MUSIC RULES AND REGULATIONS

Copyright Declaration Form

All music submitted to the committee must be accompanied by a copyright declaration form. Go to ‘FORMS’ on the website.

COPIES OF OWN CHOICE MUSIC & COPYRIGHT DECLARATION FORMS MUST be received by the Committee by FRIDAY 8^th MAY 2026. Music MUST have SECTION NUMBER and COMPETITOR NUMBER CLEARLY MARKED on the front of the music.

Locals: Please drop music with attached Copyright Form to 3 Belwood St, Stanthorpe

Non-locals or those who cannot deliver in person:

1. Website upload: www.borderdistricteisteddfod.org.au (Go to ‘Enter’)

OR 2) Email to: music@borderdistricteisteddfod.org.au

SET PIECE ACCOMPANIMENT MUSIC will be available when entries open. For a copy of this music, email your request with section number to music@borderdistricteisteddfod.org.au  If a printed copy is preferred, provide a postal address.

OFFICIAL ACCOMPANIST: Natalee McCosker – Phone: 0438 810 139

                                               Email: nat@granitebeltinformer.com.au

The preferred method of accompaniment for all sections is a pianist. The cost of Natalee’s services for all solo and duet sections for the performance plus two rehearsals will be covered by the Border District Eisteddfod. Any additional rehearsals can be arranged and negotiated directly with Natalee. In 2026, we will once again offer this service to all School Choirs on the Granite Belt. Please contact Natalee directly.

RULES and REGULATIONS for Choral, Vocal and Instrumental Music Sections are outlined below. Please note the change on page 5 ‘Special Conditions for Choral Sections (e)’!

ASSISTANCE OR ENQUIRIES: music@borderdistricteisteddfod.org.au

CHORAL AND VOCAL MUSIC - RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Every care will be taken for competitors’ safety, but the Committee will not be responsible for any injuries sustained by any competitor and or damage to property during the Eisteddfod.
2. By entering the Border District Eisteddfod, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations as outlined in this 2026 Schedule.
3. Entries will not be accepted unless accompanied by the correct entry fee. Entry fees are not refundable unless cancelled by the Committee or there is an error in the program.
4. Requests for sections to be heard at times other than those printed are to be emailed to the committee or can be made through Stardom when processing the entry. The committee will endeavour to accommodate however, we cannot guarantee this.
5. Age is determined as of 1^st January, 2026. The committee reserves the right to ask for proof of age.
6. In the individual solo sections, competitors may enter only once per section.
7. In duo and trio sections, competitors may perform twice in these sections with different partners in any one section. In duo & trios, the eldest performer must enter the relevant age section.
8. All vocal solos, duets, character and choral songs are own choice but must be songs suitable for the age group.  Choice of song lyrics and vocal range appropriateness will be taken into consideration.
9. The preferred method of accompaniment for all vocal and choral sections is a pianist. (The official accompanist’s details are listed on page 2.) NB. The BDE Committee is offering financial assistance to help our local Granite Belt Schools access the services of our official accompanist for Choral Singing. If using an electronic accompaniment, competitors must make prior arrangements with the Music Committee.
10. Time limits must be observed. An item may be shorter than the limit but not exceed it. To meet time limits, excerpts of verses are acceptable and repeats may be omitted from music. Timing is from when competitors enter the stage until they leave it.
11. The Border District Eisteddfod (BDE) holds an Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) licence that covers the public performance of all copyright musical works at this event. In 2017, a new licensing scheme was introduced to all eisteddfods. It is based on a per entry rate of 90c (ex GST) and has been included in the entry fee for performers. BDE also has an arrangement with the Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) that allows entrants to photocopy an original piece of sheet music for adjudicators. An entrant may supply the adjudicator with an unlicensed copy of the piece provided that (a) the original is used by the entrant for performance or held at the venue for inspection and (b) the Executive Committee or its delegate destroys the copy immediately after the adjudication. A Declaration form is to be filled in and submitted with the adjudicator copy. Forms can be filled in and submitted online or downloaded from the website. Entrants must perform from original published editions of music unless prior permission has been obtained from the copyright owner.
12. Competitors’ names and/or photographs may be used for promotional or marketing purposes. Should this not be appropriate, the Eisteddfod Committee MUST be notified. This can be done online when submitting entries. The Border District Eisteddfod takes privacy seriously; however, we want to balance this with common sense by allowing families to take photos of their performers. Flash photography is NOT ALLOWED at any time during the Eisteddfod; however, photographs and recordings are allowed for PRIVATE USE ONLY during individual sections. On the Schools’ Day we request ONLY teachers take photos of their choirs.
13. The adjudicator’s decision is final.
14. Unless specifically invited by the adjudicator, contact with the adjudicator must not be made directly by teachers, competitors or parents.
15. Adjudicator comment sheets can be obtained from the table at the back of the auditorium.

