QUEENSLAND STATE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010

ABN 89 454 554 400

QUEENSLAND SERVICES HERITAGE BAND ASSOCIATION INC.

Festival email: states2010@qba.org.au PO BOX 685, WYNNUM, 4178

Incorporated in QLD.

QSHBA Festival Rules

Please Note:

These rules are in two parts; Part A: for Competition Contestants and Part B: for the Competition Organisers.
These RULES are for the Gold Coast Band Fest. ONLY. The Queensland State Band Championships are governed by the Queensland Band Association (QBA) Rules and By-Laws available from the QBA Website at www.qba.org.au .
In addition to these rules and because the festival includes young persons, the QSHBA has a Young Persons Risk Management Strategy which is available from this link. All contestants, employees and volunteers MUST adhere to this strategy.

Part A. QSHBA Competition Rules (link to downloadable copy)

1. CONTESTANT ELIGIBILITY

a. For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA (all contestants are to be registered with an affiliated Banding Organisation).

b. For QSHBA events and competitions (Gold Coast Band Fest.), entries are invited from any amateur; musical organisation, band, school or individual and, subject to age restrictions (in age events); the determination of eligibility of the contestant will be the responsibility of that particular musical organisation, band, school or individual.

· The Gold Coast Band Fest is open only to amateur musicians.

For the purposes of these rules, the definition of amateur musician is any person that does not derive a majority (more than half) of their personal income from the performance of music. Music teachers, music students, music writers, etc are deemed to earn their income from teaching, studying and/or writing, etc and are considered amateur musicians, unless they derive a majority of their income from the actual performance of music.

· Combined bands or bands comprising members from more than one band, school or musical organisation are endorsed.

· Individuals, unattached to any band, school or musical organisation are also endorsed.

· A contestant may be entered in as many band event, subject to age restrictions (in age events), as the contestant believes they are capable of competing in.

· A contestant may be entered in only one solo event in each age grouping. Subject to the age restrictions for the event, a contestant may enter in as many different age groupings as the contestant believes they are capable of competing in.

· The exception to this rule is for percussionists who are eligible to enter in any or all percussion events, subject to age restrictions (in age events). The percussionist can also be entered in one (1) other instrument event, other than percussion, in the same age grouping.

· A veteran is a person who at the date of competition is sixty (60) years of age or older.

· A junior is a person who at the date of competition is not yet nineteen (19) years of age.

· A juvenile is a person who at the date of competition is not yet fourteen (14) years of age.

· All contestants' ages are at the date of competing.

· A Musical Director, Conductor or Drum Major of a School, Junior or Juvenile Band or Ensemble is not required to conform to the event age restrictions.

· A novice is a person who has never won a first prize in a solo section at a competition event that had more than 3 competitors, irrespective of age.

· A novice band is a band consisting of players, of any age, whose members have less than 18 months playing experience.

· A special needs band is a band that consists of only players whose disability or impairment is such that it affects their ability to play a musical instrument. Bands of persons whose disability or impairment does not affect their ability to play a musical instrument ought to consider entering into the appropriate age or open event. Bands with some individuals who have special needs may have the use of facilitators for these individuals and ought to consider entering into the appropriate age or open event with the use of the facilitators. (see rule 9 Composition of Bands and Instrumentation for further explanation) The venue will have appropriate access for the disabled.

· The organisers reserve the right to grade bands or individuals into the most appropriate event.

2. MUSIC

a. For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA (Test Music & restrictions on other music may apply).

b. In accordance with copyright conventions, photocopied music will be destroyed at the end of the competition. Photocopies may be submitted for accompaniment and adjudication purposes only but competitors are required to perform from original, not photocopied, music unless the piece is definitely out of print and an original is not available. Proof of this from the publisher may be required. All original scores can be retrieved from the Festival office at the conclusion of the adjudication.

c. For QSHBA Gold Coast Band Fest events and competitions, all entries are “Own Choice” The responsibility for the selection of music at the Festival shall be a matter for the contestants.

