Syllabus 2022
for the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts
3rd May to 14th May – we look forward to seeing you!
The Festival is an opportunity for performers to try out their skills in the wonderful setting of Cheltenham Town Hall. There are classes for all ages and abilities. Please browse through the syllabus and enter online. The on-line entry system will be operational in December.
Teachers who have a number of performers to enter can use the Multiple Entries Form – please email info@cfpa.org.uk to ask for the Form to be sent to you.
Download a pdf version of this Syllabus by clicking here.
Festival Contacts
| Music |
Secretary – David Terry, tel: 07921 549191
music@cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk
Additional Music Contacts
Piano – Sally-Anne Davies, tel: 01242 241773
piano@cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk
Choirs – Martyn Fry, tel: 01242 239903
choirs@cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk
| Dance |
Secretary – Carol McDowall, tel: 01242 514582
dance@cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk
| Speech & Drama |
Secretary – Rebecca Vines, tel: 07891 795586
speechdrama@cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk
Entries
Entry fees for each class are shown in the Syllabus. Spectators should note that the class entry fee is for the performer only. Tickets for admission for those who wish to watch performances are £4 and will be available from the Town Hall Box Office beforehand and at any time during the Festival.
The on-line entry system will be operating from 1st December, 2021 and the Closing Date for all entries, including Own Composition, is 11:59 pm on 13th February 2022. Own Compositions (Poems and Stories) must then be uploaded onto the website on or before 1st April 2022.
Entries received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary and will attract a late entry fee of an additional £1.00 per class.
Conditions of Entry – see here
Festival Timetable – to see the classes timetable click here
Contents:
| Music |
| Music Rules | Recorders | Strings | |
| Choral | Music Making | Chamber Music & Ensembles | |
| Vocal | Junior Ensemble | Woodwind & Brass | |
| School Choirs | Piano | Nutland Memorial Award Class |
| Dance |
| Dance Rules | Dance Classes |
| Speech & Drama |
| Speech & Drama Rules | Prose Speaking | Own Composition | |
| Verse Speaking | Prose Reading | Thomas Cranmer Award | |
| Reading at Sight | Acting |
General Information
| Valerie Walsh Award | Child Protection Policy | Accessibility | |
| Copyright Rules | Creating a Safe Festival | Friends of the Festival | |
| General Rules | Equal Opportunities | Donations | |
| Accompanists | Privacy Statement |
| MUSIC |
Rules for Music Classes
| M1 | The Performer’s Age is reckoned as on 31st August in the year prior to the Festival and will be strictly observed |
| M2 | The Adjudicator’s decision is final. |
| M3 | Time limits must be strictly adhered to. Performers who over-run will be penalised by the loss of one mark per minute or part of a minute. |
| M4 | “Own Choice” titles do not need to be notified on the Entry form. “Own Choice” pieces must conform to the standard of tests set at the Festival and the Committee reserves the right to refuse a piece, in the Class, that is not of the required standard. Titles of “Own Choice” music must be announced. |
| M5 | An original score of music, not a photocopy, of an own choice piece must be in the room. A copy of own choice music must be handed to the adjudicator at the beginning of the class and, in the “Set Piece” Classes, the prescribed edition and key, where specified, must be used. Failure to do either of these will mean that the Performer will receive an adjudication but no mark. See also copyright rules. |
| M6 | Performers may not enter more than once in a Class unless specified. |
| M7 | Entrants are advised that the Festival no longer engages official accompanists. Please see Accompanists for further information. |
| M8 | Performers in “Own Choice” Classes may not offer items with which they have already won prizes in Cheltenham Festivals in the past 3 years, nor may they enter the same piece in more than one Class. |
| M9 | Backing Tracks – whether CD, Tape or other media – are not permitted except where specified. |
| M10 | SONGS FROM THE SHOWS: Performers are reminded that, due to Performing Rights, no costume or scenery may be used. Movement is, however, allowed. |
| M11 | For Music Classes split into ‘a’ and ‘b’ sets: Each set will be adjudicated with 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and medals. Only one cup will be awarded overall. |
| Choral | Choirs Secretary Martyn Fry |
Adjudicator – Ula Weber
A former “Outstanding” (Ofsted 2004) primary school teacher, Ula is a leading conductor, teacher trainer and workshop leader, whose work has taken her around the UK and as far afield as Hong Kong, Uganda, Ukraine, Thailand, China and New Zealand. Ula is an expert in developing choral and classroom singing and has delivered singing strategies for Sandwell and Dudley Music Hubs. She has had a number of songs and arrangements published and is the Co-founder of music education organization Vocal Point. Ula sings with the renowned choir Ex Cathedra and is one of their lead education vocal tutors. She co-created Ex Cathedra Education’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning Singing Playgrounds project. A trained choral conductor, Ula currently conducts CBSO SO Vocal (a 200-strong community choir run by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and the Birmingham City Council Choir (as featured in the 2013 BBC2 programme ‘The Choir’, with Gareth Malone). She is the founder and Musical Director of Echo Doliny (The National Polish folk choir) and the National Teachers’ Choir. Most recently Ula has been appointed conductor of the CBSO Children’s Chorus. As Head of Events for the National Choral Organisation, Sing for Pleasure (SfP), Ula organises conducting and singing courses across the UK and abroad. She regularly tutors on SfP conductor training courses and is Course Director for their annual Summer School. Ula guest conducts at national and international events and is regularly invited to lead singing, training, and corporate workshops for organisations including ABCD, BBC, G4S, Glyndebourne, NYCOS, Music Mark, Sing Up, Sistema Scotland, the UK Choir Festival and numerous Music Hubs across the UK.
Adjudicator – David Crown
David has established himself as one of the leading choral conductors in the UK. His abilities as a vocal technician as well as his outstanding gifts as a conductor have placed him in a unique position in his field. He is currently Musical Director of Cheltenham Bach Choir, Opus 48 and Vox Chamber Choir. David’s concerts and recordings have received plaudits around the UK and abroad. As a guest conductor he is increasingly in demand for choirs and orchestras. David’s other work includes choral masterclasses and workshops. His background as a professional singer, professional viola player and sought-after singing teacher have all contributed to the depth he brings to his work.
| C01 | Choral Societies or Mixed Voice Choirs – minimum 20 voices – adult choirs. The Programme must contain at least one unaccompanied item. Minimum of three pieces. The choice of programme will be considered in the adjudication. (10 mins) | £25.00 |
| C02 | Male Voice Choirs – minimum 20 voices – adult choirs. As C01. | £25.00 |
| C03 | Female Voice Choirs – minimum 20 voices – adult choirs. As C01. | £25.00 |
| C04 | Sacred Music – Any combination of voices. Two contrasting items with a minimum of two parts and containing at least one unaccompanied item. Choice of programme will be considered in adjudication. (8 mins) | £25.00 |
| C05 | Folk Song – Any combination of voices. A programme of two contrasting folk song arrangements, not necessarily British, with a minimum of two parts and containing at least one unaccompanied item. Choice of programme will be considered in adjudication. (8 mins) | £25.00 |
| C07 | Choirs – Any combination of voices. Winners in any previous Cheltenham Festival are excluded. Own choice. Two contrasting items – not less than two parts in at least one item. (8 mins) | £25.00 |
| C08 | Youth Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting songs, one in at least three parts. (8 mins) | £25.00 |
| C09 | Songs from the Shows – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Can be separate items or a medley. (10 mins) | £25.00 |
| C10 | Community Choirs or Rock Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting pieces. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments.(8 mins) | £25.00 |
| C11 | Youth Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting songs, one in at least two parts. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. (8 mins) | £25.00 |
Choral Day Awards – Saturday 14th May 2022
THE GOLD CUP (Classes C01, C02, C03), originally donated by the late Mr A N Price, will be awarded to the choir from the Adult Choir Classes which, in the opinion of the adjudicator, gave the most memorable performance.
THE SILVER PLATE will be awarded to the Youth Choir which, in the opinion of the adjudicator, gave the most memorable performance.
| Vocal |
Adjudicator – Heidi Pegler
Heidi Pegler studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Trinity College of Music, London. She sings with London Voices and has sung on films such as Harry Potter, The Hobbit, The Croods, The Hunger Games and Jupiter Ascending. Heidi is the Deputy Director of Music and Head of Singing at St Paul’s Girls’ School where she steers a team of ten singing teachers. She conducts five choirs ranging from 11-18 years old and has directed and produced many musicals including Sweeney Todd, Grease, The Sound of Music, Les Misérables, Into the Woods, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Oliver! Heidi has published several books including the award-winning series The Language of Song (Faber) with friend and colleague Nicola-Jane Kemp; It’s never too late to sing (Faber) and It’s never too late to sing Christmas with Pam Wedgwood and The Best of Singing (Faber) Grades 1-3 and 4-5 selecting highlights from the ABRSM singing syllabus. Heidi is the current chair of AOTOS (association of teachers of singing) and is preparing for Eurovox 2020 in Edinburgh in July. She is also an examiner and trainer for the ABRSM and was part of the team that developed the new singing syllabus.
