and growing process.
- To foster and promote a lifelong interest in music as a basic human experience.
Rules and Regulations
Please read the Rules and Regulations and all pertinent information. The Director must acknowledge being prepared to abide by all Rules and Regulations before being issued the “Official Invitation to Perform” at Musicfest Canada 2025 in Toronto.
FESTIVAL DIVISIONS
There are four Festival Divisions which operate concurrently within MusicFest Canada and are denoted as follows:
A – Instrumental Jazz (jazz combos, jazz ensembles, traditional jazz and world music)
B – Concert Band (bands, guitar ensembles, percussion ensembles and chamber ensembles)
C – Choral/Vocal (vocal jazz/contemporary ensembles, concert/chamber and combination choirs)
O – Orchestra/Strings
INTERNATIONAL ENSEMBLES
Ensembles residing outside of Canada with a valid “Official Invitation to Perform” may participate in all divisions, categories and classes of the Festival.
PARTICIPATION BY INVITATION
Participation at Musicfest Canada 2025 is by invitation under the following procedure:
An Affiliated Festival Director of MusicFest Canada will issue an “Official Invitation to Perform” to an Ensemble whose performance meets or exceeds the criteria and performance standards established by the Affiliated Festival Committee.
A Division Chairman may also issue an “Official Invitation to Perform” to any ensemble whose performance meets or exceeds the criteria established by the Chairman on behalf of the National Festival.
Registering for MusicFest Canada must be completed online at www.musicfest.ca. The Registration form is due 10 days after the Affiliated Festival or March 31, 2025, whichever comes first. A $599.00 non-refundable deposit/minimum registration fee for each registration form for each ensemble must be mailed to the MusicFest Canada Registration Office, 311 Main St., Box 1990, Exeter, ON N0M 1S7 (please include school name and Musicfest ID#) within ten days. Ensembles will not be registered until the deposits are received. Ensembles submitting deposits and/or forms past the March 31, 2025 deadline may be rejected or their participation limited by the Festival.
Ensembles using the second year of their Invitation must complete their online registration and mail a $599.00 deposit for each ensemble by November 1, 2024. Ensembles submitting deposits and/or registering past the deadline may be rejected or their participation limited by the Festival.
The MusicFest Office will in turn issue a “Confirmation of Performance” by May 1, 2025.
It is expected that all registrants using the 2nd year of their invitation attend their local regional festival and demonstrate a high standard of performance.
TWO-YEAR INVITATION
The “Official Invitation to Perform” awarded during the 2024/25 Festival year will be valid for two MusicFest Canada Festivals, the present festival year (2025) and the following year (2026). Ensembles attending the 2025 Festival will be required to conform to the 2025 Rules and Regulations and submit 2024 Registration Forms. This may result in a change of Class (but not Category). 2025 Rules and Regulations and Registration Packages will be available on the MusicFest website at www.musicfest.ca in September of 2024.
Ensembles should perform in an Affiliated Festival prior to attending the National Finals.
MusicFest Canada reserves the right to verify that all ensembles registered to participate meet the required performance standards.
INVITATION BY SPECIAL AUDITION
Ensembles wishing to participate in MusicFest Canada 2025 and demonstrably unable to be evaluated at a sanctioned Affiliated Festival may apply for an Invitation by submitting an audio recording via the online registration system or by submitting a recording and application form to the respective Division Chairman. The decision of that Division Chairman will be final. Distance from an Affiliated Festival and results of consultation with Affiliated Festival officials where applicable will be considered in the decision process. Applicants must contact the Chairman by telephone or email prior to submitting any material.
- Concert Band Division – Sharon Fitzsimmins, Chair • sharon.fitzsimmins@musicfest.ca • 705-817-0039
- Instrumental Jazz Division – Kelsley Grant, Chairman, Chairman • kelsley.grant@musicfest.ca • 416-220-3821
- Choral/Contemporary Music Division – John Chalmers, Chairman • john.chalmers@musicfest.ca • 905-451-0432 ext. 307
- Orchestra/Strings Division – Dr. Tony Leong, Chairman • tony.leong@musicfest.ca • 416-986-2182
All recordings must clearly identify the name of the ensemble, the school and should contain three selections. A short written biography of the ensemble along with the ensemble director’s name, address and contact numbers of the ensemble must accompany the recording along with an explanation for:
- the reason for not attending an Affiliated Festival plus a support letter (where applicable) from the Affiliated Festival Director; or
- reason for appeal.
REGISTRATION
All registrations are to be submitted on the MusicFest Canada website. Each valid Official Invitation will have an invitation code required for registration. The process follows six steps:
- Confirming information on each invited ensemble
- Registering ensemble(s) with a simple “click”
- Confirming arrival/departure and requesting performance date and time
- Confirming travel and accommodations
- Confirmation of number of participants and auditors
- Financial Summary
A $599.00 non-refundable deposit/minimum registration fee must follow each registration form. The minimum registration fee for each and every ensemble performing at MusicFest is $599.00 (exclusive of any surcharges). Ensembles will not be scheduled until the initial deposit has been received. For groups of over 100 participants, please contact the MusicFest Office at 702-269-9097 or jim.howard@musicfest.ca
Total Registration Fees are due on or before April 15, 2025. No ensemble will be allowed to register at the Festival site in Toronto until all registration fees have been paid. The Director or his/her designate must register the ensemble as a total group; individual passes will not be released. There will be a replacement fee of $10.00 assessed for lost passes. May 1, 2025 is the deadline for making any registration changes.
Live Festival: Each member of a participating Ensemble, including Directors, in any one Division of the Festival is required to pay a participation fee of $100.00. Individual participants performing in two or more ensembles will pay an additional $40.00 for each ensemble beyond the first one in which they are registered. Ensemble Directors and Chaperones only pay once.
School groups auditing the Festival (i.e., a group that has not qualified to be adjudicated at the Festival but who wish to attend and observe) must pay a one-time Auditor fee of $40.00 per person. This fee enables the group to watch clinics and workshops, and attend educoncerts and evening concerts for the whole period of the Festival. A limited number of Auditor passes are available. In addition, individuals may register for the festival by purchasing single day passes at $40.00 per day. Restrictions are similar to Auditor passes and a limited number of day passes are available.
