Competition rules

Eligibility:

  • The competition is open to entries from both instrumental and vocal categories.

  • It is expected that performances will be at least ABRSM grade 7 level.

  • Entrants must be in full time education.

  • Aged not less than thirteen years and not more than seventeen years on 31st August 2024.

  • The competition is open to amateurs only. (For this purpose, an amateur is an entrant whose main source of income is not made from music performances although they may receive occasional out of pocket expenses or prizes).

  • It is not open to full time students of music or performing arts studying for a qualification above A level or equivalent standard.

Entries:

  • Entry, which is free, shall be accompanied by a completed Rotary (Greater Bristol) Young Musician Entry Form.

  • All entries are to be approved by the entrants’ Head of Music or Teacher.

  • Entry application forms shall be submitted not later than Friday 11th October 2024.

  • Notification of the acceptance of entries and nominated heats will be made by Monday 14th October 2024.

Structure of the competition:

  • The competition will consist of up to four heats and a final.

  • All concerts will commence at 7.30pm.

Heats:

  • The heats will be held in November

  • The dates are shown on the entry form

  • Normally there will be eight musicians in each heat

  • The winner of each heat will automatically take part in the final.

  • One or two runners up may be nominated at each heat.

  • Runners up will be nominated at the discretion of the Rotary Music Advisor.

  • The decisions made by the Rotary Music Advisor will be final.

  • All heats will take place at the same venue to ensure consistency of conditions.

Final:

  • The final concert will be held on Friday 24th January 2025.

  • The number of musicians invited to the final will not normally exceed six.

  • In addition to the heat winners, the remaining finalists will be selected from the heat runners up.

  • Selection of those heat ‘runners up’ will be made by the Rotary Music Advisor.

  • The decisions made by the Rotary Music Advisor shall be final.

Accompanist:

  • Entrants are expected to provide their own accompanist.

Programmes:

  • Programmes shall have a predominantly classical content.

  • Entrants are encouraged to select a varied and entertaining programme that will demonstrate the breadth of their skills.

  • Not more than ten-minute programmes should be performed at the heats.

  • Not more than fifteen-minute programmes, which can include pieces played at the heats, should be performed at the final concert.

  • These times to include tuning of instruments.

  • Pieces requiring accompaniment shall be accompanied.

  • A competitor who exceeds these time limits may, at the discretion of the adjudicators, be penalised.

  • Programmes for the heats shall be submitted by Friday 18th October 2024.

  • Programmes for the final shall be submitted not later than Friday 10th January 2025.

Adjudication:

  • A panel of qualified adjudicators will be appointed by the Rotary Music Advisor.

  • Adjudicators will consider the following criteria: Melodic and rhythmic accuracy, Intonation, Tempo and flow, Tone, Mood and character, Appropriateness of the programme, Holistic view of the performance on the day.

  • Competitors are required to provide three copies of their scores for the Final Concert but none for the Heats.

  • The adjudicators’ decision will be final and they shall not be obliged to give reasons for their decision at any concert (heat or final).

  • Competitors are not permitted, either directly or indirectly, to contact any adjudicator, or the Rotary Music Advisor, to either request feedback or to challenge the panel’s decision.

Awards will be presented as follows:

·Final concert:

  • An award of £100 and a trophy will be made to the overall winner, £75 and a trophy to the second place and £50 for third place.

  • Each of the other participants in the final concert will receive a cheque for £25.

  • All those participating in the final concert will also receive a Certificate of Participation.

  • The winner of the final concert shall, if eligible, qualify for the Rotary District 1100 final.

  • Notification will occur within 10 days of the date of this final.

· Heats:

  • The winner of each heat will receive an award of £25.

  • All those participating in the heats will also receive a Certificate of Participation.

Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection:

  • The Rotary (Greater Bristol) Young Musician Competition conforms to the strict policy defined by Rotary International of Great Britain and Ireland relating to its work with children, the vulnerable and those with disability.

Data Protection:

  • The Rotary (Greater Bristol) Young Musician Competition GDPR Policy Statement conforms to the requirements of the HMG General Data Protection Guidelines.

  • The minimal information requested is used solely for Rotary purposes and is not supplied to third parties.

  • By submitting an entry, competitors’ consent, unless stating otherwise, that photographs or other forms of images can be taken for Rotary use. Photographs shall be taken only by the Rotary nominated photographer.

Dress code:

  • Competitors and accompanists are required to wear smart clothing commensurate with the occasion. Jeans and trainers are not considered to be appropriate.

An opportunity for local music students to test out their skills in front of adjudicators and an audience

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