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2009

BOURNEMOUTH MUSIC

COMPETITIONS FESTIVAL

Registered Charity Number 284422

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FESTIVAL RULES

Please read the following very carefully to ensure you are fully aware of the Rules and requirements when entering the Festival. In addition, when entering the Dance Festival please see the Dance page.

1. Eligibility

All classes are open only to amateur performers unless otherwise stated.

Corporate entries of choirs, orchestras and bands must comprise only bona fide members thereof.

Competitors under 18 years of age are not eligible to compete in adult classes unless stated.

Relevant Birth Dates:

DANCE FESTIVALas on 1 January 2009

MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVAL as on 31 August 2009

2. Entries

Entries must be submitted on official entry forms with a Stamped, addressed envelope. (minimum C5)

No competitor may enter more than once in any solo class unless otherwise stated and may not perform in any duet/trio or group class more than twice.

Competitors’ names may not be changed after entry. NOTE A substitution can only be made if the office is notified before the start of the Festival.

Entry fees will be refunded only in the case of a cancelled class or withdrawal due to illness where a medical certificate has been produced.

The responsibility of entering the appropriate class lies entirely with the competitor or teacher concerned.

Date of birth must be given, when required.

Competitors in graded classes may enter classes at one level only with any one instrument.

3. Texts for Speech and Drama

i) The prescribed editions of the set texts are in print and available. Own choice texts for the Adjudicator MUST be presented in a tidy, legible form clearly marked with the class number and the competitor’s name. These must be handed in to the Competitors’ Table in the entrance hall on arrival and BEFORE the start of the class. Competitors are expected to announce their own selections in the Speech and Drama section.

4. Own Choice (Music only)

i) Own choice forms for music selections will be sent with the timetables. These should be completed with the competitor’s name and class number.

Each competitor must:-

Attach the completed own choice form to a copy of the music for the adjudicator.

Clearly indicate the starting page.

Hand this to the Competitor’s Table before the start of the class.

If photocopied music is used, it must be presented in booklet form and NOT as single unattached sheets. These will be destroyed at the end of the Festival.

If competitors are NOT prepared to announce their own selections, they may hand the completed Announcer’s form to the Competitors’ Table when handing in their own choice music.

5. Time Limits

i) All classes will be monitored to ensure competitors do not exceed the stated time limit. Should a competitor exceed the given time limit A CATEGORY WILL NOT BE AWARDED.

ii) The time limits do not include any introduction or pauses between separate pieces except in recital classes, where the timing will be assessed from the first note to the last note, including any pauses between pieces.

iii) A performance is expected to last at least 50% of the time limit.

6. Cups, Trophies and Awards.

i) Cups & Trophies as specified in the syllabus will be awarded, subject to their return by previous winners.

ii) Winners of cups and trophies are responsible for any loss or damage, and must arrange for them to be returned in a clean condition to the Festival Office at 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth NO LATER THAN 1 MAY 2010. (Please ring 01202 556023 to arrange delivery.)

iii) Winners may have their names engraved on a cup or trophy at their own expense.

iv) No cup or trophy should be taken out of the U.K.

7. Adjudicators.

i) In all matters of adjudication, the Adjudicator’s decision is final.

ii) The Adjudicator has the full power to withhold categories, to terminate any performance or to disqualify any competitor who does not abide by the Festival rules.

iii) No person, other than an official, is allowed to communicate with an Adjudicator during classes.

iv) A performance may be stopped at any time if the content is thought to be unsuitable.

8. Powers of the Committee

THE COMMITTEE MAY, AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION:

i) Change the date, time or place of any class.

ii) Cancel, divide or amalgamate classes. If a class is cancelled fees will be refunded.

iii) Make such alterations as it thinks necessary or desirable, including the appointment of an alternative Adjudicator.

iv) Disqualify any competitor failing to comply with the Festival rules.

V) Request the removal from the vicinity of the hall (by a steward) of anyone causing a disturbance.

