Vocal Classes

Vocal Entry Form, 2011 (PDF)

New and revised syllabus rules are highlighted in yellow.

Entry Closing Date: January 10th
Late entries: May be accepted up to January 17th, at the discretion of the chairperson. A double entry fee must accompany all late entry requests.

All Entries To: UIMF - Vocal Chairperson, c/o 708 Hyatt Place, Nanaimo, B.C. V9V 1A1

THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT PHOTOCOPYING MUSIC IS A VIOLATION OF THE CANADIAN COPYRIGHT ACT. THE USE OF PHOTOCOPIED MUSIC BY PERFORMERS OR ACCOMPANIST IS NOT ACCEPTED IN ANY PUBLIC PLACE. YOUR COOPERATION IS REQUESTED.

Vocal Rules

  1. Please read general rules carefully.
  2. Any vocal class may be entered non-competitively. Please indicate on entry form.
    1. No pianist or vocalist may perform more than once in any class except in Lieder, or Vocal Solo and Accompaniment classes.
    2. Musical Theatre selections performed in the Vocal Section may not be used in the Dance Section.
  3. A competitor must enter more than one solo class to be considered for a bursary.
  4. All vocal pieces having piano accompaniments are to be performed with piano accompaniment, with the exception of Folk Song Classes, which allow for piano or guitar accompaniment, or an unaccompanied performance.
  5. In ALL vocal classes, the competitor must submit the original unmarked score of his/her music (NO PHOTOCOPIES) prior to the class in which he/she is to perform. Such music must be plainly marked with the competitor's name, number, and class and page number of the selection, to be given to the adjudicator's secretary on proceeding to the platform. All music must be reclaimed following the adjudication of such classes. The Festival Committee does not accept responsibility for such music. The use of photocopied music by performers or accompanists is prohibited. If original scores are not available, a letter of release is required from the publisher. Internet copies acceptable only with a viable receipt. The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals has now deemed it permissible to use photocopies for page turns, etc. as long as the original copy is present at the performance. This does not mean that the adjudicator has the original and the performer the photocopy. There must be 2 original copies present in the competition hall.
  6. As a general rule, if a competitor is unable to perform in his/her class on the scheduled day, the Vocal Committee regrets that it cannot allow the performance to be rescheduled.
  7. To be eligible for Provincial selection in Musical Theatre Vocal, the student must perform
    • One (1) selection in the appropriate Musical Theatre category A (Ballad) and
    • One (1) selection in the appropriate Musical Theatre category B (Comedy or Other)
    • Simple costumes are permitted, as is limited stage movement.
    • One prop only may be used (in addition to a single chair) and must be set up and struck by the performer. NOTE: Any piece of apparel, ornament or item that is part of a costume, but is removed or used during a performance, is considered an additional prop.
    • Immediately prior to their performance, participants must provide a verbal introduction of their selection to "set the scene".
    • With the exception of appropriate musical and non-verbal communication during a performance, any additional interaction between an accompanist or other individual or performer after the introduction of the selection is considered to be a duet.
  8. All vocal/choral selections must be indicated on the entry form. (T.B.A. is not acceptable). Changes, if absolutely necessary, will be allowed until January 31; otherwise the competitor will be liable to disqualification.

Entry Fees

Fees for categories not included below are listed adjacent to the class.

Ages 8 to 10 years $10.00
Ages 11 to 14 years $12.00
Ages 15 to 18 years $14.00
Ages 19 and Over / Open $15.00
*Duet, Trio, Quartet and Vocal Solo, and accompaniment $6.00 per Person
*Duet Open $7.00 per Person

* Only one entry form is required.

Vocal Solo

Selections chosen for these classes should be similar to art songs. Refer to Conservatory Syllabus for examples. Please enter Folk songs or Sacred Songs etc., in their respective classes.