Recording Festival: Registration fees are flat rates, and are determined by the size of the ensemble, as follows:
- 2-6 performers: the minimum fee of $599.00 will apply
- 7-12 performers: $879.00
- 13-22 performers: $1029.00
- 23-41 performers: $1279.00
- 42+ performers: $1479.00
Registration fees for participating international ensembles virtually reflect the additional expenses associated with translations, international communications and production of awards, as follows:
- 2-6 performers: the minimum fee of $949.00 will apply
- 7-12 performers: $1209.00
- 13-22 performers: $1449.00
- 23-41 performers: $1649.00
- 42+ performers: $1849.00
ON-SITE REGISTRATION (Live Festival)
An official representative from each Ensemble must register at the Registration Desk upon arrival at the Festival site in Toronto. The Registration Desk will open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily May 12-17 inclusive, and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on May 11 for early registrants. It is imperative to register prior to taking part in any activities at the Festival. You will require Festival Passes for your adjudicated performance and for admittance to clinics, concerts, master classes and workshops. Ensembles will receive all passes, programs and schedules at the Registration Desk when:
All Registration Fees have been paid;
All Registration Forms have been completed and received;
The Director (or designate) has counted and signed for all of the passes.
PARAMETERS FOR SUBMITTIONS TO THE RECORDING FESTIVAL
Ensembles registering for the Recording Festival must upload their recording through their registration page by April 1, 2025. Recordings must be:
- Video format (not simply an audio track)
- No splicing is permitted within pieces
- No mixing, balancing or other effects (ie. reverb) is be permitted.
PASSES (Live Festival)
Passes must be worn at all times while at the Festival site. Participants without passes will be denied access to all concerts, clinics and performances. Replacements for lost passes may be purchased at the Registration office for a $10.00 fee.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROPERTY (Live Festival)
MusicFest is not responsible for any loss, damage or theft of instruments or other property of participants or participating ensembles.
MUSIC SCORES (Live Festival)
It is the responsibility of the Ensemble Director to pick up all recordings and all music scores BEFORE leaving the performance/clinic area. MusicFest will not be responsible for recordings, scores or any other items left following the performance and clinic.
MUSIC SCORES (Recording Festival)
All directors entering ensembles in the Recording Festival must upload scores and recordings of all performance pieces through their online registration by April 1, 2025.
RECORDINGS
MusicFest Canada is not authorized to share audio/video recordings of participating ensembles with other than Ensemble Directors registered and participating at MusicFest. Please email the Ensemble Director, requesting the link to gain access to their recordings. Links to each ensemble’s recordings are emailed to all 2025 MusicFest participating Directors.
STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE
Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Standards of Performance are awarded by MusicFest Canada.
A Gold Standard signifies that an Ensemble has achieved excellence in all facets of its performance.
A Silver Standard signifies that an Ensemble is demonstrating an exceedingly high standard of musical performance.
A Bronze Standard signifies an above average quality of performance with latitude for improvement. The above three standards are recognized with a plaque.
A Merit Standard acknowledges an average quality of performance and is not recognized by a plaque.
Ensembles who have qualified to attend the Festival may elect to perform for “Adjudication Only” with no standard awarded or considered.
The number of individual Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Standards of Performance presented in a given class will be at the discretion of the Festival officials.
In the Live Festival, Gold, Silver and Bronze plaques and written comments will be available directly following the Ensemble’s clinic, providing the adjudicators have completed their deliberations and the results have been released. Unclaimed awards will be mailed after the completion of the festival at MusicFest’s convenience. In the Recording Festival, the Standard of Performance plaque will be mailed to the school. Adjudicator comments will be sent to the director.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
Standards of Performance will be provided to each Ensemble following their clinic and posted to the MusicFest Canada website generally within one hour of an Ensemble’s adjudicated performance. All results are available to the general public on the Internet and through social media.
CLINICS, WORKSHOPS AND CONCERTS
CLINICS (Live Festival) – Each ensemble will receive a clinic with one or more of the Adjudicators/Evaluators immediately following their adjudicated performance. The length and nature of the clinic will vary depending on the category, class and performance level of the ensemble. Attendance at clinics (unless held directly on a MusicFest performance stage) is restricted to registered participants, directors, auditors and chaperones only.
CLINICS (Recording Festival) – Each ensemble will receive a one-hour clinic with one of the Adjudicators/Evaluators. After their ensemble’s performance has been adjudicated, directors will be contacted by MusicFest to schedule their one-hour clinic. The nature of the clinic will vary depending on the category, class and performance level of the ensemble. As part of their registration process, directors in the Recording Festival must indicate which platform (ie ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, GoogleMeet) they wish to utilize for their clinic.
WORKSHOPS – MusicFest Canada, through the Professional Development Committee, may provide specific workshops and masterclasses of special interest. All registered participants are encouraged to attend and participate in these one hour sessions.
EDUCONCERTS – MusicFest will host a series of educoncerts, which will be interactive mini concerts performed on the main performance stages each day of the Festival. These are open to all Festival participants.
HONOUR ENSEMBLE SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND CASH AWARDS
Only members of the Honour Ensembles; the Conn-Selmer Centerstage Jazz Band, Laurier Honour String Orchestra, the York University National Youth Jazz Combo, the Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra, the Woodshed Canadian Percussion Ensemble, the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir and the Canadian Junior Honour Band program are eligible for scholarships.
Honour Ensemble participants at MusicFest Nationals in Toronto will be eligible, provided they meet the stated criteria. To be eligible for most MusicFest scholarships, Honour Ensemble members must be enrolled in high school in September 2024; a limited number are available for post-secondary students. The total value of these awards is over $50,000. Selection of recipients will be made by Festival officials with consideration paid to recommendations by Honour Ensemble directors and clinicians. A copy of the criteria for selection is available at www.musicfest.ca. Individuals who do not hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency may not be eligible for certain solo/individual awards donated by certain sponsors. Successful candidates must provide a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Concert Band Division – Dr. Mark Hopkins, mark.hopkins@musicfest.ca
Instrumental Jazz Division – Kelsley Grant, kelsley.grant@musicfest.ca
Choral Division – John Chalmers, john.chalmers@musicfest.ca
Orchestra/Strings Division – Dr. Tony Leong, tony.leong@musicfest.ca
AWARDS
The Festival may award recognition to Ensembles and/or individuals following the completion of the Festival Program. The Board of Directors reserves the right to determine the nature of the recognition, the criteria for awarding recognition and the number of groups or individuals to be recognized.
