INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS

Events 270 - 294

The following guidelines and reminders are specific to this Division.Please also read the Information for Entrants & Rules And General Conditions.

GENERAL:
1. A person may only perform ONCE in the SAME event..
2. A different item is required for each event unless repeats are specifically allowed. If it is specifically indicated that an item may be repeated, it may be repeated ONLY ONCE (except when progressing to finals).
3. Tests allow for presentation of more than one item published or unpublished (unless otherwise indicated), provided they fit within the nominated time limits. Time Limits are strictly monitored and entrants exceeding the time will be eligible for 'comments only' - not for any placing.
4. Registration & performance rules are strictly enforced (see Nos 15 & 16 in the Rules & General Conditions of Entry).
5. Unless an event is ‘Any Age’, entrants must conform to event age limits. Random age checks will be made and entrants must carry a photocopy of their birth certificate or school ID with their date of birth.
6. Entrants perform at their own risk. Entrants agree they are of good health and fitness and physically able to participate in an event. No liability will be accepted for any injury sustained whilst carrying out that performance.
7. In case of insufficient entries in any event they may be combined with similar events.
8. Performance pieces are own choice unless ‘Test’ items are specified. A copy of the music to be performed must be provided for the adjudicator unless otherwise stated. Photocopies will not be returned. Orchestra scores, with bars numbered, must be compiled in order of performance, presented in a folder and labeled with Event & Entrant numbers for identification.

GROUPS:
9. A separate entry form is required for EACH DIFFERENT GROUP NAME.
10. Players must be bonafide members of their groups. Groups who become finalists must consist of the same individuals as in the heat without augmentation. Groups found 'Band Stacking' will be disqualified.
11. Non-playing & non-singing conductors may conduct any number of ensembles.
12. Age limits do not apply to conductors provided they do not play an instrument, but accompanists are part of the ensemble and must comply with the age limitations.
13. An entrant, being a group or a person, may only perform ONCE in the SAME event except FOR SCHOOLS (see item Nos: 14, 24& 25).
14. A student can appear twice in the same ‘Any Age’ event, if the musician is a bonafide member of both a community group and a school group. If a person is performing twice then the 'Any Age' group must inform Sydney Eisteddfod in writing at least two weeks before the performance date.
15. The display of band banners or other identification is not allowed.
16. Leaders are requested to organise their groups on stage with a minimum of delay - see 'Note' below. Extraneous stands and chairs will not be struck.
17. Marshalls are responsible for the movement of groups for the efficient conduct of the session and their instructions must be followed or disqualification may result.
18. Finalists to repeat their item(s) from the heats, unless otherwise indicated.

SCHOOLS:
19. TWO OR MORE GROUPS IN THE SAME EVENT: Schools can enter more than one group in the same event provided each group has different members (see item 24 below). Schools, which enter more than one group in the same event, must supply a list of names in each group WHEN THEY REGISTER on the day of the performance, otherwise only the first group programmed may be eligible for a prize. See also item 1 above.
20. Schools with students of the wrong age in age specified events will be disqualified and barred from participation in 2013.
21. Cross elevation of advanced juniors is allowed.
22. A group may represent one school or two schools. A group comprising students from three or more schools is not allowed except in events for ‘Any Age’. However other combinations may be allowed, especially for regional and certain interstate schools, at the discretion of Sydney Eisteddfod. Different combinations need to send in written applications to Sydney Eisteddfod for special consideration and the decision of the Eisteddfod will be final.
23. In school events, non-students not permitted to perform accompaniment.
24. In this Division only, the ruling about performing once only in an event may be waived for a school student who plays a different instrument in another ensemble entered by a different teacher, OR in 'Any Age' events where a student plays in a non school group may also play for his/her school group entered in the same 'Any Age' event.
25. Written requests for a student to appear twice (in a school related event) must come from the School at least two weeks in advance of the event(s) affected, and the decision of Sydney Eisteddfod will be final.