IN ALL CLASSES, THE QUALITY OF THE MUSIC AND SUITABILITY TO THE SINGER WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Girl's or Boy's Solo - One Selection - Own Choice

Class Age Level
400 6 Years and Under

Girl's Solo - One Selection - Own Choice

Class Age Level
401 8 Years and Under
402 10 Years and Under
403 12 Years and Under
404 14 Years and Under
405 16 Years and Under
406 18 Years and Under
407 19 - 28 years

Boy's Solo - One Selection - Own Choice

Class Age Level
408 8 Years and Under
409 10 Years and Under
410 12 Years and Under
411 13 Years and Under - Unchanged Voice
412 Boy's Changing Voice
413 18 Years and Under

Folk Song - One Selection - Own Choice

The term Folk Song in this syllabus refers to a folk song of any nationality whose author and composer are unknown.
Competitors may chose which one of the two categories below they wish to enter:
F - strophic piano accompaniment, guitar accompaniment, unaccompanied
AF - arranged folk song

Class Age Level
414 8 Years and Under
415 10 Years and Under
416 12 Years and Under
417 14 Years and Under
418 16 Years and Under
419 18 Years and Under
420 19 - 28 Years

Sacred Song - One Selection - Own Choice (excludes Oratorio and Cantata)

Class Age Level
421 8 Years and Under
422 10 Years and Under
423 12 Years and Under
424 14 Years and Under
425 16 Years and Under
426 18 Years and Under
427 19 - 28 Years

Musical Theatre - Own Choice

One selection from Musicals category A (Ballad) and/or one selection from Musicals category B (Comedy or Other). Simple costuming and one basic prop may be used. See rule #8.

Class Age Level
428A 8 Years and Under
428B 8 Years and Under
429A 10 Years and Under
429B 10 Years and Under
430A 12 Years and Under
430B 12 Years and Under
431A 14 Years and Under
431B 14 Years and Under
432A 16 Years and Under
432B 16 Years and Under
433A 18 Years and Under
433B 18 Years and Under
434A 19 - 28 Years
434B 19 - 28 Years

Contemporary Christian Music - Own Choice

Class Age Level
435 12 Years and Under
436 14 Years and Under
437 16 Years and Under
438 18 Years and Under

Lieder - Own Choice

One selection by any recognized composer of German Lieder (Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Franz, Wolfe, R. Strauss) to be sung in German - Vocalist and accompanist adjudicated as a team. Accompanist must be within the correct age grouping. Please include his/her name on entry form. Any vocalist wishing to enter Lieder classes with an accompanist who is not within the correct age grouping may do so for adjudication only.

Class Age Level
439 16 Years and Under
440 18 Years and Under
441 19 - 28 Years

Art Song - Own Choice

One selection by any recognized composer of Art Songs, except Lieder. Original language preferable.

Class Age Level
442 12 Years and Under
443 14 Years and Under
444 16 Years and Under
445 18 Years and Under
446 19 - 28 Years

Oratorio - Own Choice

One selection from any standard sacred oratorio. Recitative, if any, should be sung.

Class Age Level
447 16 Years and Under
448 18 Years and Under
449 19 - 28 Years

Opera - Own Choice

(Baroque and early Italian arias may be used)

Class Age Level
450 18 Years and Under
451 19 - 28 Years

Concert Group

Three contrasting selections of various periods, styles and moods, no composer being used more than once. At least one song in a language other than English. Operatic and Oratorio Arias excluded.

Class Age Level Fee
452 14 Years and Under $18.00
453 16 Years and Under $20.00
454 18 Years and Under $20.00
455 19 - 28 Years $25.00

Novice Section (Less Than 3 Year's Study)

These classes have been incorporated into the syllabus to accommodate late beginners. The following classes are available.

*Refer to Classes 404, 405, 406, 407, 413, 417, 418, 419, 420, 424, 425, 426, 427, 431A, 431B, 432A, 432B, 433A, 433B, 434A, 434B, and 455 for details and descriptive information.

Class
404N* Girl's Solo
405N* Girl's Solo
406N* Girl's Solo
407N* Girl's Solo
413N* Boy's Solo
417N* Folk Song
418N* Folk Song
419N* Folk Song
420N* Folk Song
424N* Sacred Song
425N* Sacred Song
426N* Sacred Song
427N* Sacred Song
431NA* Musical Theatre
431NB* Musical Theatre
432NA* Musical Theatre
432NB* Musical Theatre
433NA* Musical Theatre
433NB* Musical Theatre
434NA* Musical Theatre
434NB* Musical Theatre
455N* Concert Group

Adult Open Section (28 Years and Over)

These classes have been incorporated into the syllabus to accommodate adults who are over the qualifying age for Provincial Competition.