RULES ENFORCEMENT
The Chairman or Vice Chairman for each performance area will enforce all Festival Rules and Regulations. Infractions will be reported to the Division Chairman in writing. Please note that the maximum stage time for any performing ensemble is 30 minutes.
The Division Chairman’s decisions in consultation with the staff and the Executive Director will be considered final in all disputed cases.
CONDUCT (Live Festival)
The conduct of a participating Ensemble and its individual members is the responsibility of the individual Director. All Musicfest participants are expected to abide by the Musicfest Code of Conduct”. Many ensembles will find accommodations in hotels and will be expected to demonstrate proper behaviour as if they are actually on the Festival site. Problems and violations brought to the attention of the respective Division Chairman will be dealt with appropriately and may result in “Suspension” or “Dismissal”. (See Suspension, Dismissal and Appeal section, below).
An Ensemble or its individual members interfering in any manner with another group’s performance by means such as practicing, making noise or being disruptive are subject to “Dismissal”. (See Suspension, Dismissal and Appeal section, below)
SUSPENSION, DISMISSAL AND APPEAL
MusicFest Canada reserves the right to enact either of the following two sanctions for violations of the Rules and Regulations and/or code of behaviour:
SUSPENSION – An Ensemble which has been suspended shall be deemed ineligible to receive any Festival Standards of Performance or awards. The individual members will be ineligible for scholarships, bursaries, cash awards and “Honour Recognition” awards. Suspension shall result from such infractions as flagrant time violations, age or affiliation infractions, illegal substitution and tampering with sound and stage equipment or submission of recordings which are not what they purport to be.
DISMISSAL – An Ensemble which has been dismissed will lose all rights and privileges of participation in MusicFest Canada and will forfeit all registration fees. Dismissal will result either from conduct which is perceived to be detrimental to the aims of MusicFest Canada or substantial interference with another Ensemble’s performance.
APPEAL – Appeal must be made in writing to the respective Division Chairman who, in consultation with members of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, will review the sanction and in turn notify the Ensemble Director of the decision. All decisions will be final.
SAFETY & ASSISTANCE
MusicFest Canada endeavours to maintain a safe environment for all participants and audience members at all times during the Festival. All clauses in the 2025 Rules and Regulations are subject to revision, based on the overarching priority of the health and safety procedures implemented at the time of the Festival. While participants are naturally governed by the safety policies of their own school board or district, MusicFest also requires the following practices:
Performance venues, warm up and clinic rooms, workshops and all other venue space used by MusicFest shall only be occupied by persons up to the limit established by municipal fire occupancy regulations and/or MusicFest or venue signage.
A performance venue filled to “Standing Room Only” shall have all aisles clear at all times. Standing is permitted if there are no seats available, and it does not violate occupancy as above.
All vehicles standing in loading/unloading zones adjacent to performance venues shall not idle their engines longer than five minutes, including school buses and motor coaches.
While “backstage” or in areas not normally accessible to the public, all participants are to be accompanied by their respective teachers, directors, or chaperones.
Participants with disabilities are asked to contact the National Office prior to the Festival so appropriate personal support may be provided by the staff for the adjudicated performance and related activities.
HONOUR RECOGNITION
All participating Ensemble Directors are encouraged to nominate one Honour Candidate from each Ensemble participating at MusicFest Canada. In the case of larger ensembles such as choirs, concert bands and orchestras, the adjudicators may not consider any individuals without a nomination from the Director.
Each student awarded “Honour Recognition” will receive an honour plaque and their name will be posted on the MusicFest Canada website and distributed to national and local media. In the Live Festival, the plaque will be presented either immediately following the Ensemble’s performance or during the clinic. In the Recording Festival, the honour plaque will be mailed to the school with the Standard of Performance plaque.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION (Live Festival)
All Ensembles are required to use the accommodations contracted by MusicFest Canada for the Festival. Local Ensembles who do not require accommodations must sign a waiver form included in the Registration Package. Ensembles must contact Ellison Travel and Tours at 519-235-2000/800-265-7022.
HEADLINE CONCERTS – All registered participants are invited and encouraged to attend the concerts which feature world renowned artists and ensembles. Most concerts require advanced ticketing as seating is limited. Admission to concerts is free of charge but restricted to participants, chaperones and auditors only. Tickets will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis, based on the date of registration. Tickets will not be reserved until the appropriate forms have been received by the Registration Office in Exeter and all fees have been paid.
MEDIA/SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE
Local and/or national media, including social media, radio stations, television stations, newspapers and magazine writers and photographers, will be invited to attend MusicFest Canada. The media may record comments, videotape and photograph for various programs, documentaries and features. This includes live streaming, videographers and photographers employed by MusicFest Canada directly to archive and capture the festival in its entirety. Registering for the Festival constitutes the Ensembles’ agreement and royalty-free permission to MusicFest to make such recordings and to permit such media coverage unless the Festival is notified in advance in writing. The archived livestream of each ensemble’s 2025 performance will be available to the director upon request.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Given all the advances in technology, MusicFest Canada no longer offers photographic services at The Nationals. MusicFest permits audience members to take photographs (camera, cell phone, etc.) after the conclusion of the ensemble’s performance.
DIRECTORS’ RECEPTION (Live Festival)
Each registered Ensemble Director and a guest are invited to attend the Directors’ Reception, sponsored by Ellison Travel and Tours.
ON SITE PERFORMANCE STORAGE (Live Festival)
Ensembles will be allowed to store their instruments on site in an area supervised by MusicFest personnel only for the time during which they have been scheduled to be in the warm-up, performance and clinic rooms. Ensembles must be accompanied by their directors, chaperones, or other supervisors at all times while in the storage area. Ensembles must arrange for storage of equipment at all other times either on their bus or at their hotel, unless prior arrangements have been made with the MusicFest office.
ON SITE REHEARSALS (Live Festival)
The Festival will not provide rehearsal rooms for any ensemble performing at MusicFest. Ensembles will only be allowed to rehearse on site in a supervised warm-up room approximately one hour before their scheduled performance time.
