1. 1: This competition is for all vocalists and covers both contemporary and classical voice.   

2. 2: Singers may only enter each section once, except for section 595 (Contemporary Vocal Duo or Trio) where they may place several entries, however, they must perform with different partners for each entry. 

3. 3: Age limit will be deemed as at the 1st January of the current year and competitors MUST sing in their relevant age group. 

4. 4: Contemporary Vocal Sections: These include Pop/Rock, Country, Jazz and Blues, Stage and Screen, Contemporary Ballad and VCE.  

1. a: Original sheet music is NOT required for contemporary vocal sections. 

2. b: An accompanist is NOT provided for contemporary vocal sections.  Please contact the RSSS Office for a list of suggested local accompanists if required. 

3. c: Competitors may perform to a professional backing track which may contain backing vocals only (i.e.no principal/lead vocal allowed), self-accompany the item, or sing to a live instrumental backing group of no more than 4.  

4. d: The Society will provide a keyboard or piano, microphones both roving and standard (up to four) and a sound system that plays MP3 backings.   

5. e: Backing tracks should be in MP3 format. Ensure the backing is good quality.  The recommendation of RSSS is a commercially purchased backing through iTunes or similar (not converted from YouTube) You will be asked to upload your backing track prior to the competition but it is suggested that you also bring the backing track on a USB as a back-up.  

5. 5: Classical Vocal Sections: These include Classical Vocal Solo and Classical Vocal Showcase. 

1. a: Original sheet music IS required for classical vocal sections.  You will be asked to upload your sheet music prior to the competition but you must also bring the original and a spare copy for the adjudicator, to the competition. 

2. b: An accompanist IS provided for classical vocal sections or you may bring your own.   

3. c: You must upload your sheet music no less than 2 weeks prior to the competition.  The official accompanist may refuse to accompany you on the day if this is not done. 

SECTIONS

10 Years and Under

550 CONTEMPORARY UPBEAT POP/ROCK VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $17

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in an upbeat style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prizes: Medals – First, Second & Third. Ribbons – HM & HC

551 COUNTRY MUSIC VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $17

• Adjudication will be based on singers who stylistically represent good country technique and song choice.
• Traditional Country and Western songs are encouraged.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by National Hair Tech Solutions – Ballarat’s Leading Hair Loss Specialist
• Prizes: First $30 & Medal, Second & Third Medals. Ribbons – HM & HC

553 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN UPBEAT CHARACTER SONG ~ Entry Fee $17

• Singers must choose an upbeat character song from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.

• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $30 & Medal, Second & Third Medals. Ribbons – HM & HC

554 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $17

• Singers must choose a ballad from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.

• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $30 & Medals, Second & Third Medals. Ribbons – HM & HC

558 CONTEMPORARY BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $17 

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in a ballad style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prizes: Medals – First, Second & Third. Ribbons – HM & HC

559 CLASSICAL VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $17

• Singers must choose ONE classical song by an Australian Composer.
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prizes: Medals – First, Second & Third. Ribbons – HM & HC

AGGREGATE AWARD – BRAM WALKER MEMORIAL AWARD

• $100 will be awarded to the Aggregate Winner of the 10 years and Under age group (incorporating sections 550, 551, 553, 554, 558, 559).
• This award is proudly donated by the Lions Club of Ballarat.
• The aggregate winner will also receive a Trophy donated by the Naomi Harrison Estate.

Are you keen to sing a song or genre that is not covered in your age group?  Check out the options available in ‘Open’. 

11 To Under 14 Years   

560 CONTEMPORARY UPBEAT POP/ROCK VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $20

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in an upbeat style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Rediscovery CDs
• Prizes: First $30 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

561 COUNTRY MUSIC VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee ~ $20

• Adjudication will be based on singers who stylistically represent good country technique and song choice.
• Traditional Country and Western songs are encouraged.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by National Hair Tech Solutions – Ballarat’s Leading Hair Loss Specialist
• Prizes: First $30 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

562 JAZZ and BLUES ~ Entry Fee $20

• Singers must choose a song within the Jazz or Blues genre, either upbeat or ballad
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Chris Gardner in memory of his late wife Bridget
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal; Second $30 & Medal; Third $20 & Medal. Ribbons HM & HC

563 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN UPBEAT CHARACTER SONG ~ Entry Fee $20

• Singers must choose an upbeat character song from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $40 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

•  (see below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!)

