Rules & Information 2025

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GENERAL RULES

Working Management

1. The competition shall be under the working management of a Board of Directors, which is hereinafter called the ‘Board’.
2. Any questions not dealt within these rules shall be referred to the Board, whose decision on such matters shall be final and binding on all concerned.

Entries

1. Anyone can enter the Grey County Kiwanis Festival of Music, but awards are given preference to residents of Grey, Bruce, and Simcoe counties.
2. Unless otherwise stated, all classes shall be open to amateurs only. For the purpose of this Festival, an amateur shall be any person whose principal means of livelihood is not derived from the profession of music or speech arts. (Does NOT apply to ‘Teacher & Child’ classes.)
3. The Board shall fix the date by which entries must be received, including an extended deadline with a late fee. Any entries received after such dates cannot be accepted.
4. Once class times are set, no changes to the schedule will be made.
5. Entry fees cannot, under any circumstances, be refunded. 
6. Apply for a Solo Bursary (up to $100) or Group/School Bursary (up to $350). Applications are available here: https://kiwanismusicfestival.net/.

Registration

1. The official syllabus and online registration may be obtained online at www.kiwanismusicfestival.net.
2. All registrations must be completed online through the Festival’s registration portal at: https://gckfm.musicfestivalsuite.com/   
3. Any official of an organization may register their students through our online process.
4. ALL SECTIONS OF THE ONLINE FORM MUST BE COMPLETED ACCURATELY AND FULLY.
5. The prescribed fee MUST be paid online. Incomplete entries will not be processed.

Registration Profiles

1. When creating registration profiles, use the preferred email for us to contact you. Parents & Children, or Teachers & Groups, can share the same email address, but the passwords MUST be different for each account.
2. Soloists must have their own individual profiles in our registration system linked to their teacher(s). The profile for entrants under 18 must also link to the profile of their parent or guardian. Soloists under 18 are usually registered by their linked parents or teacher(s).
3. All members of Duets and Trios must have individual profiles in our registration system and must be linked to the same teacher. Duet and Trio classes are generally registered by the Teacher.
4. Groups larger than three (3) do not need to list the individual performers. Every group requires its own group profile linked to the teacher. (ex. School Name Grade 2 Choir would be one profile. School Name Grade 6 Choir would be another profile.)
5. All group profiles can share the same email address, only the password needs to be different. The same Group profiles can be used every year, even if the participants change.
6. Once group and individual profiles are linked to them, Teachers will be able to register all groups and students through their Teacher’s profile. 

Class Levels & Age

1. In classes where age limit is specified, competitors MUST be the prescribed age or under as of December 31 of the previous year and must state their birth date in the online registration form.
2. Students should enter at their current grade level or above, as of December 31 of the previous year.
3. Students can only be recommended to Provincials in one (1) grade level.

Festival Pieces

1. MEMORIZATION:
   • Pieces for solo VOCAL, PIANO and STRING Classes MUST be memorized unless otherwise specified.
   • Brass and Woodwind soloists are encouraged to memorize.
   • Memorization is not required for ensembles.
2. Neurodiverse participants requiring performance accommodations must contact the Festival Administrator directly at admin@kiwanismusicfestival.net
3. No selections may be performed in more than ONE class by the same competitor.
4. Repeating repertoire/music selections from the previous year is NOT allowed.
5. Participants must refer carefully to either the RCM or CC syllabus to determine how many and which movements of a selection are required (i.e. one mvt., two mvts., or complete).
6. Unless a piece is specifically written to be unaccompanied it must have accompaniment.
7. If the music performed is not that listed during registration, it will be for ADJUDICATION ONLY. (This rule does NOT apply to Bands and Orchestras.)
8. Except for ORMTA Set Piece classes, competitors must provide the adjudicator with a legal copy of the music chosen. Failure to do so will result in a “for adjudication only” performance. Special Note: All PDF downloads must be supported by proof of purchase or authorized use.

