TTMFA 2022 Music Festival Syllabus v1.0

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
MUSIC FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION

Founded 1947 by the
Trinidad Music Association

OFFICIAL SYLLABUS
of the

34th BIENNIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sunday 16 January 2022 to Friday 29 April 2022

“The object is not to gain a prize or defeat a rival but to
pace one another on the road to excellence”.

Sir Walford Davies

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
3
Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival Association HBM 3
Administrative Information 3
Festival Dates 4
Registration 5
Deadlines & Dates Summary 7
Competition Information 9
Rules and Regulations 11
Performance Regulations
Glossary 13
Junior Classes: 15
17
JR-A Vocal Solos
JR-B Instrumental Solos 18
JR-C Musicianship 20
Open Classes: 21
OP-A Vocal Solos
OP-B Instrumental Solos 22
OP-C Musicianship 22
Video Submissions 23
Video Recording and Formats 23
Performance Guidelines 23
Tips and Suggestions
Introducing and Titling Your Video
Submitting Your Video

THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
MUSIC FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION H.B.M

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman: Mr. Jessel Murray

Vice-Chairman: Mrs. Wendy Jeremie
Secretary: Ms. Donna Wong Wai
Treasurer: Mr. Kenrick J. Noel
Marketing and Communications Officer: Mr. Alan Cooper
Business Officer: Ms. Maureen Clement
South Regional Delegate: Mrs. Rowena Wattley
North Regional Delegate: Mr. Kory Mendez
Tobago Regional Delegate: Mrs. Brenda Caesar

NORTH COMMITTEE

Chairman: Mrs. Maureen Manchouck
Vice-Chairman: Mrs. Wendy Jeremie
Secretary: Ms. Chantal Esdelle
Treasurer: Mr. Wendell Moreau
Business Manager: Ms. Maureen Clement
Communications Officer: Mr. Alan Cooper
Mrs. Kory Mendez
Ordinary Members: Ms. Lorraine Granderson

SOUTH COMMITTEE

Chairman: Mrs. Rowena Wattley
Vice Chairman: Mrs. Wendy Sinanan (Ag.)
Secretary: Mr. Rayphyel Sookoonsingh (Ag.)
Treasurer: Mrs. Rosslyn Rampersad
Business Manager: Mrs. Cheryl Jadoo
Communications Officer: Mrs. Marilyn Lalla
Ordinary Member: Mrs. Valerie Bushe

TOBAGO MUSIC ASSOCIATION

Chairman: Mrs. Brenda Caesar
Secretary: Ms. Crisann Davidson
Treasurer: Mrs. June Marshall
Secretary/Treasurer: Mrs. Merle Beckles-Benjamin
Public Relations Officer: Mr. Kenrick Noel
Trustee: Mrs. Georgette Goddard

1

HONORARY MEMBERS
The Honourable Mrs. Joan Yuille Williams
Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali
Mrs. Chloe Bailey
Mrs. Merle Albino de Coteau - B. Mus, Dip Ed., LTCL, ATCL, HBM, D. Litt
Mrs. Joslynne L. Sealey – B. Mus., Dip. Mus. Ed., HBM (Gold)

FESTIVAL FOUNDER MEMBERS Alstons Limited
Stephen’s, Todd & Fogarty Limited D. Hope Ross & Sons Limited
T. Geddes Grant Limited Salvatori, Scott & Company Ltd.
Gordon Grant & Company Limited Y. De Lima & Company Ltd
George F. Huggins & Company Limited

RESEARCH AND SELECTION OF SYLLABUS

Ms. Keisha Baisden Dr. Jeannine Remy
Mr. Alan Cooper Mrs. Bernadette Roberts
Ms. Maureen Clement Mr. Sean Sutherland
Mr. Jessel Murray Mrs. Gretta Taylor

SYLLABUS RESEARCH & FORMAT
Mr. Rayphyel Sookoonsingh

2

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO MUSIC FESTIVAL:
The Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival (2022) will be conducted virtually due to the
constraints occasioned by the pandemic. The Preliminaries (where necessary) and the Finals will
be conducted on a virtual platform, that is the submission and adjudication of competitors in all
classes. The Championships, that is the top three competitors in the finals, may be conducted
virtually or live dependant on the regulations of the Trinidad and Tobago Government in 2022.