SCHEDULING OF PERFORMANCES (Live Festival)
The Festival will schedule all live ensemble performances as per the following schedule:
- Concert Bands May 12-17
- Orchestras/String Ensembles May 12-17
- Chamber Ensembles May 12-16
- Jazz Ensembles/Combos May 12-16
- Concert/Chamber Choirs May 14-16
- Vocal Jazz/Contemporary Ensembles May 14-16
Ensembles may request a specific day and time to perform. Performance times may be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, once the Registration Form and Deposit have been received. Note that these should be considered requests only, and MusicFest will not be able to guarantee assignment of each requested performance date and time.
SCHEDULING OF PERFORMANCES (Recording Festival)
Recording entries can be submitted at any time through the musicfest.ca website up to April 15, 2025. The Festival will broadcast all recorded ensemble performances as part of the May 12-17 schedule.
SUBMISSION OF FORMS
Most forms must be completed online. Upon registration and check-in, the staff will access the file and print off most of the forms required for the Festival.
EMAIL CONTACT
MusicFest Canada will contact all participants via email with confirmation of performances, financial information, scheduling information, educoncerts, workshops, concert tickets, stage locations and equipment and other information that MusicFest feels will either enhance your Festival experience or help improve your music program. By registering for the Festival, you are entering into as ‘existing business relationship’ with MusicFest with implied consent to contact you by email, prior to, during and following the Festival, in accordance with Canada’s Anti-SPAM legislation. Once you have accepted an Official Invitation to Perform at MusicFest and students are registered, MusicFest may contact you and such students to facilitate, complete and confirm registration and Festival details and participation, and may provide registered students with notification of information about the Festival as described above.
- INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ
Kelsley Grant, Toronto, ON – Chairman
Dr. Shirantha Beddage, Toronto, ON – Vice Chairman
Marika Galea, Brandon, MB – Vice Chairman
Nick Gummeson, Rothesay, NB
Christine Jensen, Montreal, QC
Paul Tynan, Antigonish, NS
PERFORMANCE CODES
A – Denotes Instrumental Jazz Division
# – 101 through 701 denotes classes with age and institutional restrictions
CATEGORIES OF ENSEMBLES
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Combo
Traditional Jazz Combo
World Music
CLASSES OF PARTICIPATION (The Chairman may, under extenuating circumstances, change the class of an ensemble.)
A101 – College or University Ensemble, no age restrictions
– All members must be enrolled in the same College or University during the current academic year in course work in addition to the performance ensemble
A102 – organized community rehearsal group
– no age or affiliation restrictions
A202 – organized community rehearsal group or multi school groups
– maximum age of 20 years as of January 1, 2025
A301 – single high school or multi high school group with a common conductor for both schools and insufficient numbers in individual schools to create a full group, subject to confirmation by the Affiliated Festival Director
– maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2025 or registered in Grade 12
– all members must be full time students as defined by the local school board
A302 – organized community rehearsal group or multi school groups ineligible for class A301 – maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2025
A401 – single high school or multi high school group with a common conductor for both schools and insufficient numbers in individual schools to create a full group, subject to confirmation by the Affiliated Festival Director
– maximum age of 16 years as of January 1, 2025 or registered in Grade 11
– all members must be full time students as defined by the local school board
A402 – organized community rehearsal group or multi school groups ineligible for class A401 – maximum age of 16 years as of January 1, 2025
A501 – single high school or multi high school group with a common conductor for both schools and insufficient numbers in individual schools to create a full group, subject to confirmation by the Affiliated Festival Director
– maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2025 or registered in Grade 10
– all members must be full time students as defined by the local school board
A502 – organized community rehearsal group or multi school groups ineligible for class A501 – maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2025
A601 – single school, multi high school or community groups
– maximum age of 14 years as of January 1, 2025 or registered in Grade 9
A701 – single school, multi high school or community groups
– maximum age of 13 years as of January 1, 2025 or registered in Grade 8
WORLD MUSIC
Ensembles utilizing the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic concepts from musical cultures in Latin America, West Africa, Asia and India. These include rhythmic concepts in particular from Brazil, Portugal, Cuba, Spain, and Puerto Rico. The ensembles will perform using non-Western scales, modes and/or musical inflections, and may incorporate distinctive traditional ethnic instruments, such as the kora (West African harp), the steel drum, the sitar or the didgeridoo.
W101 – no age restrictions
W201 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 20 years as of January 1, 2025
W301 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2025 or are registered in Grade 12
W501 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2025 or are registered in Grade 10
W701 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 13 years as of January 1, 2025 or are registered in Grade 8
PRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE
(i) It is recommended that Jazz Ensembles in Classes A101 to A302 inclusive conform to “standard instrumentation” (up to twelve brass, up to six saxophones, up to six rhythm).
(ii) Deviation from the “standard instrumentation” will be judged on its musical merit. Use of woodwind doubling in the sax section is encouraged.
No fewer than nine or more than twenty-four performers in Jazz Ensemble Classes A101 to A302 inclusive are permitted on the stage during any single selection. Ensembles exempt from this rule (e.g. A401 through A701) are reminded that the stage size and configuration may not permit adequate room for further performers.
All jazz ensembles MUST present a program of NO MORE THAN three contrasting selections including a ballad (World Music ensembles are exempt from this rule). There should be opportunities for improvisation. Jazz repertoire is compulsory; i.e. Swing, Jazz Blues, Ballads, Jazz Rock, Latin Jazz, Samba, etc. Pop material is inappropriate. It is strongly recommended that one selection be composed and/or arranged by a Canadian. The work can be published or commissioned. MusicFest Canada provides the Instrumental Jazz Syllabus as a resource to directors of published and graded Canadian jazz ensemble literature. The ensemble must consider timing rules (see g. below) when programming repertoire.
Performance time is limited to a maximum of 30 MINUTES which will include: warm up, set up, introduction of the ensemble, performance, commentary from the Adjudicator(s), Honour presentation and exit from the stage. This time block will be strictly enforced. Any ensemble exceeding this time restriction may be suspended and their performance cut short.