Adjudicator – Janet Shell
As a young Head of Music in a secondary school Janet transformed the dynamic within the school and gained valuable leadership experience. Upon leaving she trained as a singer at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Her subsequent performing career has seen her performing at the highest level nationally and internationally, working for such companies as the English National Opera, the Royal Opera Covent Garden and singing at such venues as the Royal Albert Hall, Symphony Hall, Birmingham and the Royal Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. She was the first singer interviewed and to sing live on Classic FM, and she has sung for the BBC on Friday Night is Music Night and in many live broadcasts. She is a singer with a remarkable ability to communicate. In demand for opera and concert. She is equally at home presenting a light-hearted cabaret.
Janet has a busy singing teaching practice, and has vast experience working on developing voices for singing. She set up Talking Voice to make her skills accessible to professional voice users other than singers. Through Talking Voice she now coaches teachers and trainee teachers on their voice use in the classroom and gives guidance for executives preparing speeches at conferences.
Adjudicator – Emma Brain-Gabbott
Born and educated in Cheltenham before going on to Trinity College, Cambridge, where she was a choral scholar, Emma enjoys a busy and varied singing career, working regularly with groups such as the Sixteen and the Gabrieli Consort, as well as being in demand as an oratorio soloist. She also works extensively in TV and film, singing on soundtracks ranging from ‘Fleabag’ to the Marvel films. She has also recorded with many pop artists including Eric Clapton, Take That and Björk.
Emma regularly adjudicates across the UK, ranging from school music competitions to the National Colleges A Capella Competition. She was also on the judging panel for Sky’s ‘Sing a Capella’ TV show.
Junior Vocal
*PLEASE NOTE that all set pieces must use the prescribed edition and key. Failure to do either of these will mean that the Performer will receive an adjudication but no mark.*
All classes are non-gender specific.
| V01 | Set Solo – Any Voice – 10 years andunder. ‘The Swing’ by Christopher Field No 4 from A Garland of Song (Recital Music RM910) | £5.00 |
| V02 | Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 10 years and under. Any song from ‘Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection – Volume 1, published by Hal Leonard. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V03 | Set Solo – Any Voice – 11 and 12years. ‘The Dark Island’ by McLachlan (verses 1 & 2) from The ABRSM Songbook, Book 2 (ABRSM) | £5.00 |
| V04 | Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 11 to 12 years. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V05 | Vocal Duet or Trio – 13 years and under. One song, own choice (predominance of harmony singing required). No Performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins) | £8.00 |
| V06 | Set Solo – Any Voice – 13 and 14years.‘A Smuggler’s Song’ by C. Le Flemming (OUP) or The ABRSM Songbook, Book 4 (ABRSM) | £5.00 |
| V07 | Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 13 to 14 years. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V08 | Folk Song from around the World – Any Voice – 10 to 14 years. Own choice. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V10 | Solo – 16 years and under (Changing Voices). Own choice. No pop, songs from shows or films. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V11 | Vocal Duet or Trio – 15 years and under. One song, own choice (predominance of harmony singing required). No performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins) | £8.00 |
| V12 | Set Solo – 15 and 16years. ‘She Walks in Beauty’ from Love’s Philosophy by Alexander L’Estrange Key: G or F (Faber Music) | £5.00 |
| V13 | Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 15 to 18 years. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V14 | Folk Song from around the World – Any Voice – 15 to 18 years. Own choice. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V15 | Solo – Any Voice – 17 to 19 years. Own choice. No pop, songs from shows or films. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| V16 | Vocal Duet or Trio – 19 years and under. One song, own choice (predominance of harmony singing required). No performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins) | £8.00 |
| V17 | Recital Class Grade 6+ – Any voice – 19 years and under. Three contrasting songs from different genres of Gr 6+ standard (ABRSM or equivalent). No rock or pop. Programme choice will be taken into consideration in the adjudication. (10 mins) | £8.00 |
Open Vocal
| V20 | Folk Song Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V21 | Vocal Solo – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Prize winners in any of our previous Festivals are excluded. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V23 | 20th Century Solo – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Any Song by a 20th century British Classical Composer. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V25 | Operatic and Dramatic Solo – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. NB Operatic Arias MUST be sung in the original key. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V27 | Oratorio – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Solo from any Oratorio or Sacred Cantata. (6 mins) | £12.00 |
| V29 | Lieder – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Any Lied to be sung in German. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V31 | Bach or Handel Solo – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Own choice (EXCLUDING Bach St Matthew or St John Passion and Handel Messiah). (6 mins) | £12.00 |
| V32 | Light Operatic Solo – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V33 | Songs from the Shows – Any Voice Open – 19 years and over. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V34 | Gilbert and Sullivan – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V35 | Spiritual – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V36 | French Song – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Any song by a French Composer to be sung in French. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V37 | Victorian/Edwardian Song – Any Voice Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V39 | Vocal Duet or Trio Open – 17 years and over. One song, own choice (predominance of harmony singing required). No performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V40 | Vocal Solo – Any Voice – 60 years and over– Own choice. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V41 | Soprano Solo Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. (8 mins) | £12.00 |
| V42 | Mezzo-Soprano Solo Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. (8 mins) | £12.00 |
| V43 | Contralto Solo Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. (8 mins) | £12.00 |
| V44 | Tenor Solo Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. (8 mins) | £12.00 |
| V45 | Baritone Solo Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. (8 mins) | £12.00 |
| V46 | Bass Solo Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. (8 mins) | £12.00 |
| V48 | Vocal Solo Open – 18 to 25 years. Own choice. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
| V49 | Vocal Solo Open – 17 years and over. Own choice. Non-competitive class with adjudication. (4 mins) | £12.00 |
Adult Vocal Championships – Friday 13th May 2022
Adjudicators – Janet Shell and Ula Weber
| THE GERTRUDE MACE MEMORIAL SHIELD: The performers who achieve 87 or more in Classes V23, V25, V27, V29, V31 & V36 are invited to compete for this Shield. Each finalist, with their accompanist, will perform one of their winning songs from these classes. THE FOXWELL ROSE BOWL: The performers who achieve 87 or more in Classes V41 to V46 are invited to compete for the Foxwell Rose Bowl. Each finalist, with their accompanist, will perform one of their winning songs from these classes. CLEEVE VALE ROTARY CLUB TROPHY: The performers who achieve 87 or more in Classes V20, V32, V33, V34, V35 & V37 are invited to compete for this trophy. Each finalist, with their accompanist, will perform one of their winning songs from these classes. |
| School Choirs | Choirs Secretary Martyn Fry |
All School Choirs must be composed of members from one school. For own choice, contrasting songs, a copy must be provided for the adjudicator. Please note: parents and friends must pay the usual spectator entry fee.
Adjudicator – Lucy Hollins
Lucy Hollins is one of the most respected conductor-animateurs of her generation. Having studied and won several prestigious prizes in the UK and Canada, her leadership experience ranges across vocal and instrumental music-making with professional, amateur, youth and adult ensembles at the very highest level of each. It has seen her appear on TV and radio, premiering new works, adjudicating competitions, touring extensively throughout the UK and internationally, and working alongside some of the world’s finest musicians and directors. Lucy is Acting Director of Music at the University of Warwick, Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra’s Junior Choir and Associate Conductor of the London Symphony Chorus. She is a leading expert in the field of music education and engagement, specialising in vocal outreach. As a conducting teacher, Lucy enjoys working with musicians of all ages and stages to enable them to be their most confident and effective. She is also a passionate concert designer and presenter, creating exciting performances for young people with many organisations, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Warwick Arts Centre and London Symphony Orchestra.
| X10 | Infants – 7 years and under. ‘The Umbrella Man’ from Harlequin (Collins Music) AND one piece of similar difficulty. (6 mins) | £15.00 |
| X20 | Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Novice entries. ‘The Orchard Green’ by Kevin Stannard from Junior Voiceworks Book 1 AND one contrasting piece, own choice. Any School which has won X20 or X25 in the last 3 years may not enter this class. (7 mins) |
£15.00 |
| X25 | Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Open entries. ‘Rattle My Rattle’ – 2 Part Arr. Susan Brumfield (Hal Leonard) AND one contrasting piece, own choice. (7 mins) | £15.00 |
| X30 | Girls, Boys or Mixed – 13 years and under. ‘Bandyrowe’ – SSA Arr. Susan Brumfield (Hal Leonard) AND one contrasting piece, own choice. (7 mins) | £15.00 |
| X40 | Girls, Boys or Mixed – 16 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. | £15.00 |
| X50 | Girls, Boys or Mixed – 19 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. | £15.00 |
| X26 | Local Authority School, with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. The Festival may be able to help with transport costs. If help is needed, the Head Teacher should write to the Music Secretary giving details. | £15.00 |
| X27 | Any Village Primary School with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. The Festival may be able to help with transport costs. If help is needed, the Head Teacher should write to the Music Secretary giving details. | £15.00 |
| Recorders, Music Making and Junior Ensembles |
Music stands will be available.
