Competitions are intended for Amateurs except where otherwise stated ie. described as 'Open'to Professionals.

An Amateur is someone who does not derive his or her livelihood from the branch of performance, defined by the class title, in which he/she 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

Protests or Complaints must only be made in writing enclosing an s.a.e. for reply to:-

Mrs D. Clarke, Hon. Sec.,

63, Mayfield Road

Ryde. I.W., PO33 3PR

The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.

The Adjudicator's judgement shall be final and they cannot enter into any correspondence or discussions regarding their decisions.

All classes are open to Mainland Residents.

Previous winners of Elementary classes may not enter those classes again

'Own choice' pieces must not be repeated at any of the Festivals within five years.

Please note that this rule prevents the performance of any item more than once in the same Festival.

Classes including 'Own Choice' pieces allow more than one item if within the time limit.

Competitors must supply copies of 'Own Choice' items for the Adjudicator and are reminded that the 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 Publisher's Association Code of Practice on photocopying 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, CD's or DVD's to prepare their own tapes.

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 composer's own original work and the abridged or simplified editions will not be accepted.

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

90 plus  Outstanding: An exceptional performance, both technically and artistically.

87-89   Distinction: An excellent performance technically and                   artistically.

84-86   Commended: A convincing performance technically and artistically.

81-83   Merit: A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or           technical ability.

78-80   Moderate: A performance showing development of technique and/or communication.

75-77   Fair:   A performance limited in its communication.

All certificates and remark sheets must be obtained from the Steward at the venue where the competition takes place.

In all disciplines, trophies or prizes will only be awarded for 84 marks or over. The holders will be responsible for their safe keeping and must return trophies by JANUARY 15th of the following year.

Cups for Music and Speech and Drama are to be returned to:-

Watchbell House Natural Therapy Centre, 8, Lugley Street, Newport, I.W.

                     OR

Tips and Toes, High Street, Ryde, I.W.

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

Miss A-M Kitcher, 15, Wray Street, Ryde, I.W.

Competitors who fail to return trophies by the given date will not be allowed to take home any trophies gained at a future Festival.

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

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

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 upon to perform, they may be called again at the end of the class at the discretion of the Adjudicator.

Time limits where given must be strictly adhered to

The stated age limits apply from January 1st 2008 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 or under on January 1st 2008.

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.

No entrance 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, entrance fees will be retained to cover preliminary expenses necessarily incurred in arranging the festival.

 The Executive Committee reserves the right to combine classes of a comparable standard when individual classes are undersubscribed.

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.

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 that 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 A.G.M. in June 2008 - details of which will be advertised in the Isle of Wight County Press in May 2008.