2026 Syllabus - Bands
For Concert Band classes, those taking part will play two selections, one from the Syllabus list and one contrasting piece that will be competitor's choice. A short warm-up piece may also be played.
Total time of 30 minutes will be allowed for each band, in Levels B, C, and D, and for Non – competitive bands, for adjudication and workshopping.
Level A Bands will be given 30 - 45 minutes for adjudication and workshopping.
It will be divided as follows:
1. Set-up (tuning) 5 minutes
2. Warm-up Piece (Optional) 3 to 5 minutes
3. Performance (2 pieces) 10 to 15 minutes' total
4. Adjudication / Workshop Remainder of time
MUSIC IS AVAILABLE AT:
a) Harknett Music Services, Toronto • Phone: (1-800-387-9615)
2653 John Street., Unit 15, Markham, ON L3R 2W6
b) St. John's Music, Toronto • Phone: (1-800-387-8575)
c) Long and McQuade Music (Belleville and Toronto)
GOLD AWARD: (85 - 100% mark) – Outstanding - This standard represents excellence in all facets of the performance. It is very accurate and secure with excellent sound, balance and blend; excellent intonation; very good attention to articulation, dynamics, tempo; and an excellent approach to style and interpretation. All entries receiving a mark of 85% or higher will receive a gold seal. The adjudicator's comment sheet will include the actual mark awarded.
SILVER AWARD: (80-84%) – Very Good - This standard represents a very high level of performance. There may be some minor issues with notes and rhythms but the ensemble has achieved a very good band/choir sound and much success with balance, blend and intonation. There may be attention given to dynamics, tempo, articulation and style but certainly with room for improvement. All entries receiving a mark between 80 and 84% will receive a silver seal. The adjudicator's comment sheet will include the actual mark awarded.
RED AWARD: (Below 80%) – Satisfactory – This standard represents an average performance where there may be significant issues with notes and rhythms; and weaknesses with other facets are more pronounced. There may be more attention needed to dynamics, style or expression. All entries receiving a mark below 80% will receive a bronze seal. The adjudicator's comment sheet will include the actual mark awarded.
*Marks will be announced after adjudication is completed, and will be noted on the adjudication sheet which each band receives.
In each of classes 6000 – 6004, a brief warm – up piece is allowed prior to the two required festival competition pieces.
rules & regs
Elementary School Concert Bands
Performance Requirements and Classes of Competition for all Concert Bands
Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections
Piece Selection
a) Competitors must perform two (2) selections
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) Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take choice of
repertoire into consideration.
e) Only one selection may have an instrumental solo passage.
f) The instrumentation should be indicated if different from what appears in the score.
School Bands - Small Ensembles
Definition
Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members.
Piece Selection
a) Competitors must perform either one (1) or two (2) selections
b) The second selection is optional and is the competitor’s own choice but must not be another
movement from the first selection.
c) 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.
d) Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take choice of repertoire into consideration
School Jazz Bands (16 or more members)
Piece Selection
a) Competitors must perform two (2) selections
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) Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take choice of repertoire into
consideration.
e) Only one selection may have a vocal solo passage.
h) If not already in the score, bar numbers should be placed at the beginning of each line of
music in the original score
School Jazz Bands - Small Ensembles
Definition
Small Ensembles are for groups with 4 to 15 members.
Piece Selection
a) Competitors must perform either one (1) or two (2) selections
b) The second selection is optional and is the competitor’s own choice but must not be another
movement from the first selection.
c) 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.
d) Selections must be musically contrasting. The Adjudicator will take choice of repertoire into
consideration.
Performance Requirements and Classes of Competition for all Small Ensembles
Competitors must perform one or two (2) contrasting selections
(20 – 30 minutes time limit is suggested)
Jazz combos
NOTES:
1. Maximum nine instruments: No minimum. Combos will normally consist of any combination of vocalist, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano and/or guitar, bass and drums; however, less usual instruments (violin, flute, clarinet) may be used if desired. Bass players are encouraged to perform on double bass.
2. Repertoire: One warm up piece, Own choice of TWO contrasting selections within the modern acoustic jazz tradition (swing, bee-bop, hard bop, cool, post-bop, Latin, mainstream, avant-garde, etc.). Compositions may be “standards” or “originals”. Solos must be improvised.
3.Time limit: 20-30 minutes will be allowed for each entry.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:6109 - Jazz Combo – Open | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6110 - Jazz Combo - Age 20 years and under | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6111 - Jazz Combo - Age 17 years and under | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6112 - Jazz Combo - Age 14 years and under | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6113 - Jazz Combo - Non - competitive - any level (for adjudication only) | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
Traditional jazz combos
NOTES: Maximum of nine performers.
1. Instrumentation: Any combination of trumpet or cornet, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, guitar or banjo, double bass or tuba, piano, drums. Vocalist is optional.
2. Repertoire: Own choice of TWO contrasting selections within the traditional acoustic jazz traditional (early blues, “trad” style, Chicago style, New Orleans style, Dixieland, etc.). Compositions may be “standards” or “originals”. Solos must be improvised.
3. Time limit: 20 minutes
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:6114 - Traditional Jazz Combo - Open | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6115 - Traditional Jazz Combo - Age 20 years and under | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6116 - Traditional Jazz Combo - Age 17 years and under | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6117 - Traditional Jazz Combo - Age 14 years and under | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6118 - Traditional Jazz Combo - any level - Non - competitive (for adjudication only) | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
Improvisational jazz
(2-6 Participants)
*Participants must provide a written melody line to the adjudicator – 5 - minute time limit