ELIGIBILITY
1. The festival is open to all amateur musicians. For the purpose of these competitions, an amateur shall be defined as any person whose
principal means of livelihood is obtained from non-musical work, even if he or she, from time to time, accepts a stipend or honorarium for
musical services rendered. An individual, even though a member of the Musicians’ Association, will be considered eligible to compete.
Conductors may be either professional or amateur, and may conduct for any number of entries, but must not themselves sing or play while
conducting. Choirs may include professionals providing they are, in fact, active members of that organization.
2. Participants in choirs, bands, orchestras and any type of ensemble must be regular, active members of the organization specified on
the entry form.
3. Any person holding an Associate Diploma, or who has completed the Associate Diploma practical examination, or who holds a music
degree or diploma, or is or was a full-time student at a school of music, conservatory, university or college, is eligible to perform in the
advanced classes for adjudication only, with the exception of ensemble classes as specified. They will not be eligible for scholarships and
other special awards.
AGE
4. In all classes where an age limit is set, the age shall be as of JANUARY 1st of the Festival year.
5. An adult is defined as any person 22 years of age or over as of January 1st of the Festival year.
ENTRIES
6. Participants may compete only ONCE in any section, unless stated otherwise.
7. A separate entry form, FILLED OUT COMPLETELY, must be used for each class entered. Duets, trios and quartets must have the
names, telephone numbers and ages of all participants on ONE form. For "Own Choice" selections, the name and duration of the piece
must appear on the registration form. ENTRY FORMS WILL BE RETURNED IF NOT PROPERLY COMPLETED.
8. Entries must be mailed to the festival secretary postmarked no later than the entry deadline as stated in the current annual Supplement or
on the Festival website. A LATE ENTRY FEE OF $5 PER LATE ENTRY must be submitted after this date. ABSOLUTELY NO ENTRIES
WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE FINAL DATE SPECIFIED ON THE ENTRY FORM. Telephone or entries are not accepted.
9. Entry fees are listed in the annual Supplement. The entry fee must accompany the entry form and is non-refundable. Fees for entries
may be consolidated into one lump sum.
10. When a teacher submits more than 10 entries, he/she shall enclose a list of the participants’ names and the class number in which
each is entered (in addition to the regular entry form). It is suggested that the teacher keep a duplicate of this list.
11. If an accompanist is utilized for any piece performed, the accompanist’s name must be on the entry form to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Teachers shall enclose a list of the accompanists’ names and the class number(s) in which each is performing (in addition to the regular
entry form). It is suggested that the teacher keep a duplicate of this list.
PERFORMANCE REPERTOIRE
12. UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE IN THE FESTIVAL SYLLABUS, “OWN CHOICE” REPERTOIRE MUST NOT BE MORE THAN
SEVEN (7) MINUTES IN LENGTH, UNLESS CHOSEN FROM A CONSERVATORY SYLLABUS. IF THE PERFORMANCE EXCEEDS
SEVEN MINUTES AND IS NOT CONSERVATORY REPERTOIRE OR OTHERWISE PERMITTED AS PER THE FESTIVAL SYLLABUS,
THE PERFORMER WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. A participant may not perform the same pice in any subsequent Porcupine Music Festival de
Musique festival.
13. ONCE A DECISION/RULING HAS BEEN MADE BY THE MUSIC SELECTION COMMITTEE OR MUSIC SELECION CONSULTANT
REGARDING THE APPROPRIATENESS OF “OWN CHOICE” REPERTOIRE IN A GIVEN CLASS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND
PARENTS ARE NOT TO CONTACT FESTIVAL BOARD MEMBERS TO OVERTURN THE DECISION/RULING. THE DECISIONS OF THE
MUSIC SELECTION COMMITTEE OR MUSIC SELECTION CONSULTANTS ARE FINAL.
14. FOR “OWN CHOICE" SELECTIONS", the participant MUST SUBMIT HIS/HER MUSIC to the Music Desk AT LEAST 15 MINUTES
BEFORE the beginning of his/her session or risk disqualification. This music must be picked up at the Music Desk immediately after the
competition.
15. PHOTOCOPIED SHEET MUSIC IS NOT PERMITTED unless permission has been obtained from the composer/publisher.
Photocopying complete works to avoid or replace the legal purchase of a published edition is not acceptable.
16. Except where stated otherwise, for graded classes in piano, strings and guitar where repertoire must be chosen from a conservatory
syllabus, the repertoire MUST BE performed from memory. ANY PARTICIOANT IN THESE CLASSES USING SHEET MUSIC WILL
RECEIVE ADJUDICATION ONLY. Memorization also applies to test piece classes.
17. A music score must be provided for the adjudicator’s use for all ensembles.
18. When a special edition of a test piece is specified in the Supplement, this is the copy that will be given to the adjudicator by the Festival
Board. Participants may not use any other edition.
19. For transposition of selections in vocal classes, please refer to the rules in the official syllabi of the conservatories.
