Syllabus

Choirs – 2023 (Virtual Festival)

Choir Rules

General

Choirs classes are open to anyone who resides or studies in the Province of Ontario or the Gatineau, Quebec area and has been recommended by their local festival.

Definition

Choirs are split into 4 categories:
School Choirs
Community Choirs
Male Voice Choirs
Small Choral Ensembles

All Choir classes for the 2023 Festival will be virtual.

Performance Requirements and Classes of Competition for all Choirs:

School Choirs:
Class No. 17: Elementary School Choir up to and including grade 6 students
Class No. 18: Elementary School Choir up to and including grade 8 students. At least one selection must be sung in 2 or more parts.
Class No. 19: Secondary School Choir up to and including grade 10 students. At least one selection must be sung in 2 or more parts.
Class No. 20: Secondary School Choir up to and including grade 12 students.  At least one selection must be sung in 2 or more parts.

Community Choirs:
Class No. 21: Community Choir where the majority of members are 19 years of age and over.  At least one selection must be sung in three or more parts.
Class No. 22: Community Choir where the majority of members are 19 years of age and under.  At least one selection must be sung in three or more parts.
Class No. 23: Community Choir where the majority of members are 16 years of age and under.  At least one selection must be sung in three or more parts.
Class No. 24: Community Choir where the majority of members are 12 years of age and under.  At least one selection must be sung in two or more parts.
Class No. 25: Community Choir where the majority of members are 10 years of age and under.

Male Voice Choirs:
Class No. 26: Restricted to male singers (men and/or boys). Changed and unchanged voices are permitted.  May be from a school or community choir.  No age limitation. At least one selection must be sung in two or more parts.

Small Choral Ensemble Class (6 to 12 singers):
Class No. 27: Elementary School Choir
Class No. 28: Secondary School Choir
Class No. 29: Community Choir

a) Competitors must perform two (2) selections, one of which was performed at the originating local festival and have received the recommendation of the local Adjudicator.

b) The second selection is the competitor’s own choice but must not be another movement from the first selection.

c) Multi-movements of one piece will be counted as one selection.

d) Only one selection may have brief solo or solo ensemble passage.  The total number of bars of a solo or solo ensemble passage(s) may not exceed 10% of the total length of the selection.

e) Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take choice of repertoire into consideration.

f) All performances must be submitted using a single video YouTube link (one link with both pieces).

g) Scores be submitted digitally via email to mail@omfa.ca.  It must a complete original score in the correct key for all instruments in the performance.

h) The voicing should be indicated if different from what appears in the score.

i) All copyright laws must be observed.

j) If not already in the score, bar numbers should be placed at the beginning of each line of music in the original score.

k) It is the competitor’s responsibility to abide by any and all government guidelines regarding physical distancing as of the date you submit your video. Accompaniment can be by piano only. A maximum of 3 other instruments may be used as well (i.e. clarinet, cello, percussion)

l) All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (separate document) must be strictly adhered to. https://omfa.ca/syllabus/