Instrumental
Rules
All participants in the Maryborough
Eisteddfod do so in a spirit of friendly competition and enhancement of
performance abilities in a forum where stage experience can be gained and
learned. The event is staged with mutual respect amongst organisers,
adjudicators, competitors and supporters, maintaining the spirit and integrity
of the Eisteddfod tradition.
Please read the following rules and
regulations carefully to ensure competitors are not disadvantaged. A breach of
any rule may lead to disqualification.
TERMINOLOGY:
Session: Three per day (Morning Session, Afternoon Session,
Evening Session).
Discipline: The
5 Disciplines are 1) Vocal & Choral; 2) Speech & Drama; 3)
Instrumental; 4) Literary; 5) Dance.
Section: e.g. 199 – Musical Theatre
1. GENERAL RULES FOR ALL DISCIPLINES:
1.1
By entering the Eisteddfod the competitor agrees to the Maryborough
Eisteddfod rules. The competitor enters at their own risk and will satisfy
her/himself as to the safety of the competition area to be used. All
competitors will follow all directions and set rules stated by the competition
organiser and waives any claims for liability against any organiser (whether an
Association or Individual), participant, official, steward, judge, visitor,
employee or invitee (the “participants”). By entering, the competitor releases
the participants from all liability that may arise out of the competition to
the competitors. Such liability may include any personal injury, property loss
or damage.
1.2
Entries are received via www.stardom.com.au. This can also be accessed
via the Maryborough Eisteddfod website http://www.maryborougheisteddfod.com and under the ‘Enter’ tab.
1.3
Section numbers and colour codes (for administration purposes) are as
follows:
(i) Section
numbers starting with 1 (RED) - Vocal & Choral Disciplines
(ii) Section numbers
starting with 2 (BLUE) - Speech & Drama Disciplines
(iii) Section numbers
starting with 3 (GREEN) - Instrumental Discipline
(iv) Section numbers starting
with 4 (YELLOW/ORANGE) - Literary Discipline
(v) Section numbers
starting with 5 (PURPLE) - Dance Discipline
1.4
Performances are to be limited to the Discipline type unless otherwise
stated (for example, no Vocal performance in the Instrumental Discipline,
unless specifically stated in the Section Description).
1.5
Entry dates need to be observed. Only under exceptional circumstances
and at the discretion of the Executive Committee will any late entries be
accepted.
1.6
Contact the Convenor for assistance if required. Contact details are on
the Maryborough Eisteddfod website.
1.7
Entry and payment is via the Stardom Competition Online Entry System.
Payment is required at time of entry. Secure payment is offered online via
credit card. Direct deposit is also available. Your entry is not confirmed
until payment is received.
1.8
If competitors are entering individually, ensure that duos/trios are
only recorded on one entry.
1.9
The Section Description is to be considered part of the Rules and
Regulations.
1.10
The Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry.
1.11
All Eisteddfod participants do so at their own risk.
1.12
The age section of the Eisteddfod is for amateur competitors only. All
‘Open’ Sections may have competitors of any age and ability.
1.13
Competitors must be within the specified age limits as at 1 July.
Competitors in groups may be younger than the age range but must not be older.
The Committee reserves the right to request proof of age from competitors.
1.14
All Sections are not gender specific, unless otherwise stated.
1.15
Order of performance for competitors will be drawn before the programme
is printed and competitors will appear in the order shown. However, the
Executive reserves the right to make any alterations to the programme if and
when it becomes necessary. The Executive may: (i) cancel a Section
(ii) vary the prizes
(iii) combine Sections
(iv) change the run order or
timing of Sections and/or competitors
1.16
Refunds of entry fees will only be granted when a Section is cancelled
by the Executive Committee.
1.17
A competitor may only enter a Section once, except where stated and as
qualified in certain Sections. e.g. a member of two choirs entered in the same
section.
1.18
All competitors must be named (Groups of 4 or above are required to
provide a collective name and do not need to provide the individual names).
“And Partner” may be used on the Entry Form but a name must be provided to the
Convenor at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the session.
1.19
No competitor may use the same selection in more than one Section.
1.20
No competitor may perform the same selection that has previously been
awarded a first place at the Maryborough Eisteddfod.
1.21
Copyright (conventional and electronic) remains the property of the
contributing author in all Sections except handwriting. (See further
information below regarding Own Choice Pieces).