564 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $20

• Singers must choose a ballad from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $40 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC
• see below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!
  

568 CONTEMPORARY BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $20

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in a ballad style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Café Sidra
• Prizes: First $30 & Medal, Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

569 CLASSICAL VOCAL JUNIOR SHOWCASE ~ Entry Fee $25

• Singers must perform two contrasting songs from the classical repertoire for example (but not limited to) Early Renaissance, Sacred, Folk, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Lieder, 20^th Century Art Song or Ballad. Operatic Aria, Operetta and Music Theatre not permitted in this section. (See Open Section for your chance to sing Operetta!)
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 8 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Tom and Val Coad
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal; Second $15 & Medal; Third $5 & Medal. Ribbons HM & HC

MARJORIE DAVIES ENCOURAGEMENT PRIZE

• $100 will be awarded to the male competitor in section 569 who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, is worthy of encouragement

SALLY BOURNE MUSIC THEATRE PRIZE

• Awarded to the singer who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, displays the best contrast, vocal ability and characterization from 563 and 564.
• The winner will receive a one-hour music theatre coaching session with a top industry professional.

AGGREGATE AWARD – BRAM WALKER MEMORIAL AWARD

• $100 will be awarded to the Aggregate Winner of the 11 to Under 14 Years age group (incorporating sections 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 568, 569). This award is proudly donated by the Lions Club of Ballarat.
• The aggregate winner will also receive a Trophy donated by the Naomi Harrison Estate

Are you keen to sing a song or genre that is not covered in your age group?  Check out the options available in ‘Open’. 

14 To Under 16 Years

570 CONTEMPORARY UPBEAT POP/ROCK VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $23

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in an upbeat style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by National Hair Tech Solutions – Ballarat’s Leading Hair Loss Specialist
• Prizes: First $40 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

571 COUNTRY MUSIC VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $23

• Adjudication will be based on singers who stylistically represent good country technique and song choice.
• Traditional Country and Western songs are encouraged.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• First prize voucher donated by Crossroads Music
• Prizes: First $50 voucher & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

572 JAZZ and BLUES ~ Entry Fee $23

• Singers must choose a song within the Jazz or Blues genre, either upbeat or ballad
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prizes: First $40 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

573 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN UPBEAT CHARACTER SONG ~ Entry Fee $23

• Singers must choose an upbeat character song from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

• See below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!

574 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $23

• Singers must choose a ballad from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC
• (see below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!)

578 CONTEMPORARY BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $23

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in a ballad style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Café Sidra
• Prizes: First $40 & Medal, Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC
  
  

579.1 CLASSICAL VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $23

• Singers must choose ONE song from the classical repertoire for example (but not limited to) Early Renaissance, Sacred, Folk, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Lieder, 20^th Century Art Song or Ballad.Operatic Aria, Operetta and Music Theatre not permitted in this section.(See Open Section for your chance to sing Operetta!)
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by the Elsie Morison Memorial Trust
• Prizes: First $40 & Medal, Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

579.2 CLASSICAL VOCAL INTERMEDIATE SHOWCASE ~ Entry Fee $28

• Singers must perform TWO songs. One song by an Australian composer and one classical Ballad from the RSSS prescribed list of Ballads.https://royalsouthstreet.com.au/competition/classical-vocal/
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 8 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Anita Stapp for the Louis & John Stapp Memorial Prize
• Prizes: First $90 & Medal; Second $40 & Medal; Third $20 and Medal. Ribbons HM & HC

SALLY BOURNE MUSIC THEATRE PRIZE

• Awarded to the singer who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, displays the best contrast, vocal ability and characterisation from 573 and 574.
• The winner will receive a one-hour music theatre coaching session with a top industry professional.

ANATS VICTORIA PRIZE

• $100 will be awarded to the singer in the 14 to Under 16 Years age group who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, shows the most potential for a singing career.

BALLARAT ALLIED HEALTH AGGREGATE AWARD  

• $100 will be awarded to the Aggregate Winner and $50 will be awarded to the Runner Up of the 14 to Under 16 Years age group (incorporating sections 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 578, 579.1 and 579.2).
• This award is proudly donated by Ballarat Allied Health
• The aggregate winner will also receive a Trophy donated by the Naomi Harrison Estate

Are you keen to sing a song or genre that is not covered in your age group?  Check out the options available in ‘Open’. 

