Event Name: Small Vocal Ensemble – Primary
Location: Mount St Joseph – ALH
Section Number: 24
General Category Guidelines:
Time stipulations – performances must not exceed:
Year K-6:
5-20 performers
Time Limit 4 mins
Performance will be stopped at 1 minute after time.
1 piece only to be performed
May be performed in unison, in two parts or in harmony
Section Specific Guidelines:
Ensemble performances must not exceed stipulated section ensemble performer limits and associated time limits.
Solos are permitted within repertoire choices. Solos are to be used to enhance the musical performance and not simply to feature students.
Teachers/tutors/non-students are not permitted to perform with choral ensembles.
Teachers/tutors/non-students are allowed to conduct.
Conductors may stand on the stage or on the floor in front of the stage to conduct. Individual conductors may lead any number of choral ensembles.
Repertoire choices are at the discernment of the teacher/tutor.
Repertoire should be appropriate for all ages – language and themes should be in keeping with a school age audience, and comply with SCS mission, vision and values.
Accompaniment: Performances may be accompanied or acapella. Schools must provide their own accompanist for this event. If a song is to be performed acapella, it must be sung in at least two-part harmony, or if it is in unison, must be specifically written as a unison piece appropriate to the genre (eg: sacred music chant).
Backing tracks may be used in all vocal ensemble sections. Backing tracks must be instrumental tracks only with no vocal lines.
A copy of your music score must be provided at point of registration.
Costumes and performance props are not a requirement within this section. School uniforms and ensemble performance uniforms are acceptable dress.
Basic choral movement is permitted as a means of enhancing the ensemble performance only. For questions or clarification regarding this, please email the Eisteddfod Team.
Provided Equipment:
6 choir microphones on stands (ambient only)
4 solo hand-held microphones
Grand piano OR weighted keyboard (dependent on availability)
Backing track playback (played by onsite technician)
Conductor’s stand.
Judging Criteria:
- Intonation – pitch, tuning, tonal quality.
- Rhythm, timing, overall structure.
- Ensemble performance quality and expression, memorisation and confidence.
- Dynamics and articulation appropriate to style.
- Ensemble awareness including accompanist/familiarity with backing track and awareness of conductor.
- Choice of repertoire suitable for stage and ability.
- Adherence to harmonic requirements as per the section rules.
Immediate Point Deductions:
- 1 point for not providing a score of the song being performed
- 2 point deduction per 30 seconds over time (per piece), and the performance will be stopped after 1 minute over time.
- 2 point deduction for incorrect conductor/tutor usage, eg singing with the group.
- 5 point deduction for backing tracks containing vocal lines.
