KEMPSEY EISTEDDFOD SOCIETY Inc.

Vocal & Instrumental Eisteddfod Rules

1. In these rules, the word “Committee” shall mean the Vocal and Instrumental Sub Committee of the Kempsey Eisteddfod Society Inc.
2. Competitors, teachers and parents must be conversant with all rules. The plea of lack of knowledge will not be accepted as a bona – fide reason for the infringement of any rule. It will be assumed by the society that ALL entrants agree to the rules.
3. Protest arising out of, or not provided for in these rules, shall be lodged with the committee, in writing, immediately after the completion of the session in which the protest is entered. The protest must be accompanied by a deposit of $20.00 which shall be forfeited if the protest is deemed unfounded.
4. The committee has the right to:

a) Amend or refuse any entry.  

  b) Divide sections where there are 12 or more entries.

  c) Amend the program at any time

d) Alter or reduce the available prizes as published.  

e) Cancel or combine events which have insufficient entries.  

f) To appoint a new adjudicator should it be deemed necessary.

5. The Adjudicator has the right to:
   1. Reduce or withdraw prizes if a satisfactory standard is not reached.
   2. Subject to committee approval, increase the number of prizes awarded in any section.
   3. Terminate a performance at any time. Such does not necessarily mean disqualification or disapproval. Time limits will be strictly observed.

The adjudicator’s decision is final.

6. Public notice of any changes to the programme will be advertised at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the eisteddfod via Facebook and the official website. Checking for these changes will be the sole responsibility of competitors, parents and teachers.  
7. First and second prizes will be awarded in sections where there are no less than four (4) competitors and Third prize where there are no less than seven (7) competitors. In all sections 10 years and under First, Second and Third prizes will be awarded regardless of competitor numbers. First Place trophies may be awarded in any section at the Adjudicator's discretion.
8. OPEN AND CHAMPIONSHIPS sections with LESS THAN THREE (3) competitors may be performed for adjudication only, depending upon adjudicator discretion, in which case the prize WILL be awarded.
9. The definition of “amateur” for the purpose of competing in the Kempsey Eisteddfod shall be one whose major income is not derived from the teaching or the exercising of his/her musical talents, excluding student teachers. Such professionals shall not be eligible to enter any section of the eisteddfod with the exception of Open Band and Open Choir sections.
10. All school choir members must be pupils of the same school except in the open sections. The Principals may be required to certify as to the bona fide of each choir member. The competitor’s age shall be calculated at the opening date of the vocal and instrumental Eisteddfod.
11. All competitors must compete in their own age sections and not outside their own age group, unless specifically indicated in the schedule as open to all ages (unrestricted).

a) Competitors must compete in at least 2 other sections on their chosen instrument

to be eligible to enter a Championship.

b) Championship age restrictions must be observed.

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP 12 years & under

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP 13 – 15 years  

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP 16 years and over.  

12. Unless otherwise stated, entries in the Open Solo Section will only be accepted from competitors, 15 years and over. In open Duet and Trio Sections one competitor must be over 15. All names and dates of birth must appear on the entry form.
13. Novice sections are open to any competitor who has less than 18 months tuition as at the opening date of the Eisteddfod.
14. No competitor shall render the same item in more than one section of the current Kempsey Eisteddfod. Competitors who have been taught, coached or advised (excluding workshops), by an adjudicator of any section of the present Eisteddfod during the 3 months preceding the opening date of the Eisteddfod shall not be eligible to compete in that section, and in doing so will be disqualified.
15. Competitors must be punctual for their sections and report to the Secretary’s office upon their arrival. Competitors shall compete in the order in which their names appear in the official program, unless otherwise directed by the organising secretary and, if no present when called upon, shall render themselves liable to disqualification.
16. Please do not ask to change dates and/or times of competitions. Once the official program is printed NO CHANGES TO TIMES will be allowed. Any special requests must be submitted in writing at time of entry; however, no guarantees can be given that such requests can be met.
17. Should the Committee be convinced that a competitor has been entered in the wrong section by error the Committee reserves the right to transfer that entry to the correct section.
18. Competitors, teachers and parents MUST NOT APPROACH THE ADJUDICATOR during sessions. Breach of this rule may bring disqualification.
19. NO PROMPTING is allowed, except by the Adjudicator.
20. Recording or Video equipment may not be used during any section of the Kempsey Eisteddfod without the permission of the Kempsey Eisteddfod Society Inc. This is in compliance with Australian Copyright and Privacy Laws.
21. Please ensure that the content of all performances is appropriate for all audience age groups and is respectful to the venue in which the Eisteddfod is held. Offensive or blasphemous language and some adult themes are deemed inappropriate and will result in the item being terminated and competitors disqualified.
22. Rehearsals or practice on stage is not permitted for any section once the Eisteddfod has commenced. Brief sound checks are permitted.
23. All children under 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult in the Eisteddfod hall. All accompanying adults must pay the admittance fee.
24. Teachers accompanying school groups and accompanists are exempt from this fee. Competitors may enter for free only on the session of their performance.
25. The accompanying teacher/s is responsible for their pupil’s behaviour whilst waiting to perform. Competitors are required to await their turn to perform quietly and with respect for other performers.
26. Originals must be used in performance except for copies made to facilitate page turns. Authorised internet purchases are allowed.
27. A photocopy must be handed in for Adjudication purposes at least 3 SECTIONS prior to performances. This copy must have the SECTION and COMPETITOR NUMBER CLEARLY MARKED IN THE TOP LEFT HAND CORNER. Responsibility lies with the competitor to comply with Copyright Laws. All photocopies will be destroyed at the end of the Competition.
28. Competition marks may be awarded of quality of choice and stage presentation. It is in the competitors own interest that they pay special attention to their dress and presentation when appearing in Competitions. These constitute part of the performance and may be taken into consideration by the Adjudicator.
29. CD accompaniment is allowed only in sections so described in the Syllabus. Supporting vocals are not allowed in Vocal Sections. Some newer backing CD’s have fragments of added harmony which is deemed acceptable. Lead cues may be used for 10 years and under Instrumental Sections only. Live accompaniment is required for all other sections. This is deemed to mean PIANO unless otherwise stated.
30. All pieces performed should be chosen from the Classical repertoire unless otherwise stated. The Quality and suitability of the selection will be taken into account.
31. Competitors should make their own arrangements with their chosen accompanist immediately upon receipt of the Eisteddfod program.  Please contact Kempsey Eisteddfod Society via email if you require the services of an Accompanist. A fee for rehearsals and competition must be paid directly to the Accompanists. Official Accompanists reserve the right to refuse if given insufficient notice.

The Competition Secretary must receive entries no later than the closing date. Such entries are to be lodged at www.stardom.com.au all details are to be completed, with the exception of date of birth for Open Competitors. No entries will be accepted unless accompanied by full fees.  

      32. All Competitors taking part in the Kempsey Eisteddfod do so at their own risk.

By participating in the Kempsey Eisteddfod, you are agreeing to give the Kempsey Eisteddfod Society absolute discretion in the use and publication of photographs or videos taken during any event held by the Kempsey Eisteddfod Society. To ensure the privacy of individuals, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without approval from the individual, or their parent or guardian.

The Kempsey Eisteddfod Society reserves the right to decide whether a particular person has a right to take photos or videos on performance premises or at any Eisteddfod related activity, event, or function.

Any individual, parent, or guardian who does not consent to the Kempsey Eisteddfod Society having absolute discretion in the use or publication of photographs or videos must convey their wishes to  the President of the Society, in writing, prior to the commencement of the event.

The Kempsey Eisteddfod Society will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure any wishes conveyed in writing are observed.