In the combo classes, there may not be fewer than two or more than eight performers (including vocalists) on stage during the performance of a selection.
Traditional Jazz Combos will perform jazz in the style of the early 1900s. The suggested instrumentation is tuba/string bass, cornet/trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone and rhythm. No electronic audio support will be provided.
In the combo classes, it is highly recommended that each member improvise.
Live Festival Performance Considerations:
Warm up rooms will be available for a maximum of 20 MINUTES prior to the performance. Each Ensemble must report to the warm up check in area 1 HOUR prior to performance time to allow sufficient time to put cases and equipment in the assigned storage area.
Two printed scores and/or lead sheets with numbered measures must be presented at the check in desk prior to performance and picked up by the director following the performance or clinic. MusicFest is not responsible for materials not picked up prior to the ensemble leaving the performance/clinic area.
It is strongly recommended that all Ensembles provide an advisor to the sound technician at the time of performance. It is also recommended that the solo sheets and stage plots provided are as concise, clear and current as is possible. The basic Jazz Ensemble set up will be ACOUSTIC. Two solo microphones will be in the trumpet section; two in the trombone section; two in the sax section; two in front of the band. The piano will have one microphone. General balance of the ensemble is to be carried out acoustically; solo microphones (including the piano microphone) will be active only for solos at the cue or request of the ensemble’s sound advisor. Musicfest staff will not electronically balance or otherwise alter the sound of the ensemble without direct instruction from the ensemble.
EVALUATION
All ensembles will be evaluated to a “National Standard of Performance” unless they have elected “Adjudication Only” prior to their performance.
Musical integrity will be the basis of evaluation. Adjudicators will include consideration of stylistic interpretation, intonation, dynamics, attacks, releases, articulations, balance, time, feel, improvisation, instrumentation and the variety, quality and appropriateness of repertoire selections.
Adjudicators’ comments will reflect the total assessment of the performance selections. All Adjudicators’ comments will be intended as a guide for the continued development of the Ensemble.
Recorded adjudications will be available immediately following each performance, subject to the completion of adjudicator deliberations.
EQUIPMENT (Live Festival)
Ensembles must bring all instruments and equipment other than that specifically provided by the Festival as follows:
Warm Up Room and Clinic Room: A Yamaha acoustic or electric or electronic piano or keyboard, Yorkville guitar amplifier, Yorkville keyboard amplifier, Yorkville bass amplifier, complete Ludwig drum set with Dream cymbals, Musser vibes, chairs and RAT music stands (depending on category) and Congas (clinic room only).
Festival Performance Area: A Yamaha acoustic or electric piano, Yorkville keyboard amplifier, Yorkville guitar amplifier, Yorkville bass amplifier, complete Ludwig drum set (five piece kit with Dream ride, crash, hi-hats), Musser vibes, congas, chairs and RAT music stands (numbers and layout may be restrictive due to performance stage configuration).
No equipment may be substituted or moved. All Ensembles must use the equipment supplied. Drummers are only permitted to exchange the snare drum and bass pedal. The Dream cymbals, which are provided, may not be removed from their stands or from the drum set, but may be re-organized as required. The ensemble may add cymbals to the drum kit, provided that they are complete on their own stand. Keyboard players may add their own keyboards if necessary, but not move or remove existing keyboards.
The moving of all percussion and stage equipment must be done by MusicFest staff, who will request assistance as required.
Equipment will be set up as per the stage plot provided by the Ensemble. Any movement of any equipment on the stage is counted against the total allowed time on the stage.
Potentially hazardous materials including, but not limited to, open flames or flammables and vessels containing water will not be permitted on stage.
- CONCERT BAND DIVISION
Sharon Fitzsimmins, Midhurst, ON – Chair, Concert Band Division
Isabelle Brassard-Porter, Ottawa, ON – Vice Chairman, Concert Band Division
Pratik Gandhi, Toronto, ON – Vice Chairman, Concert Band Division
Dr. Tony Leong, Toronto, ON – Chairman, Orchestra/Strings
Dr. Mark Hopkins, Halifax, NS – Vice Chairman, Canadian Wind Orchestra & Scholarships
Dr. Gillian MacKay, Toronto, ON, Canadian Wind Orchestra
- CONCERT BANDS & CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
PERFORMANCE CODES
B – Denotes Division – Concert Band/Orchestra Division
# – Denotes class as defined in Section 3 below
CATEGORIES OF ENSEMBLES
Chamber Ensemble – 3 to 9 performers of brass, woodwind and/or percussion instruments.
Concert Band – 25 or more performers of a combination of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.
Guitar Ensemble – 7 to 25 performers of guitars.
Percussion Ensemble – 4 or more performers of percussion instruments.
CLASSES OF PARTICIPATION
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
B101 – Brass/Woodwind – no age restrictions
B201 – Brass/Woodwind – ensemble members are a maximum age of 20 years as of January 1, 2025
B301 – Brass/Woodwind – ensemble members are a maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2025 or are registered in Grade 12
B401 – Brass/Woodwind – ensemble members are a maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2025
CONCERT BAND
Please note class numbers are coded to reflect the grade level of the test piece being performed. Only works listed in this year’s Concert Band Syllabus will satisfy the syllabus requirement for the 2024 festival. Scores of each concert band’s syllabus selection will be provided to the adjudication panel by Musicfest Canada. Canadian works listed in the Concert Band Syllabus are marked (CA) and will also satisfy the Canadian content requirement.
B600 – Performance of a test piece from B600 as per the Festival Syllabus
B500 – Performance of a test piece from B500 as per the Festival Syllabus
B400 – Performance of a test piece from B400 as per the Festival Syllabus
B300 – Performance of a test piece from B300 as per the Festival Syllabus
B200 – Performance of a test piece from B200 as per the Festival Syllabus
B100 – Performance of a test piece from B100 as per the Festival Syllabus
GUITAR ENSEMBLES
B101 – no age restrictions
B201 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 20 years as of January 1, 2025
B301 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2025 or are registered in Grade 12
B401 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2025
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES
B101 – no age restrictions
B201 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 20 years as of January 1, 2025
B301 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2025 or are registered in Grade 12
B401 – ensemble members are a maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2025
PRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE
CHAMBER, PERCUSSION AND GUITAR ENSEMBLES
All members of a Chamber Ensemble are expected to be performing with a Concert Band or Guitar Ensemble which is registered and participating at the National Festival and must have qualified with their Chamber or Guitar Ensemble at a MusicFest Canada sanctioned Affiliated Festival. Exceptions may be granted by the Festival Chairman for extenuating circumstances.
