GENERAL RULES OF THE FESTIVAL

The decision of the Committee is final on any other matter.

1. Anyone is welcome to enter the Festival, provided they are the age or grade stated in the Syllabus, and they are Amateurs. By this we mean that you don’t earn your living, or a significant part of your income, from performing or teaching music or speech/drama. In cases of dispute, the decision of the Festival Committee is final.

2. You must submit your entry on the official entry form, or a photocopy, and complete. ALL boxes except where marked ‘Optional’. Please send in your entry with the appropriate fee (cheques made out to THE BUCKINGHAM FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & DRAMA) in time to arrive by the stated closing date. We cannot accept late entries.
For Drama classes, entrants are limited to six classes. For Music classes entrants are limited to four classes. Entrants entering both Drama and Music classes are limited to six classes in total. We will accept entries on a first come, first served basis, up to the maximum number shown in the table on page 3.

3. Classes will be as listed in this syllabus, although we may limit, amend or cancel any class depending on the number of entries received. You may not offer the same piece in more than one class. The age of an entrant is taken as that on the 1st September before the Festival. For group entries, all members of the group must conform to the stated age requirement. You may not enter for more than one age class for any subject group.

4. ALCS has given a concession  which means that permission does not need to be obtained for the performance of any published prose, poetry or dramatic work of less than 10 minutes provided it is announced with title and author at the time and is performed without alteration.A similar concession applies to published music on condition that any additional copy provided for the Adjudicator is clearly marked ‘Copy’ and is destroyed immediately after use.

Please note the information above is for your advice and information. It is up to you to ensure you comply with the law on copyright.

5. Copies of works to be performed.
Advance Copies: A  copy of any ‘own work’ or other unpublished work (poetry, prose, dramatic work or music) must be submitted with the Entry Form.
Copies on the day: A copy of the work to be performed (whether or not an advance copy has been submitted) must be handed to the Clerk, for the Adjudicator’s use, on arrival at the Class.

6. No photography, audio or video recording is allowed at any time during performance or adjudication; neither is the use of recorded sound or amplification system (except where specifically allowed in certain Classes).

7. Timing. Time limits for entries are shown in the Syllabus and must be strictly followed. Adjudicators will be asked to stop any performance running over the time limit. Where a time limit is given, you may perform more than one piece up to the specified limit. You will be advised of the times of classes, and the order of performance will be decided at random.

8. Performance Certificates of Performance will be awarded to all entrants. You will receive these, together with Adjudication Forms, at the end of the class concerned. For all classes, only officials or accompanists will be allowed on the platform with entrants. All Drama / Speech entries must be memorised, except for Reading and Public Speaking classes. Full costumes or stage properties cannot be permitted in Speech and Drama classes, though there may be indications of character eg a hat, scarf or other small hand-held prop. We will provide a table and chair, if required. In Music classes, no credit is given for playing from memory. Repeats may be played if artistically appropriate. Please bring a music stand. Where a Grade is indicated, no entrant or piece of a higher grade or standard will be accepted (see ‘Important Notices’ p20), and any ‘own choice’ music should be of the appropriate grade. You must arrange for your own Accompanist (see page 4).

9. Cups/Trophies/Shields and Medals are awarded for the highest mark in specified classes, provided that a ‘Commended’ standard is achieved. Cups/Trophies are awarded to groups (ensembles) of three or more people (as indicated in the Syllabus). Individuals and smaller groups receive medals except for Recital/Concerto and the Church Choir classes for which Shields are awarded. The Adjudicator will select one winner and announce the cup/trophy or medal winner at the time of adjudication. Cups/Trophies and medals are presented at the end of the class or classes. Cups/Trophies may be held for one year. They remain the property of the Buckingham Festival Association and must be returned at least four weeks before the next Festival or on request. You may have plinths engraved appropriately, but we are unable to pay for this. If the same group wins a cup/trophy for three consecutive years, they are entitled to keep it. Medals or shields do not have to be returned. Cups/Trophies may be withdrawn or reallocated at the discretion of the Committee.

10. The Adjudicator’s decision is final. No entrant or other person (except Festival officials) may discuss any matter with an adjudicator unless invited to do so. Adjudicators may be changed from those listed where necessary.