| X60 | Infant School Music Making – 7 years and under. Own choice. Any form of music making except choirs. | £15.00 |
| X61 | Recorder Solo – 7 years and under. Own choice. Piano accompaniment optional. Any recorder. (1 min) |
£5.00 |
| X65 | Recorder Solo – 8 years. Own choice. Piano accompaniment optional. Any recorder. (1 min) |
£5.00 |
| X70 | Recorder Solo – 9 years. Own choice. Piano accompaniment optional. Any recorder. (2 mins) |
£5.00 |
| X75 | Recorder Solo – 10 years. As X70. | £5.00 |
| X80 | Recorder Solo – 11 years. As X70. | £5.00 |
| X81 | Recorder Duet – 11 years and under. One piece, own choice. Any Recorder. (3 mins) | £8.00 |
| X82 | Recorder Trio – 11 years and under. One piece, own choice. Any Recorder. (3 mins) | £8.00 |
| X85 | Recorder Group – 11 years and under. Own choice. Contrasting Pieces or Suite. At least 3 separate parts. | £10.00 |
| X90 | Junior Ensemble – 12 years and under. Own choice. Any number and combination of instruments. Piano optional but pianist must be within class age range. (7 mins) | £15.00 |
| X91 | Junior Ensemble – 12 years and under – Novice entries. Own choice. Any number and combination of instruments. Any school which has won X90 in the last 3 years may not enter this class. Piano optional but pianist must be within class age range. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. (7 mins) |
£15.00 |
| Piano | PIANO SECRETARY Sally-Anne Davies |
Adjudicator – Alan Maclean
After graduating with distinction from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, Alan continued his studies with internationally recognised pianists, including Karl Schnabel. Principally a pianist, Alan also studied violoncello and singing, trained as a conductor and for twenty years held the position of Head of Keyboard Studies at Cheltenham Ladies College. For their first recording, English Music for Piano Duet, Alan and the pianist Peter Lawson received widespread critical acclaim and ‘Disc of the Year’ from the American music journal Fanfare. “I cannot recall ever hearing a piano duo with such perfect unanimity before. Peter Lawson and Alan MacLean appear to be in total sympathy, not just with one another but with all the music they play” (International Record Review). Similar accolades followed on release of their second album, British music for Piano Duet, and in 2017, a third album was released. Alan is much in demand as a chamber musician, having played with many of the country’s leading instrumentalists. In 2010 he and the violist Carol Hubel-Allen formed the Duo Karadys; the pair enjoyed a concert schedule that includes the world premiere of David Earl’s Sonata for Viola and Piano at the Cheltenham Music Festival. He tours extensively throughout the UK and overseas.
Please Note: No repeats in Set Pieces. For own choice Classes, pieces should be the standard of the grade but not necessarily from a current existing syllabus. No candidate may enter more than one grade class in the same age group. The Adjudicator reserves the right to award adjudication with no mark. Performers must bring an original copy of the music to the Class. Failure to do this will mean that the Performer will receive adjudication but no mark. See also copyright rules.
| P07 | Solo 7 years and under. Own choice. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| P08 | Solo 8 years and under, Prep-Test and under. Own Choice. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| P09 | Solo 8 years and under, Grade 1 and over. Own choice. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| P10 | Solo 9 years and under. Own choice on the Theme of CIRCUS (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| P12 | Solo 9 years and under, Grade 1 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P13 | Solo 9 years and under, Grade 2 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P14 | Solo 9 years and under, Grade 3 & over. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P15 | Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 9 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P17 | Duet 10 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins) | £8.00 |
| P21 | Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 11 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P22 | Solo 11 years and under, Grade 1 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P23 | Solo 11 years and under, Grade 2 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P24 | Solo 11 years and under, Grade 3 & 4. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P25 | Solo 11 years and under, Grade 5 & over. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P33 | Solo 12 years and under, Grade 3 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P34 | Solo 12 years and under, Grade 4 & 5. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| P35 | Solo 12 years and under, Grade 6 & over. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| P37 | Duet or Trio 12 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins) | £8.00 |
| P41 | Solo from Memory 13 years and under, EITHER Mazurka by Gliere from 8 Easy Pieces Op43: ABRSM, OR Idylle by Cecile Chaminade from Album Des Enfants, deuxieme serie Op126: Core Classics for Grade3-4 ABRSM | £5.00 |
| P42 | Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 13 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| P43 | Solo 13 years and under, Grade 3 and under. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| P44 | Solo 13 years and under, Grade 4 & 5. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| P45 | Solo 13 years and under, Grade 6 & over. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| P47 | Duet or Trio 13 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins) | £8.00 |
| P52 | Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 15 years and under. Own choice. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| P53 | Solo 15 years and under, Grade 5 and under. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| P54 | Solo 15 years and under, Grade 6 & 7. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| P55 | Solo 15 years and under, Grade 8 and above. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| P56 | Duet Adult and Child. This is a non-competitive class with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (3 mins) | £8.00 |
| P57 | Duet or Trio 15 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins) | £8.00 |
| P73 | Solo 18 years and under, Grade 5 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| P74 | Solo 18 years and under, Grade 6, 7 & 8. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (6 mins) | £5.00 |
| P80 | Piano Solo, Romantic, Open. One piece by a recognised Romantic composer. Own choice. (10 mins) | £12.00 |
| P81 | Piano Solo, Open. Own choice. Excluding P82 & P83. (10 mins) | £12.00 |
| P82 | Piano Solo, Contrapuntal, Open. Any Prelude and Fugue by J S Bach. (7 mins) | £12.00 |
| P83 | Piano Solo, Sonata, Open. First movement of any Sonata. (10 mins). Longer pieces may be played but the Piano Secretary must be notified at the time of entry. | £12.00 |
| P84 | Duet, Open. Own choice. (7 mins) | £12.00 |
| P85 | Trio, 6 hands one piano, Open. Own choice. (10 mins) | £12.00 |
| P86 | Piano Recital, Open. Own choice. Two or more contrasting pieces by different composers. (15 mins) | £12.00 |
| P87 | Piano Solo, Baroque, Open (excluding P82). Own choice. (10 mins) | £12.00 |
| P88 | Open Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film. Own choice. (10 mins) | £12.00 |
| P90 | Piano Solo, 35 years and over. Own choice. (10 mins) | £12.00 |
| P92 | Adult starters, any instrument. Non-competitive | £5.00 |
| Strings (including plucked instruments – eg – classical GUITAR, HARP etc.) |
Adjudicator – Nadia Hinson GRSM(Hons), LRAM, LTCL, Royal Society of Musicians
Nadia graduated from the Royal Academy of Music after having studied the violin with Manoug Parikian and the piano with Jean Harvey. She was awarded first prize for Aural studies and her quartet won the string chamber prize in her final year. Nadia was the featured soloist playing the Lark Ascending and Bach double violin concerto for the Benslow Trust at St. James’ Piccadilly having been awarded an instrument to continue her studies. Other concertos in her repertoire include performances of the Mendelssohn, Mozart no.3 and 4, Haydn in C, De Beriot, Viotti, and works by Beethoven and Finzi.
She began her career as a freelance violinist playing in many London based orchestras. As an accompanist to singers and instrumentalists, she met her musician husband Nigel and together they founded the Veloce Ensemble (string quartet and clarinet quintet) touring throughout Britain performing specially commissioned works for that genre. Appearances at festivals and stately homes inspired a regular concert series at Belvoir Castle and Holmepierrepont Hall. As a recitalist on violin and piano throughout the East Midlands, Nadia has been highlighted in festivals and BBC features locally.
She is also currently the owner and director of the Hinson School of Music in Nottingham, and is an International examiner for the ABRSM, a Jazz examiner for the ABRSM, an adjudicator for the British and International federation of Festivals, and a member of the Royal Society of Musicians.
Nadia has been a senior consultant for the LEAD Academy trust, involved in developing music departments in schools in Nottinghamshire, and leading workshops to encourage and involve as many youngsters as possible in experiencing music and the arts in large scale productions and showcase concerts. She has set up composition workshops to inspire children to explore feelings and ideas through music and is a mentor for the Trust to develop self-confidence and communication through learning and performance.
| Performers may not enter a Class more than once unless playing different instruments. If there is a sufficient number of entries, classes will be split into separate classes for different instruments. |
| S01 | Any Stringed Instrument – 9 years and under. Own Choice. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| S02 | Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 2 and 3. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade set for the class. | £5.00 |
| S03 | Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 4 and 5. As S02. | £5.00 |
| S04 | Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 6 and 7. As S02. | £5.00 |
| S05 | Any Stringed Instrument – Grade 8 and over. Own choice. (8 mins) | £5.00 |
| S06 | The Barbara Roberts Memorial Prize – Viola under 18 years. Own Choice. (7 mins) | £5.00 |
| S07 | Recital – 18 years and under (any stringed or wind instrument). Own choice of programme. (12 mins) | £5.00 |
| S08 | Any Stringed Instrument – 11 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| S09 | Any Stringed Instrument – 14 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| S10 | Any Stringed Instrument – 16 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| S11 | Any Stringed Instrument – 18 years and under. Own choice. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| S12 | Recital – 19 years and over (any stringed or wind instrument). As S07. | £8.00 |
| Chamber Music & Ensembles |
Performers may not enter a Class more than once, unless playing different instruments. Music stands will be available for groups and ensembles.
| S27 | Group – 11 years and under. Any combination of instruments from 3 to 9 players. Own choice. (6 mins) | £8.00 |
| S28 | Group – 14 years and under. Any combination of instruments from 3 to 9 players. Own choice. (10 mins) | £8.00 |
| S29 | Group – 18 years and under. Any combination of instruments from 3 to 9 players. Own choice. (10 mins) | £8.00 |
| S30 | Duo – 14 years and under. Any 2 solo instruments other than piano, piano accompaniment optional. Own choice. (5 mins) | £8.00 |
| S31 | Duo – 18 years and under. Any 2 solo instruments other than piano, piano accompaniment optional. Own choice. (8 mins) | £8.00 |
| S32 | Duo – Open. Piano and any Wind or String instrument. Own choice. (8 mins) | £8.00 |
| Woodwind & Brass |
Adjudicator – Keith Allen MMus, BA, FTCL, ARCM, PGCE
Keith was awarded a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, going on to take post-graduate studies at Birmingham, Kingston and Thames Valley Universities. He played clarinet and saxophone with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Shakespeare Company and others. His previous positions include: Saxophone Tutor at Birmingham Conservatoire; Head of Birmingham Music Service; Musical Director: Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company and Consultant Editor, Faber Music.
