80th City of Toowoomba Eisteddfod 2026
DIVISION 24 - INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS
22 Jul 2026 to 02 Aug 2026
(To be confirmed after receipt of Entries and Programming has been finalised)
View Discipline Rule

INSTRUMENTAL – JULY/AUGUST

Please read the General Rules and Division-Specific Rules carefully to avoid disqualification.

All competitors are required to frequently check the Eisteddfod website for the latest updates.


INSTRUMENTAL - GENERAL RULES

  1. Own choice of music.
  2. Own Choice submissions for Instrumental Solos need only include the accompaniment scores where the accompaniment is essential to the adjudicator’s assessment of the performance.
  3. Full scores are only required for Duets, Trios, Quartets and Instrumental Groups (unless otherwise stated).
  4. Backing Tracks and foldback speakers are not permitted unless specified.
  5. Competitors may perform more than once in multi-instrument solo sections, provided each solo performance is on a different instrument.
  6. Tuning for groups of two (2) or more, not accompanied by piano, is to be done off-stage.
  7. Instruments must be supplied by competitors, unless otherwise stated.
  8. One selection/movement only except in Championship Sections and Division 22 (Instrumental Groups). When a pre-Classical piece is chosen in any Division, two contrasting movements may be performed.
  9. In All-Age Graded Sections in this Discipline:
  • Age limits do not apply.
  • Grade levels are for any approved examination body such as: AMEB, Trinity, Royal Schools, ABRSM.
  • A competitor must not have passed an examination which is of a higher level than that of the entered Section
  • Repertoire must be selected from the current Syllabus of an approved examining body at the Grade Level being entered.


DIVISION 24 - INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS

  1. Competitors must read and agree to abide by all ensemble data Information (available on website) prior to submitting Registration Forms and all other ensemble information given.
  2. Schools competing in A & B Grade sections may only have 6 players common between the two ensembles and it must be on an instrument of a different family.  “Family” refers to String, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion.
  3. Instrumental ensembles other than A & B grade sections may have players perform more than once, but it must be on an instrument of a different family.  “Family” refers to String, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion.
  4. A Piano accompanist of any age may be included in Primary sections.
  5. In Secondary sections, the pianist within the ensemble must be of the required age group.
  6. Piano is not permitted in Secondary Concert Band sections.
  7. The Piano is not permitted to be moved in any venue. Only Empire staff are allowed to do so.
  8. Competitors are to adhere to the stage plans (available on the website).  
  9. The Eisteddfod supplies Percussion equipment and amplifiers which must not be moved from the set stage plan without consultation with the Eisteddfod Stage manager.
  10. No additional amplifiers, speakers, microphones or other electronic equipment are to be used.
  11. No vocalist allowed unless otherwise specified in the section rules.
  12. Failure to provide a stage crew (where it is a requirement) will result in points penalty (10 points) or disqualification.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 20/05/2026 11:59:00 PM +10:00 (AEST)
Secondary School
470 STRINGS OR STRINGS and PIANO TRIO/QUARTET/QUINTET     Secondary School

Session: 02/08/2026 12:00 PM    Time Limit: 08:00

1. Piano maybe used where the music indicates the piano is part of the ensemble (Pianist must be a Secondary Student) 2. Please indicate when entering this Section, whether your ensemble is sitting or standing. 3. If playing more than one piece choose contrasting repertoire.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus M & M Joinery Shield + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
Open
430 INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE     Open

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Competitors may compete in more than one ensemble in the same section on the same instrument. 3. Each competitor is to provide a stage crew (the number of persons to be appropriate to the size of the ensemble) for setting the ensemble who will work with the Eisteddfod designated stage manager for that section. 4. You must have a clear stage plan to work from when setting up your ensemble. The plan is to be sighted by the Eisteddfod Stage manager prior to set-up. 5. Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st David Swan Memorial Trophy + $60          2nd $40          3rd $30          
431 SMALL INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE     Open

Time Limit: 10:00

1. Any combination of orchestral or band instruments for 3 to 9 players. 2. Competitors may compete in more than one ensemble in the same section on the same instrument. 3. Each competitor is to provide a stage crew (the number of persons to be appropriate to the size of the ensemble) for setting the ensemble who will work with the Eisteddfod designated stage manager for that section. 4. You must have a clear stage plan to work from when setting up your ensemble. The plan is to be sighted by the Eisteddfod Stage manager prior to set-up.

Entry: $20.001st $40          2nd $30          3rd $20          
432 STAGE BAND     Open

Time Limit: 10:00

1. Competitors may compete in more than one ensemble in the same section on the same instrument. 2. Each competitor is to provide a stage crew (the number of persons to be appropriate to the size of the ensemble) for setting the ensemble who will work with the Eisteddfod designated stage manager for that section. 3. You must have a clear stage plan to work from when setting up your ensemble. The plan is to be sighted by the Eisteddfod Stage manager prior to set-up. 4. Indicate Band numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st $60          2nd $40          3rd $30          
433 CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLE     Open

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 3 - 9 performers in ensemble of mixed solo instruments. e.g. Piano trio, string quartet, woodwind quintet 2. One vocalist permitted.
Entry: $20.001st $40          2nd $30          3rd $20          
Year 12 and under
434 CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLE     Year 12 and under

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 3 - 9 performers in ensemble of mixed solo instruments. e.g. Piano trio, string quartet, woodwind quintet
Entry: $20.001st $40          2nd $30          3rd $20          
435 COMMUNITY or COMBINED SCHOOLS ENSEMBLE     Year 12 and under

Time Limit: 10:00

1. Any combination of orchestral or band instruments. 2. Open only to competitors combining into a community instrumental ensemble or combined schools ensemble. 3. Not open to individual school groups. 4. Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st $60          2nd $40          3rd $30          
Secondary School
436 SCHOOL ORCHESTRA     Secondary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Not open to combined school orchestras. 3. Indicate Orchestra numbers on entry.