*Refer to classes 420, 427, 434A, 434B, 441, 446, 449, 451, and 455 for details and descriptive information.

Class
420AD* Folk Song
427AD* Sacred Song
434ADA* Musical Theatre
434ADB* Musical Theatre
441AD* Lieder
446AD* Art Song
449AD* Oratorio
451AD* Opera
455AD* Concert Group ($25.00)

Vocal Duet, Trio or Quartet - One Selection - Own Choice

Classes may be subdivided as necessary.

Class Age Level
456 10 Years and Under
457 12 Years and Under
458 14 Years and Under
459 16 Years and Under
460 18 Years and Under
461 19 - 28 years, any combination of voices
462 Over 28 years, Open

Musical Theatre Duet / Trio - Own Choice

Classes may be subdivided as necessary. Simple costuming and one basic prop each may be used. See rule #8.

Class Age Level
463 10 Years and Under
464 12 Years and Under
465 14 Years and Under
466 16 Years and Under
467 18 Years and Under
468 19 - 28 years, any combination of voices
469 Over 28 years, Open

Vocal Solo and Accompaniment - One Selection - Own Choice

Class Age Level
470 12 Years and Under
471 14 Years and Under
472 16 Years and Under
473 18 Years and Under

Barbershop Quartet - Two Selections - Own Choice

Class Age Level
474 19 Years and Over (Open) Any Combination of Voices

Family Music

This class is created to foster music in the home. Open to two or more members of a family. Accompanist (if necessary) must be a family member. Competitors can be of any age and may include relatives not of the immediate family. Selection(s) may not exceed 10 minutes.

Class Fee
475 $20.00

Original Vocal Composition

Class Age Level
476 12 Years and Under
477 14 Years and Under
478 16 Years and Under
479 18 Years and Under

NOTE: Additional classes will be added upon request if the Committee feels they are warranted.

Vocal Variety

One selection chosen from an operetta, light opera, Gilbert & Sullivan production, Review, Cabaret or works in a similar genre. NO pop music or Musical Theatre selections are permitted in these classes. Costumes, staging and sets are not allowed, but one hand-held prop may be used if appropriate.

Class Age Level
480 Junior Vocal Variety 12 Years and Under
481 Junior Vocal Variety 14 Years and Under
482 Intermediate Vocal Variety 16 Years and Under
483 Intermediate Vocal Variety 18 Years and Under
484 Senior Vocal Variety 19 - 28 Years
485 Adult Open Over 28 Years

Provincial Finals

General Regulations, Guidelines, and Class Structure

  1. One selection must have been performed at the local level. This applies to all levels.
  2. Art Songs and Lieder must be sung in original language.
  3. Lieder will be adjudicated for the vocalist only.
  4. Musical Theatre and pop selections are not allowed in these classes.

Classical Voice

Junior Voice

Class 30 Age: 14 & under Time Limit: 10 minutes Standard: Minimum Grade 4 level.
Three contrasting selections, one of which must be an Art Song. No Oratorio or Operatic Arias of the Post-Baroque era are allowed at this level.

Intermediate Voice

Class 31 Age: 18 & under Time Limit: 15 minutes Standard: Minimum Grade 7 level.
Three contrasting selections, one of which must be an Art Song (including German Lieder). No Oratorio or Operatic Arias of the Post-Baroque era are allowed at this level.

Senior Voice

Class 32 Age: 28 & under Time Limit: 25 minutes Standard: Minimum Grade 9 level.
THREE contrasting selections made up of the following:
  1. An Art Song (including German Lieder)
  2. An operatic aria in the original language with recitative where applicable or an aria from a Major Sacred Work (oratorio cantata, mass) with recitative where applicable. (language optional) If performing an opera aria, the performer is required to introduce it. (ie. "set the scene") Costumes, staging and sets are not permitted.
  3. Own choice.