Festival Information, Rules and Regulations and Registration Forms can also be obtained on
the TTMFA website: www.ttmusicfestival.org.
Our email address is: [email protected].

FESTIVAL DATES

● The TTMFA 2022 National Festival Championships will take place between 25 -29
April, 2022 when the top three performers in any class will be invited to compete (See No. 6,
Competition Information, Pg. 5).
● The deadline for submission of all first-round performance videos is 28 February 2022.
● In classes where there are twenty-five or less competitors, the top three competitors will
advance to the Championships.
In classes where there are more than 25 competitors, the top TEN will advance to the Final
round of competition. They will be notified of this no later than March 10 2022 after which they
will be required to resubmit a performance video by the deadline of 31 March 2022. Once
adjudicated, the top three will advance to the Championships.

REGISTRATION

All regular entries must be submitted during the period 1 November 2021 and 15 January 2022
and must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee. Entries are to be completed online at
www.ttmusicfestival.org.

1. Entries are completed online
2. An invoice will be generated
3. Payment will be completed via WiPay

3

DEADLINES & DATES SUMMARY

Activity Date

Registration Release of Syllabus 26 October 2021
Registration begins 1 November 2021
Registration ends 15 January 2022

Submission of scores for 1 November – 30 November 2021
Own Choice classes

Submission of all performance videos 1 November 2021 – 28 February 2022

Submissions Composition for Solo or Concerted
Instruments: Submission period for original 1 November 2021 – 28 February 2022
composition

Submission period for second videos 10 March – 31 March 2022

Announcement of all 5 April 2022
Championship competitors

Championships 2022 National Festival Championships 25 April – 29 April 2022

4

COMPETITION INFORMATION

*PLEASE PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION*

For the purpose of this syllabus, the following apply:

Eligibility
1. The competition is open to persons who are resident in Trinidad and Tobago for the duration

of the Festival, inclusive of the registration period from 1 November 2021 through
15 January 2022.

2. The Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival is organised for Amateur Musicians. Professional
Musicians (as defined in 3 below) are ineligible to participate.

3. Professional Musicians are defined as follows:

(a) Those who hold a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Music from a recognised tertiary
institution

(b) Those who hold a Licentiate in Music or above from the ABRSM, Trinity College of
London or the equivalent

(c) Potential participants who are active members of regional and international Guilds (e.g.
Equity) may be considered as professionals. Persons should check with the committee
to verify their ‘amateur’ status prior to the submission of entries.

(d) The TTMFA reserves the right to determine the classification of entrants.

4. Junior Classes are for those musicians who are nineteen (19) years and under. View the
stipulation re: age in Rule No. 2 of Rules and Regulations. There are specific qualifications
for both the vocal and instrumental classes. Open Classes have no upper age limit. A Junior
competitor is eligible to perform in the appropriate Junior category and any Open category.

5. Voice Classifications

(a) “Upper Voices” means Sopranos, Trebles, Contraltos and Countertenors;
(b) “Lower Voices” means Tenors, Baritones and Basses;

Adjudication and Related Matters
6. All competitors will receive a mark sheet, but Certificates will only be awarded to

competitors who place First, Second or Third in the Finals, provided that a minimum mark
of eighty (80) has been attained.

5

7. In classes where entries are equivalent to twenty-five (25) competitors or fewer, the top
three (3) placings in any class will proceed to the Championships, provided that a minimum
mark of eighty-five (85) has been attained. For each Championship class or set of
Championship classes (as outlined) the Adjudicators shall determine which Competitor shall
receive the designated trophy.

8. In class where entries exceed twenty-five (25) competitors the top ten (10) to fifteen (15)
placings in any class will proceed to the Finals. The top three (3) of the finals shall
subsequently proceed to the Championships as in No. 7 above.

9. The Adjudicators have the authority to stop the adjudication of any work that is below
the minimum time limit or exceeds the maximum time limit (for live performances).

10. The decision of the Adjudicators shall be final in all matters relating to the assessment
of all classes. Appeals may be filed with the Chair of the TTMFA who shall refer all
appeals to a Festival appeals sub-committee.

