Syllabus
Small Ensembles – 2023 (Virtual Festival)
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.
The maximum age is 28 years old as of December 31, 2022 for all levels except Adult.
Please note that there are separate classes for amateur adults 29 years and over.
All Small Ensemble classes will be offered through a Virtual Festival.
All performances must be submitted using a single video YouTube link (one link containing both pieces).
Small Ensemble Rules
Definition
Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members.
Examples of groups who can enter this class include:
• Small Bands and Orchestras (performing popular music)
• Garage or Rock Bands
• Small Choirs, Glee Choirs, Choral Speech
• Musical Theatre Ensembles
• Speech Arts Ensembles
• Ensembles made up of multiple instruments or the same instrument
Class No. 30: Small Ensemble where the majority of members are 19 years of age and over.
Class No. 31: Small Ensemble where the majority of members are 19 years of age and under.
Class No. 32: Small Ensemble where the majority of members are 16 years of age and under.
Class No. 33: Small Ensemble where the majority of members are 12 years of age and under.
Class No. 25: Small Ensemble where the majority of members are 10 years of age and under.
One original score of the music or purchased digital receipt must be shown on camera prior to beginning the performance.
OMFA reserves the right to split the classes between these entries and will be determined by the entries received.
Performance Requirements for Small Ensembles:
a) Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting 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) Competitors may count one or more movements of a multi-movement work as one selection only.
d) Only one selection may have a brief solo or solo ensemble passage. The total number of bars of a solo or solo ensemble passage(s) may not exceed 20% of the total length of the selection.
e) Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take choice of repertoire into consideration.
f) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.
g) The absolute maximum performance times are as follows:
Class No. 30: Thirty (30) minutes
Class No. 31: Thirty (30) minutes
Class No. 32: Twenty-Five (25) minutes
Class No. 33: Twenty (20) minutes
Class No. 25: Fifteen (15) minutes
There is no minimum performance time.
h) Memorization is not required but is highly recommended
i) All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (separate document) must be strictly adhered to. https://omfa.ca/syllabus/