Prizes donated by The Glennie Performing Arts Supporters Association.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Heather Schnitzerling Memorial Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
437 STRING ENSEMBLE     Secondary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players 2. Please indicate when entering this Section, whether your ensemble is sitting or standing. 3. If playing more than one piece, choose contrasting repertoire. 4. Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus M & M Joinery Shield + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
438 A GRADE CONCERT BAND     Secondary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Not for stage bands. 3. Indicate Band numbers on entry.

Prizes donated by The Glennie Performing Arts Supporters Association.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Australian College of Music Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
439 B GRADE CONCERT BAND     Secondary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Not for stage bands. 3. Indicate Band numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Spirit of Eisteddfod Shield + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
440 A GRADE STAGE BAND     Secondary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Indicate Band numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Downlands College Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
441 B GRADE STAGE BAND     Secondary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 6 or more players. 2. Indicate Band numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Toowoomba Anglican School Trophy + Certificate + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
443 SMALL INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE     Secondary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 - 9 players. 2. Any combination of orchestral or band instruments.
Entry: $20.001st George & Barry Smith Trophy + Certificate + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
444 WOODWIND or BRASS ENSEMBLE     Secondary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 - 12 players. 2. Ensemble to consist of instruments of the same family. No mixed groups.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
445 WOODWIND/BRASS/RHYTHM ENSEMBLE     Secondary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 - 9 players. 2. Ensemble to be mixed. 3. Rhythm section mandatory. 4. Vocalists/s optional and maybe amplified, but maximum of 2 microphones (supplied by Eisteddfod) will be allowed. 5. Full scores or improvisation guides are acceptable.
Entry: $20.001st Les White Memorial Trophy + Certificate + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
446 PERCUSSION or ORFF ENSEMBLE     Secondary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 3 or more performers. 2. Orff ensembles are any combination of tuned and/or untuned instruments, vocal, recorder, movement or other activities as per the educational philosophy.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
Primary School
448 STRING PRIMARY STRING ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Please indicate when entering this Section, whether your ensemble is sitting or standing. 3. If playing more than one piece, choose contrasting repertoire. 4. Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Heather Schnitzerling Trophy plus M & M Joinery Shield + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
Primary
449 SCHOOL ORCHESTRA     Primary

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Indicate Orchestra numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Peter Jackson Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
450 SMALL STRING ENSEMBLE     Primary

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 to 9 players. 2. All upper strings will stand in this section. 3. If playing more than one piece, choose contrasting repertoire.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus M & M Joinery Shield + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
Primary School
451AUp to 1 year playing STRING BEGINNER PRIMARY STRINGS BEGINNER ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Up to 1 years playing. 3. Please indicate when entering this Section, whether your ensemble is sitting or standing. 4. Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
451B1 to 2 years playing STRING BEGINNER PRIMARY STRINGS INTERMEDIATE ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. 1 to 2 years playing. 3. Please indicate when entering this Section, whether your ensemble is sitting or standing. 4, Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Fairholme College Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
Primary
452 INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE     Primary

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 or more players. 2. Ensemble may be mixed. 3. Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
Primary School
453 PRIMARY SCHOOL CONCERT BAND BAND     Primary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Not for stage bands. 3. Indicate Band numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Bart Jackson Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
454 PRIMARY SCHOOL BEGINNER BAND BAND     Primary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. Ten or more players. 2. Beginner in this section refers to players with less than 2 years playing. It is open to Bands from within the Instrumental Immersion/Beginner programs and may only play music from a Band Method Tutor book. 3. Not for Stage Bands. 4. Indicate Band numbers on entry.

Prizes donated by Tess Laird.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Tess Laird Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
455 SMALL CONCERT BAND     Primary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 8 - 25 players. 2. Not for stage bands.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Toowoomba South State School Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
456 STAGE BAND     Primary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 10 or more players. 2. Indicate Ensemble numbers on entry.
Entry: $30.001st Certificate plus Clive Berghofer Trophy + $60          2nd Certificate + $40          3rd Certificate + $30          
458 SMALL INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 3 - 9 players. 2. Any combination of orchestral or band instruments.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus Toowoomba Anglican School Trophy + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
459 PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 10:00

1. 3 or more players. 2. Any combination of tuned and/or untuned instruments.

Entry: $20.001st Percussion Ensemble for Primary Schools Trophy (non-perpetual) + Certificate + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
460 RECORDER or ORFF ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 04:00

1. 3 or more performers. 2. Orff ensembles are any combination of tuned and/or untuned instruments, vocal, recorder, movement or other activities as per the educational philosophy.

Prizes donated by Tess Laird.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus Renee Conn Trophy + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
461 WOODWIND ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 - 12 players.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus Withcott State School P&C Trophy + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
462 BRASS ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 - 12 players.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus Brass Music Specialists Trophy + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
463 WOODWIND/BRASS/RHYTHM ENSEMBLE     Primary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 - 9 players. 2. Ensemble to be mixed. 3. Rhythm section mandatory.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus Toowoomba Anglican School Trophy + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20          
Secondary School
472 SMALL STRING ENSEMBLE     Secondary School

Time Limit: 08:00

1. 5 - 9 players. 2. Please indicate when entering this Section, whether your ensemble is sitting or standing. 3. If playing more than one piece choose contrasting repertoire.
Entry: $20.001st Certificate plus M & M Joinery Shield + $40          2nd Certificate + $30          3rd Certificate + $20