INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC POP/CONTEMPORARY ALL STYLES

This category is a new addition to the festival.   The specific reason for this category is to give general musicians (those not enrolled in a formal music course and/or formal graded music examinations) the opportunity to showcase their talent in a relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere.

  • Candidates are allowed to perform on ANY instrument of their choice provided that they bring their own instrument along.  Pipe Organs are NOT included in this session.  The festival provide music stands as well as a grand piano and a normal upright piano.
  • Candidates are allowed to enter a maximum of two (2) pieces in this session.
  • Candidates can enter for the SOLO session and/or the mixed (combined) session where any combination of instruments and number of players are allowed.  This must be clearly indicated on the entry form. 
  • A diploma will be issued to each candidate.
  • Copies of all performance works must be submitted to the adjudicator secretary and may not be returned.  A copy of improvisations and/or music played from memory is not required.
  • Candidates must note that the Copyright Act 98 of 1978, as amended, strictly prohibits the photocopying of sheet music without written permission form the publisher.
  • AGE:  ALL AGES

WHAT TYPE OF REPERTOIRE IS NORMALLY PLAYED IN THIS SESSION?

General music.  Music from the radio.  Your favourite song.  Film music.  Transcriptions from orchestral movie scores etc.   


PIPE ORGAN

THIS SESSION APPEARS FOR THE 1ST TIME IN THE SYLLABUS OF THE SUNDAYS RIVER VALLEY PROVINCIAL ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL.   THEREFOR IT IS BRAND-NEW BUT ALSO AN EXCITING ADDITION TO THE FESTIVAL.

  • This session is divided into BEGINNERS, GRADE 1-3, GRADE 4-5, GRADE 6-8 and then PROFESSIONAL
  • Candidates are allowed to perform only ONE piece at ALL LEVELS and/or candidates can choose to perform a programme consisting of three (3) pieces representing various styles.
  • Entrants ARE NOT REQUIRED TO INCLUDE A COPY OF THEIR MUSIC WITH THE ENTRY FORM BUT ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR MUSIC TO THE ADJUDICATOR SECRETARY ON THE DAY OF PERFORMANCE.  This copy may not be returned.
  • Maximum time limit per programme: 20 minutes
  • REGISTRATION: Registration is left to the candidate’s discretion. Candidates at any grade may bring a registrant, who may also act as page-turner.
  • VENUE:  Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) Kirkwood.  

Judges will choose the overall winner in this category.  The winner will be invited to a morning service at the Dutch Reformed Church in Kirkwood for a performance.  The winner will receive a cash prize to the value of R3 000.00.  Full media coverage


SESSION: C DUETS / TRIOS / QUARTETS / QUINTETS

  • This session is open for the combination of instrumentalists according to the section title.
  • Candidates may perform on any instrument of their choice (except organ) and must provide their own                

instruments if the instrument is not a piano.

  • Candidates will be assessed as an ensemble and not as individuals.
  • A diploma will be issued to each candidate.
  • This session is intended for candidates and not for a candidate/s together with their teacher.
  • Copies of all performance works must be submitted to the adjudicator secretary and may not be returned.
  • Candidates must note that the Copyright Act 98 of 1978, as amended, strictly prohibits the photocopying of sheet music without written permission form the publisher.
  • Candidates may use any edition.
  • Candidates are free to perform from any period:  Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern.
  • Page turners are allowed but must not be the teacher of candidates.
  • Choice of work:  Own choice.
  • TWO (2) items per candidate are permitted, BUT where a candidate performed as a duet, or accompanist to another candidate, such a candidate may enter more than twice.

Maximum time limit:  10 minutes

GUIDE:

C2 - TRIOS:

Here the possibilities are also almost endless.  Trio Sonatas, Piano Trio (piano, violin and cello), String Trio (violin, viola and cello), Flute, Viola and Harp, Jazz trio, Clarinet-violin-piano trio, Clarinet-violoncello and piano, Power Trios (bass guitar, drum kit), Horn Trio (Violin, Horn and Piano) etc.

C3 - QUARTETS:

String Quartets (2 Violins, a viola and cello), sometimes also:  Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.

Piano Quartet:  Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano

Wind Quartet:  Wind, Violin, Viola and Cello

Woodwind Quartet:  Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon

Saxophone Quartet:  featuring 4 of the same instruments – Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Sax

C4 - QUINTETS

Wind Quintet (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn)

Brass Quintet (2 Trumpets, Horn, Trombone and Tuba)

Piano Quintet (2 Violins, Viola, Cello + any other instrument such as Piano, clarinet, oboe etc.)

NOTE:  Other variations are possible.  Teachers should use their own discretion.

Jazz Quintet – Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Piano, Bass, Drums (The Greatest Concert Ever – Charlie Parker,1953)

String Quintet – As an extension to the string quartet, a string quintet includes a 5th string instrument, usually a 2nd viola (a so-called “viola quintet), or a second cello (a “cello quintet”), or occasionally a double bass.


SESSION A6 MUSIC: INSTRUMENTAL COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION SESSION GRADING & MARKING CRITERIA

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM FOR THIS COMPETITIVE SESSION.  THE GRADING IS IMPLEMENTED ACCORDING TO THE MARKING CRITERIA OF THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC.  FOR YOUR REFERENCE, WE INCLUDE THE MARKING CRITERIA UNDERNEATH. 

NOTE:  THIS CRITERION CAN ALSO BE USED IN PREPERATION FOR THE BEGINNERS AND NON-COMPETITIVE SESSIONS

MARKING CRITERIA (ALL GRADES)

EACH PIECE WILL BE MARKED ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE CRITERIA AND MARKS. 

AWARDS (DIPLOMAS)

DISTINCTION:  90+ - ENGRAVED GOLD MEDAL

MERIT:  80 – 89 – GOLD DIPLOMA

PASS:  60 - 79 - SILVER DIPLOMA