20. If an "Own Choice" selection is written with piano accompaniment, the piano accompaniment must be performed. Participants
performing only the solo part of a piece written with piano accompaniment will receive adjudication only.
21. Electronic keyboards may be used where suitable to the class and piece being performed or where necessary for transpositions. The
participant is responsible for providing and setting up the equipment to be ready for the class. No other electronic equipment is permitted.
22. In Quick Study classes, performers will be given 48 hours to learn the test piece which will be chosen by the adjudicator, and MUST
NOT RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR TEACHER, ANY OTHER PERSONS, RECORDINGS OR TECHNOLOGY OF ANY KIND.
Performers must specify their instrument on the entry form.
23. A participant MAY NOT enter classes at a lower conservatory grade level than that of classes entered in previous festivals.
Examples:
a) If a participant performs in classes at a particular level in one year, they must perform at the same level or higher the following year; or,
b) If a participant performs in multiple classes at one particular level and one class at the next level higher, they must perform at the higher level or above the following year.
COMPETITION
24. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE IN THE HALL 15 MINUTES PRIOR to the performance time stated in the program.
25. Once a class has been called, all participants must be seated quietly in the designated area and must remain there until the
adjudication of the class is complete and marking sheets are handed out.
26. Notification of replacement of members in duets, trios and quartets must be submitted to the Music Desk 48 hours prior to the
competition. At least one member of the original entry must remain.
27. TEACHERS, PLEASE NOTE: THE MUSIC DESK MUST BE NOTIFIED OF ANY CANCELLATIONS.
28. IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN FOR MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE, PARTICIPANTS, PARENTS AND MUSIC TEACHERS TO
COMMUNICATE WITH THE ADJUDICATORS OR THEIR SECRETARIES DURING THE SESSIONS. ALL CONCERNS MUST BE
FORWARDED TO THE MUSIC DESK.
29. The Festival Committee reserves the right to subdivide any class where there are more than 10 entries.
30. The Festival Committee reserves the right to alter the competition schedule if circumstances warrant it.
31. No special consideration can be given to any participant with regards to scheduling.
32. The Festival Board will arrange for the availability of pianos and benches, which are to be used by all participants. These
pianos and benches must not be used by any participant two weeks prior to and between Festival sessions. The Festival Board
will also arrange for the availability of risers for use by choirs. The availability of all other instruments and equipment, such as music stands,
is the responsibility of the participant. MARKS MAY BE DEDUCTED if setting up and/or disbanding instruments, stands, chairs, etc. is not
done in an expedient manner.
33. At the adjudicator’s discretion, first, second or third place ranking may not be awarded if a satisfactory standard has not been reached.
34. There shall be no direction from the audience at any time.
35. Competitors are expected to wear clothing suitable for concert hall performance.
36. Use of flash photography and noisy video recorders are not permitted during any of the performances.
37. Audio and/or video recording of the adjudicator’s comments is prohibited. Parents may audio and/or video their own child’s performance
but require express parental permission to record any other performer. Teachers may audio and/or video record their own students.
38. Complaints or concerns must be submitted IN WRITING, NO LATER THAN 24 HOURS AFTER THE COMPETITION IN QUESTION.
FINAL CONCERT
39. Performers at the final concert will be selected by the adjudicator(s) only.
40. Performers at the final concert must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to concert time.
41. At the final concert, pieces must be played or sung as performed in the Festival, unless otherwise requested by the adjudicator.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
42. Plaques will be awarded to the winners in various divisions of classes for school ensembles.
43. Participation in the classical classes as well as sight reading and/or quick study classes is encouraged, as these classes hold great
opportunity for musical enrichment. Participation in these classes amy also - possibly - increase the consideration of the participant for a
scholarship.
44. Scholarship recipients are chosen by the adjudicators ONLY. The scholarship recipients will be announced at the final concert.
45. Adult participants are not eligible for scholarships and awards.
46. The outstanding participant in each of the following sections - piano, vocal, instrumental (other than piano) and strings - will be chosen
by the adjudicators and each will be presented with an Outstanding Performer’s Plaque. These will be awarded only if the adjudicators
find exceptional merit.
47. A Rose Bowl may be awarded by the adjudicators to an individual participant who demonstrates outstanding musical ability. Marks
are not necessarily the only criterion for the award.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR ADJUDICATION
The following lists itemize the main points considered by the adjudicators when evaluating a performance:
PIANO AND ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCES
- alignment (posture)
- breath management
- tone
- intonation
- technique
- articulation
- interpretation: tempo, phrasing, dynamics
- musicality and expression
- string bowing
- memorization (except where specified)
VOCAL PERFORMANCES
- alignment (posture)
- breath management
- intonation
- vocal tone
- diction
- interpretation: tempo, phrasing, dynamics
- musicality and expression
- memorization
Music may be used for ensembles (duets, trios, etc.) without penalty.
Participation in sight reading and/or quick study classes as well as classical classes may be a consideration when choosing scholarship
and award winners.
ADJUDICATORS’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL!