FMVC Young Choir of the Year 2011

Saturday, May 21st, 2011

Competition Rules

1. Entry forms
1. The closing date for entries is Saturday April 30th 2011
2. Entries must be made on the enclosed form, or on a copy
3. Should the number of entries exceed the number we can accommodate on the competition day, places will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis
2. Classes
1. There will be two classes in the competition
1. Primary: Choristers should be within the ages of 4 to 11, and
2. Secondary: Choristers should be within the ages of 11 to 18
2. All choirs must consist of a minimum of 10 singers
3. Programme
1. Choirs will present a programme of music of their own choice, lasting between 12 and 15 minutes
2. This time does not include setting up or breaking down, but does include breaks of up to 30 seconds between pieces
3. Choir Directors must provide the adjudicators with a list of music to be performed in the order they are to be performed, as well as one copy of each piece of music for the use of the adjudicators. These copies will be returned immediately after the performance.
4. On acceptance of entry, each competing choir will be sent an acknowledgement letter
1. And will receive a Registration Pack detailing the timetable for the Competition in the week following the closing date
5. During performances the Choir Directors are at liberty to start pieces when ready; the adjudicators will not give directions to start
6. Adjudicators will give consideration to the presentation / deportment of each choir
4. Accompaniment
1. Accompaniment must be “live”, the use of pre-recorded or “backing tracks” is not allowed
2. Flint Male Voice Choir will make available an accomplished pianist for choirs to use as accompanist if desired, free of charge
1. If the services of the resident accompanist are the be required, competing choirs must make the request on the entry form and provide copies of any music to be performed by the closing date for entries (April 30th 2011)
2. Choirs requiring the use of the resident accompanist must attend the rehearsal area approximately 40 minutes before the allocated time (specific times will be given on arrival and registration)
3. Accompaniment can be by any instrument or combination of instruments up to a maximum of five players
1. Accompanying Instrumentalists may be drawn from the ranks of the choir, or may be totally independent
2. If Accompanying Instrumentalists are not choristers, then they may be of any age, but any singers must be within the age ranges specified for that class
3. If accompanying instruments require a power supply, the competitor must provide such trailing sockets and adapters as may be required. The competition organisers will provide an extension reel to one location from which competitors may use their own extensions or sockets to supply the power to individual instruments
4. The organisers will provide a piano for the Choirs’ performances, any other instruments must be provided by the competing Choir
5. Rehearsal and Performance
1. A rehearsal room will be made available for each competing choir 40 minutes prior to their allocated performance time
1. The rehearsal room will have a piano available (this may be an electronic piano)
2. On arrival and registration each Competing Choir will be allocated a Steward who will guide the Choir through the day. The Steward will direct Choirs to their rehearsal room and then on the performance area
3. Immediately following each Choir’s performance the Rehearsal Room must be vacated
4. Choir Directors will at all times be responsible for the conduct, safety and well-being of choristers
5. The Performance area will contain both flat and tiered stage areas. Choirs are free to choose which area they wish to use
6. Meals and Refreshments
1. The organisers regret that they are unable to provide meals for competitors. However, light refreshments such as tea, coffee, squash and biscuits will be available to competitors for a modest charge. There are local shops nearby should you wish to use them and Flint has a number of cafes in the town centre
2. Competitors will be provided a canteen area where they may eat food they have brought with them. Please ensure that all competitors bring a packed lunch and drinks if necessary
3. Competitors using the canteen facility are asked to ensure it is kept clean and tidy
7. Supporters
1. There will be a charge for entry into the performance area to watch the competition in progress. Entry tickets are valid all day, there is no need to buy another if the holder leaves the performance area and wishes to re-enter
2. Tickets must be kept available for checking
3. Entry Ticket charges will be:
1. Adults £2.00
2. Children £1.00
3. Infants (up to 4 years) Free
4. Official Staff accompanying a Choir will be issued with a pass on registration allowing them to be admitted free of charge
8. Adjudication
1. The Adjudicating Panel will consist of three members, all experienced Choral Directors and adjudicators
2. Names of the Adjudicators will be sent to Competing Choirs along with their Registration Pack, which will detail each Choir’s timetable for the day
3. Each choir will receive a written adjudication by post as soon as possible after the competition
4. At the announcement of the results a summary adjudication for the winners and runners-up will be presented, but the full written adjudications will follow by post
9. Prizes
1. For both Primary and Secondary Classes, the winners shall receive a cheque for £200.00
2. For both Primary and Secondary Classes, the runners-up shall receive a cheque for £100.00
3. One of the two Class Winners will be crowned “FMVC Young Choir of the Year 2011” and will be invited to perform at a prestigious Flint Male Voice Choir concert during the 12 months following the competition, for which they shall be paid a fee of £200.00
1. In addition to the fee, FMVC will provide one coach, if required, to transport choristers between the concert venue and their school
2. Should the selected choir be unable to accept the engagement the concert organisers will select one of the other Winners or Runners-Up in their place, the chosen choir receiving the £200.00 fee and provision of one coach
4. In addition to their cheques, the Winners and Runners-Up in each class will receive a trophy or cup, which is to be returned to the Competition organisers by 27th April 2012