REGULATIONS
N.B. denotes a new or altered regulation
All reference to photocopying is in accordance with the Code of Fair Practice (Revised Edition April 2016)
agreed between Composers, Publishers and Users of Printed Music.
All photocopies will be retained and destroyed after the performance.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
1. The Festival is for amateurs, except for ‘Open’ Classes.
2. The Committee, at its discretion, may refuse any entry.
3. Comments & suggestions for improvement are welcomed and should be made in writing to the Secretary for discussion by the committee.
4. The Festival is not responsible for supplying music stands, instruments or any other equipment.
The onus is on the conductor/performer to ensure that the required equipment is available.
5. The decision of the Committee in all matters arising out of or not specifically provided for in these Regulations shall be final.
6. The Committee may alter, modify or cancel any of the arrangements details in the Syllabus, as it may deem necessary.
7. Any timings published in the Programme may be subject to slippage; classes may run behind the scheduled time but will not run ahead of time.
8. LOSS OF PROPERTY – All attending the Festival are reminded to take care of their personal property: handbags, musical instruments, etc.. Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival Association cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
9. All communications should be addressed to Mrs M.E. Waterston, The Secretary, Perform in Perth, 35 Buchan Drive, PERTH, PH1 1NQ and a stamped addressed envelope enclosed for reply.
ENTRIES
10. Entries can be made online by accessing the Festival Website: www.perthshire-music-festival.org.uk Anyone unable to access the internet may send their entries to the Secretary, with payment of the appropriate entrance fee as stated in the Syllabus. In the case of paper entries, a separate entry form must be used for each entry. Additional forms may be photocopied. Applicants who wish to have confirmation of receipt of entries MUST fill out the receipt section at the top right of the entry form and enclose a stamped addressed envelope clearly marked ‘Receipt Required’. Late entries will be permitted up to Friday 20th January, 2023, along with a surcharge of £10 per entry. No entry will be accepted after Friday 13th January, 2023, unless it is accompanied by the surcharge of £10 per entry.
11. Winners of solo classes at Beginner (Level 2), Elementary (Level 3), Transitional (Level 4), Intermediate (Level 5) or Advanced level may not compete again in the same class unless they were the sole competitor or unless the mark achieved was less than 85. Pairs of winners of duo and duet classes at Beginner, Elementary and Intermediate levels may not compete again in the same class unless they were the only competitors or unless the mark achieved was less than 85.
12. The Committee will decide upon the order in which Classes will be taken and arrange the order of competing, as soon as the list of entries has been closed. Any special requests with regard to timetabling should be submitted in writing along with the entries. Requests will be considered by the timetabling committee, but no guarantees can be given regarding this. A timetable will be e-mailed/posted to every applicant as soon as it is available.
13. No form of amplification is permitted in any Class unless otherwise stated.
14. Any reference to the age of a performer is taken to be their age on the last day of the festival.
15. Any choir, group, orchestra, team etc. entered by a school or organisation must consist of at least 70% performers on the register of that school or group at the time the Festival is held. Classes specifically for schools are intended for schools which provide a general education. ‘Perth City Campus’ is accepted as a school. Entries are welcome from choirs, bands or orchestras from two or more smaller schools where it is necessary for them to combine in order to allow them to participate. Where appropriate, primary school pupils may perform with the secondary school with which they are linked.
ACCOMPANIST
16. ALL ENTRANTS should note that in all OPEN, ADULT CHOIR AND ADULT VOCAL SOLO CLASSES and classes where the piece/s are ALL OWN CHOICE, the competitor/s may use their own accompanist OR the Official Accompanist. Failure to indicate ‘Own Accompanist’ at time of entry means that the Official Accompanist must be used. In ALL OTHER CLASSES including COUNTRY DANCING, the Official Accompanist MUST be used. An original copy is always necessary for the accompanist, although photocopies for the accompanist’s home study will be accepted on the understanding that the original will be given to the accompanist immediately prior to the performance. Failure to provide an original copy, for the accompanist’s use on the day, shall result in disqualification.