WARM-UP & TUNING: From the moment an ensemble walks on stage, a maximum of 6 minutes is allowed for set-up and tuning if no separate warm-up room available. Or a maximum of 3 minutes is allowed for set-up and tuning if warm-up room has been provided. At the expiration of this time, a bell will sound for performance and the Timekeeper will reset the clock to begin 'performance time'. Groups in the venue must, at the direction of marshalls, be seated in the auditorium until called.

EQUIPMENT & WARM-UP: Full details of venue arrangements, and the equipment provided by Sydney Eisteddfod will be sent to all entrants with their pink ‘Appearance Advice' in May. Entrants are not permitted to bring any large instruments or equipment that substitutes what is provided. Any additional equipment needed can be brought as long as the provided equipment is being used.Information about this extra equipment being brought into the venue should be provided to the Sydney Eisteddfod AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE of the actual performance date.

270: Sydney Eisteddfod Musica VivaCHAMBER MUSIC AWARD (Any Age)

Total Prize Value Exceeds: $12,000

Winner: $7,000.

The winner also receives performance & professional development opportunities withMusica Viva Australia.

2nd: $2,000. 3rd: $1,000. Finalists: $500 each.

Sponsored by The John Lamble Foundation.

Final will be recorded by 

Tentative Dates: Heats: July 15;

Final: August 4, 6.30pm, Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Finalists are encouraged to apply for the Sydney Eisteddfod Travel Fund.

See also Event 241: Instrumental Scholarship - $10,500.

3-8 Players. No vocals. Previous winners not eligible. Any combination of acoustic or amplified instruments(if appropriate for the ensemble’s make-up), with or without piano and including period instruments andpercussion.

Heats:One work (or movements of a work) of up to 15 minutes.

Final:SIX finalists AND TWO RESERVE finalists will be chosen. Finalists repeat their heat item.

Note: From the time an ensemble walks on stage a maximum of 5 minutes is allowed for set-up and tuning(see item (d) below).

Entrants MUST EMAIL (info@sydneyeisteddfod.com.au) with their entry form, OR BEFORE JUNE 25,the following details:

             a)   Complete title of the work;

             b)   Names of all movements;

             c)   Instrumentalists' names:e.g. John Smith – violin;

             d)   Stage layout: basic plan for chairs, music stands, etc;

             e)   Will the piano be used? AND

             f)   A 200-word biography FOR THE GROUP in paragraph format (as a word document) and a suitable photo (jpeg) for publicity.

DUOS, INSTRUMENTALENSEMBLES&ROCK GROUPS

Please refer to guidelines under the Instrumental Groups Heading.

See also Event 241 - Instrumental Scholarship - $10,500

271: Instrumental Duos (Any Age)

Tentative Date: July 15

For the Holmes/Horsey/Martin Awards

For any two instruments, excluding piano BUT piano accompaniment for the two instruments is allowed. Test: Own choice of contrasting items with a Total Performance Time of up to 10 minutes. (Note: Two individual names required - NOT A GROUP NAME. Partner's name must be included on the entry form or submitted within one month of the actual competition date or the entry may be forfeited).

1st: $750($375 each).

2nd & 3rd: Medals.

Sponsored by The Federated Music Clubs of Australia.

272: Instrumental Duos (18 & Under)

Tentative Date: July 15

See also Event 292: School Chamber Music (18/u). For any two instruments, excluding piano BUT piano accompaniment for the two instruments is allowed. Test:Own choice of contrasting items with a Total Performance Time of up to 10 minutes. (Note: Two individual names required - NOT A GROUP NAME. Partner's name must be included on the entry form or submitted within one month of the actual competition date or the entry may be forfeited).

1st: $300($150 each).

2nd: $200($100 each).

3rd: $100 ($50 each).

Sponsored by Ms. Jill Brewster.

273: Mixed Instrumental Ensemble (Any Age)

Tentative Date: June 13

3-16 Players. Any combination of amplified or acoustic instruments, except bow-stringed only groups, but including World Music Groups.Groups can include vocal/instrumental in harmony or featured singers. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 10 minutes. Music optional for the adjudicator. 