Vocal Variety

The following are optional classes only for those students already recommended in Classical Voice or Musical Theatre. The selections chosen in these classes need not have been performed at the local festival. However, care should be taken in the choice of music.

One selection chosen from an operetta, light opera, Gilbert and Sullivan production, Review, Cabaret, or works in a similar genre. NO pop music or Musical Theatre selections are permitted in these classes. Costumes, staging and sets are not allowed, but one hand-held prop may be used if appropriate.

Junior Vocal Variety

Class 33 Age: 14 & under Time Limit: 7 minutes

Intermediate Vocal Variety

Class 34 Age: 18 & under Time Limit: 7 minutes

Senior Vocal Variety

Class 35 Age: 28 & under Time Limit: 8 minutes

National Level Vocal Variety

Class 36 Age: 28 & under Time Limit: 8 minutes

Musical Theatre

Available for participants at the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Levels, who have entered the Classical Voice and Musical Theatre sections at the local level. Students entering these classes will be judged on their ability in Musical Theatre. This should be demonstrated in their performance of TWO contrasting selections, one of which has been performed at the local level.

The selections should be from a stage or motion picture musical. Contemporary pop, Gilbert and Sullivan, Reviews, and Cabaret pieces are not acceptable in these classes. Costuming, stage movement and / or dancing should be included. Performers are required to introduce their selections. (ie. "set the scene")

Musical Theatre Vocal - Junior

Class 80 Age: 14 & under Time Limit: 10 minutes
Selections from animated musical productions are allowed at this level.

Musical Theatre Vocal - Intermediate

Class 81 Age: 18 Years and Under Time Limit: 12 minutes

Musical Theatre Vocal - Senior

Class 82 Age: 28 Years and Under Time Limit: 15 minutes

For more information check the provincial web site at: www.bcprovincials.com.

National Finals

National Voice

Class 1 Age: 28 & Under Time Limit: 40 minutes
Two or more languages to be used. The selection on which the competitor was recommended at the local level must be performed at the Provincial level.
  • One aria from an opera AND one from a major sacred work, with recitative where applicable, original key, language optional
  • One own choice selection.

Choir Classes

Final Closing Date: January 10th
Late entries: May be accepted up to January 17th, at the discretion of the Chairperson, for a double entry fee.

Please send all entries to: UIMF - Vocal Section, c/o 708 Hyatt Place, Nanaimo, B.C. V9V 1A1

  1. Classes 500 - 506 are intended for individual divisions. In cases where rooms combine two grades, the teacher should enter the grade in which the majority of his/her students are registered.
  2. A grading system consisting of "Excellent", "Very Good", "Good" and "Satisfactory" is used in all School Choir Classes. Choirs wishing to enter for adjudication only, please indicate on entry form.
  3. Please read #6 in Vocal Rules regarding "own choice" selections.
  4. Conductors who are unable to finalize their "Own Choice" selections by entry closing must submit them by February 15, or their choirs will be liable to disqualification.

Choir Fees

  • Elementary Level: $15.00
  • Secondary Level: $18.00

Two Contrasting Selections

Class Grade
500 Kindergarten or Grade 1 Classroom Choir - one of the selections may be a singing game.
501 Grade 2 Classroom Choir
502 Grade 3 Classroom Choir
503 Grade 4 Classroom Choir
504 Grade 5 Classroom Choir
505 Grade 6 Classroom Choir
506 Grade 7 Classroom Choir
507 Grade 1 - 3 Primary Composite Choirs
508 Elementary Composite Choir
509 Elementary Boys Composite Choir
510 Elementary Folk Song (any traditional Folk Song)
511 Elementary Operetta Class - one or two selections including any optional solo parts with simple costumes and basic props if desired. Not to exceed 6 minutes
512 Elementary School Choir (may include students from more than one school).
513 Secondary Mixed Choir (may include students from more than one school).
514 Secondary Choir, Grades 8 - 10 (Standard or Classical Repertoire)
515 Secondary Choir, Grades 8 - 10 (Pop, Jazz, or Swing Choir - Rhythm and/or instrumental accompaniment optional)
516 Secondary Choir Grades 10 - 12 (Standard or Classical Repertoire)
517 Secondary Choir, Grades 10 - 12 (Pop, Jazz, or Swing Choir - Rhythm and/or instrumental accompaniment optional)
518 Secondary Folk Song Choir (Traditional)
519 Secondary Folk Ballad Chorus (Modern)