16 To Under 18 Years

580 CONTEMPORARY UPBEAT POP/ROCK VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $25

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in an upbeat style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by ANATS Victorian Chapter
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

581 COUNTRY MUSIC VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $25

• Adjudication will be based on singers who stylistically represent good country technique and song choice.
• Traditional Country and Western songs are encouraged.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• First prize voucher donated by Crossroads Music
• Prizes: First $100 voucher & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

582 JAZZ and BLUES ~ Entry Fee ~ $25

• Singers must choose a song within the Jazz or Blues genre, either upbeat or ballad
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Homeground Café and Bakery
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

583 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN UPBEAT CHARACTER SONG ~ Entry Fee $25

• Singers must choose an upbeat character song from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $60 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

• See below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!)

584 Contemporary Stage and Screen Ballad

• Singers must choose a ballad from the stage or screen (can include cabaret style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterisation and showcase contemporary music theatre technique appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $60 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC
• (see below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!)

585 CONTEMPORARY VCE VOCAL SOLO - for VCE Students Only ~ Entry Fee $30

• For students studying VCE Contemporary Music Performance.
• Two contrasting songs from different categories on the prescribed contemporary VCE syllabus.
• Singers who are studying ‘Music Investigation’ will sing one song from the syllabus and one own choice from their selected program.
• Time Limit: 8 Minutes
• First Prize donated by the William Morrell Trust
• Prizes: First $100 & Medal; Second $40 & Medal; Third $20 & Medal. Ribbons HM & HC

***There will be a FREE VCE masterclass following this section for all competitors***

588 CONTEMPORARY BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $25

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in a ballad style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Homeground Café and Bakery
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal, Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

589.1 CLASSICAL VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $25

• Singers must choose ONE song from the classical repertoire; for example (but not limited to) Early Renaissance, Sacred, Folk, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Lieder, 20^th Century Art Song or Ballad. Operatic Aria, Operetta and Music Theatre not permitted in this section. (See Open Section for your chance to sing Operetta!).Arias from Grand Opera are not permitted in this section.
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by the Elsie Morison Memorial Trust
• Prizes: First $50 & Medal, Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

589.2 CLASSICAL VOCAL ADVANCING SHOWCASE ~ Entry Fee $30

• Singers must perform TWO songs.
• One song by an Australian composer, and one classical Ballad from the RSSS prescribed list of Ballads.https://royalsouthstreet.com.au/competition/classical-vocal/
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 8 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Constance Coward-Lemke
• Prizes: First $70 & Medal; Second $20 & Medal; Third $10 & Medal. Ribbons HM & HC

SALLY BOURNE MUSIC THEATRE PRIZE

• Awarded to the singer who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, displays the best contrast, vocal ability and characterization from 583 and 584.
• The winner will receive a one-hour music theatre coaching session with a top industry professional.

SUTTONS HOUSE OF MUSIC PERPETUAL SHIELD

• Donated by the Sutton Family; a replica of the shield will be awarded to a competitor in the 16 to Under 18 age group who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, is worthy of encouragement.
• This must not be the aggregate winner.
• 
  

AGGREGATE AWARD – BRAM WALKER MEMORIAL AWARD

• $100 will be awarded to the Aggregate Winner of the 16 to Under 18 Years age group (incorporating sections 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 588, 589.1 and 589.2) This award is proudly donated by the Lions Club of Ballarat.
• The aggregate winner will also receive a Trophy donated by the Naomi Harrison Estate

Are you keen to sing a song or genre that is not covered in your age group?  Check out the options available in ‘Open’. 

18 Years and Over 

590 CONTEMPORARY UPBEAT POP/ROCK VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $27

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in an upbeat style.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by ANATS Victorian Chapter
• Prizes: First $60 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbon HM & HC

591 COUNTRY MUSIC VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $27

• Adjudication will be based on singers who stylistically represent good country technique and song choice.
• Traditional Country and Western songs are encouraged.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prizes: First $60 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbon HM & HC

592 JAZZ and BLUES ~ Entry Fee $27

• Singers must choose a song within the Jazz or Blues genre, either upbeat or ballad
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by the Ballarat Cabaret Club
• Prizes: First $60 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

593 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN UPBEAT CHARACTER SONG ~ Entry Fee $27

• Singers must choose an upbeat character song from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $70 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

• See below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!