Ensembles are requested to perform two selections of contrasting style – own choice.
Performance is limited to 15 minutes of music and 20 minutes total stage time including set up, performance and tear down. Groups exceeding the time restrictions may be suspended and their performance cut short.
“Pop” literature is inappropriate.
Live Festival Performance Considerations: Each Chamber and Percussion will receive a 30-minute clinic with a Festival Clinician focusing on observations made during the on stage performance; each Guitar Ensemble will receive a one-hour clinic. Each ensemble must provide the adjudicators with two conductor’s scores for each selection performed. Scores are to be given to the check in desk by the director prior to the performance and picked up by the director following the performance and clinic. MusicFest is not responsible for materials not picked up prior to the ensemble leaving the performance/clinic area. UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY PERMISSION FROM THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER, PHOTOCOPIED SCORES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE FESTIVAL STAFF.
Warm up rooms will be available for a maximum of 20 MINUTES prior to the performance. Each Ensemble must report to the warm up check in area 45 MINUTES prior to performance time to allow sufficient time to put cases and equipment in the assigned storage area.
CONCERT BAND
Ensembles are required to perform three selections at their class level as follows:
MANDATORY: ONE SELECTION FROM THE FESTIVAL SYLLABUS. (WHICH MAY ALSO BE THE REQUIRED CANADIAN PIECE)
Two selections in contrasting style (may be individual movements from a single work) – director’s choice. One of the pieces MUST be Canadian from the Syllabus
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that one of the three pieces be lyrical in nature.
One selection performed must be either composed and/or arranged by a Canadian Composer. If selected from the Syllabus it may be used as the mandatory syllabus test piece. Or it can be one of the “Director’s Choice” selections in addition to the Syllabus selection. .
“Pop” material is inappropriate.
Live Festival Performance Considerations:
For Concert Bands, warm up rooms will be available for a maximum of 30 MINUTES prior to performance. The Ensemble will be expected to leave the warm up room up to 10 minutes prior to their scheduled performance time in order to arrive at the stage on time, leaving approximately 20 minutes for warm up. All Ensembles must report to the warm up check in area 1 HOUR prior to the performance time to allow sufficient time to put cases and equipment in the assigned storage area.
Performance is limited to a maximum of 30 MINUTES which will include: set up, introduction of the Ensemble, Chorale performance and exit from the stage. An Ensemble exceeding this time restriction will be suspended and their performance cut short. Ensembles performing senior level music are advised to program carefully with these restrictions in mind.
Each Concert Band will receive a 60-minute clinic with a Festival Clinician focusing on observations made during the on stage performance.
The session will include an adjudicated sight reading performance and clinic for all bands. The Standard of Performance granted by the Sight Reading Adjudicator will provide one factor toward the Ensemble’s overall Standard of Performance.
To ensure that each adjudicator/clinician will be able to provide a detailed and informed adjudication, Ensemble Directors SHOULD MAKE A REASONABLE EFFORT TO provide the adjudicators with four CONDUCTOR’S SCORES of each NON SYLLABUS selection that is to be played. To better access a quality experience for you and your band, scores are required. An adjudication given without the availability of scores is often ineffective. To allow the adjudicators to refer to specific places in the score, the bars within the scores submitted should be numbered. Scores are to be given to the check in desk by the director prior to the performance and picked up by the director following the performance and clinic. MusicFest is not responsible for materials not picked up prior to the ensemble leaving the performance/clinic area.
Each Ensemble Director will receive, for personal use, a video recording with commentary and suggestions by a noted conductor/teacher.
ADJUDICATION
Ensembles will be evaluated to a “National Standard of Performance” unless they have requested “Adjudication Only” prior to their performance.
Musical integrity will be the basis of evaluation. Adjudicators’ comments will include consideration of stylistic interpretation, intonation, dynamics, attacks, releases, articulations, blend, balance, repertoire and instrumentation.
Adjudicator’s comments will reflect a total assessment of the performance selections. Adjudicators’ comments will be intended as a guide for the continued development of the Ensemble.
Recorded evaluations will be available following each performance.
EQUIPMENT (Live Festival)
The Festival WILL PROVIDE the following equipment only:
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Warm Up Room: Chairs and music stands only.
Festival Performance Area/Clinic Rooms: One Yamaha acoustic or electric piano, chairs and music stands.
CONCERT BAND
Warm Up Room: Chairs and music stands only.
Clinic Rooms: Chairs, RAT music stands, Ludwig drum set (with Dream cymbals), bass drum, 4 Ludwig tympani (23″, 26″, 29″, 32″), Musser orchestra bells, xylophone and chimes, and one Yorkville bass amplifier.
Festival Performance Area: Chairs, RAT music stands (numbers and layout may be restrictive due to performance stage configuration), Ludwig bass drum, Ludwig concert snare drum with stand, 4 Ludwig tympani (23″, 26″, 29″, 32″), one Ludwig drum set (five piece with Dream ride, crash and hi-hat cymbals), one Dream gong with stand, one Yamaha acoustic or electric piano, Musser orchestra bells, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone and chimes, two Yorkville bass amplifiers, and a small table.
The Festival WILL NOT PROVIDE cymbals (except where installed on the drum set), mallets, beaters, sticks, auxiliary percussion, additional amplifiers, extension or patch cords, other furniture, other keyboard instruments or other equipment not listed above. Drummers are only permitted to exchange the snare drum and bass pedal. The Dream cymbals which are provided, may not be removed from their stands or from the drum set, but may be re-organized as required. The ensemble may add cymbals to the drum kit, provided that they are complete on their own stand.
The moving of all percussion and stage equipment must be done by MusicFest staff, who will request assistance as required.
Equipment will be set up as per the stage plot provided by the Ensemble. Any movement of any equipment on the stage is counted against the total allowed time on the stage.
Potentially hazardous materials including, but not limited to, open flames or flammables and vessels containing water will not be permitted on stage.
CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL SYLLABUS
Directors must select the appropriate Ensemble class as determined by the choice of literature set in the online FESTIVAL SYLLABUS. Any exceptions or clarifications may be obtained by contacting the National Festival Chair, Sharon Fitzsimmins at 705-817-0039 or sharon.fitzsimmins@musicfest.ca. CONCERT BANDS MUST PERFORM ONE SELECTION FROM THE SYLLABUS LIST AS PERTAINING TO THE CLASS ENTERED. AT LEAST ONE OF THE SELECTIONS MUST BE BY A CANADIAN COMPOSER/ARRANGER (WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE FROM THE SYLLABUS). THE CHAIRMAN MAY, UNDER EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES, CHANGE A SELECTION ON THE SYLLABUS.
THE SYLLABUS CAN BE FOUND AT: http://musicfest.ca/concert-band-syllabus/
- ORCHESTRA/STRINGS DIVISION
Dr. Tony Leong, Toronto, ON – Chairman, Orchestra/Strings
Donnie Deacon, Ottawa, ON – Vice Chair, Orchestra/Strings
Ninette Babineau, Halifax, NS
Dr. Jason Caslor, Tempe, AZ
Louis Laviqueur, Montreal, QC
Dr. Scott MacLennan, Vancouver, BC
Sylvia Shadick-Taylor, Edmonton, AB
Douglas Sturdevant, Ottawa, ON
Dr. Cam Walter, Toronto, ON
PERFORMANCE CODES
O and S – Denote Division – Concert Band/Orchestra and String Divisions
# – Denotes class as defined in Section 3 below
CATEGORIES OF ENSEMBLES
Orchestra – 25 or more performers on orchestral string instruments complimented by brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.
String Orchestra– 9 or more performers on orchestral string instruments.
Chamber Ensemble – 2 to 5 performers on orchestral string instruments.
CLASSES OF PARTICIPATION
Ensembles are required to perform a program of contrasting material and styles at a specific grade level, as determined by the director. There are no required pieces in these classes.
STRING ORCHESTRAS & CHAMBER ENSEMBLES (STRINGS)
S100
S200
S300
S400
S500
NOTE: There are a limited number of Chamber Ensemble performance times available. Priority will be given to chamber ensembles already participating at the Festival with a Full Orchestra or String Orchestra.
FULL ORCHESTRAS
O100
O200
O300
O400
O500
PRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE
ORCHESTRAS, STRING ORCHESTRAS AND STRING CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Directors are encouraged to select high quality, original works and choose compositions by Canadian composers when appropriate.
“Pop” material is inappropriate.
Stage and Performance Time:
Performance is limited to a maximum of 30 MINUTES which will include: set up, introduction of the Ensemble, Chorale (or similar work), performance and exit from the stage. An Ensemble exceeding this time restriction will be suspended and their performance cut short. Ensembles performing senior level music are advised to program carefully with these restrictions in mind.
Orchestras will not be required to do sight-reading unless specifically requested by the Director of the participating ensemble at least one month prior to the Festival. Requests should be sent directly to Dr. Tony Leong, Chairman, tony.leong@musicfest.ca.
Each Ensemble Director will receive, for private use, a video recording with commentary and suggestions by a noted conductor/teacher.
Live Festival Performance Considerations: Warm up rooms will be available for a maximum of 30 MINUTES prior to performance. The Ensemble will be expected to leave the warm up room up to 10 minutes prior to their scheduled performance time in order to arrive at the stage on time, leaving approximately 20 minutes for warm up. All Ensembles must report to the warm up check in area 1 HOUR prior to the performance time to allow sufficient time to put cases and equipment in the assigned storage area.
Each Ensemble will receive a 30 MINUTE clinic with a Festival Clinician focusing on observations made during the on stage performance.
Each Ensemble Director must provide the adjudicators with two CONDUCTOR’S SCORES of each selection that is to be played, with measures clearly marked (excluding the warm up). Scores are to be given to the check in desk by the director prior to the performance and picked up by the director following the performance and clinic. MusicFest is not responsible for materials not picked up prior to the ensemble leaving the performance/clinic area.
ADJUDICATION
Ensembles will be evaluated to a “National Standard of Performance” unless they have requested “Adjudication Only” prior to their performance.
Evaluation is based on musical integrity. With consideration to age and experience of the players, the adjudicators’ comments will include feedback about stylistic interpretation, tonal and musical elements such as intonation, dynamics, attacks, releases, articulations, blend, balance, repertoire and instrumentation.
Adjudicator’s comments will reflect a total assessment of the selections performed. Adjudicators’ comments are intended as a guide for the continued development of the Ensemble.
Recorded evaluations will be available following each performance.
EQUIPMENT (Live Festival)
Warm Up Room: Chairs and music stands only.
Clinic Rooms: Chairs, – RAT music stands, Ludwig drum set, Ludwig bass drum, four Ludwig tympani (23″, 26″, 29″, 32″), Musser orchestra bells, xylophone and chimes, and one Yorkville bass amplifier.
Festival Performance Area: Chairs, – RAT music stands (numbers and layout may be restrictive due to performance stage configuration), Ludwig bass drum, Ludwig concert snare drum with stand, four Ludwig tympani (23″, 26″, 29″, 32″), one Ludwig drum set (five piece with Dream ride, crash and hi-hat cymbals), one Dream gong with stand, one Yamaha acoustic or electric piano, Musser orchestra bells, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone and chimes, two Yorkville bass amplifiers, and a small table.
The Festival WILL NOT PROVIDE cymbals (except where installed on the drum set), mallets, beaters, sticks, auxiliary percussion, additional amplifiers, extension or patch cords, other furniture, other keyboard instruments or other equipment not listed above. Drummers using the drum set are only permitted to exchange the snare drum and bass pedal. The Dream cymbals which are provided, may not be removed from their stands or from the drum set, but may be re-organized as required. The ensemble may add cymbals to the drum kit, provided that they are complete on their own stand.
The moving of all percussion and stage equipment must be done by MusicFest staff, who will request assistance as required.
Equipment will be set up as per the stage plot provided by the Ensemble. Any movement of any equipment on the stage is counted against the total allowed time on the stage.