1st: $300.

2nd: $100.

3rd: Shield.

Sponsored by    

 NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance. 

274: Rock Group (18 & Under)

Tentative Date: July 31

3-15 Players (no conductor). Test: Own choice of a program of up to 10 minutes. Open to any amplified style of pop/contemporary music with or without vocals. To be judged on originality, musicianship, presentation and stagecraft. Music not required for the adjudicators but a song sheet with lyrics, noting any original works, will be requested. A drum kit - set centre (Bass & Pedal; Snare; 3 toms; High Hat; Crash cymbal; Ride cymbal, Stool), Kick Pedal, Spare Snare Stand and one bass guitar & one keyboard amp will be provided. More details will be given with the pink 'Appearance Advice' information. Finals may be scheduled.

1st: $500.

2nd & 3rd: Shields.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

Winners also receive a recording prize valued at $2,500 (not redeemable for cash) for use of the main studio at Albert Studios at Neutral Bay for one recording session of up to 12 hours to record two demonstration tracks. The session is to be scheduled at a time convenient to both J Albert & Son  and the winner and must be used within 6 months of the announcement of the winner.

JAZZ BANDS

Please refer to guidelines under the Instrumental Groups Heading.

275: Community/Graduate Jazz Band (Any Age)

Tentative Date: June 14

5-10 Players. No conductor. Vocals optional and can be additional to players. Any keyboard playing must be live and not programmed. Performance to include improvised solos. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 15 minutes. Music not required for the adjudicator.

1st, 2nd & 3rd: Shields.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund. 

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

276: Secondary School Premium Jazz Band

Tentative Date: June 14

5-10 Players. No conductor. Vocals optional and can be additional to players. Any keyboard playing must be live and not programmed. Performance to include improvised solos. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 15 minutes. Music not required for the adjudicator.

1st: $250.

2nd: $150.

3rd: $100.

Sponsored by    

 NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

277: Secondary School Intermediate Jazz Band

Tentative Date: June 14

5-10 Players. No conductor. Vocals optional and can be additional to players. Any keyboard playing must be live and not programmed. Performance to include improvised solos. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 12 minutes. Music not required for the adjudicator.  

1st: $200.

2nd: $100.

3rd: Shield.

Sponsored by Jazz Workshop Australia. 

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

STAGE BANDS

Please refer to guidelines under the Instrumental Groups Heading

278: Community/Graduate Stage Band (Any Age)

Tentative Date: June 7

10-25 Players. Vocals optional and can be additional to players. Performance to include improvised solos. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 20 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 4+ standard.

1st, 2nd & 3rd: Shields.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

 NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

279: Secondary School Premium Stage Band

Tentative Date: June 7

10-25 Players. Vocals optional and can be additional to players. Performance to include improvised solos. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 15 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 4+ standard.  

1st: $500.

2nd: $300.

3rd: $200.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

 NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

280: Secondary School Intermediate Stage Band

Tentative Date: June 12

For developing bands. Note: Bands playing above the level standard for this event will automatically be adjudicated at Premium level. 10-25 Players. Vocals optional and can be additional to players. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 15 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 3 standard.

1st: $400.

2nd: $250.

3rd: $150.

Sponsored by     

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

281: Novice Stage Band (14 & Under)

Tentative Date: June 7

10-25 Players. Vocals optional and can be additional to players. Entrants are encouraged to include improvised solos. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 10 minutes.

1st: $100.

2nd & 3rd: Shields.

Sponsored by Ms Karen Loblay.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

CONCERT BANDS

Please refer to guidelines under the Instrumental Groups Heading

282: Community/Graduate Concert Band (Any Age)

Tentative Date: June 5

Minimum 18 Players. No solo vocals. Original scoring must be adhered to, except an electric bass or electric keyboard may be substituted for an acoustic bass, or an electric keyboard can be used in lieu of a harp. Only one electric keyboard allowed on stage. Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe) are acceptable. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 20 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 4 standard.