Present positions include Musical Director, Birmingham Symphonic Winds; Artistic Director, National Concert Band Festival; Conductor, Solihull Youth Wind Orchestra and clarinet tutor of European Youth Summer Music.
He is also an adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals. In 2011, Keith directed University Wind Bands in Minnesota USA.
| W03 | Solo Wind Instrument – Grades 2 and 3. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade. | £5.00 |
| W04 | Solo Wind Instrument – Grades 4 and 5. As W3. | £5.00 |
| W05 | Solo Wind Instrument – Grades 6 and 7. As W3. | £5.00 |
| W06 | Solo Wind Instrument – Grades 8 and over. Own choice. (8 mins) | £5.00 |
| W07 | Any Wind Instrument – 11 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins) | £5.00 |
| W08 | Any Wind Instrument – 14 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| W09 | Any Wind Instrument – 16 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins) | £5.00 |
| W10 | Any Wind Instrument – 18 years and under. Own choice. (5 mins) | £5.00 |
| W11 | Ensemble – Open age. Own choice of pieces. (10 mins) | £8.00 |
| S07 | Recital – 18 years and under (any stringed or wind instrument). Own choice of programme. (12 mins) | £8.00 |
| S12 | Recital – 19 years and over (any stringed or wind instrument). As S07. | £8.00 |
| KEITH NUTLAND AWARD FOR FESTIVAL YOUNG MUSICIAN |
NEW RULES TO WIDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR ENTRY
Founded in 1995, this award is in memory of Keith Nutland, a former President of the Festival. The aim is to recognise the skills and talents of the student and the hope is that the prize will be used to help with any future musical training. Young Musicians (the ‘Students’) are invited to give a Recital in front of a panel of Judges and an audience.
Award:
The winner will receive a Trophy and a cheque for £1000 and may be invited to give a Recital at the Cheltenham Music Festival in the following year. Recital students may be given free admission to the Cheltenham Music Festival, of which Keith Nutland was Treasurer for many years.
PERFORMANCE DATE: Saturday 19th March, or, if Covid restrictions apply, then Saturday 30th April.
Venue: Bethesda Church, Great Norwood Street, Cheltenham
RULES FOR ENTRY:
- The Student must be living in a family home in Gloucestershire OR be at school in Gloucestershire.
- The Student must be post Grade 8 standard (ABRSM or equivalent) in their chosen instrument or voice. They must give a recital of at least two contrasting works and demonstrate skills appropriate to a recital.
- The Student must be in Year 13 or Gap year. Not in first year at University/Music College.
- Students must provide their own accompanist if one is needed.
- Students are allowed only one entry into this competition.
Entries:
For Entry forms and any queries, contact
David Terry: 07921 549191 or email Nutland@cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk
Entries must come through the School’s Head of Music or a Music Teacher. Closing date for entries is 13th Feb. 2022. There is an entry fee of £20 per competitor.
In the event of a large number of entries, a preliminary round may be held earlier on the same day as the competition.
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| DANCE |
Rules for Dance Classes
| D1 | Age limit is reckoned as on 31st August in the year prior to the Festival and will be strictly observed |
| D2 | The Festival is not liable for any copyright infringement caused by CD recordings supplied by the performer. |
| D3 | The Festival requires music on CD. There should be a single recording on the media. Music to be played by officials only. The quality of recording will be taken into account. It is advisable to have a backup CD. |
| D4 | A Performer may not perform the same Dance in more than one Class. |
| D5 | The time allowed must be strictly adhered to. |
| D6 | In the Groups, all performers must be on the stage and active during the major portion of the dance. |
| D7 | Performers may not dance more than once in any Solo Class. In Duets, a performer may only enter one Classical Class and one Cabaret Class, and likewise in Trio classes. |
| D8 | No School may enter more than 3 groups in the Group Classes, and a group must consist of at least 5 persons. |
| D9 | Performers may NOT TRANSFER to another Class without prior permission from the Festival Office. |
| D10 | Cabaret Duets, Trios and groups may include song but should not include vocal on the backing track. |
| D11 | In Tap Classes ‘standard’ taps (single sound) only must be used. |
| D12 | Tape Recording, Video Filming and Photographing of Classes are NOT ALLOWED. |
| D13 | Pointe work is not permitted for any performer under 13 years of age. |
| D14 | Performers will be allowed to re-dance but will not be eligible for first, second or third place. |
| D15 | Individuals shall not be eligible to perform at the Festival if they have changed dancing schools since 1st September in the year prior to the Festival. Note: This rule is in place to allow sufficient time, after an individual has moved to a new dance school, for the dancer’s performance to be appropriately developed by the new teacher, thereby safeguarding the dancer’s physical and psychological wellbeing. |
| D16 | Individuals attending full time vocational dance schools are not eligible to enter. |
| D17 | A Novice is a performer who has not gained 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in any solo section at a comparable Festival. Song is NOT allowed in the Novice Section. |
| D18 | Please note: Classes may be split or combined based on the number of entries received. |
| D19 | The Festival reserves the right to run up to 15 minutes early for any class. |
| Dance Classes |
Adjudicator – Jill Baldock LIDTA, ARAD
Jill is an adjudicator for both The British and International Federation of Festivals and All England Dance. She also judges the applications for DWC and puts together the teams for England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This is an online process, which she has been doing for several years. Jill has also judged for many Digital Competitions.
Trained at the Hylton Bromley School in Merseyside and the Royal Academy of Dance in London she entered The Sunshine Competitions (pre-All England) and gained seven gold medals in the London finals. Jill received a scholarship to attend ‘The Place’ (London’s Contemporary School of Dance) and went on to teach contemporary dance for both Derby and Surrey Arts Councils. She has also taught for The Italia Conti School and eventually went on to own her own theatre school.
Her first professional dancing job was with the famous ‘Top of The Pops’ dance group ‘The Go-Jos’, working in TV, Film, Cabaret and West End. Other stage shows include “Kiss Me Kate”, “Carousel”, “Guys&Dolls”, and “The King&I”. Jill went on to become an International choreographer, director and producer of theatre, cabaret and cruise shows.
She diverted her career into the music business, producing for both EMI and Virgin: recording such artistes as Shirley Bassey, Ruthie Henshall, Bonnie Langford, Marti Webb, Toyah Wilcox etc. During that time she also ran her own music publishing business.