OWN CHOICE
17. No competitor, except where otherwise stated, may use selected pieces of ‘Own Choice’ items in more than one class.
18. In those Classes allowing ‘Own Choice’ of test piece/s:
a) Entries will not be accepted unless full details of the entrant’s selected items are shown on the entry form along with the key (where asked for) and the approximate length of playing/performance time.
b) Where a maximum performance time is indicated in the class description, competitors may be penalised by loss of marks or disqualification if the stipulated period is exceeded.
c) No change of test piece/s will be accepted after the closing date for entries (13th January, 2023). However, if Own Choice details are not known at the time of entry, these details must be supplied by 1st February at the latest. The title and composer should be provided and, in the case of speech and drama, the title, author or poet and the name of the character for drama classes. **
d) Performers may use internet downloads of own choice music but these must be submitted such that they can readily be used by the accompanist.
19. Adjudicator/accompanist copies. A scan of the item/s to be performed must be emailed to the Music Secretary perthfestmusicsecretary@hotmail.com by 2 February, clearly marked with the class number and the name of the performers. Failure to send the required copies by 2 February may lead to disqualification.
Anyone who is unable to use email to send copies may post photocopies to the Music Secretary, Mrs Denise Crighton-Ward, ensuring that sufficient postage has been paid, as the festival will not be responsible for paying postage surcharges.
TEST PIECE
20. All Test Pieces are to be performed with accompaniment, unless the copy specifically states otherwise.
21. All set Test Pieces are to be performed with repeats unless otherwise stated. Failure to do so may lead to loss of marks or disqualification.
22. The prescribed editions of music, and key where specified, must be used by all competitors. The use of other editions will lead to loss of marks or disqualification. Standard pitch will be used in all competitions.
TUNING
23. In all instrumental classes, tuning time must not exceed 30 seconds. In Advanced and Open classes, competitors must do their own tuning.
COMPETITION
24. a) Competitor/s (individual or choirs) may compete in more than one class where the syllabus does not specifically state otherwise.
b) No person will be allowed to take part more than once in any one class except in a duet or group class, where a second entry is permitted, provided a different part is performed.
25. No conductor shall sing with his or her choir in competition.
26. a) Competitors MUST report to the Stewards before commencement of their class.
b) Competitors failing to appear when called upon will forfeit their right to take part in the particular competition, subject to a right to appeal to the Festival Office and, if opportunity can be found, they will be allowed to compete.
27. In the event of a tie in any Solo Class, the Adjudicator may, at his discretion, ask competitors concerned to perform part or all of either or both Test Pieces.
28. ADJUDICATORS’ decisions shall in all cases be final and adjudicators must not be approached with queries or comments regarding their decisions. Such queries or comments should be addressed to the Secretary, in writing (Reg.8).
29. ADJUDICATORS’ NOTES should be collected by competitors at the close of the class or session at which they have performed.
TROPHIES/CERTIFICATES
30. CERTIFICATES will be awarded as follows: Honours Certificates to all entrants who gain not less than 90, First Class Certificates to all entrants who gain not less than 85 and Merit Certificates to all entrants who gain not less than 80 and Performance Certificates for all other performances. Performers are asked to collect Certificates at the end of the Class or Session at which they have performed.
31. No Trophy or Prize will be awarded unless the competitor receives an average of 85, unless otherwise stated.
32. Where trophies are awarded, they are held for the ensuing year only and must be returned to Cairncross Ltd., Jewellers, 18 St. John Street, Perth by 31st January 2024. A responsible adult will be required to sign a receipt and give an undertaking to keep the Trophy safe and to return it in good condition.
ENGRAVING
33. Any engraving MUST be done by Cairncross Ltd., 18 St John Street, PERTH, at the winner’s expense.
PHOTOGRAPHY & RECORDING
34. Photography, including digital photography, and recording, either audio or video, are not permitted during performances, other than by official festival photographers or by Press photographers. All mobile devices must be switched off during performances.
Parents/teachers/leaders are reminded that they are responsible for the
conduct and safety of school-age competitors in their charge.
It is not in the spirit of the festival movement for competitors or their supporters
to pass comment, whether it is directed at a competitor or at the adjudicator.
Please be aware that silence during competition makes it fair for all performers.
