Vocal and Choral
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.
VOCAL AND CHORAL
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. (If original, please also indicate)
(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 returned during the event unless deemed necessary by the Executive.
2.4
An accompaniment is to be used 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 and small groups, an individual may only appear once per
Section.
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. 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.
2.10
Stage plans are to be submitted by 9 July.
2.11
Vocal competitors aged over 16 years must sing in original specified key
unless otherwise stated.
2.12
Own Choice – Any song, any style is allowed. No backing tracks, costumes
or microphones.
2.13
Vocal Solo – A song from the classical, romantic or the 20th century
period. No modern popular or Musical theatre.
2.14
Sacred Solo – Hymn, sacred song, spiritual, song from oratorio or song
of praise.
2.15
Vocal duets and trios must be sung in two- and three-part harmony
respectively. A partner song is defined as two separate songs, each with
distinct lyrics and melody, with the songs being harmonically compatible when
sung together.
2.16
In all primary school choral contests, part singing should be
interpreted as any type of vocal part work.
2.17
Lieder – An art song in German Language, usually based on poetry from
the Romantic period. Suggested (but not limited to) composers: Schubert,
Schumann, Liszt, Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Mendelssohn, Wolf. To be sung in
German. Both singer and accompanist are being judged.
2.18
Folk Song – A folk song has no known composer. Arrangements are
permitted where folk melody and words are authentic. May be sung in English or
the original language. A maximum of three verses may be sung.
2.19
Jazz and Blues – Song performed in the style of Jazz or Blues.
Improvisation Compulsory. Melodic and rhythmic variation and or Scat.
2.20
CCM (Contemporary Commercial Music) – encompasses all contemporary music
such as pop, rock, country, folk, R&B etc. An up tempo contemporary song to
be sung with microphone - Songs written after 1970. Backing tracks permitted
but must not have backing vocals – refer to Music Backing Tracks Rule.
2.21
Modern Ballad – slow contemporary style of delivery could include
improvisation. To be sung with a microphone. Songs written after 1970. Backing
tracks permitted but must not have backing vocals – refer to Music Backing
Tracks Rule.
2.22
Music Backing Tracks: All backing tracks (electronic music) must have no
backing vocals. CDs and USBs are allowed. Music must be checked in at front
desk a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your section. Music will be played on
your behalf by our technician. Only one track per CD or USB will be accepted.
All competitors must have backup copies of all music. Music provided on USBs
are to be in MP3 format.
2.23
Musical Theatre – piece from a stage musical or light opera, with
appropriate costume. For competitors aged 15 years and under the piece may be
from a movie musical, including animated movies. Backing tracks may not be
used.
2.24
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
2.25
VOCAL CHORAL AWARDS:
Most Outstanding Vocalist 15 Years & Under
The Tracy Wright Vocal Studio Award
Encouragement Award
The Dorothy McIntosh Memorial
Most Outstanding Female Vocalist 18 Years & Under
The Gunilla Myren School of Singing Award
Most Outstanding Male Vocalist 18 Years & Under
The Neil Truscott Award
Maryborough Eisteddfod Committee Encouragement Award
Choral Showcase – The Bill Wickbold Memorial Trophy
Choral – Welsh – The All Sorts Vocal Ensembles Inc Award
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.