| PM | Raymond Wood & Patricia Mace Memorial & Prize PAS de DEUX Class – 18 years and under. (3 mins) The Duet can be a classical, contemporary or modern based boy/girl partnership but must include Pas De Deux work. The winners will receive the trophy and a £100 cash prize. Performers who enter the Pas De Deux may still enter Classical and Cabaret sections. |
£10.00 |
| D01 | Solo – 4 years and under. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D02 | Ballet Solo 5 and 6 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D03 | Ballet Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D04 | Ballet Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D05 | Ballet Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D06 | Ballet Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D07 | Ballet Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D08 | Classical Solo 5 and 6 years. (To include Character or National) (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D09 | Character Solo 7 and 8 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D10 | Character Solo 9 and 10 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D11 | Character Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D12 | Character Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D13 | Character Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D15 | National Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D16 | National Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D17 | National Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D18 | National Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D19 | National Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D20 | Classical Duet under 9 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D21 | Classical Duet 9 and 10 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D22 | Classical Duet 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D23 | Classical Duet 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D24 | Classical Duet 15 – 18 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D25 | Cabaret Duet under 9 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D26 | Cabaret Duet 9 and 10 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D27 | Cabaret Duet 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D28 | Cabaret Duet 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D29 | Cabaret Duet 15 – 18 years. (2 mins 30) | £8.00 |
| D30 | Classical Group 10 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D31 | Classical Group 14 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D32 | Classical Group 18 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D33 | Cabaret Group 10 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D34 | Cabaret Group 14 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D35 | Cabaret Group 18 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D36 | Cabaret Solo 5 and 6 years. (To include Tap, Modern or Lyrical. Song not allowed). (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D37 | Tap Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D38 | Tap Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D39 | Tap Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D40 | Tap Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D41 | Tap Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D42 | Ballet Group 10 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D43 | Ballet Group 14 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D44 | Ballet Group 18 years and under.(4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D46 | Modern Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D47 | Modern Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D48 | Modern Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D49 | Modern Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D50 | Modern Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D51 | Lyrical Modern Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D52 | Lyrical Modern Solo under 9 years. (1 min 30) | £5.00 |
| D53 | Lyrical Modern Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D54 | Lyrical Modern Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D55 | Lyrical Modern Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D56 | Song and Dance Solo 10 years and under (2 mins 30) | £5.00 |
| D57 | Song and Dance Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30) | £5.00 |
| D58 | Song and Dance Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30) | £5.00 |
| D59 | Song and Dance Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins 30) | £5.00 |
| D60 | Improvisation 11 – 13 years. Music for the improvisation Classes will be set by the adjudicator and each performer will hear the music twice before dancing. |
£5.00 |
| D61 | Improvisation 14 – 18 years. As D60 | £5.00 |
| D62 | Classical Trio 10 years and under. (3 mins) | £9.00 |
| D63 | Classical Trio 14 years and under. (3 mins) | £9.00 |
| D64 | Classical Trio 18 years and under. (3 mins) | £9.00 |
| D65 | Cabaret Trio 10 years and under. (3 mins) | £9.00 |
| D66 | Cabaret Trio 14 years and under. (3 mins) | £9.00 |
| D67 | Cabaret Trio 18 years and under. (3 mins) | £9.00 |
| D68 | Street Dance Group 10 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D69 | Street Dance Group 14 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D70 | Street Dance Group 18 years and under. (4 mins) | £10.00 |
| D71 | Own Choreography solo 10 years and under. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D72 | Own Choreography solo 11 to 14 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D73 | Own Choreography solo 15 to 18 years. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D74 | Own Choreography Duet/Trio 10 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (2 mins 30) | £9.00 |
| D75 | Own Choreography Duet/Trio 14 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (2 mins 30) | £9.00 |
| D76 | Own Choreography Duet/Trio 18 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (2½ mins) | £9.00 |
| D77 | Novice Solo 10 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| D78 | Primary School Group – any style or theme. Maximum number of performers per group, 35. A school can enter more than one group, but children can only take part in one group. No adult participation allowed on stage during performance. (5 mins). Teachers are asked to indicate whether the group is infants or juniors or mixed, as two trophies will be awarded i.e. juniors and infants. This class will be timetabled for the afternoon of Friday 6th May. |
£10.00 |
| SPEECH & DRAMA |
Rules for Speech & Drama
| SD1 | The Age Limit is reckoned as on 31st August in the year prior to the Festival and will be strictly observed. |
| SD2 | The Adjudicator’s decision is final. |
| SD3 | Time limits must be strictly adhered to but do not include an introduction to scenes. Performers who over-run will be penalised with the loss of one mark per minute or part of a minute and may not receive a mark. |
| SD4 | Coaching. No instruction, mouthing of words or gestures by a teacher, tutor or parent is allowed during a performance. This, and/or any other off-stage direction may result in a loss of marks. |
| SD5 | Prompting. The Adjudicator and Steward must not be expected to prompt if words are forgotten; performers are advised to provide their own prompter who must NOT be their teacher; in case of difficulty, performers may ask for help from the office. |
| SD6 | Performers entering “Own Choice” classes must ensure that the selected pieces are of a suitable standard for the age group. Teachers and students are requested to be aware of the sensitivity of the audience regarding the content of the scenes. Language likely to cause offence must not be included. |
| SD7 | None but hand properties (eg – a fan, handkerchief, scarf etc.) are permitted. |
| SD8 | In “Own Choice” classes, a script must be given to the Adjudicator before performing in the class. |
| SD9 | Stage costume must NOT be used, but rehearsal skirts are allowed. See Rule G8. |
| SD10 | ALTERATIONS. Performers wishing to request an alteration to their published performance time must contact the Speech and Drama Secretary a minimum of ONE WEEK BEFORE the Speech and Drama section begins. Requests may not be accepted after this time. |
| SD11 | The Age Limit for Open Classes is 18 years and upwards. |
| Adjudicators |
Adjudicator – Rebecca Thompson BA(Hons), LLAM(Hons)
On graduating from Bristol University with a degree in Drama and English, Rebecca worked for BBC Radio Four’s Drama Department. After further journalism and corporate work, Rebecca studied for her Licentiate Teacher’s Diploma and has been teaching Speech and Drama privately and in schools for over 25 years.
Additionally a voice and presentation skills coach in the region, she teaches in private and state schools, colleges and businesses and is a facilitator for Speaking and Listening Courses in the South Gloucestershire region; in addition she facilitates communication training in schools across the country.
Rebecca has been actively involved in theatre in the South West and is an Adjudicator for the Rose Bowl Awards for Amateur Drama and Music; she also continues to direct plays with young people.
Rebecca is passionate about developing communication skills among people of all ages and abilities; she sees the Festival movement as an excellent way of achieving this goal. Rebecca has adapted her teaching methods during recent months and is very happy to adjudicate in person or online.
Adjudicator – Marcia Carr MPhil(Lon), BA(Hons), ALAM, LLCM, ALCM, FRSA
Marcia trained at Royal Holloway University of London. She trained in music, dance and drama, and currently facilitates workshops and directs shows for universities, drama schools and theatre departments internationally. She is a qualified Feldenkrais Practitioner, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
She has toured internationally, winning Best Performer, Manchester Evening News and Buxton Festival and a Time Out Critics Choice.
Marcia is Co-Artistic Director of Impetuous Kinship and Co-Director of the Creative Blast Company, delivering educational packages, training young people, developing choirs, Community Companies and producing shows touring nationally and internationally in both theatrical and non-theatrical environments.
She is an Associate Artist with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, directing shows, developing workshops, on audition panels and leading training, an Adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals, and Deputy Chief Examiner for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Adjudicator – Jeffrey Grenfell-Hill KCSJ, PhD, MA, BA (Hons)
Jeffrey trained for the theatre at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and was the student director in his final year. After graduation he was invited to join the Examining Board of the London Academy of Speech and Drama. In this role he has examined extensively in the UK and internationally.
For many years Jeffrey was Director of Sixth Form Studies at St. George’s School in Harpenden, where he taught Drama and History. Samuel French have published his plays and his latest book: Monologues and Duologues for Young Actors, is specifically geared for the 7 to 13 age range. Jeffrey started his adjudicating ‘career’ by joining the panel of adjudicators for the Wyoming State Youth Drama Festival; but since then his adjudicating has been closer to home.
Adjudicator – Eleanor Mcleod MA(Ed), DipEd, LLAM(Hons), MSTSD
Eleanor comes from Swansea in Wales, where she first gained a love of the spoken word through taking LAMDA examinations, later gaining her LAMDA teaching diploma. She is a qualified teacher with a Masters Degree in Education.
Eleanor has been a professional actress for most of her life, appearing on stage, television, radio and taking Shakespeare to schools all over the world for the British Council.
A member of the LAMDA examinations board, she is also a published author of two books of poetry for children. Eleanor is an adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals.
| Verse Speaking |
The SET Poems for Classes SD01-SD10 can be downloaded by clicking here.
| SD00 NEW | A ‘Welcome’ class for performers of School Year 1 age and under. Competitors will receive feedback but this is a non-competitive class, designed to build skills and confidence. Competitors should prepare a short poem or rhyme for performance. Competitors should prepare to perform alone, but if parental (or similar) presence onstage is needed, this is permitted. If guidance is required on material, please contact the Speech & Drama Secretary. |
£5.00 |
| SD01 | Verse Speaking – School Year 2 and under. ‘My Grannies’ by June Crebbin or any other poem on the theme of FAMILIES. Time limit: 1 minute. | £5.00 |
| SD02 | Verse Speaking – School Year 3. ‘Chicken Poxed’ by Valerie Bloom or any other poem on the theme of BEING NAUGHTY. Time limit: 2 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD03 | Verse Speaking – School Year 4. ‘The Painting Lesson’ by Trevor Harvey or any other poem on the theme of COLOURS Time limit: 2 minutes. |
£5.00 |
| SD04 | Verse Speaking – School Year 5. ‘Summer Storm’ by John Foster or any other poem on the theme of THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT. Time limit: 2 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD05 | Verse Speaking – School Year 6. ‘Daffodils’ by William Wordsworth or any other poem on the theme of NATURE. Time limit: 2 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD06 | Verse Speaking – School Year 7. ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley or any poem on the theme of MYSELF. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD07 | Verse Speaking – School Year 8. ‘The Way Through the Woods’ by Rudyard Kipling or any poem on the theme of TIME. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD08 | Verse Speaking – School Years 9 and 10. ‘Poem’ by Simon Armitage or any poem on the theme of LOOKING BACK . Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD09 | Verse Speaking – School Years 11 to 13. ‘Ashes of Life’ by Edna St Vincent Millay or any poem on the theme of WHEN LOVE HAS GONE. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD10 | Verse Speaking – Open – 18 years and over. ‘The Thought Fox’ by Ted Hughes or any poem on the theme of INSPIRATION . Time limit: 5 minutes. | £6.00 |
| LC | The Lyric Championship. An invitation class only. The top four placings in each of Classes SD06, SD07, SD08 and SD09 will be invited to perform a lyric poem or sonnet in this prestigious ‘final’ class. This poem may be the poem spoken in their original Verse Speaking class, if it is of sufficient lyrical quality. Teachers are requested to ensure pupils are prepared in advance for the possibility of being in this class. | |
| SD11 | Share a Poem – School Years 3 and 4. A Poem for 2 to 4 voices. Movement is permitted. Own Choice. It is recommended that performers explore the techniques of unison as well as solo speaking in this Class. Entrants will receive one group certificate per entry. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the class. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £10.00 |
| SD12 | Share a Poem – School Years 5 and 6. As SD11. | £10.00 |
| SD13 | Share a Poem – School Years 7 and 8. As SD11 but with a Time limit of 4 minutes. | £10.00 |
| SD14 | Share a Poem – School Years 9 to 13. As SD13. | £10.00 |
| SD15 | Sonnet Class – School Years 10 to 13. A Sonnet by any poet of the Speaker’s own choice. | £5.00 |
| SD16 | Sonnet Class – Open – 18 years and over. A Sonnet by any poet of the Speaker’s own choice. | £6.00 |
| SD17 | Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 7 to 9. Any Own Choice poem or extract from a poem spoken with a recorded musical backing. Performers will be required to provide their own playback equipment and are advised to ensure copyright laws are observed with regard to the musical backing. Competitors should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. Minimal movement and gesture permitted. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD18 | Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 10 to 13. As SD17. | £5.00 |
| Reading at Sight |
For classes SD19 to SD22, performers will be given time to read the passage through before their performance.
