CHORAL AND VOCAL MUSIC - RULES AND REGULATIONS 2024

1. Every care will be taken for competitors’ safety, but the Committee will not be responsible for any injuries sustained by any competitor and or damage to property during the Eisteddfod.
2. By entering the Border District Eisteddfod, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations as outlined in this 2024 Schedule.
3. Entries will not be accepted unless accompanied by the correct entry fee. Entry fees are not refundable unless cancelled by the Committee or there is an error in the program.
4. Requests for sections to be heard at particular times are to be either given in writing/emailed to the committee or can be made through Stardom when processing the entry. The committee will endeavour to accommodate requests however no alterations will be made once the program is complete.
5. Age is determined as of 1st January, 2024. The committee reserves the right to ask for proof of age.
6. In the individual solo sections, competitors may enter only once per section.
7. In duo and trio sections, competitors may perform twice in these sections with different partners in any one section. In duo & trios, the eldest performer must enter the relevant age section.
8. All vocal solos, duets, and character songs are own choice, but must be songs suitable to the age group. Choice of song will be taken into consideration.
9. The preferred method of accompaniment for all vocal and choral sections is a pianist. The official accompanist’s details are listed above. If using an electronic accompaniment, competitors must make prior arrangements with the Music Committee.
10. Time limits must be observed. An item may be shorter than the limit but not exceed it. To meet time limits, excerpts of verses are acceptable and repeats may be omitted from music. Timing is from when competitors enter the stage until they leave it (includes set-up and pack-up time).
11. The Border District Eisteddfod (BDE) holds an Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) license that covers the public performance of all copyright musical works at this event. In 2017, a new licensing scheme was introduced to all eisteddfods. It is based on a per entry rate of 90c (ex GST) and has been included in the entry fee for performers. BDE also has an arrangement with the Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS) that allows entrants to photocopy an original piece of sheet music for adjudicators. An entrant may supply the adjudicator with an unlicensed copy of the piece provided that (a) the original is used by the entrant for performance or held at the venue for inspection and (b) the Executive Committee or its delegate destroys the copy immediately after the adjudication. A Declaration form is to be filled in and handed in with the adjudicator copy. Forms can be downloaded from this website. Entrants must perform from original published editions of music unless prior permission has been obtained from the copyright owner.
12. Competitor’s names and/or photographs may be used for promotional or marketing purposes. Should this not be appropriate, the Eisteddfod Committee MUST be notified. This can be done online when submitting entries.
13. The adjudicator’s decision is final.
14. Unless specifically invited by the adjudicator, contact with the adjudicator must not be made directly by teachers, competitors or parents.
15. Adjudicator comment sheets can be obtained from the table in the foyer.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR CHORAL SECTIONS

SECTIONS 1-4, 6,7, 9, 10: To present two (2) contrasting pieces as follows:

(a) Sections 1 & 2: Pieces should be contrasting and sung in unison or counterpoint. Total time limit for performance is 6 minutes. This includes getting on and off the stage.

(b) Sections 3 & 4: Pieces should be contrasting and sung in unison or in two parts. Total time limit for performance is 8 minutes. This includes getting on and off the stage.

(c) Sections 6, 7,  9 & 10: Pieces should be contrasting. One song must be in at least 2 parts and the other unison with optional descant. Total time limit for performance is 10 minutes. This includes getting on and off the stage.

SECTIONS 5, 8, 11: One piece from a stage musical or musical movie. Use of choir risers is optional. Performance should include elements of music, facial and body expression and simple choreography. Costumes and props are optional and some dialogue is allowed, however, the performance should be predominantly a musical item.