11. The Grade Standard for “Own Choice” music in Open Classes is that of Grade VII
(ABRSM, TCL or the equivalent) and above. In the Junior Classes the following Standards
are advised:

(a) Junior Classes, 12 years and under, are equivalent to Grade III
(b) Junior Classes, 13 – 15 years, are equivalent to Grade V
(c) Junior Classes, 16 – 19 years, are equivalent to Grade VI

12. The following classes: Vocal Solo, Musical Theatre, Contemporary Religious Music,
Spiritual, Operatic Aria, and Oratorio are of a specific musical genre or musical era.
Competitors are strongly advised to check the Glossary (See Pg. 11) before making their
selections. Failure to adhere to the guidelines in the Glossary will result in disqualification.
(Competitors may receive comments from the Adjudicator; no marks will be awarded).

13. All Challenge Trophies are the property of the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival
Association. Champions are entitled to retain the Challenge trophies but must return them
to the Festival office upon request. A commemorative Plaque will be given upon the
return of the Challenge Trophy.

14. In the event that a competitor wins a particular trophy in three (3) consecutive festivals, a
suitably inscribed substitute trophy shall be awarded. Under no circumstances shall the
winner of any trophy, even in multiple successive Festivals, be awarded the original trophy
to keep permanently.

6

RULES AND REGULATIONS

APPLICABLE TO ALL COMPETITORS

1. Professional Musicians (See No. 3, Competition Information, Pg. 5) are ineligible to
participate in the Festival.

2. Age Limits for the Junior Classes:
(a) The maximum age for participation as a Junior is nineteen (19) years of age. All ages
are to be calculated as on the first OFFICIAL day of the Festival, that is Sunday 16
January 2022.
(b) In all Junior Classes, the Date of Birth must be entered on the Entry Form.
(c) All Junior competitors who qualify for the Championships of their Class may be
required to produce proof of birth dates, if requested, in order to compete further.

3. Competitors may enter classes as solo performers ONLY.
4. Competitors may enter only once in each class, with the exception of specific Instrumental

Solo classes as indicated on the entry form (i.e., Classes JR-B4, JR-B5, JR-B10, JR-B11,
JR-B12, JR-B13, OP-B3, and OP-B5).
5. Competitors may enter in more than one class, provided that the entry fee for each class is
paid.
6. For the virtual sessions, Competitors MUST provide their own accompanist for all OWN
CHOICE classes. Downloadable accompaniment tracks will be made available for classes
with test pieces which require them. Competitors are free to use either the downloaded
tracks, or provide their own piano accompaniment of the test piece score provided. A list of
potential accompanists for hire will be made available on the festival site.
7. Only SECULAR Folk songs are to be used in the Folk Song Classes.
8. In Classes with OWN CHOICE music, please note the following:
(a) Competitors must submit a COPY of the written score of music to be played, along

with any additional information required (as for Operatic, Musical Theatre and Folk
Song Classes) NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 30 2021.

7

(b) Please note the following Copyright Issues for the performance of Musical Theatre
songs:
i. Competitors must not make any changes to either music or lyrics and must use
only the published or authorised musical arrangement of the song; and
ii. The Association will not be liable for any breach of copyright arising out of
a Competitor’s performance.
iii. (cf. Performance Regulations – The Guide to Musical Theatre.
www.guidetomusicaltheatre.com)

(c) Competitors are not permitted to repeat their performed “Own Choice” selections
within three consecutive Festivals.

9. In the MUSICIANSHIP CLASSES, two (2) copies of an original composition for solo or
concerted instruments, must be submitted no later than 28 February 2022. One of the
copies will be retained by the Committee. Entrants must download the Certificate of
Originality from the website (www.ttmusicfestival.org) and affix to their
composition/arrangement before submitting. This document must be signed (and stamped)
by an institution or trainer certifying that the score is entirely their own unaided and original
work.

10. For Piano Instrumental classes (inclusive of class OP-B2 Instrumental Recital), performers
may also use a digital keyboard with weighted keys and an acoustic piano tone.

11. For Vocal classes where there is a language other than English, the original language is
preferred. However, competitors will not be disadvantaged by the use of English in such
cases.

12. Unless otherwise indicated, where Test Pieces have repeats, they are to be played or
performed without the use of repeats.

13. All Test Pieces must be performed in the published key.

14. No extra marks will be given for performing from memory. However, Vocal works are
expected to be performed from memory in all cases.

15. Competitors who have qualified for the National Championships and find that they are
unable to participate MUST inform the TTMFA as soon as possible so that alternate
arrangements may be made.