1st, 2nd & 3rd: Shields.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

283: Secondary School Premium Concert Band

Tentative Date: June 5

Minimum 18 Players. No solo vocals. Original scoring must be adhered to, except an electric bass or electric keyboard may be substituted for an acoustic bass, or an electric keyboard can be used in lieu of a harp. Only one electric keyboard allowed on stage. Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe) are acceptable. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 20 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 4 standard. Gift Vouchers from Optimum Percussion to the value of:

1st: $1,000.

2nd: $500.

3rd: $250.

Sponsored by The John Lamble Foundation.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

284: Secondary School Intermediate Concert Band

Tentative Date: June 4

For developing bands.

Note: Bands playing above the level standard for this event will automatically be adjudicated at Premium level. Minimum 18 Players. No solo vocals. Original scoring must be adhered to, except an electric bass or electric keyboard may be substituted for an acoustic bass, or an electric keyboard can be used in lieu of a harp. Only one electric keyboard allowed on stage. Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe) are acceptable.  

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 15 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 3 standard.

Gift Vouchers from Optimum Percussion to the value of:

1st: $800.

2nd: $400.

3rd: $200.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

 NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

285: Primary School Premium Concert Band

Tentative Date: June 7

Minimum 18 Players. No solo vocals. This event is for traditional concert band instrumentation. Original scoring must be adhered to, except an electric bass or electric keyboard may be substituted for an acoustic bass, or an electric keyboard can be used in lieu of a harp. Only one electric keyboard allowed on stage. Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe) are acceptable. Test: Own choice of a program of up to 15 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 2.5 standard.

Gift Vouchers from Optimum Percussion to the value of:

1st: $800.

2nd: $400.

3rd: $200.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

285: Primary School Premium Concert Band

Tentative Date: June 7

Minimum 18 Players. No solo vocals. This event is for traditional concert band instrumentation. Original scoring must be adhered to, except an electric bass or electric keyboard may be substituted for an acoustic bass, or an electric keyboard can be used in lieu of a harp. Only one electric keyboard allowed on stage. Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe) are acceptable.

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 15 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 2.5 standard.

Gift Vouchers from Optimum Percussion to the value of:

1st: $800.

2nd: $400.

3rd: $200.

Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

286: Primary School Intermediate Concert Band

Tentative Date: June 5

For developing bands.

Note: Bands playing above the level standard for this event will automatically be adjudicated at Premium level. Minimum 18 Players. No solo vocals. This event is for traditional concert band instrumentation. Original scoring must be adhered to, except an electric bass or electric keyboard may be substituted for an acoustic bass, or an electric keyboard can be used in lieu of a harp. Only one electric keyboard allowed on stage. Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe) are acceptable.

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 10 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of at least Grade 1.5 standard.

Gift Vouchers from Optimum Percussion to the value of:

1st: $500.

2nd: $300.

3rd: $200.

Sponsored by The John Lamble Foundation.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

287: Primary School Novice Concert Band

Tentative Date: June 4

For the Joan McClung Memorial Awards

Note: For bands in their first year of existence, having only formed in this calendar year. Bands playing above the level standard for this event will automatically be adjudicated at Intermediate Level. Minimum 18 Players. No solo vocals. This event is for traditional concert band instrumentation. The bass line only may be doubled by an electric bass guitar or single keyboard (one keyboard only). Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe or piano for harp) are acceptable.

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 8 minutes. It is recommended that all music should be of up to Grade 1 standard only.

Gift Vouchers from Optimum Percussion to the value of:

1st: $400.

2nd: $200.

3rd: $150.