| SD19 | Reading at Sight – School Year 5. Test to be set by the Adjudicator. | £5.00 |
| SD20 | Reading at Sight – School Year 6. As SD19. | £5.00 |
| SD21 | Reading at Sight – School Years 7 and 8. As SD19. | £5.00 |
| SD22 | Reading at Sight – School Years 9 and 10. As SD19. | £5.00 |
| SD23 | Reading at Sight – School Years 11 to 13. As SD19. | £5.00 |
| Prose Speaking |
| SD25 | Prose Speaking – School Years 5 and 6. A memorised extract from any book of the performer’s Own Choice. Performers must provide a copy of the extract for the Adjudicator. (2 mins) | £5.00 |
| SD26 | Prose Speaking – School Years 7 and 8. As SD25. | £5.00 |
| SD27 | Prose Speaking – School Years 9 and 10. As SD25. | £5.00 |
| Prose Reading |
| In all prepared Prose Reading classes performers must provide a copy of the selected reading for the Adjudicator. *Performers are reminded that these are reading classes, not a memorised test. Extracts should include both narrative and dialogue. |
| SD28 | Prose Reading – School Year 4 and under. A prepared reading from any fictional book of the performer’s own choice. Time limit: 2 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD29 | Prose Reading – School Years 5 and 6. A prepared reading from any fictional book of the performer’s own choice, around the themes of OBSTACLES, CHALLENGES, or BATTLES. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD30 | Prose Reading – School Years 7 and 8. A prepared reading from any fictional book of the performer’s own choice, around the theme of IDENTITY. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD31 | Prose Reading – School Years 9 to 13 – My Favourite Book. A prepared reading from any book of the Performers Own Choice, preceded by a recommendation and personal appreciation which must be spoken freely and without notes. See asterisk above. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD32 | Prose Reading – Open – 18 years and over – My Favourite Book. A prepared reading from any book of the Performers Own Choice, preceded by a recommendation and personal appreciation which must be spoken freely and without notes. See asterisk above. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £6.00 |
| SD33 | Reading to an Audience. Open to novice speakers of any age for whom English is an acquired language to give an opportunity to gain confidence and experience at speaking in public. Performers are asked to announce the title and author of their selection and to bring a copy for the adjudicator. Test piece: Any poem or prose extract of the speaker’s own choice. Time limit: 2 minutes. A non-competitive class. No entry fee required – however, please complete and return an entry form. |
FREE |
| SD34 | Prepared Reading from the Bible – School Years 9 to 13. Own Choice. Authorised Version only because of the challenge of the vivid and historical language. Competitors are reminded that this is a reading class, not an acting class, and are asked to perform accordingly. Time limit: 2 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD35 | Prepared Reading from the Bible – Open – 18 years and over. As SD34. Time limit: 3 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD36 | Prepared Reading from a Holy Book – School Year 7 and under. The reading may be from a Holy Book from any faith, to be read in English. This can include modern versions of the English Bible. Competitors are reminded that this is a reading and not an acting class, and are asked to perform accordingly. Time limit: 2 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD37 | Prepared Reading from a Holy Book – School Years 8 to 11. As SD36. | £5.00 |
| SD38 | Recital on a Theme – School Years 6 and under. The performer will present at least one prose selection and one verse reading supported by an introduction to the theme, linking of the selections and a conclusion. Dramatic extracts will be accepted if time allows. Introduction, links and conclusion must be spoken freely and without notes. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD39 | Recital on a Theme – School Years 7, 8 and 9. As SD38. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD40 | Duet Recital – School Years 9 and 10. The performers will present at least one prose selection and one verse reading supported by an introduction to the theme, linking of the selections and a conclusion. Dramatic extracts will be accepted if time allows. Introduction, links and conclusion must be spoken freely and without notes. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £10.00 |
| Acting |
Attention is drawn to the revised time limits which MUST be strictly adhered to. Performers who overrun may be penalised. See rules G6 and SD3. In Duologue classes a younger performer may partner an older one provided he/she does not enter any other age group. Performers may enter in only ONE duologue class. Multiple entries including one performer will not be processed. Performers are requested to be aware of the sensitivity of the audience regarding the content of the scenes. Language likely to cause offence MUST NOT BE INCLUDED. Please refer to Rule SD6.
| SD41 | Duologue – School Years 4 and under. A scene taken from a PUBLISHED play or novel, or an Examination Board syllabus. Shakespeare scenes are acceptable. Television sketches and improvised scripts are NOT allowed. Own Choice. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £10.00 |
| SD42 | Duologue – School Years 5 and 6. As SD41. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £10.00 |
| SD43 | Duologue – School Years 7 and 8. As SD41. Time limit: 6 minutes. | £10.00 |
| SD44 | Duologue – School Years 9 and 10. As SD41. Time limit: 6 minutes. | £10.00 |
| SD45 | Duologue – School Years 11 to 13. As SD41. Time limit: 7 minutes. | £10.00 |
| SD46 | Dramatic Scene for 3 to 6 performers – School Year 6 and under. Own Choice. A scene taken from a PUBLISHED play or novel, or an Examination Board syllabus. Shakespeare scenes are acceptable. The inclusion of live or recorded music is permitted. Television sketches and improvised scripts are NOT allowed. Entrants will receive one group certificate per entry. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the class. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £15.00 |
| SD47 | Solo Acting – School Year 4 and under. A scene taken from a PUBLISHED play or novel, or an Examination Board syllabus. Shakespeare scenes are acceptable. Television sketches, monologues and improvised scripts are NOT allowed. Own Choice. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD48 | Solo Acting – School Years 5 and 6. As SD47. | £5.00 |
| SD49 | Solo Acting – School Years 7 and 8. As SD47. | £5.00 |
| SD50 | Solo Acting – School Years 9 and 10. As SD47 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD51 | Solo Acting – School Years 11 to 13. As SD47 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 6 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD52 | Solo Acting – Open – 19 years and over. As SD47 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 7 minutes. | £6.00 |
| SD53 | Audition Class – Ages 16 to 25. Performers will present one Shakespeare and one contemporary monologue, each lasting no more than 2 minutes. This is a non-competitive class. All performers are required to arrive at the class start time for a masterclass/talk that will accompany the session. | £12.00 |
| SD54 | Sight Reading of a Dramatic Scene for One Person – School Years 7 and 8. Performers will have TWO minutes before the performance to prepare a scene, which will be chosen by the Adjudicator and suitable for male or female performers. Movement is allowed. | £5.00 |
| SD55 | Sight Reading of a Dramatic Scene for One Person – School Years 9 to 11. Performers will have TWO minutes before the performance to prepare a scene, which will be chosen by the Adjudicator and suitable for male or female performers. Movement is allowed. | £5.00 |
| SD56 | Shakespeare Scene by one person – School Years 10 and under. Own choice. Time limit: 5 minutes. This class may be split by age if entries are significant. | £5.00 |
| SD57 | Shakespeare Scene by one person – School Years 11 to 13. Own choice. Time limit: 6 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD58 | Shakespeare Scene by one person – Open – 18 years and over. Own choice. Time limit: 7 minutes. | £6.00 |
| SD59a | Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 5 and under. Own Choice. An improvised scene of the performer’s own devising creating a situation and character which will reflect the original mood and intention of the song. There should be a balance between time given to improvised dialogue and time given to acting through song. For copyright reasons the use of the original storyline and character is strictly prohibited. Performers must provide their own accompaniment and playback and should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. It is the responsibility of the performer to ensure that copyright laws are observed. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD59b | Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 6, 7 and 8. As SD59a. | £5.00 |
| SD60 | Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 9 to 13. As SD59a. | £5.00 |
| SD61 | Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – Open – 18 years and over. As SD59a. | £5.00 |
| SD62a | Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 5 and under. A scene for 2 – 4 performers. Own Choice. An improvised scene of the performer’s own devising creating a situation and character which will reflect the original mood and intention of the song. There should be a balance between time given to improvised dialogue and time given to acting through song. For copyright reasons the use of the original storyline and character is strictly prohibited. Performers must provide their own accompaniment and playback and should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. It is the responsibility of the performer to ensure that copyright laws are observed. Entrants will receive one group certificate per entry. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the class. Time limit: 6 minutes. | £12.00 |
| SD62b | Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 6, 7 and 8. As SD62a. | £12.00 |
| SD63 | Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 9 to 13. As SD62a. Time limit: 8 minutes. | £12.00 |
| SD64 | Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – Open – 18 years and over. As SD62a. Time limit: 8 minutes. | £12.00 |
| SD65 | Solo Mime – School Year 6 and under. Own choice. Title to be chosen and announced by the Performer. The use of music is permitted. The use of stage or hand properties is NOT allowed. Time limit: 4 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD66 | Solo Mime – School Years 7 to 13. As SD65. Time limit: 4 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD67 | Informative Speech – School Years 5 and 6. A talk about an object of special significance. Performers must engage with their object during the talk. Time limit: 2 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD68 | Public Speaking – School Years 7, 8 and 9. A team of three:
|
£12.00 |
| SD69 | Public Speaking – School Years 10 to 13. As SD68. | £12.00 |
| SD70 | Public Speaking – Individual – School Years 7, 8 and 9. A prepared speech on any subject of the speaker’s own choice. Competitors should be aware that the Festival does not provide technological elements or support. Any technical requirements must be supplied and operated by the competitor, and should not take a disproportionate amount of time to set up. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £5.00 |
| SD71 | Public Speaking – Individual – School Years 10 to 13. As SD70. | £5.00 |
| SD72 | Choral Speaking – Junior – School Year 6 and under. Teachers are requested to state the team’s age on the entry form. Teams under 8 years of age will perform at the beginning of the class but will be adjudicated with the rest of the entries in the class. This will make them eligible for the Charlton Park Challenge Cup award for the overall winners, as well as the Selwyn School Challenge Cup award for the best team under 8 years. Own choice. Time limit: 5 minutes. | £12.00 |
| SD73 | Choral Speaking – Senior – School Years 7 to 13. Please state poem on entry form. Time limit: 7 minutes. |
£12.00 |
| SD74 | Junior Devised Drama – School Year 6 and under. A performance by a group of between 5 and 35 performers and based on a stimulus of their own choice. Please note this is not just an improvisation Class. The programme should be linked together smoothly and should include at least 3 of the following skills Solo Verse, Prose, Choral Speaking, Live Music using instruments, Recorded Music, Mime, Dance and Movement. Time limit: 10 minutes. | £12.00 |
| SD75 | Intermediate Devised Drama – School Years 7, 8 and 9. As SD74. Time limit: 12 minutes. | £12.00 |
| SD76 | Senior Devised Drama – School Years 10 to 13. As SD74. (15 mins) | £12.00 |
| SD77 | Theme – Open Age Group. This class is restricted to children and adults with Special Educational Needs.