16. In all matters arising out of, or not especially provided for in these Regulations, the decision
of the Festival Committee/Management is Final.

8

PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS

*PLEASE PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION*

ACCOMPANIMENT
1. (a) All accompaniment except for classes JR-A11, JR-A14, JR-A15, OP-A14, OP-A15 is
to be piano accompaniment, and may be played either on an acoustic piano or on a digital
piano with weighted keys and an acoustic piano tone.
(b) Competitors must provide their own accompaniment.

JUNIOR CLASSES

2. Class JR-A9 Contemporary Religious Solo.
Competitors may select their “Own Choice: and provide their own accompanist. The selection
may be a Spiritual, Gospel, Contemporary Religious or locally-composed Religious song;

OPEN CLASSES

3. Classes OP-A1 Vocal Solo – Upper Voices and OP-A2 Vocal Solo – Lower Voices
The selections for these classes must be Arts Songs only.

4. Classes OP-A3 Oratorio Solo – Upper Voices, OP-A4 Oratorio Solo – Upper Voices, A10
Operatic Aria – Upper Voices, and A11: Operatic Aria – Upper Voices

The Competitor’s Scores must be accompanied by a title page which states the title of the
selection, the name and composer of the Opera/Oratorio from which it is taken; the selection
must be sung in the original key and language. See Glossary.

5. Class OP-A9: Vocal Recital
The Recital is to consist of a varied and contrasting programme of not fewer than three (3) songs
of Grade 7 Level or above, and in at least two languages. The entire recital must not exceed
fifteen (15) minutes in duration.

9

6. Classes OP-A14 Folk Song Solo – Upper Voices and OP-A15 Folk Song Solo – Lower
Voices

The competitor must present one (1) ‘Own Choice’ Folk Song which must be West Indian in
character and may be from any region of the Caribbean.
7. Class OP-B2: Instrumental Recital
Candidates are to prepare a balanced and contrasting programme of music on one instrument, no
lower than Grade 7 Level, selected from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary
eras. The entire recital must not exceed fifteen (15) minutes in duration.

10

GLOSSARY

Art Song:

A class of compositions for voice and piano in the Western Classical tradition. Such works may
be through-composed; and the text may be inspired by poetry, or of other free verse. There is an
interrelatedness between the text and the music composed for the voice and the piano.

Contemporary Religious Music:

A loosely defined genre of music that has developed over the last seventy years incorporating
elements of popular music (e.g., Pop, Rock, R&B, Spirituals, Blues, Gospel, Jazz etc.) which is
lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith and primarily intended for the
performance as part of services of worship. For the purposes of this Festival, Gospel Music (a
style of Christian music based on American folk music, marked sometimes by strong rhythms
and elaborate refrains, incorporating the elements of spirituals, blues, and jazz and reflecting
aspects of personal religious experience of the Protestant evangelical groups) is included as part
of this genre.

Folk Song:

A Folk Song must be of unknown authorship and one that has been passed on, preserved and
adapted (often in several versions) in an oral tradition before being later written down or
recorded. To reiterate, once the composer can be identified, the song is NOT considered a
Folk Song.

Folk Songs cover many musical styles and generally use traditional melodies to tell a narrative or
speak on social, political or popular issues. Modern songs composed in the style of traditional
folk song are not authentic Folk Songs.

Oratorio

An Oratorio is a large-scale musical composition for vocal soloists, choir and orchestra with a
story based on a sacred theme performed with music and without costume, scenery or action.
Oratorio Solo is one of the solo arias composed as part of the Oratorio. Commonly performed
Oratorios are composed by Handel, Haydn, Bach and Mendelssohn.

Spiritual

Spirituals are a musical form indigenous and specific to the African-American religious
experience in the United States mainly arising out of slavery. They are characterised by a vocal
style that is full, rich and heavily accented and should generally be sung in dialect. Choral
arrangements are typically performed “a cappella” though instrumental accompaniment, such as
the piano, organ, electric guitar, drums and other percussion instruments, has been used in more
recent times.