594 CONTEMPORARY STAGE and SCREEN BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $27

• Singers must choose a ballad from the stage or screen (can include cabaret-style).
• Adjudication will be based on singers who portray good characterization and showcase contemporary music theatre techniques appropriate to the song choice.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by BLOC Music Theatre
• Prizes: First $70 & Medal; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC
• See below for a bonus prize – The Sally Bourne Music Theatre Prize!

598 CONTEMPORARY BALLAD ~ Entry Fee $27

• Singers must choose a song from the contemporary popular repertoire in a ballad style
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prizes: First $60 & Medal, Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

599.1 CLASSICAL VOCAL SOLO ~ Entry Fee $27

• Singers must choose ONE song from the classical repertoire; for example (but not limited to) Early Renaissance, Sacred, Folk, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Lieder, 20^th Century Art Song or Ballad. Operatic Aria, Operetta and Music Theatre not permitted in this section. (See Open Section for your chance to sing Operetta!).Arias from Grand Opera are not permitted in this section.
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 4 Minutes.
• Prize money sponsored by the Elsie Morison Memorial Trust
• Prizes: First $60 & Medal, Second & Third Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

599.2 CLASSICAL VOCAL SENIOR SHOWCASE ~ Entry Fee $31

• Singers must perform TWO songs.
• One song by an Australian composer, and one classical Ballad from the RSSS prescribed list of Ballads.https://royalsouthstreet.com.au/competition/classical-vocal/
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 8 Minutes.
• Prize money sponsored by Robyn Antoine and the Enduring Classics Singing Group
• Prizes: First $100 & Medal, Second & Third Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

SALLY BOURNE MUSIC THEATRE PRIZE

• Awarded to the singer who, in the opinion of the adjudicator, displays the best contrast, vocal ability and characterisation from 593 and 594.
• The winner will receive a one-hour music theatre coaching session with a top industry professional.

OPTIFORM AGGREGATE AWARD

• $100 will be awarded to the Aggregate Winner of the 18 Years and Over age group (incorporating sections 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 598, 599.1 and 599.2) This award is proudly donated by Optiform.
• The aggregate winner will also receive a Trophy donated by the Naomi Harrison Estate

Are you keen to sing a song or genre that is not covered in your age group?  Check out the options available in ‘Open’. 

OPEN SECTIONS

540 **New section for 2020** OPERETTA and ENDURING CLASSICS ~ Entry Fee $25

• Singers must choose one song from Operetta or the enduring vocal classics. For example (but not limited to) Gilbert and Sullivan, Sigmund Romberg, Ivor Novello, Franz Lehar.
• Please refer to Special Conditions #5 for further details.
• Time Limit: 5 Minutes.
• Prize money sponsored by Robyn Antoine and the Enduring Classics Singing Group
• Prizes: First $100 & Medal; Second & Third Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

595 VOCAL DUET OR TRIO ~ Entry Fee $31

• Any song choice is permitted but must include some harmony.
• Accompaniment is optional and sheet music does not need to be submitted.
• See special conditions #2 for further details on this section.
• Time Limit: Maximum 4 Minutes.
• Prizes: First $70 & Medals; Second & Third, Medals. Ribbons HM & HC

596 ORIGINAL SONG ~ Entry Fee $25

• Competitors can enter as either a solo singer-songwriter, or as part of a small ensemble.
• They must present an original song as written by themselves or by a member of their ensemble.

• Adjudication will be based on both the composition of the song and the vocal proficiency of the performer/s.
• Time Limit: Maximum 4 Minutes.
• Prize money donated by Optiform
• Prizes: First $70 & Medal; Second $30 & Medal; Third Medal. Ribbons HM & HC

***Following this section, there will be a FREE SONG WRITING workshop with Geoffrey and George Williams, the founders of ‘Tap Your Creativity’.  https://www.udemy.com/share/102ay2/. ALL Vocal Competitors WELCOME***

597 STRUT YOUR STUFF SHOWCASE ~ Entry Fee $31

• Performers must choose TWO songs in ANY STYLE to showcase their talent to the best of their ability.
• Adjudication will be based on performance, charisma and vocal proficiency.
• Singers MAY repeat one song (only) from another section if they wish.
• Time Limit: 8 minutes
• Prize money and medals for this section sponsored by Juliana Addison – Member for Wendouree
• Prizes: First: $70 & Medal; Second and Third Medals. Ribbons HM & HC