Potentially hazardous materials including, but not limited to, open flames or flammables and vessels containing water will not be permitted on stage.
QUALIFYING TO ATTEND THE FESTIVAL
There are two ways to obtain an invitation to MusicFest Canada. A group can earn an invitation by performing at any of the Affiliated Festivals (see www.musicfest.ca). An ensemble may also contact the Festival Chairman, Dr. Tony Leong by telephone at 416-986-2182 or by e-mail at tony.leong@musicfest.ca
- CHORAL/CONTEMPORARY MUSIC DIVISION
John Chalmers, Etobicoke, ON – Chairman
Scott Leithead, Edmonton, AB – Vice Chairman
Frank Lee, Vancouver, ON – VIce Chairman
Bob Stalder, Kitchener, ON
Frank Gnandt, Lethbridge, AB
Brenda Uchimaru, Cambridge, ON
PERFORMANCE CODES
C – Denotes Division – Canadian Choral Festival
# – 101-501 denotes classes with age restrictions
CATEGORIES OF VOCAL ENSEMBLES
A group may participate in the following categories:
CHORAL:
CONCERT/CHAMBER CHOIR
10 or more singers, performing traditional concert/chamber choir repertoire, non-jazz styles.
CHORAL COMBO
3 to 9 singers performing traditional, non-jazz styles.
N.B.: A group may not perform a given selection in more than one category.
VOCAL JAZZ and CONTEMPORARY MUSIC:
VOCAL JAZZ and CONTEMPORARY MUSIC COMBO
2 to 8 singers with or without a rhythm section accompaniment performing contemporary vocal music.
VOCAL JAZZ and CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE
9 to 18 singers with or without a rhythm section accompaniment performing contemporary vocal music.
COMBINATION CHOIR
Up to 18 singers (the number of vocal microphones available) performing an equal number of traditional and contemporary styles.
CLASSES OF PARTICIPATION
C101 – University or College Vocal Groups, no age restrictions.
C102 – Community and Church Vocal Groups, no age restrictions.
C201 – Vocal Groups whose members are the maximum age of 20 years as of January 1, 2025.
C301 – Vocal Groups whose members are the maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2025 or are registered in Grade 12.
C401 – Vocal Groups whose members are the maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2025.
C501 – Vocal Groups whose members who are registered in Grades 1-7
PRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE
Performance time is limited to 30 MINUTES total stage time including set up, performance and reset of any equipment moved. Groups exceeding these time restrictions may be suspended and their performance cut short.
A group will perform a minimum of three and a maximum of five contrasting selections. The Official Program will only list 3 of the compositions to be performed.
A cappella singing is encouraged in all categories.
The accompanying personnel, up to a maximum of six, must meet the criteria of the class entered. The keyboard accompanist in the Concert categories need not comply with the criterion.
Every facet of the performance including accompaniment will be considered in the presentation of the “Standard of Evaluation.”
Live Festival Performance Considerations: Warm up rooms will be available for a maximum of 30 MINUTES prior to the performance. Each Ensemble must report to the warm up check in area one HOUR prior to performance time.
Each group must provide three copies of each performance selection, a solo outline and pertinent information at the time of performance. Scores are to be given to the check-in desk by the director prior to the performance and picked up by the director following the performance and clinic. MusicFest is not responsible for materials not picked up prior to the ensemble leaving the performance/clinic area.
It is strongly recommended that all ensembles provide an advisor to the sound technician at the time of performance. Solo sheets and stage plots provided should be concise, clear and current as possible.
EVALUATION
All groups will be evaluated to a “National Standard of Performance” unless they have elected “Adjudication Only” prior to their performance.
Musical integrity will be the basis of evaluation to include consideration of stylistic interpretation, intonation, dynamics, phrasing, diction, blend, balance and repertoire.
Evaluators’ comment will reflect a total assessment of the performance selections. All comments will be intended as a guide for the continued development of the Group.
EQUIPMENT (Live Festival)
CHOIRS
Festival Performance Area:
Acoustic piano, appropriate risers and music stand will be supplied.
Warm up Area:
Piano only.
Clinic Area:
The equipment and set up will be similar to the performance area.
VOCAL JAZZ & PRAISE TEAMS
Warm up Area: A Yamaha acoustic or electric piano, one Yorkville bass amplifier, a Ludwig drum set with Dream cymbals, and a small PA system with 18 microphones. .
Clinic Area: A Yamaha acoustic or electric piano, one each of Yorkville bass, guitar and keyboard amplifiers, a Ludwig drum set with Dream cymbals, and up to 18 vocal microphones plus two solo mics. A small sound system will be provided.
Festival Performance Area:
A Yamaha acoustic or electric piano, one each of Yorkville bass, guitar and keyboard amplifiers, Ludwig drum set with Dream cymbals, standard choral risers, 18 vocal microphones plus two solo mics. Sound system as required. The Ensemble should provide a sound advisor during its performance.
No equipment may be substituted or moved. All Ensembles must use the equipment supplied. Drummers are only permitted to exchange the snare drum and bass pedal. The Dream cymbals which are provided may not be removed from their stands or from the drum set, but may be re-organized as required. The ensemble may add cymbals to the drum kit, provided that they are complete on their own stand. Keyboard players may add their own keyboards if necessary, but not move or remove existing keyboards.
The movement of any equipment on the stage will be counted as a portion of the Ensemble’s time in that particular performance area.
NOTE TO PRAISE TEAMS:
MusicFest Canada recognizes Praise Teams or Worship Teams as important ensembles within the Christian school/church environment. From a MusicFest Canada perspective, Praise Teams are Contemporary Music Ensembles that typically select their repertoire from that used in Christian churches in support of religious activities. MusicFest adjudicators and clinicians will limit themselves to evaluating and making suggestions to only the musical components of the presentation, to improve the musical skills of the individuals as well as improving the overall quality of the presentation of the ensemble. They will address lyrics but only to the extent that they relate to a melodic line, rhythm, harmony, etc.
REGISTRATION OFFICE:
MusicFest Canada Registration Office
311 Main St, Box 1990
Exeter, Ontario N0M 1S7
702-269-9097 • FAX 702-269-9026
jim.howard@musicfest.ca
neil.yorke-slader@musicfest.ca
www.musicfest.ca