11

LIST OF CLASSES

Competitors are advised to study the
Rules and Regulations carefully before

completing Registration Forms

Test pieces can be accessed via www.ttmusicfestival.org

12

1. JUNIOR CLASSES

A. VOCAL SOLOS (15 CLASSES)

Class No. Description of Category Entry Fee
$40.00
JR-A1 Boy’s Vocal Solo (7 – 10 years) $40.00
Test Piece: Lions by W. H. Belyea and A. C. Darke $40.00
See Performance Regulations $40.00

JR-A2 Boy’s Vocal Solo (11 – 12 years) $40.00
Test Piece: We Can Make a Difference by Clifford Crawley
See Performance Regulations $40.00
$40.00
JR-A3 Boy’s Vocal Solo (13 – 15 years)
Test Piece: Career Paths by Ben Parry and Garth Bardsley $40.00
See Performance Regulations

JR-A4 Boy’s Vocal Solo (16 – 19 years)
Test Piece: Over The Mountains arr. Roger Quilter
in EITHER F major OR G major
See Performance Regulations

JR-A5 Girls’ Vocal Solo (7 – 10 years)
Test Piece: Song For a Baby Sister by W. H. Anderson and
R. H. Grenville
See Performance Regulations

JR-A6 Girl’s Vocal Solo (11 – 12 years)
Test Piece: Pancakes arr. by Desmond McMahon
See Performance Regulations

JR-A7 Girl’s Vocal Solo (13 – 15 years)
Test Piece: Close Thine Eyes by Mary Plumstead and
King Charles I
See Performance Regulations

JR-A8 Girl’s Vocal Solo (16 – 19 years)
Test Piece: Under the Greenwood Tree by R. Quilter and
W. Shakespeare in EITHER D major OR F major
See Performance Regulations

13

JR-A9 Contemporary Religious Solo – Boy or Girl – (13 - 15 years) $40.00
JR-A10 Test Piece: Own Choice $40.00
JR-A11 Time Limit: 5 minutes
JR-A12 See Performance Regulations $40.00
JR-A13 $40.00
JR-A14 Contemporary Religious Solo – Boy or Girl – (16 - 19 years) $40.00
JR- A15 Test Piece: Own Choice $40.00
Time Limit: 5 minutes $40.00
See Performance Regulations

Folk Song Solo – Boy or Girl – 19 years and under
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Musical Theatre Solo – Boy or Girl – (13 – 15 years)
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Musical Theatre Solo – Boy or Girl – (16 – 19 years)
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Rapso Solo – Boy or Girl – 19 years and under
Test Piece: An Own Choice selection composed by
Brother Resistance (Lutalo Masimba)
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Calypso Solo – Boy or Girl – 19 years and under
Test Piece: An Own Choice selection composed by
Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts HBM DA)
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

14

B. INSTRUMENTAL SOLOS (16 CLASSES)

Class No. Description of Category Entry Fee
$40.00
JR-B1 Piano Solo (12 years and under)
Test Piece: EITHER (a) Berceuse (Andante) from Album de pièces
facile por la jeunesse by Valdimir Rebikov

JR-B2 OR (b) In Old Vienna from Children's pieces by W. Gillock $40.00
See Performance Regulations

Piano Solo (15 years and under)
Test Piece: EITHER (a) Allegro from Sonatina op. 20 No. 1 by F.
Kulhau

JR-B3 OR (b) Jazz etudes 1 AND 15, from Jazz Etudes Book 2 by Milan $40.00
Dvorak
See Performance Regulations

Piano Solo (19 years and under)
Test Piece: EITHER (a) Ou l'on entend une vieille boîte à musique
by Deodat de Severac AND Le ballet des poussins dans leurs
coques from Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky.

JR-B4 OR (b) Valse caressante from Six Pieces for Solo Piano by Respighi $40.00
JR-B5 See Performance Regulations $40.00
JR-B6 $40.00
String Solos (15 years and under)
Test Piece: OWN CHOICE
Time Limit: 3 minutes
See Performance Regulations

String Solos (19 years and under)
Test Piece: OWN CHOICE
Time Limit: 3 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Acoustic Guitar Solo (15 years and under)
Test Piece: OWN CHOICE
Time Limit: 3 minutes
See Performance Regulations

15

JR-B7 Acoustic Guitar Solo (19 years and under) $40.00
JR-B8 Test Piece: OWN CHOICE $40.00
Time Limit: 3 minutes $40.00
See Performance Regulations
$40.00
Recorder Solo (15 years and under) $40.00
Test Piece: EITHER: (a) Get Up and Go by Brian Bonsor on $40.00
DESCANT RECORDER $40.00

