2. Professionals
CFMDS is a festival for amateur performers. For this purpose, an amateur is defined as one who is in full-time or higher education or is over the age of 22 and does not derive fees from performance or teaching of the subject of the class for which the entry is made. Professionals may only participate in Open classes or as accompanists or conductors.
3. Entry
Entries, accompanied by the entry fee, must be made no later than the cut off date given in the Festival Syllabus each year. Entries will not be accepted after this date. They must be on the official forms. No entry will be accepted unless accompanied by the full entry fee. No entry fees can be refunded.
The committee shall have the right to transfer an entry to any other class or, if expedient, to reject it. Any class may be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the Committee, there are not sufficient entries.
4. Age Limits
Age limit in individual classes is governed by the competitor's age on 1 SEPTEMBER with the exception of Junior Singing. It does not apply to accompanists. For School Choirs, School Orchestras / Bands etc., the qualifying age is 1 SEPTEMBER . For Junior Singing the age limit is as on the day of the competition.
5. 'Own Choice' Pieces
Music and Speech: A copy of the item(s) to be performed, with the competitors name and class thereon, must be handed to the Adjudicator's steward, on the day, before the commencement of each class.
N.B. Where an accompanist has been arranged, a separate copy of 'Own Choice' music must be sent to the accompanist by the first week in January of the Festival year.
The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who fails to comply.
Mime Solo classes: Performers must provide their own musical accompaniment if this is required.
Speech and Drama classes, including Musical Theatre: 'Own choice' entries for duos and duologues should preferably be non-copyright plays or poems, but if copyright plays are chosen, competitors MUST produce, at the time of the performance, written authority from the author or publisher, to present the selected piece.
6. Copyright
The Festival is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals and is covered by its group licence for PRS and PPL. In addition to this we have ALCS cover for performers of verse and prose items. It is the responsibility of the performer to ensure all copyright and licensing obligations for their performance piece have been met. Acceptance of entries will be on the assumption that the necessary permission has been given.
7. Set Pieces
The prescribed edition of music must be used and rendered exactly as written and in the same key except where otherwise stated.
8. Time Limits
When set, time limits must be adhered to without exception. Adjudicators’ attention will be drawn to this rule. Any infringement will be penalised by reduction of marks or disqualification.
9. Music Stands
Competitors must provide their own music stands if required.
10. Free Admission Tickets
Free cards/letter will be issued to all competitors. These will give admission to the session in which the competitor is due to appear. All non-competitors pay an admission charge.
11. Conductors
Choirs and orchestras are allowed a conductor. No competitor other than a conductor may be entered in more than one choir or orchestra in the same class.
12. Composition Classes
Deferred until further notice.
13. Dancing Classes
Competitors may only enter once in each class in Solo, Duet and Trio, and twice in Group classes.
Singing is permitted only in the following sections: Song and Dance Solos, Cabaret Duets, Cabaret Trio/Quartets and Song & Dance Groups. Character or Demi-Character work to be based on Classical Ballet or Greek Technique. Music for dancing should be provided by the competitor on CD. Amplification is provided by the Committee.
The use of resin is strictly prohibited. Teachers or parents are not allowed beyond the stage doors.
3. Entry
Entries, accompanied by the entry fee, must be made no later than the cut off date given in the Festival Syllabus each year. Entries will not be accepted after this date. They must be on the official forms. No entry will be accepted unless accompanied by the full entry fee. No entry fees can be refunded.
The committee shall have the right to transfer an entry to any other class or, if expedient, to reject it. Any class may be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the Committee, there are not sufficient entries.
4. Age Limits
Age limit in individual classes is governed by the competitor's age on 1 SEPTEMBER with the exception of Junior Singing. It does not apply to accompanists. For School Choirs, School Orchestras / Bands etc., the qualifying age is 1 SEPTEMBER . For Junior Singing the age limit is as on the day of the competition.
5. 'Own Choice' Pieces
Music and Speech: A copy of the item(s) to be performed, with the competitors name and class thereon, must be handed to the Adjudicator's steward, on the day, before the commencement of each class.
N.B. Where an accompanist has been arranged, a separate copy of 'Own Choice' music must be sent to the accompanist by the first week in January of the Festival year.
The Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor who fails to comply.
Mime Solo classes: Performers must provide their own musical accompaniment if this is required.
Speech and Drama classes, including Musical Theatre: 'Own choice' entries for duos and duologues should preferably be non-copyright plays or poems, but if copyright plays are chosen, competitors MUST produce, at the time of the performance, written authority from the author or publisher, to present the selected piece.
6. Copyright
The Festival is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals and is covered by its group licence for PRS and PPL. In addition to this we have ALCS cover for performers of verse and prose items. It is the responsibility of the performer to ensure all copyright and licensing obligations for their performance piece have been met. Acceptance of entries will be on the assumption that the necessary permission has been given.
7. Set Pieces
The prescribed edition of music must be used and rendered exactly as written and in the same key except where otherwise stated.
8. Time Limits
When set, time limits must be adhered to without exception. Adjudicators’ attention will be drawn to this rule. Any infringement will be penalised by reduction of marks or disqualification.
9. Music Stands
Competitors must provide their own music stands if required.