The group consisting of between 3 and 35 performers – and including support assistants – will present a programme based on a stimulus of their own choice and which includes a variety of skills linked together smoothly. Time limit: 15 minutes. |
£12.00 |
| SD78
NEW |
Theme – Open Age Group – this class is restricted to children and adults with Special Educational Needs.
Individuals (unfortunately, groups and pairs are prohibited in 2021 due to CV19 restrictions) are encouraged to enter a dramatic performance piece of their own choice. In the case of a large number of entries, the Festival reserves the right to split classes according to age or dramatic discipline. |
£5.00 |
| Own Composition |
Each poem or story must be typed, but unnamed, and uploaded to the Festival website.
POETRY
Entries must be received on-line by 13th February 2022 and the poem uploaded to CFPA’s website by 1st April 2022. Not to exceed 3 minutes reading time each. Limit: 3 poems per person. The top six poems will be read at the Festival either by yourself or a member of the Festival team if you prefer.
| SD79 | Poetry Own Composition – School Year 6 and under. | £5.00 |
| SD80 | Poetry Own Composition – School Years 7 to 10. | £5.00 |
| SD81 | Poetry Own Composition – School Years 11 to 13. | £5.00 |
| SD82 | Poetry Own Composition – Open – 18 years and over. | £5.00 |
Entries must be received on-line by 13th February 2022 and the poem uploaded to CFPA’s website by 1st April 2022. Limit: 3 stories per person. The winning story will be read at the Festival.
| SD83 | Original Storywriting – School Year 6 and under. Maximum 500 words | £5.00 |
| SD84 | Original Storywriting – School Years 7 to 10. Maximum 750 words. | £5.00 |
| SD85 | Original Storywriting – School Years 11 to 13. Maximum 1000 words. | £5.00 |
| SD86 | Original Storywriting – Open – 18 years and over. Maximum 1000 words. | £5.00 |
| The Thomas Cranmer Award Class |
The Speech and Drama Committee is pleased to include in this year’s Festival a heat of the National Prayer Book Society Competition – THE THOMAS CRANMER AWARDS. This competition is open to candidates ages 11-18 inclusive who will be required to speak an extract from the gospels or the Book of Common Prayer 1662 to be selected from the following list and chosen with reference to the age list below:
- Set of Collect, Epistle and Gospel from the Book of Common Prayer for any Sunday or Holy Day.
- A passage consisting of one or more of the Psalms and/or Canticles.
- Any suitable passage from the services of Morning or Evening Prayer or the Services of Holy Communion but excluding the Absolution Blessing or Prayer of Consecration or other material appropriate only for speaking by a Priest.
- Any suitable passage from the Services of Baptism, Marriage or Burial, but not including the priestly words of blessing.
- Any suitable passage from the Catechism or from the Special Prayers and Thanksgiving, or the Litany.
Age Groups:
- 11 Years – Own choice of any gospel
- 12 and 13 Years – Own choice of any collect and gospel
- 14 and 15 Years – Own choice of any Psalm or gospel and own selection of Evening Prayer
- 16 to 18 Years – Own choice of any collect, epistle and/or gospel
Although the content of the performance of performers of different ages will vary, this is acceptable to the Prayer Book Society and will be adjudicated with sensitivity.
Further information is available from the Speech and Drama Secretary. All entries to be made on Festival entry forms and to be governed by Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts rules. The winner of this Class will qualify to take part in the National Final to be held in London at a date to be announced later.
Please apply to the Speech & Drama Secretary for the required opening and closing wording.
Time Limit: 5 minutes.
N.B. THIS IS A CLASS WHERE THE SPOKEN WORD IS ALL IMPORTANT, THEREFORE THE USE OF MUSIC AND/OR MOVEMENT IS NOT PERMITTED.
* In the Regional heats, the extracts need not be memorised. In the National Finals, performers may use their own choice selections in each of the age groups BUT this must be memorised.
| TCa | THE THOMAS CRANMER AWARD CLASS – Open to Performers aged 11 – 14 years on 1st February 2022. | £4.00 |
| TCb | THE THOMAS CRANMER AWARD CLASS – Open to Performers 15 – 18 years on 1st February 2022. | £4.00 |
Valerie Walsh Award
Any performer who completes classes in all three disciplines will automatically be entered for the Valerie Walsh Award. The winner will be chosen from those performers who achieve the highest marks across the three disciplines. Only Solo and Duet classes will qualify. The Award of £100 will be presented by Valerie to the winner at the Festival’s next AGM.
COPYRIGHT RULES
Music Publishers Association (MPA)
We are pleased to announce that we are now a signatory to the MPA Code of Fair Practice (revised for 2012) agreed between Composers, Publishers and users of printed music. As such, a specific permission has been granted regarding photocopying as follows:
Important: This permission only applies to the Adjudicator copy and all other copies used for the performance (e.g. by the performer and/or accompanist), including any copy made by electronic means, must be legally purchased originals.
Adjudicator Copy: a person performing a work at the Festival in front of an adjudicator may make one copy for the adjudicator provided that the performer has an original copy and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the adjudicator immediately after the performance. The copy must be marked with the following “Adjudicator copy – destroy after use”
This only applies to the music publishers who have agreed to adhere to the standards set out in the MPA’s Code of Fair Practice – see full list: http//.mpaonline.org.uk/associated_companies)
Author’s Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS)
Our group licence agreement with ALCS allows for permission for:
Poetry, Prose and Solo Monologue Performances as follows:
- Speech and Drama Festivals to include spoken performances of poetry and prose to a limit of 10 minutes duration.
- Solo Dramatic items may also qualify for copyright indemnity provided that the item is announced with title and author at the time of the performance and the performer must not change the words or gender of the character.
Important: For duologues and all other group dramatic works (including Musical Theatre), in the absence of any other licensing arrangement, the onus on gaining copyright permission, and paying any royalty fees due, rests with the performer.
Performing Rights Society (PRS)
Our group licence agreement with PRS allows permission for Instrument and Vocal classes to:
- Perform music compositions
- Play recorded music as an accompaniment/backing track if required.
and for Songs from the Shows or Song and Dance classes to perform excerpts from musical plays provided that:
- the excerpt does not exceed 25 minutes duration,
- it is not a complete act of the musical play,
- it does not constitute a” potted version” of the musical play,
- it is performed without any change to either music or lyrics and using only the published or authorised musical arrangements,
- there is no use made of any form of scenery, costume, choreography, staging, character representation or special lighting which gives a visual impression or other portrayal of the writer’s original conception of the work from which the excerpt is taken.
PPL – Music licensing for recorded music played in public
We have obtained the necessary licences from PPL to play recorded music at our Festival as an accompaniment / backing track if required.