Vocal Ensembles

(Should consist of not less than 5 voices and not more than 12. Conductor optional. 2, 3, or 4 parts)

Class Age Level Fee
520 12 Years and Under $15.00
521 14 Years and Under $15.00
522 16 Years and Under $15.00
523 18 Years and Under $18.00
524 Open $21.00

Madrigal or Chamber Choir

(24 voices or under)

Class Age Level Fee
525 12 Years and Under $15.00
526 14 Years and Under $15.00
527 16 Years and Under $15.00
528 18 Years and Under $15.00
529 Open $21.00

Early Music Ensemble

Any combination of instruments and voices. Competitors can be of any age (maximum of six). Selection(s) may not exceed 10 minutes.

Class Fee
530 $15.00

Church and Community Choirs

Class Age Level Fee
531 12 Years and Under Sunday School Primary Choir $15.00
532 18 Years and Under Junior Church Choir (under 35 voices) $15.00
533 18 Years and Under Junior Church Choir (over 35 voices) $15.00
534 Open Church Choir (S.A.T.B.) $25.00
535 18 Years and Under Private School Choir $15.00
536 10 Years and Under Junior Community Choir $15.00
537 12 Years and Under Junior Community Choir $15.00
538 14 Years and Under Intermediate Community Choir $21.00
539 14 Years and Under Intermediate Musical Theatre Ensemble - simple costuming and/or basic prop may be used $18.00
540 18 Years and Under Teen Community Choir $25.00
541 Open Community Choir (Mix Voices) $25.00
542 Open Community Womens' Choir $25.00
543 Open Barbershop Groups $25.00

Additional classes will be added upon request if the Committee feels they are warranted.

Provincial Choral Group Information

Any choral group meeting the respective requirements as listed below may be recommended by the adjudicator into the next level of competition. At the Provincial level a choral adjudicator shall hear all tapes and select the choirs which will represent B.C. at the National level. The winning tapes will be submitted to the National competition by the Provincial Coordinator. Tapes from all provinces will be heard by two appointed judges and the winners will then be notified. Due to financial reasons, taping of competitive performances on site is not feasible. However, if a choral group has met the respective requirements and is recommended to the next level of competition, its performance can be taped. This should be done within three weeks with the same choir, conductor, accompanist and accompaniment as in the original performance.

Choral Awards

Class 8 THE HON. B. HAGERMAN PLAQUE AND AWARD for the best performance by a community choral group of 13 or more singers, 19 years and over.
Class 9 CITY OF LINCOLN PLAQUE AND AWARD - For the best performance by a community choral group of 13 or more male singers.
Class 10 GEORGE S. MATHIES0N PLAQUE AND AWARD - For the best performance by a community choral group of 13 or more singers, 19 years and under.
Class 11 PAUL J. BOURRET PLAQUE AND AWARD - For the best performance by a choral group from a single school of 13 or more singers, 19 years and under.
Class 12 RICHARD W. COOKE PLAQUE AND AWARD - For the best performance by a community ensemble of 8 to 12 singers, with no age limitations.
Class 13 DR. & MRS. J.F.K. ENGLISH PLAQUE AND AWARD - For the best performance by a community choir of 13 or more singers, 16 years and under.
Class 14 DAVID OUCHTERLONY PLAQUE AND AWARD - For the best performance by a choral group from a single school of 13 or more singers, 16 years and under.
Class 15 MARGARET WHARTON MEMORIAL PLAQUE AND AWARD - For the best performance by a community or school choir of 13 or more singers, 12 years and under.

In all classes, two contrasting selections are required, and age levels are as of December 31. One of the 2 selections may be a folk song.