JR-B9 OR (b) Largo from Sonata in G Op. 1 No. 3 by J B Loeillet on
TREBLE RECORDER
See Performance Regulations

Recorder Solo (19 years and under)
Test Piece: EITHER (a) Mexican Hat Dance by Alan Bullard on
DESCANT RECORDER

JR-B10 OR (b) Rondo by Malcolm Arnold from Sonatina for Recorder and
JR-B11 Piano Op 41 on TREBLE RECORDER
JR-B12 See Performance Regulations
JR-B13
Woodwind Solos (15 years and under)
Test Piece: OWN CHOICE
Time Limit: 3 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Woodwind Solos (19 years and under)
Test Piece: OWN CHOICE
Time Limit: 3 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Brass Solos (15 years and under)
Test Piece: OWN CHOICE
Time Limit: 3 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Brass Solos (19 years and under)
Test Piece: OWN CHOICE
Time Limit: 3 minutes
See Performance Regulations

16

JR-B14 Steel Pan Solo (Tenor or Double Tenor/Seconds) (12 years and $40.00
JR-B15 under) $40.00
JR-B16 Test Piece: $40.00
TENOR: Castilian by G Gomez adpt. H Headley, ed. S Sharma
DOUBLE TENOR/SECOND: Entry of the Nubian Slaves from
Faust by Charles Gounod
See Performance Regulations

Steel Pan Solo (Tenor or Double Tenor/Seconds) (15 years and
under)
Test Piece:
TENOR: Allegro in F by J S Handel
DOUBLE TENOR/SECOND: Fun at Home by Aram Khatchaturian
See Performance Regulations

Steel Pan Solo (Tenor or Double Tenor/Seconds) (19 years and
under)
Test Piece:
TENOR: Toccata by Satanand Sharma
DOUBLE TENOR/SECOND: Dance Mathilda Dance by Anthony
Williams
See Performance Regulations

C. MUSICIANSHIP (2 CLASSES)

Class No. Description of Category Entry Fee
$40.00
JR-C1 Arrangement for Steel Quartet
Time Limit: 5 min $40.00

Age limit of Arranger: 19 years and under

JR-C2 Composition for Steel Solo
Time Limit: 5 min

Age limit of Composer: 19 years and under

Note: The adjudicators may require an interview with any individual competitor to discuss
his/her composition. (See Rules and Regulations No. 9, Pg. 8).

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2. OPEN CLASSES

A. VOCAL SOLOS (15 CLASSES)

Class No. Description of Category Entry Fee
$50.00
OP-A1 Vocal Solo – Upper Voices $50.00
Test Piece: Own Choice $50.00
Time Limit: 5 minutes $50.00
See Performance Regulations and Glossary $50.00
$50.00
OP-A2 Vocal Solo – Lower Voices $50.00
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations and Glossary

OP-A3 Oratorio Solo – Upper Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations and Glossary

OP-A4 Oratorio Solo – Lower Voices
OP-A5 Test Piece: Own Choice
OP-A6 Time Limit: 5 minutes
OP-A7 See Performance Regulations and Glossary

Contemporary Religious Solo – Upper Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations and Glossary

Contemporary Religious Solo – Lower Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations and Glossary

Spiritual Solo – Upper Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Glossary

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OP-A8 Spiritual Solo – Lower Voices $50.00
Test Piece: Own Choice $50.00
Time Limit: 5 minutes $50.00
See Glossary $50.00
$50.00
OP-A9 Vocal Recital – (Upper OR Lower Voices) $50.00
Test Pieces: Own Choice $50.00
Time Limit: 15 minutes $50.00
See Performance Regulations

OP-A10 Operatic Aria – Upper Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

OP-A11 Operatic Aria – Lower Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

OP-A12 Musical Theatre Solo – Upper Voices
OP-A13 Test Piece: Own Choice
OP-A14 Time Limit: 5 minutes
OP-A15 See Performance Regulations

Musical Theatre Solo – Lower Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Folk Song Solo – Upper Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Folk Song Solo – Lower Voices
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

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B. INSTRUMENTAL SOLOS (5 CLASSES)

Description of Category Entry
Fee
OP-B1 Piano Solo $50.00
OP-B2 Test Pieces: Own Choice
OP-B3 Time Limit: 5 minutes $50.00
OP-B4 See Performance Regulations
OP-B5 $50.00
Instrumental Recital
Test Pieces: Own Choice $50.00
Time Limit: 15 minutes
See Performance Regulations $50.00