Performance Rules

1. Do not play identical repeat sections in Solo classes, unless indicated in the syllabus. (This does not apply to Suzuki classes).
2. The Da Capo signs must be observed.
3. Selections from the Conservatory Syllabi shall follow the Conservatory direction concerning repeats as stated in their Syllabi and/or Repertoire and Study Books.

Own Composition

1. Scores must be typeset or musically engraved so they can be forwarded electronically to our composition adjudicator by the deadline. (Free typesetting programs are available online.)
2. Please note the yearly deadline for score submission. Late entries cannot be accepted. Scores must be emailed to: musicgck90@gmail.com
3. All composition classes require an audio or video recording to accompany the score.
4. Once the score is submitted, that is the version that must be performed at the Festival and adjudicated.
5. Students are required to perform their piece at the Festival. Memorization is not required.
6. Composition masterclass will be scheduled during the first week and is included in the entry fee.
7. Classical composition scores are now eligible for Provincial nomination. 

Copyright

1. Competitors must provide the adjudicator with a legal copy of the music chosen. Failure to do so will result in a “for adjudication only” performance. Special Note: All PDF downloads must be supported by proof of purchase or authorized use.
2. The term “copyright” refers to the rights of the creator of an intellectual work such as music. Although it may not be easily tangible, a creative work is a valuable property. The Canadian Copyright Act protects the rights of creators to retain control over, and be compensated for the use of, their creations. The reproduction of copyrighted materials is illegal. Permission must be granted by a holder of the copyright (the publisher) on the composer’s behalf in order for a copy to be made for any purpose.

Programme Procedure

1. The competitors in each class will be organized in random order. Class conflicts within our festival will be resolved on an individual basis via the Festival Coordinator.
2. Scheduled times will NOT be changed to accommodate a performance in another Festival.
3. Requests to perform on a certain day cannot be accommodated.
4. All competitors are forbidden to rehearse in the venues during the weeks of competitions. Any infraction of this rule shall disqualify the competitor.
5. In the event of entries being too numerous, the Board reserves the right to split the classes.
6. No class shall commence prior to the stated time of that class. The adjudicator shall indicate when he/she is ready to proceed.

Admission to Venues & Concert

1. Entry fees cover performers, accompanists, and conductors admission to their performance venue.
2. Children 12 & under receive free admission to all venues.
3. Parents, teachers, and the general public must pay admission at the door.
4. Participants, award winners, and children 12 & under receive free admission to the Festival of Stars Awards Concert.
5. Competitors and the general public attending the Festival classes and/or Festival of Stars must do so quietly, and must refrain from conversation during the progress of any performance or adjudication.
6. Competitors and children 12 & under receive free admission to all venues. Participants, award winners, and children 12 & under receive free admission to the Festival of Stars Awards Concert.

Recordings & Photographs

1. Use of RECORDING DEVICES OF ANY KIND SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED in the Halls, with the EXCEPTION of individual recordings by parent, guardian, or teacher from the designated location in the hall. (Recording of your child’s performance ONLY. No recording of adjudicator, audience, or other participants.)
2. The Board may authorize photographs, interviews, and recordings for archival and promotional purposes, as well as for accredited media.

Dress Code

1. It is expected that competitors will dress appropriately, showing respect for the music, the occasion, the adjudicator, fellow competitors and the audience. Your appearance is part of your performance.

Adjudicators

1. Students will receive a written adjudication with verbal comments from the adjudicator. Recording adjudications is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
2. An adjudicator is not permitted to enter into any discussion or correspondence with teachers, parents or competitors concerning a performance or decision prior to, during, or after the Festival. Any infraction of this rule could disqualify the performer.
3. There must be no coaching of competitors by anyone attending Festival sessions while the competitor is performing. Any infraction of this rule shall disqualify the competitor.

Certificates & Marks

1. This is a NON-COMPETITIVE festival.
2. Marks and Medal standings will not be announced.
3. Certificates will be awarded in accordance with the following classifications of Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze standards: Diamond (90-100), Gold (85-89), Silver (80-84), and Bronze (75-79). Students not achieving minimum certificate standards shall receive a Participation Certificate.
4. The actual numerical mark awarded to the student will accompany the award. This mark is needed only if a Provincial recommendation is made.
5. Bands, Orchestras, Choirs and ensembles larger than three will be awarded one certificate, in the Group’s name, for the entire group.
6. The decisions of the adjudicators are final.