1.22
It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that Own Choice
Pieces are within the guidelines for the Section. If a piece is deemed by the
Adjudicator to be outside of the guidelines the entrant may not be placed.
1.23
On the day: the title and composer/author of the Own Choice Piece must
be submitted at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the Session.
AMCOS forms must be attached.
1.24
Time limits, where stated, must not be exceeded. It is the Adjudicator’s
privilege to conclude a performance by ringing of the bell if a decision has
been made regarding the merit of the performance.
1.25
Competitors are to be dressed appropriately, i.e. thongs, revealing
clothing. Competition pieces must not contain excessive use of foul or
blasphemous language or actions. Consideration should be given to age
appropriateness.
1.26
Use of recording devices of any kind is strictly prohibited in the
Auditorium and Federation Room, dressing rooms and backstage. Any person found
to be recording video or sound may be ejected from the theatre and further
actions may be taken, at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
1.27
Competitors must report to the relevant Marshall and be in readiness
backstage (or as otherwise directed by an official) prior to the commencement
of the Section in which they are competing.
1.28
Competitors wishing to withdraw are reminded that it is courtesy to
inform the Convenor or Marshall before commencement of the Session.
1.29
The Adjudicator’s decision will be final.
1.30
No prize will be awarded in any contest unless there is sufficient
merit. All awards in every Section will be at the Adjudicator’s discretion.
Certificates and prizes may be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended
in each Section.
1.31
To be eligible for a major Eisteddfod award, competitors must compete in
three or more Sections in the relevant Discipline, with the exception of the
Literary Discipline.
1.32
No public protest will be entered into during the sessions. Written
protests will be accepted by the Convenor or Executive within 30 minutes of the
protest issue arising, accompanied by a $50.00 fee which will be forfeited if
the protest is rejected after consideration by the Executive. Decisions
regarding protests will be notified verbally by the end of the Session and in
writing within 7 days of the close of the Eisteddfod.
1.33
No person, other than the entrant(s), will be permitted to take the
stage. No parents or friends to be backstage (Exceptions: Accompanist or where
the competitor requires physical assistance to get to the stage). Teachers may
be permitted backstage in consultation with the Convenor. Student/teacher
positive reinforcement should be saved for the end of the session. Competitors
will be supported by volunteer staff.
1.34
The Adjudicator must not be addressed during a session except via an
Eisteddfod official. All inquiries or requests are to be made to the Convenor.
1.35
Prompting by the Adjudicator only.
1.36
Entry and exit to the Auditorium or Federation Room during performances
is restricted.
1.37
The Brolga Theatre has workplace safety guidelines in place for all
stage and backstage activities. If these guidelines are deemed by the theatre
to have been breached, perpetrators may be asked to leave the premises. A
competitor asked to leave the theatre may be disqualified.
1.38
Group Numbers: Small Group – 4 to 12 members; Large Group – 13 members
or above.
1.39
Some discretion regarding numbers may be given based on extenuating
circumstances, such as, illness or injury. It is the responsibility of the
competitor to ensure that the Convenor is informed immediately of any
extenuating circumstances. A decision will be made in consultation with
relevant members of the Committee and the Adjudicator.
1.40
Adjudication sheets will be available after the session has been
completed.
1.41
Volunteers and Committee members are to be treated with the utmost
respect. Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. Any concerns or complaints
must be to the Convenor and not any volunteers.
1.42
Only the teacher and up to two assistants are permitted in dressing
rooms during group competition days. Passes will be given to teachers at
registration prior to the competition. Under certain circumstances special
considerations can be considered by the Committee, however, these must be discussed
prior to the start of competition date.
1.43
The Backstage door and adjacent car park is out of bounds. Teachers make
arrangements with parents/caregivers to meet students at the front foyer of the
theatre.
2.
INSTRUMENTAL
2.1 Sheet Music: Copyright is
the responsibility of the competitors and their teachers. Copies of sheet music
are required for the Adjudicator and are to be submitted at the beginning of
the Session. As per copyright, all copies of sheet music will be destroyed
after the performance. All competitors are responsible for the collection of
original sheet music at the end of the session. Please ensure that all
originals are clearly marked. All sheet music used at the eisteddfod requires
an APRA/AMCOS Form to accompany it.
2.2 Submission of sheet music:
Please ensure that the forms are completed and attached to the sheet music as
follows:
(i) Selection
Slip – on the top with Session, Section and Competitor Number clearly labelled.