CHORAL SCHEDULE AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR CHORAL SECTIONS

(a) Sections 1 & 2: To present two (2) age-appropriate, own choice, contrasting pieces to be sung in unison or counterpoint. Total time limit for performance is 6 minutes which includes getting on and off the stage.

(b) Sections 3 & 4: To present two (2) age-appropriate, own choice, contrasting pieces to be sung in unison or in two parts. Total time limit for performance is 8 minutes which includes getting on and off the stage.

(c) Sections 7, 9, 10 & 11: To present two (2) own choice, contrasting pieces. One song must be in at least 2 parts and the other in unison with optional descant. Total time limit for performance is 10 minutes which includes getting on and off the stage.

(d) Sections 5, 8 & 12: One piece from a stage musical or musical movie. Use of choir risers is optional. Costumes and props are optional, some dialogue is allowed along with some facial and body expression and simple choreography, however, the performance should be predominantly a musical item.

(e) NB Changes have been made here -Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 & 10: Music is to be performed as written. While some movement is permitted, please note that this will not be part of the criteria for adjudication nor should it detract from the vocal performance.

(f) Choir Risers are limited to approximately 50 choir members (more if Tiny Tots), therefore extra numbers will use the floor space to the sides of risers. The approximate number in all choirs is to be provided when completing the Stardom Online Entry.  

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC - RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Every care will be taken for competitors’ safety, but the Committee will not be responsible for any injuries sustained by any competitor and or damage to property during the Eisteddfod.
2. By entering the Border District Eisteddfod, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations as outlined in this 2026 Schedule.
3. Entries will not be accepted unless accompanied by the correct entry fee. Entry fees are not refundable unless cancelled by the Committee or there is an error in the program.
4. Requests for sections to be heard at times other than those printed are to be emailed to the committee or can be made through Stardom when processing the entry. The committee will endeavour to accommodate however, we cannot guarantee this.  
5. Age is determined as of 1^st January, 2026. The committee reserves the right to ask for proof of age.
6. In the individual solo sections, competitors may enter only once per section per instrument. Competitors may enter more than once playing a different instrument.
7. In duo and trio sections, competitors may perform twice in these sections with different partners in any one section. In duo & trios, the eldest performer must enter the relevant age section.
8. School bands and orchestra competitors must be of school age appropriate to the section, except the accompanist and conductor.
9. Time limits must be observed. An item may be shorter than the limit but not exceed it. To meet time limits, excerpts of verses are acceptable and repeats may be omitted from music. Timing is from when competitors enter the stage until they leave it (includes set-up and pack-up time).
10. The preferred method of accompaniment for all instrumental sections is a pianist. The official accompanist’s details are listed on page 2. If using an electronic accompaniment, competitors must make prior arrangements with the Music Committee.  
11. The Border District Eisteddfod (BDE) holds an Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) licence that covers the public performance of all copyright musical works at this event. In 2017, a new licensing scheme was introduced to all eisteddfods. It is based on a per entry rate of 90c (ex GST) and has been included in the entry fee for performers. BDE also has an arrangement with the Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) that allows entrants to photocopy an original piece of sheet music for adjudicators. An entrant may supply the adjudicator with an unlicensed copy of the piece provided that (a) the original is used by the entrant for performance or held at the venue for inspection and (b) the Executive Committee or its delegate destroys the copy immediately after the adjudication. A Declaration form is to be filled in and submitted with the adjudicator copy. Forms can be filled in and submitted online or downloaded from the website. Entrants must perform from original published editions of music unless prior permission has been obtained from the copyright owner.
12. Competitors’ names and/or photographs may be used for promotional or marketing purposes. Should this not be appropriate, the Eisteddfod Committee MUST be notified. This can be done online when submitting entries. The Border District Eisteddfod takes privacy seriously; however, we want to balance this with common sense by allowing families to take photos of their performers. Flash photography is NOT ALLOWED at any time during the Eisteddfod; however, photographs and recordings are allowed for PRIVATE USE ONLY during individual sections. On the Schools’ Day we request ONLY teachers take photos of their choirs.

13.       The adjudicator’s decision is final.

14.        Unless specifically invited by the adjudicator, contact with the adjudicator must not be made directly by teachers, competitors or parents.

15.        Age groupings may change if entry numbers require this.

16.        Adjudicator comment sheets can be obtained from the table at the back of the auditorium.