Orchestral Instrument Solos (Strings; Woodwinds; Brass;
Tuned Percussion)
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Acoustic Guitar Solo
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

Steelpan Solo
Test Piece: Own Choice
Time Limit: 5 minutes
See Performance Regulations

20

C. MUSICIANSHIP (2 CLASSES)

Class No. Description of Category Entry Fee
$100.00
OP-C1 Composition for Solo/Duet Steel Instruments
Time Limit: 5 min $100.00

OP-C2 Composition for Steel Ensemble
Time Limit: 5 min

Note: The adjudicators may require an interview with any individual competitor to discuss
his/her composition. (See Rules and Regulations No. 9, Pg. 7).

21

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS

Video Recording and Formats

• Videos may be recorded using a smartphone, tablet, camera, or similar video capture device.
• Your device should be positioned to record in landscape orientation (horizontally).
• The recording must be done as a single-take, i.e., a continuous recording without breaks.
• Video and audio should be recorded simultaneously.
• Do not edit after recording. Recordings that are not continuous or that are edited will be

disqualified.

Performance Guidelines

• All pieces which require accompaniment should have the appropriate accompaniment in the
recording, and not edited in.

• The device should be placed on a tripod or stand, or securely propped to ensure stable
recording.

• The device should be placed at an appropriate distance away from the performer. The zoom
function should be avoided as it can make the video grainy or fuzzy.

• The performer should be in the centre of the frame and should be seen from the hips
upwards. For classes where movement is customary, such as Folk, you may frame the video
so that more of the performer’s body is in view.

• The device’s camera should be focussed on the performer (usually done by tapping on the
screen once the performer is in position). For instrumental classes, the camera should also be
focussed on the performer’s instrument.

• The performer should be clearly visible at all times, in a well-lit space.
• For instrumentalists, you may gently frame the video (i.e., angle the recording device) so that

that your hands and face are visible at all times.
• The recording device must not be held by the performer during recording, i.e., recordings

must not be done as a ‘selfie’. Similarly, selfie sticks are not to be used.

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Before Recording Your Video

• Place your device in Airplane or Do Not Disturb mode to avoid notifications and
interruptions. If your device vibrates during the recording, it will result in an audible noise in
the final video.

• Be sure that the room is quiet; there should be no background noises from televisions, radios,
other persons, pets, etc.

• Ensure that your device has sufficient storage space and battery life for the recording
• Ensure that lighting and acoustics are adequate.
• Competitors should be appropriately dressed, refraining from shorts, sleeveless or navel-

breakers, except for classes which require costuming. With the exception of health or
religious reasons, head gear should not be worn.

Tips And Suggestions

• Professional recordings are not necessary.
• Try recording test videos before performing, to find the best room/angle/position in which to

record.
• If you have to choose between better audio or video quality, go with better audio quality.
• For best results, put the camera between the primary light source (lamps, window, etc.) and

the performer.
• Bright lighting behind the performer will result in the video being too dark, and should be

avoided.
• A large room without reverberation or echo will provide a better sound. Keep windows

closed to prevent outdoor sounds from affecting the recording.
• Watch your recording before uploading to be sure there were no technical problems.
• Remember that the adjudicators are assessing the quality of your performance, not the quality

of your recording.

Introducing and Titling Your Video

• At the start of the recording, please introduce yourself by stating your full name, followed by
the title of your song and the class in which you are entering.

• For example, “My name is Shannon Smith. I will perform Lions for the class JR-A1 Boy’s
Vocal Solo (7 – 10 years)”.

• For Own Choice pieces, please also include the composer’s name (and/or the arranger’s
name where necessary) and the title of work from which your piece is selected if applicable

• The identity of your teacher or region should not be revealed

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• Videos should be titled as follows:
o Test Pieces: Class – Performer’s Full Name, e.g., “JR-A1 – Shannon Smith”
o Own Choice: Class – Performer’s Full Name – Title of Piece
e.g., “OP-A12 – Shannon Smith – Johnny Grotto

Submitting Your Video

Videos are to be submitted as a link to an Unlisted YouTube video.
You will be able to upload this link after you have registered.
Instructions on how to do this will be sent with your registration confirmation email.

– END –

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