2025 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.
School Concert Bands
Depending on the number of bands registered, and scheduling flexibility, we will try to take the band adjudicator to the schools, to save on bussing costs, and make it easier for schools to participate and experience the benefit of adjudication and workshopping with our guest adjudicator.
*Potential Band selections are listed in "Musicfest", Concert Band Syllabus (www.musicfest.ca/conert-band-syllabus), and music is available from Harknett Musical Services Ltd. Recordings are available at www.harknettmusic.com
(Own Choice)
Band - Brass/Concert Bands
a) Warm-up
b) Participant's choice
c) Participant's choice
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:6005 - Brass Bands - Elementary School | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6006 - Brass Bands - Secondary School | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6007 - Brass Bands - Community/Adult | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6008 - Community/Adult Concert Band | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6009 - Non - competitive Brass or Concert Band (for adjudication only) | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
Jazz Bands and Combos
Jazz Bands must have 21 or more members and must not include a vocalist. The following instrumentation is suggested:
• 4-5 trumpets
• 4-5 trombones
• up to 7 saxophones
• 1 keyboard, 1 guitar, 1 bass, up to 2 percussion instruments
IMPROVISATION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED IN THIS CLASS.
20 - 30 minutes will be allowed for each entry.
NOTE: Those taking part in this class will play two selections of competitor's choice. A short warm up piece may also be played.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:6100 - Beginning Jazz Band Participant's choice - 2 selections at Grade 1-2 level | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6101 - Intermediate Jazz Band Participant's Choice - 2 selections at Grade 3 level | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6102 - Advanced Jazz Band Participant's choice - 2 selections at Grade 4 level or higher | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6103 - Jazz Band Non-Competitive (any level) Participant's choice - 2 selections | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
Jazz Ensembles
NOTE: No fewer than 9 and no more than 24 performers.
1. Recommended instrumentation: 4-5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones, 5 saxophones (2 alto, 2 tenor, 1 baritone), piano and/or synthesizer, guitar, bass, drums, auxiliary percussion (optional). Vocalist is optional.
2. Repertoire: Own choice of TWO contrasting selections (e.g. medium swing and a ballad). Only one piece may feature a vocalist. Pieces should allow for partially or fully improvised solos.
3. Time limit: 20 – 30 minutes will be allowed for each entry.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:6104 - Jazz Ensemble - Open (any age mixture) | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6105 - Jazz Ensemble - Age 20 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6106 - Jazz Ensemble - Age 17 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6107 - Jazz Ensemble - Age 14 years | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
| Class:6108 - Jazz Ensemble - any level - Non - competitive (for adjudication only) | Fee:$30.00 | Register |
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: 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 9 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