(ii) The sheet music
(if original, please mark clearly on the Selection Slip). Accompanists using
ipads/tablets must still submit printed music.
(iii) The APRA/AMCOS Form
(available from the website www.maryborougheisteddfod.com
2.3
Both grand and upright pianos will be tuned at A440. These instruments
will not be retuned during the event unless deemed necessary by the Executive.
2.4
Accompaniment is permissible unless otherwise stated.
2.5
Competitors provide an accompanist at their own expense.
2.6
Competitors may have only one accompanist on stage.
2.7
For
Duos, Trios, Quartet and small groups, an individual may only appear once per
Section unless the individual plays a different instrument.
2.8
For
large groups, an individual must be a legitimate member of the group they are
performing with and may only appear once for that particular association in
that Item, unless the individual play a different instrument. School students
must be currently enrolled students of the particular school and under the age
of 19 years.
2.9
If
equipment is required on stage then a stage plan must be submitted. Stage plans
are to be submitted by 9 July.
2.10
Piano
only may be used to accompany instrumental ensembles and will not form part of
the ensemble unless otherwise stated.
2.11
Audio
Backings are not permitted in the Instrumental Section. All accompaniment must
be live performance except for Special Needs Section.
2.12
Where
amplification is permitted, a 30-60 second sound level check is allowed.
2.13
Band
and Ensemble Definitions
Concert Band: A balanced ensemble of woodwind brass and
percussion instruments usually a large group.
Orchestra: A full string section plus a proportional number
of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. This ensemble might also
include keyboards.
String Orchestra: An ensemble
consisting of stings. This ensemble might also include a piano and/or
percussion.
Stage Band: A small group of saxophones, trumpets,
trombones and a rhythm section. The rhythm section may include any keyboard,
an electric or an acoustic guitar, an electric or an acoustic bass and a drum
kit. A vocalist may be included in the group.
Wind Ensemble: A balanced ensemble of woodwind instruments
with or without brass and percussion, usually a group smaller than a concert
band.
Brass Ensemble: A balanced ensemble of brass instruments
with or without percussion.
Percussion Ensemble: A combination
of tuned and/or untuned percussion instruments
2.14 For Improvisation Section –
Competitors must improvise based on a melody supplied by Adjudicator (5 min
max). Competitors will not see the melody until on stage; they will have 20
seconds to start playing once they have sighted the melody. Other competitors
waiting to perform will not be permitted in the performance room until the
previous competitor has completed their performance.
2.15 Composition and Perform
Section - Compositions may be notated using traditional or graphic notation.
Time limit 4 minutes.
2.16 Accepted Music Period
Definitions:
Baroque 1600 to 1760
Classical 1730 to 1820
Romantic
1815 to 1910
20th Century 1900
to 2000 Contemporary 1970 to present day
2.17 AWARDS:
Most Outstanding Instrumentalist 15 Years & Under
Most Outstanding Instrumentalist 16 to 18 Years
Maryborough Eisteddfod Committee
Encouragement Award
2.18 CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Piano Junior – 12 Years & Under
Piano Intermediate – 15
Years & Under
Piano Senior – 18 Years
& Under
Piano Masters – 19
Years and Over
3.
CODE OF CONDUCT
3.1 A copy of the Code of Conduct
will be available Backstage and will be enforced by the Committee. This applies
to any land, building, venue or equipment being owned, hired, leased or
otherwise utilised by the Maryborough Eisteddfod Incorporated or any of its
agents or employees in the execution of the business and objectives of the
Maryborough Eisteddfod any time of the year.
3.2 Zero Tolerance: The Committee of
the Maryborough Eisteddfod Incorporated (the Committee) will not tolerate any
unacceptable conduct (including, but not limited to, verbal abuse of any
person, obscene language, loud or boisterous conduct), which is deemed
unacceptable by the Committee. This includes all persons attending at any venue
of the Maryborough Eisteddfod.
3.3 Refusal of a directive: Any
member of the Committee or designated official, may give a directive at any
time, to any person to whom this code applies to ensure the smooth and efficient
running of the Eisteddfod. Any person who refuses to obey such directive may be
asked to leave the venue, and Failure to do so may result in the Committee
taking such action including the calling of police to ensure the Eisteddfod’s
unimpeded operation.
3.4
Child Behaviour: Any child behaving in a manner that is unacceptable
will be removed if it be deemed appropriate by the official. If that child is a
competitor, they may be disqualified from competing in that section and other
sections.