10. Free Admission Tickets
Free cards/letter will be issued to all competitors. These will give admission to the session in which the competitor is due to appear. All non-competitors pay an admission charge.
11. Conductors
Choirs and orchestras are allowed a conductor. No competitor other than a conductor may be entered in more than one choir or orchestra in the same class.
12. Composition Classes
Deferred until further notice.
13. Dancing Classes
Competitors may only enter once in each class in Solo, Duet and Trio, and twice in Group classes.
Singing is permitted only in the following sections: Song and Dance Solos, Cabaret Duets, Cabaret Trio/Quartets and Song & Dance Groups. Character or Demi-Character work to be based on Classical Ballet or Greek Technique. Music for dancing should be provided by the competitor on CD. Amplification is provided by the Committee.
The use of resin is strictly prohibited. Teachers or parents are not allowed beyond the stage doors.
14. Certificates
Music & Speech classes: All competitors will receive a certificate / adjudication sheet. Marking will be divided into three categories:
90+ = Outstanding (O)
84-89 = Very good (V)
75-83 = Good (G)
The competitors marks in each class will be announced by the Adjudicator who will then present a trophy to the winner, where appropriate and certificates to all candidates.
Dancing classes: Marking will be divided into 6 categories as specified by the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech for use at Dance Festivals:
Music & Speech classes: All competitors will receive a certificate / adjudication sheet. Marking will be divided into three categories:
90+ = Outstanding (O)
84-89 = Very good (V)
75-83 = Good (G)
The competitors marks in each class will be announced by the Adjudicator who will then present a trophy to the winner, where appropriate and certificates to all candidates.
Dancing classes: Marking will be divided into 6 categories as specified by the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech for use at Dance Festivals:
90+ or OUTSTANDING - An exceptional performance, both technically and artistically.
87-89 or DISTINCTION - An excellent performance technically and artistically.
84-86 or COMMENDED - A convincing performance technically and artistically.
81-83 or MERIT - A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or communication.
75-77 or FAIR - A performance limited in its communication.
87-89 or DISTINCTION - An excellent performance technically and artistically.
84-86 or COMMENDED - A convincing performance technically and artistically.
81-83 or MERIT - A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or communication.
75-77 or FAIR - A performance limited in its communication.
In addition to these grades a First Prize certificate is awarded to the competitor in each class who receives the highest mark. A Second Prize certificate is awarded to the competitor who received the second highest mark and a Third Prize certificate will be awarded to the competitor with the third highest mark. All other competitors will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Certificates / adjudication sheets will be available at the end of each session. If not collected, they will be sent by post on payment of £2.00.
15. Trophies
Recipients will be responsible for their safe custody and return, and for any new inscription thereon. Such inscriptions must not be made on the actual trophy, but upon a small plate/shield to be attached to the base. Addresses for the return of trophies will be notified to winners on the day.
16. Adjudicators
The Committee may appoint other adjudicators if the entries should warrant it or if an adjudicator engaged is unable to attend. Communication with adjudicators by teachers, competitors or other interested parties is prohibited.
The Adjudicators' decisions shall be final. They shall have the power to withhold any award, and may stop any performance at their discretion.
17. Disputes
The decision of the Committee, upon all questions or disputes arising out of or not provided for in these rules, shall be final. The Committee reserves the right to qualify any rule or to make any other rules as occasion may arise.
Complaints, protests, or representation must be made in writing and addressed to one of the Secretaries, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
18. Acceptance of Entries
The Committee reserves the right, at its unfettered discretion, to decline to accept any entry, without giving any reason.
19. Stiletto Heels
The wearing of stiletto heels on school premises is prohibited, by order of the West Sussex County Education Committee.
20. Junior Orchestras, Ensembles or Groups.
These may include not more than two adult members, provided that they do not play leading roles.
21. Recorded Accompaniment.
The use of CD recordings, instead of an accompanist, to provide piano accompaniment for other instruments, is permitted, providing the recording is part of a professionally published musical edition. The means of playing such recordings must be supplied by the competitor.
17. Disputes
The decision of the Committee, upon all questions or disputes arising out of or not provided for in these rules, shall be final. The Committee reserves the right to qualify any rule or to make any other rules as occasion may arise.
Complaints, protests, or representation must be made in writing and addressed to one of the Secretaries, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
18. Acceptance of Entries
The Committee reserves the right, at its unfettered discretion, to decline to accept any entry, without giving any reason.
19. Stiletto Heels
The wearing of stiletto heels on school premises is prohibited, by order of the West Sussex County Education Committee.
20. Junior Orchestras, Ensembles or Groups.
These may include not more than two adult members, provided that they do not play leading roles.
21. Recorded Accompaniment.
The use of CD recordings, instead of an accompanist, to provide piano accompaniment for other instruments, is permitted, providing the recording is part of a professionally published musical edition. The means of playing such recordings must be supplied by the competitor.
Festival Rules & Conditions
1. Photography/Videos/Mobile Phones
1. Photography/Videos/Mobile Phones
No unauthorised photography or video recording is allowed at our Festival and all electronic devices (including mobile phones) MUST be switched off. Where parents/guardians/carers do not wish photos to be taken at all, then the responsible adult attending should ensure that their child/pupil/vulnerable adult is not included in official authorised photos.
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