Festival Awards

1. Festival awards are separate from Provincial recommendations. Participants may receive both, or only an award, or only a recommendation.
2. To be eligible for a solo Award, a competitor MUST have competed in at least TWO solo classes in a discipline.
3. Competitors in all classes, trained or untrained, are eligible for monetary awards if eligibility criteria have been met. The Award Committee reserves the right to make exceptions.
4. Recommendations for awards are at the absolute discretion of the adjudicators.
5. A competitor may receive an award in more than one discipline.
6. Competitors performing for ‘Adjudication Only’ are ineligible for awards.
7. The amount of money allocated for each award is at the discretion of the Awards Committee.

Provincial Recommendations

1. Many classes require TWO pieces to enter Provincial competition, but some, (Popular Voice and Popular Piano) only require ONE piece. Please check provincial requirements before registering.
2. While only ONE qualifying piece will be entered as the adjudicator’s recommendation and must be performed at Provincials, participants MUST PERFORM at least TWO PIECES MATCHING THE DISCIPLINE’S CRITERIA at Provincials.
3. Classes that are NOT eligible for Provincial nomination are marked with (NEfP) which stands for Not Eligible for Provincials.
4. Please check with the Provincial website to clarify the rules for your discipline and registration deadline. https://omfa.ca/  

The Festival of Stars Awards Concert

1. The Festival of Stars Awards Night shall be so arranged as to present participants in a well-balanced programme.
2. All those selected to perform shall be officially notified. ONE selection only shall be performed.
3. Festival Awards shall be presented during the event. Winners unable to attend should appoint someone to receive the award on their behalf. Awards will NOT be mailed.

Complaints and Protests

Complaints and protests must be made directly to the Festival Coordinator via email at admin@kiwanismusicfestival.net . Such complaints and protests are not to be discussed with the adjudicator. The decision of the board is final and binding on all involved.

General

1. Non-compliance with festival rules shall result in the competitor receiving an ADJUDICATION ONLY or DISQUALIFICATION from performing.
2. The Board of Directors of the Grey County Kiwanis Festival of Music has the right to apply and regulate any of these rules. The decision of the board is final and binding on all involved.

Definitions:

RCM: Royal Conservatory of Music
CC: Conservatory Canada
CNCM: Canadian National Conservatory of Music
WM: Wanless Music
ORMTA Set Piece: The Owen Sound Branch of ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teachers Assoc.) selects piano pieces for the Festival every year.
NEfP: Not Eligible for Provincials.
Not in Current Syllabus = selections NOT found in current syllabus, but of appropriate grade level.

Certificates and Awards

Diamond, Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates will be awarded, instead of First, Second, Third. All participants will also receive their actual mark.

Diamond Standard (90-100) Outstanding Performance – eligible for Provincial nomination
Gold Standard (85-89) Exceptional, Highly Skilled – eligible for Provincial nomination
Silver Standard (80-84) Skilled, Excellent Performance
Bronze Standard (75-79) Agreeable Performance

Festival of Stars awards will remain the same. Adjudicators will select the participants they feel are most worthy of recognition for Festival awards, scholarships, and/or Provincial OMFA recommendation.

Provincial Recommendations: Our gold & diamond standards meet the Provincial competition mark requirement. We look forward to nominating our adjudicators’ recommendations!
Note: Due to the increased number of classes available for Provincial nomination, the Festival regrets that it can no longer provide monetary awards for every Provincial nominee.

We hope all our performers have an enjoyable and educational experience!

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Printable Syllabus

Please note that registration is ONLINE only. We have provided downloadable, printable PDFs of our syllabus for your convenience on our DOWNLOAD SYLLABUS page.

Grey County Kiwanis Festival of Music

A proud member of Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA)