FESTIVAL RULES

Entry is deemed to be an acceptance of these Rules:-

1.      Competitions are intended for amateurs, except where otherwise stated, ie. described as ‘Open’ (to professionals). 

An amateur is someone who does not derive his/her livelihood from the branch of performance, defined by the Class title, in which s/he seeks to enter the Festival.  In any ensemble, all members must adhere to that principle. 

For the purpose of the Festival, professionals are defined as those deriving their main means of livelihood from teaching or performing in the subject of competition.

2.      Protests or complaints must only be made in writing, enclosing a SAE for reply, to:-

Janet Coates (Honorary Secretary)

109 Pelham Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7DW

Mobile:  07891 763215

E-mail: coatesjanet@hotmail.com

The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final. 

The Adjudicators’ judgements shall be final and they cannot enter into any correspondence or discussion regarding their adjudications.

3.      All Classes are open to Mainland residents.

4.      Previous winners of Elementary Classes may not enter those Classes again.

5.      ‘Own Choice’ pieces must not be repeated within five years.  Please note that this rule prevents the performance of any item more than once in the same Festival.

6.      Competitors must supply copies of ‘Own Choice’ items for the Adjudicator and are reminded that copyright is owned by the composer, author, arranger or editor of any work and it is an infringement of copyright law to make a copy without obtaining written permission from the publisher.  However, the Music Publishers’ Association Code of Practice on Photocopying Copyright Works makes the following concession for copying ‘Own Choice’ pieces for the sole use of the Adjudicator at a Festival, provided that the entrant or participant has already purchased his/her own original copy and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the Administrator of the Festival immediately after the event. 

This permission specifically does not apply to set pieces and competitors must purchase their own original copies for these classes.

Dance teachers should hold their own PPL licence before using music from records, cassettes or CDs to prepare their own tapes.

7.      The name of publishers of works selected are given in the Syllabus and these editions must be used, except in the case of non-copyright works where any edition may be used, on the understanding that they are the composers’ own original work and the abridged or simplified editions will not be accepted.

8.      All classes will be marked using the British Federation marking system:-

9.      All Certificates and Remark Sheets must be obtained from the Steward at the venue where the competition takes place. 

10.  In all disciplines, trophies or prizes will only be awarded for 84 marks or over.  If you wish to have your name engraved on the trophy, please do so as soon as possible, but please note that this is at your own expense.  If there is no room to fit your name on the trophy, or if any repairs are necessary, please contact Mrs J Gill on (01983) 840607. The holders will be responsible for the safe keeping of trophies in their care and must return such trophies by January 11^th of the following year. 

Cups for Music and Speech & Drama are to be returned to any of the following:-

Watchbell House Natural Therapy Centre, 8 Lugley Street, Newport, IoW, PO30 5HD

While-U-Wait, 70 Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UJ

Tips and Toes, 10 High Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2HN

Cups for Folk Dance and Dance are to be returned to:-

Miss A-M Kitcher, 15 Wray Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3ED

      Competitors who fail to return trophies on time will not be awarded further trophies.

11.  Competitors must use their own accompanist, as no Official Accompanist will be provided.

12.  Pianos must not be moved by anyone without the consent of the Festival Official on duty.

13.  Classes in all Sections of the Festival may run up to 15 minutes earlier than scheduled in the Programme.  If competitors are not present when called to perform, they may be called again at the end of the Class at the discretion of the Adjudicator.

14.  Time limits, where given, must be strictly adhered to.

15.  The stated age limits apply from January 1^st 2010 and no exceptions can be made.

The age of the oldest competitor counts in Duets, Trios and Groups.

For the purpose of the Festival, Junior Classes are open to competitors aged 18 years and under on January 1^st 2010.   (Exception: see Dance Rules in the Pink Section.)

16.  It is necessary for teachers and parents to be aware of their responsibilities in entering any performers with limited physical capabilities or special needs, bearing in mind the limitations imposed by the stage and surrounding environment.  It is also necessary for the teacher or parent to pass on to the Adjudicator, via the organiser, any such information that would impact on the Adjudicator’s work.

17.  No Entry Fee will be returned except at the discretion of the Executive Committee and upon written application only.  In the event of the Festival being abandoned in circumstances beyond the control of the Committee, Entry Fees will be retained to cover preliminary expenses necessarily incurred in arranging the Festival.

18.  The Executive Committee reserves the right to combine Classes of a comparable standard when individual Classes are under-subscribed.

19.  In the event of a tie for the first place, a second hearing or performance may be required before the Adjudicator makes the final decision.

20.  Data Protection – Names and addresses of competitors, teachers, members and helpers are stored on the Festival Computer and in the office files.  The information will be used for Festival purposes only and will not be revealed to any other party.  Unless the Secretary hears to the contrary, it will be assumed there is no objection.  All members of the Isle of Wight Musical Competition Festival, including those who have signed the appropriate declaration on the Entry Form, are invited to the AGM in June 2010, details of which will be advertised in the Isle of Wight County Press in May 2010.

21.  Photographic and audio or video recording devices are strictly prohibited from Festival venues while performances and adjudications are taking place.

Please return Cups and Trophies to any of the following addresses

 by 11^th January 2010:

Music and Speech & Drama:            Watchbell House Natural Therapy Centre

                                                            8 Lugley Street, Newport, PO30 5HD

                                                                                    or

                                                            While-u-Wait, 70 Pyle Street, Newport,

PO3O  1UJ

or

                                                            Tips and Toes, 10 High Street, Ryde,

PO33  2HN

Dance:                                                            Miss A-M Kitcher

                                                            15 Wray Street, Ryde, PO33 3ED

           Music and Speech & Drama Cups can also be returned to:

           Mrs J Gill - Kent House, East Lane, Merstone, Isle of Wight PO30 3DH Tel:840607