General Rules: Please read these carefully before entering
| G1. | The Competition shall be known as the “Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts”. |
| G2. | There is no geographical restriction for any of the Performers. See special rules for Keith Nutland competition. |
| G3. | No persons gaining all or a principal part of their livelihood by music, speech, drama or dancing may compete, except in the classes marked “Open” (This Rule does not apply to Conductors of Choirs). The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry to an Open Class where the performer’s experience may be insufficient. |
| G4. | The management of these competitions and all matters relating thereto shall be in the hands of a Chairman and a Committee with a Secretary and Treasurer, whose decision on any matter shall be final. |
| G5. | In the event of there not being a sufficient number of entries in any Class, or in the opinion of the judges the performers do not show sufficient merit, the Committee reserves to itself the power to withdraw all or any of the awards. |
| G6. | Time limits must be strictly adhered to and performers who over-run will be penalised with the loss of one mark per minute or part of a minute. |
| G7. | In the event of there being fewer than 5 entries in a Class, the committee reserves the right to cancel that Class. In that event, a refund of the fees will be given. |
| G8. | Performers should ensure that they are dressed appropriately. The well-groomed personal appearance of performers will be taken into account when adjudicating performance and awarding marks. |
| G9. | (a) Certificates will be awarded to performers gaining the following marks: Outstanding 90 and over; Honours 85-89; Distinction 80-84; Merit 75-79. Certificates will not be given to any adult, group or open classes. (b) Certificates with the Adjudicator’s comments will be available 30 minutes after each class. For two months after the end of the Festival, certificates not collected during the Festival may be requested from the relevant Section Secretary and will be sent by post on receipt of a payment of £4.00. |
| G10 | (a) No trophy or challenge cup will be awarded under 85 marks (b) In the event of more than one person being awarded a Challenge Cup, they shall hold it for a proportionate time in alphabetical order of surname. (c) Medals will be awarded on the following basis: Where there are 5 or fewer in a class only a gold medal will be awarded. In a class of fewer than 10 participants a gold and silver medal will be awarded. In classes of 10 or more, a gold, a silver and a bronze medal will be awarded. NO medals will be awarded in any “Open” class. (d) Cup Winners can purchase a gold medal from the Festival Office. |
| G11. | All entries must be entered online or be sent to the respective Section Secretary on or before 1st February. Entries received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary. |
| G12. | In the case of numerous entries the committee reserves the right to divide any Class which may be considered too large for adjudication. |
| G13. | Age limit is reckoned as on 31st August in the year preceding the Festival and this will be strictly observed. All ages under 18 years must be on the Entry Form. Entry Forms without the performer’s age (under 18 years) will not be accepted. |
| G14. | The Committee regrets that Fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances other than rule G7. |
| G15. | Performers are urged to ensure they have entered the correct Class on the entry form as transferring Classes cannot be permitted after the commencement of the Festival. |
| G16. | The Festival is bound by copyright law AND CANNOT ALLOW any type of photography, sound or video recording during a performance or adjudication. |
| G17. | Performers in “Own Choice” Classes may not offer items with which they have already won prizes in past years at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts. |
| G18. | Performers may not enter more than once in the same Class unless specified, nor may they enter the same piece in more than one Class. |
| G19. | Performers should perform in the order given in the programme unless involved elsewhere, in which case they must notify the steward. Those not answering to their names when called will be recalled at the end of the Class, however the adjudication will not be delayed. |
ACCOMPANISTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Entrants are advised that the Festival no longer offers official accompanists. It is the responsibility of performers who require an accompanist to make their own arrangements in good time before the Festival. Performers must expect to pay their accompanist a fee for both the Festival performance and any rehearsals. Accompanists’ rates are not set by the Festival.
The following accompanists have agreed to their names being published in this syllabus.
| Fiona Brown | 01242 576069 | fmbsoundmatters@gmail.com |
| Sara Harris | 07906 339835 | sejet@hotmail.co.uk (vocal, strings, wind) |
| Helen Marcus | 01452 855890 | helenmarcus@blueyonder.co.uk (wind) |
| Michael Castle | 07896 624715 | mccastlemusic@gmail.com |
| James Quinn | 07732 179221 | jamesquinnpiano@gmail.com |
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT
Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts believes that no child or young person should ever experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and practise in a way that protects them.
CFPA recognises that the welfare of children is paramount and that, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, they have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. Furthermore, CFPA believes that some children and young people are additionally vulnerable because of their level of dependency or their communication needs and that working in partnership with their parents, teachers and carers is essential in guaranteeing their welfare.
CFPA will seek to keep children and young people safe by practising a range of measures to ensure a safe environment at its Festivals for children and young people. These measures are fully set out in CFPA’s Child Protection Policy which can be seen in full on CFPA’s website.
CREATING A SAFE FESTIVAL
The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts implements the following procedures to create a safe Festival for everyone:
- A designated Festival Safeguarding Officer (FSO) is appointed to oversee all aspects of safeguarding.
The Safeguarding Officer is Brian Harding, tel: 07850 153183. - Best practice advice, support and training is given to all Festival staff and volunteers, including clear reporting procedures for anyone with a concern about a child.
- Appropriate recruitment and/or induction procedures are applied for all Festival staff and volunteers.
- All Festival stewards wear an official identification lanyard and teachers/parents/guardians/carers are asked to report all incidents of any nature to anyone wearing a lanyard. All reported incidents will be handled in accordance with child protection best practice advice and, if appropriate, in a quiet area/room where concerns can be expressed in private.
- For the duration of the Festival all teachers/parents/guardians/carers are responsible for the continuous care and supervision of their own children/pupils/vulnerable adults. If they are unable to attend personally, they must delegate their responsibilities to an identified adult and ensure that their children/pupils/vulnerable adults are aware of the identity and name of the person responsible for their care. This includes supervision throughout all Festival venues, performance, rehearsal and changing areas.
- No unauthorised photography or video, digital or tape recording of any performance is allowed. If parents/guardians/carers do not wish photos or video recording to be taken of any child in their care, then the responsible adult attending should ensure that their child/pupil is not included in officially authorised photos.
- If any child or vulnerable adult has a specific need in order to take part in the Festival, we ask the responsible teacher/parent/guardian/carer to contact the Festival prior to arrival. The Festival will seek, wherever possible, to meet the identified need, but must be informed beforehand in order to prepare support – or to advise that help cannot be provided on this occasion.
- By completing and submitting the entry form all parents / guardians / carers and teachers of entrants under 18 (or vulnerable adults of any age) confirm that they give (or have obtained, or will obtain) all necessary consents for the entrants to take part in the Festival.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY STATEMENT
The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts is committed to provide equal opportunity for everyone to participate in its affairs and contribute to its objectives. The Festival does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful reason.
This commitment extends to every aspect of the Festival’s operation and applies to all performers, volunteers, sponsors, and suppliers.
The principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunities also apply to the way in which the Festival treats visitors and members of the public.
CPA’s Equal Opportunities Policy can be found on our website and a copy can be requested, either by email, or by sending a stamped and addressed envelope to the Hon. Secretary.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts (CFPA) needs to collect and use certain information about individuals in order to run the Festival successfully. To protect individuals’ privacy CFPA ensures that personal information is treated lawfully and correctly. CFPA complies fully with current data protection legislation (General Data Protection Regulations – May 2018).
Data collected is processed fairly and lawfully; is used only for specific and lawful purposes; is accurate, adequate, relevant and not excessive; is kept for no longer than is necessary; is collected and processed in accordance with the rights of individuals; is kept secure, and is not transferred to countries that do not offer adequate data protection.
The only personal data that CFPA publishes in the Festival programme and on its website are the names of Festival performers (and the contact details of CFPA trustees and officers). All other personal data is kept secure. Personal data will not be given to any third party without the prior consent of the individual (or their parent, guardian, or teacher, in the case of a child), but will be disclosed to law enforcement agencies if requested. All Festival personnel are made aware of their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations.
CFPA’s Data Protection Policy can be found on our website and a copy can be requested, either by email, or by sending a stamped and addressed envelope to the Hon. Secretary.
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ACCESSIBILITY
The ground floor of the Town Hall is accessible from street level without encountering any steps by using the ramps. The entrance on the right-hand side has automatic doors. There is an induction loop system on the ground floor of the Town Hall and accessible toilets at the rear of the main hall. The Town Hall has a lift to assist performers on to the stage if required.
Friends of the Festival
Become a Friend of the Festival for 2021 and get free spectator entry to all Festival Classes and a Free Souvenir Programme.
This year we are asking for a minimum Donation of £30, which will cover the cost of your Spectator Ticket and a Souvenir Programme which will be posted to you.
Please download and complete the Friends’ form.
Don’t Hesitate to Donate!
Your donations are part of keeping the Festival running from year to year. It is surprising how much it costs to stage this 12-day event, from professional adjudication to the certificates and medals and many more ‘behind the scenes’ expenses – and unfortunately we don’t always break even!
If you have a few minutes we would be extremely grateful for any donation you would like to give to help secure the future of the Festival.
There are several ways you can donate:
Internet Banking to Set up a Standing Order or for a Single Donation.
Give as much or as little as you want each month, or as a one-off donation.
Account Name: Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts Entries Account
Account Number: 13356485
Sort Code: 20-20-15
Send a Cheque or Postal Order in the post.
If you would prefer to send a donation in the post, please send cheques or postal orders made out to Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts to:
The Treasurer, 5, Charlecote Corner, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, GL52 8HG (Do not send cash in the post.)
Leave us a legacy in your Will
Legacy gifts can provide important support to the Festival. We suggest that you discuss your intentions with your solicitor who can advise on the best way to leave a gift.