Sponsored by Mr R John Lamble AO.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

Please refer to guidelines under the Instrumental Groups Heading

288: Robert & Elizabeth Albert Community Youth/Secondary School Orchestra (25 & Under)

Tentative Date: June 13

Minimum 18 Players. No vocals. This orchestra must include strings and at least one other group of the orchestral family (i.e. woodwind/brass/percussion). The make up of the orchestra may vary with each item to agree with the scoring. Original scoring must be adhered to, except an electric bass substituted for an acoustic bass, and an electric piano (synthesizer) can be used in lieu of a harp, harpsichord or organ only. Acoustic substitutes (e.g. clarinet for oboe) may be made in lieu of the original.

Test: Own choice of a varied program, which must include at least one classical work. Time limit up to 20 minutes, which includes time taken between selections.

1st: $1,000.

2nd: $500.

3rd: $250.

Sponsored by Mr Robert Albert AO & Mrs Elizabeth Albert.

NOTE Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

Please refer to guidelines under the Instrumental Groups Heading

Sydney Eisteddfod is grateful to North Sydney Girls High School for generously providing their Auditorium for the presentation of the Percussion Ensemble Events: 289 and 290.

289: Secondary School Percussion Ensemble

Tentative Date: June 6

3-14 Players. Any group or combination of exclusively percussion instruments, excluding handbells (could include piano within the ensemble - not as accompaniment). Orff percussion welcomed but instruments will not be provided.

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 12 minutes.

1st: $500.

2nd: $300.

3rd: $200.

Sponsored by The Wenkart Foundation.

Groups MAY be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance if arrangements can be set in place.

Note: Full details of equipment provided will be sent to all entrants with their pink ‘Appearance Advice’. Groups will be welcome to supplement this provision with their own instruments.

290: Primary School Percussion Ensemble

Tentative Date: June 6

3-14 Players. Any group or combination of exclusively percussion instruments, excluding handbells (could include piano within the ensemble - not as accompaniment). Orff percussion welcomed but instruments will not be provided.

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 8 minutes.

1st: $200.

2nd: $100.

3rd: Shield.

Sponsored by Robyn & John Armstrong & supplemented by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund.

Groups MAY be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance if arrangements can be set in place.

Note: Full details of equipment provided will be sent to all entrants with their pink ‘Appearance Advice’. Groups will be welcome to supplement this provision with their own instruments.

Please refer to guidelines under the Instrumental Groups Heading

291: Secondary School Mixed Acoustic Ensemble

Tentative Date: June 13

For the Sir David Martin Memorial Awards

3-20 Players. For woodwind, brass or any combination of electronic or acoustic instruments, including handbells. Drum kit provided. No Vocals. No percussion groups allowed (see event 289). Concert, Stage, Jazz and Rock Bands and any ensembles which include a front line and a rhythm section are excluded. Scores provided should detail each independent instrumental line.

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 10 minutes.

1st: $750.

2nd: $250.

3rd: Shield.

Sponsored by The Federated Music Clubs of Australia.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

292: School Chamber Music (18 & Under)

Tentative Date: July 15

For the Fred Blanks Memorial Awards

See also Event 270: Chamber Music Award - $12,000. 3-6 Players. No vocals. Any combination of instruments with or without piano. Test: Own choice of one or more items of up to 12 minutes.

1st: $500.

2nd: $250.

3rd: $100.

Sponsored by The Federated Music Clubs of Australia.

293: Secondary School String Ensemble

Tentative Date: June 13

For the Reg Marsh Memorial Awards

8 or more Players. For guitar or bow-stringed groups. No vocals. Acoustic, with or without piano. No drum kit, electric bass or keyboard.

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 10 minutes.

1st: $500.

2nd & 3rd: Shields.

Sponsored by The Federated Music Clubs of Australia.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.

294: Primary School Ensemble

Tentative Date: June 12

For guitar, bow-stringed, handbell, recorder groups, etc. 4 or more Players. No vocals. Acoustic, with or without piano. No drum kit, electric bass or keyboard. No percussion groups allowed (see event 290).

Test: Own choice of a program of up to 8 minutes.

1st: $100.

2nd & 3rd: Shields.

Sponsored by Ms. Karen Loblay.

NOTE: Groups will be presented with an audio recording of their items at the end of each performance.