Competition Requirements

Competitors in sections 100 to 115, excluding section 101

1. Competitors are to present one accompanied song of their choice. It does not need to be drawn from the VCAA Approved Classical Voice Syllabus, however it must be in the classical style.  Please refer to the 'Sections' page found here for full requirements of each section.

   2. Competitors in section 103 must perform as a duo or trio, with some harmony. Repertoire chosen may be from the classical repertoire, legit musical theatre, or a contemporary work written in a classical style. 

Competitors in the Unit 3+4 Heat (Section 101)

1. Competitors are to present one accompanied song of their choice in the heat. 

2. In the final, competitors must perform a total of three songs. 

1. Re-perform their song from the heat. 

2. A second song in a language that is different to the piece from the heat. 

3. An unaccompanied song. 

Unit 3+4 competitors must only perform music from the 2022 VCAA Approved Classical Voice Syllabus. Any works chosen from the Music Theatre and Crossover list must be from an operetta or musical, and sung in a legit style.  

Competition Guidelines

1. Competitors must sing in the Classical style. 

2. Songs chosen to perform in section 101 must be on the current VCAA Approved Classical Voice Syllabus. All other sections are own choice.

3. Accompaniment is by a single instrument. Piano accompanist provided at competition free of charge. 

4. All items are to be performed from memory, except for Arias from Oratorio which may be performed with music.  

5. Props are not required, except for sections 105, 109, and 113 where minimal props are optional. 

6. At the conclusion of section 101, the adjudicator will announce a First and Second place for the heat. 

7. At the conclusion of the VCE 3+4 final, all competitors from the competition are welcomed to a free masterclass with the adjudicator.

Dress Code: Please refer below for full details. Competitors are not to perform in school uniform. 

COMPETITION RULES

1. A competitor performs an item in a heat or section. 

2. COMPETITOR – A competitor may be one person.

3. Entry fees are not refundable except unless the event is cancelled. 

4. A competitor may be of any age, but must be enrolled in Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, or Unit 1+2, or 3+4 Music Performance at a day school that offers VCE study. Competitors in VCE sections may be asked to furnish proof of enrolment. The committee reserve the right to withhold a prize until such proof has been sighted. 

5. Competitors may only enter sections for which they qualify. Competitors may enter more than one section, provided they meet the requirements. Any breach of this rule and competitors will be automatically disqualified. 

6. The competition is open to any high school students across Australia, however students must be enrolled in VCE Music Performance to compete in sections 100 and 101.  

7.  Only one entry per section is allowed from each competitor.

8. Competitors who have been taught by the adjudicator in private tuition (workshops excepted) in the last 6 months may not enter the competition

9. The adjudicator has the right to refrain from awarding a prize where insufficient merit has been displayed.

10. The adjudicator’s decision will be final in all heats and the final.

11. Any approach to the adjudicator by a competitor, parent, teacher or friend of the competitor, during the competition, is strictly forbidden.

12. Use of microphones is not permitted.

13. No prompting or assistance of any kind may be rendered to a competitor in a section during a performance except by the adjudicator. For breaches of this rule, disqualification will be enforced.

14. Teachers and parents will not be allowed side stage during performances without special permission from the competition committee.

15. The theatre technician will set stage lighting for all sections. No special effects will be permitted.

16. No rehearsal or practice is permitted on the stage while the competition is occupying the venue. Any competitor not observing this condition will be disqualified.

17. Rude, aggressive and un-cooperative behaviour of teachers, parents or competitors during the competition may result in disqualification and possible barring of the related entrant(s) from competing in the coming 12 months. Please Refer to our code of Conduct Policy for detailed expectations of appropriate behaviour.

18. Entrants must provide a copy of music for the adjudicator. This copy is to be submitted prior to the competition via the pre-registration portal. Heat number and the competitor’s number must be written at the top of the copy and bars must be numbered in red pen. Competitors in the Unit 3+4 Heats must submit all music for both the heat and final through the pre-registration portal, there is appropriately labelled file upload forms for each of these submissions. 

19. Entrants must make copies of sheet music from original or officially authorised sheet music displaying copyright endorsement. Please label clearly with section number and competitors number. Failure to comply with copyright regulations will render a competitor ineligible.

20. Competitors acknowledge they compete at their own risk

21. The committee and the competition as an organisation does not take responsibility for instruments or properties.

22. The stage manager or adjudicator has the right to stop any item if they are of the opinion a competitor has suffered a serious injury, or there is possible risk of serious injury. The ultimate safety of the competitor is always to be considered.

23. The Committee reserves the right to:
    (a) Divide a section.
    (b) Cancel or combine any section with three (3) competitors or less.
    (c) Award only one prize if a section has less than three (3) competitors on the day.
    (d) Appoint a substitute adjudicator if required.