The decision of the Committee, except in matters of adjudication, shall be final.

9. General

i) Competitors must provide their own instrument and music stand. A piano is provided for all vocal and instrumental classes

ii) Notice of withdrawal from a class must be made in advance either by letter or by telephone.

iii) Competitors should be present at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of their class.

iv) Any competitor causing a disturbance during a class or adjudication, or leaving the hall during the adjudication, will be automatically disqualified.

v) Pre-recorded backing may not be used to accompany vocal or instrumental classes.

vi) No song may be sung in more than one class, though a piece may be repeated in a Recital or Championship class.

vii) Duets (played or sung) MUST BE PREDOMINANTLY HARMONY OR PART-SINGING.

10. Certificates and Adjudication Sheets.

Certificates and Adjudication sheets (not presented) by the Adjudicator should be collected from outside the hall. Check with Competitors’ Table if unsure of location.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Entry Forms Entry forms are available from the Organiser and our Web site – www.bmcf.info. You are strongly advised to keep a copy of the completed Entry Forms. (See Rule 2)

Class Numbers Class numbers must always be quoted when making an enquiry.

Accompanists Entrants are advised that the BMCF does not engage official accompanists. It is the responsibility of the competitors to make their own arrangements.

Accompanists will be admitted free of charge.

i) Owing to copyright law all photocopied material handed to the Adjudicator will be destroyed at the end of the festival.

ii) The use of photocopied music at the Festival is strictly forbidden unless written permission from the publisher is produced. The exceptions to this rule are:

a) when unpublished music or arrangements are used or

b) where a piece has been selected from an album, volume or collection, when ONE photocopy may be made for the use of the Adjudicator, providing the competitor has already purchased his/her own copy of the original.

iii) Copyright law relating to Songs from the Shows in the Vocal and Dance Sections.

a) Teachers making recordings need to hold the appropriate licence.

b) All performances using music from shows in current production are subject to copyright law.

c) Songs from the shows in current production may be sung as a concert item, i.e. with no costume or movement, without the need for copyright permission.

d) Where movement or costume is included in a performance, copyright permission is required and the Festival Committee accepts these entries on the basis that the appropriate permission for performance has been sought.

e) Performers or teachers with queries on how to obtain copyright permission for performance items should contact Festivals House on 0870 7744 290 before making their entries.

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – Is governed by the Festival’s policy. A copy of the policy will be sent to principals of all participating schools who will distribute a copy to parents/guardians of each entrant 18 years and under. A copy of the policy will be displayed at Festival premises. It is important that all persons attending note the following:

i.The use of equipment, including mobile phones, to make recordings or take photographs in the hall and during performances is strictly forbidden.

ii.Periodically a press photographer will visit. When this occurs parental permission will be sought before any photographs are taken.

iii.Names of class winners may be published in the local press. Parents must inform the Festival Duty Officer if they wish a name to be withheld.

iv.If parents have any concerns please contact the Duty Officer.

Data Protection Names and addresses of competitors, teachers, members and helpers are stored on the Festival computer and in the office files. This information will be used for Festival purposes only and will not be revealed to any other party. Unless the Organiser hears to the contrary, it will be assumed that there is no objection to this.

Liability/Lost Property The organisers of the Festival will not accept any liability for the loss or damage to personal property brought to the Festival. Lost Property should be reclaimed before the close of the Festival, or within 4 weeks of the end of the Festival.

Programmes ordered and paid for on the Entry Form will be sent as soon as possible after the following dates:

Dance Festival Programmes 8 May.

Music, Speech & Drama Programmes 22 May.

Timetables will be sent to every competitor/teacher whose name and address is on the Entry Form within approximately 3 weeks of each closing date. Please ensure an appropriate stamped addressed envelope has been sent in with the Entry Form.

PLEASE CLICK HERE IF YOU WISH TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE ENTRY FORM FOR A SOLO OR GROUP ENTRY OR FOR A DUET/TRIO/QUARTET ENTRY

OR GROUP ENTRY.