Category: Category A

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


SESSION: A6 COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION SESSION This session is open for Primary and High Schools as well as Tertiary Students

This unique category was first tested in 2016 and with astonishing results. 

This session is particularly helpful for both teachers and music students preparing for the annual external and internal music examinations.  It is an extremely good platform to perform the pieces in the presence of an expert and sometimes specialist adjudicator/examiner.   Depending on the entries received for this session we might have a panel of adjudicators.  Teachers are welcome to indicate on the entry form the sections they wish to be tested.  Generally, it is only scales and pieces that are tested, but sight-reading and aural tests can also be tested.  FULL test will include a formal examination which includes all of the tests. The comments of the adjudicator are extremely important in order to fix mistakes not noticed before.   We trust that this session will be even bigger and better in 2019.

GENERAL

  • This session is for all candidates performing the Graded examinations of ABRSM, UNISA, TRINITY etc, BUT NOT RESTRICTED TO THESE EXAMINATION BODIES. 
  • Candidates to perform a balanced program of three (3) pieces on the same instrument.  TAKE NOTE:  UNISA candidates are allowed to perform four (4) pieces as a programme.
  • Candidates to perform their program in one sitting. 
  • The session is open for music grades 1 – 8 AS WELL AS FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS.
  • The session is open for any solo instrument except pipe organ.
  • Candidates are free to perform more than one program but can only do so if the instruments are other than the 1st instrument. 

For example:

Joan of Arc – Piano Grade 3                                              -               One sitting

Joan of Arc – Flute Grade 6                                               -               One sitting

Joan of Arc – Violin Grade 8                                              -               One sitting

In such a case the candidate can perform each program separately according to the time table for this session.

REMINDER:  EACH SITTING MUST CONSIST OF A BALANCED PROGRAM OF THREE (3) PIECES.  All three pieces presented cannot be presented coming from the Baroque period etc.  It should represent a balanced spread of the style periods.

  • Candidates are required to complete only ONE entry form for ONE SITTING but should complete another entry form should they wish to enter for more than one instrument.
  • Please see the RATES on page 8 & 9 for the entry fee per sitting.
  • Candidates will receive a diploma for the complete sitting and feedback for every piece that they perform. 
  • By the time the entry forms are submitted, candidates are requested to insert the names of the composers as well as the names of the pieces on the entry form.  This information will appear on the diploma.
  • Time allocation per sitting will be calculated according to the music grade and will be stipulated on the final program including the time given to adjudicators to write their comments.
  • 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.


CATEGORY A: PERFORMING ARTS / UITVOERENDE KUNSTE SUBJECT: MUSIC / MUSIEK

CATEGORY A:

PERFORMING ARTS / UITVOERENDE KUNSTE

SUBJECT:  MUSIC / MUSIEK

ENTRANTS MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Entries are limited to THREE (3) items per person in certain sessions.  Please check the individual sessions for guidance.
  2. 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.
  3. There are no program requirements of solo classical repertoire in any of the classes with the exception that no works requiring any sort of preparation or amplification of the piano (s) will be admitted.
  4. Candidates should observe da capo and dal segno indications, but other repeats of more than a few bars should not be played.
  5. Pieces performed must be complete, as well as complete movements of larger works.  No “cuts” or “excerpts” will be allowed, for example:  the Exposition section of a Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven Sonata is NOT the whole movement.  The whole movement of such a piece must be performed.  It is not required to perform a complete Sonata; however, it is allowed for example when a teacher or candidate wishes to enter such a large-scale work it must be entered as follow:
    1. L. Beethoven – Sonata Op 90 (complete) or
    1. L. Beethoven  - Sonata Op 90 (1st Movement)
  6. Works from the Examination Syllabi of ABRSM, TRINITY, UNISA and other examination bodies are allowed.
  7. TEACHERS should refrain from entering a huge group of candidates that play the same piece over and over on the same

instrument.

  • Candidates must tune their instruments themselves at all grades.   However, the teacher or accompanist may advise on tuning for Grades 1-5, if needed.
  • The Art Festival provides music stands, but candidates are welcome to bring their own if they prefer.

Closing date for all entries in this category is on  Monday 24 June 2019.

VERY IMPORTANT:  PLEASE ENSURE THAT WE RECEIVE YOUR ENTRY FORMS ON THE ABOVE DATE OR A MAXIMUM OF TWO – THREE DAYS LATER.  WE MUST RECEIVE ENTRIES BEFORE THE JUNE HOLIDAYS.  WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?  DURING THE JUNE HOLIDAYS, ALL ENTRIES ARE SIEVED INTO CORRECT SESSIONS IN ORDER FOR US TO DO A NUMBER OF THINGS:

  1. To compile the venue and time allocation time table.
    1. To determine the number of entries and time needed to process the various sessions.
    1. To inform adjudicators of their time table and compile sessions according to availability.
    1. To assist schools with transport problems.
    1. To accommodate all requests received from schools and parents.
    1. To compile the master list for the diplomas which are sent to the printers.
    1. To check that the names and surnames of all candidates are correct on the diplomas.
    1. To determine the precise outlay of the venues.
    1. To submit orders for notarial seals, medals, trophies etc. timeously to the various companies.

ALL MUSIC TEACHERS: please do not annoy the audience, or the adjudicators by entering candidates that play the same piece over and over on the same instrument.   As musicians, we are very privileged to have such a vast choice of repertoire for almost every available instrument.  The choices are endless.