· A band, ensemble or soloist winning 1st place in any competition shall not play the same music at any subsequent QSHBA Competition as “Own Choice” until after the expiration of two (2) years or two (2) succeeding QSHBA Competitions whichever is the lesser, except that any band, ensemble or soloist may perform the same music in the Gold Coast Band Fest as they have won 1st place in competition in the preceding three months.

· Each band, ensemble or soloist shall forward to the Contest Committee) three (3) weeks before the Competition, full scores of all “Own Choice” selections for the use of the Adjudicator. Condensed score, solo cornet or 1st clarinet parts may be accepted for marching competitions, but only when a full score is definitely not available. Music must be of good quality, properly fastened, cuts clearly marked, bars numbered and with no identifying marks (including conductor’s coaching comments).

· For all Own Choice Solo competitions where competitors are using the official accompanist, all piano music must be clearly marked with all the cuts and tempo markings, and then sent to the Contest Committee to be forwarded to the official accompanist three (3) weeks prior to the competition.

· A winning soloist may perform their Competition piece in the appropriate Champion of Champions event or choose another piece as they desire.

3. MUSIC - MAXIMUM TIME LIMITS

For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA (Specific time restrictions may apply).
For the QSHBA Gold Coast Band Fest. the maximum time limits for each item shall be:

· Novice Bands with less than 18 month experience (any age) - 8 minute concert program (recommend 2 or 3 contrasting works)

· Special Needs Bands - 6 minute concert program (any musical item or items)

· Junior School Bands or any Band with players under 14 years - 15 minute concert program (recommend 2 or 3 contrasting works)

· School Bands may use ex students, as long as they meet the age requirement.

· Senior School Bands or any Band with players under 19 years - 20 minute concert program (recommend 2 or 3contrasting works)

· School Bands may use ex students, as long as they meet the age requirement.

· Open Bands (any age group) - 30 minute concert program (recommend 3 or 4 contrasting works)

· Juvenile Ensembles (Under 14) - 4 minutes

· Junior Ensembles (Under 19) - 6 minutes

· Open Ensembles (Any Age) - 8 minutes

· Juvenile Solos (Under 14) - 4 minutes

· Juvenile Percussion (Under 14) - 2 to 3 minutes (each of 3 events)

· Junior Solos (Under 19) - 6 minutes

· Junior Percussion (Under 19) - 2 to 3 minutes (each of 3 events)

· Open Solos (Any Age) - 8 minutes

· Open Percussion (Any Age) - 2 to 4 minutes (each of 3 events)

4. ADJUDICATION

For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, adjudication will comply with the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA.

b. For the QSHBA Gold Coast Band Fest. music adjudicators shall judge all events on the criteria of:

· Entertainment (40 points)

· Intonation (20 points)

· Interpretation of Music (20 points)

· Visual Presentation (20 points)

5. ACCOMPANISTS

a. In any solo competition, competitors may use an accompanist other than the official accompanist provided that it is of no cost to the QSHBA or the Contest Committee.

b. If a soloist’s accompanist is not ready at the scheduled competition time, the soloist must use the official accompanist and pay to the Contest Committee the appropriate accompanist fee (if any).

c. Electronic and/or pre-recorded accompaniment is allowed.

d. The competitor is responsible to ensure that any pre-recorded accompaniment complies with copyright laws and conventions.

e. The competitor is responsible for ensuring that the playback format is compatible with the Contest equipment and that any electrical equipment, brought to the competition, has been suitably "tested & tagged" in accordance with local regulations.

6. PERMITS

a. For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA i.e. all contestants are to be registered with an organisation affiliated with the NBCA and permit applications are to comply with the QBA Rules and By-Laws.

b. For QSHBA Gold Coast Band Fest. events and competitions, entries are invited from any musical organisation, school or individual and, subject to age restrictions in age events, a contestant may be entered in as many band events as the contestant believes they are capable of competing in. No permit application is required.

c. The contest committee is not responsible for scheduling players to play in more than one band. Bands are not permitted to delay their scheduled start time due to the unavailability of Players, Drum Majors or Musical Directors.

7. MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITIONS

a. All persons are encouraged to compete in their band, organisation or school uniform but caps shall be removed while on the stage. The conductor is encouraged to wear clothing as would complement the presentation of the band.

b. The QSHBA shall provide all forms used at a Competition. Entry forms shall be signed by the secretary or official representative of the competing band and in the case of solo and party competitions, by the performers.

c. Electronic and/or electrical equipment and instruments are allowed. The competitor is responsible for ensuring that any electrical equipment, brought to the competition, has been suitably "tested & tagged" in accordance with local regulation.

8. DRAW FOR PLAYING POSITIONS

a. All entries will be informed by the Contest Committee of the playing order by email, as soon as it is practical, after the draw. It is a condition of entry that an email address is provided to enable this.

b. All solo and ensemble competitors must register at the Festival office 30 minutes prior to the scheduled event start time.

9. COMPOSITION OF BANDS AND INSTRUMENTATION

a. For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA i.e. there are specific compositions (instrumentation & number of players) of bands.

b. For QSHBA events and competitions, entries are invited from any musical organisation, school or individual and, subject to age restrictions (in age events), a band may consist of any combination of instruments and in any number, subject to any restriction indicated in the event title or the published score.

· Bands may change their personnel or instrumentation during a Competition, provided that such alterations are made within the directions of the published score.

· Players may exchange instruments between events but cannot play two (2) instruments in the same event except as required by the published score.

· A Conductor, Teacher, Musical Director and/or Drum Major may act for more than one (1) band in each grade.

· A Competitor with a physical or intellectual disability, either temporary or permanent, may have the assistance of a facilitator; on-parade or on-stage, during the performance.

The facilitator must not perform or play any musical instrument nor give direction to any competitor, except for the one being facilitated, but may assist in facilitating the contestant with the disability by any appropriate means. This could include, but is not limited to, the manoeuvring of a wheelchair in a marching event or assisting the contestant with supporting or manipulation of a musical instrument, consistent with the level of disability.
The facilitator will not be taken into consideration by the adjudicators. Notice in writing, to the contest organisers, prior to the performance must be given so the adjudicator is aware of the presence of the facilitator.
It is recommended that the facilitator wear the uniform of the band or something similar.
The facilitator, not being a performer, is not required to comply with age restrictions in age events.

10) QSHBA MARCHING & DRILL RULES

a) For Queensland Band Association (QBA) competitions, a Parade of Bands (Street March) is compulsory for Open Grade Bands and all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA (available from the QBA web at www.qba.org.au)

b) For QSHBA competitions and festivals, marching is encouraged but not compulsory

i) The QSHBA Parade of Bands will adhere to the "QSHBA Parade of Bands Rules"

(1) Technical elements will be as prescribed by the National Band Council of Australia – Drill & Marching Regulations (http://www.nbca.asn.au/DandMRegs.pdf)

ii) The QSHBA Display Marching Competition will adhere to the "QSHBA Display Marching Rules"

(1) Technical elements will be as prescribed by the National Band Council of Australia – Drill & Marching Regulations (http://www.nbca.asn.au/DandMRegs.pdf)

c) QSHBA PARADE OF BANDS RULES (link to separate document)

d) QSHBA DISPLAY MARCHING RULES (link to separate document)

11. RESULTS

a. For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA (Test Music results, if applicable, takes precedence if there is a tie).

b. For QSHBA Gold Coast Band Fest.

· In the event of two (2) or more bands in an aggregate selection Competition obtaining the same number of points for the first prize, the trophy or trophies shall be awarded to the band as decided by the chief music adjudicator.

· In the event of two (2) or more bands in a marching event obtaining the same number of points for first prize, the first prize, trophy or trophies shall be awarded to the band as decided by the chief or technical drill adjudicator.

12. SOLO AND ENSEMBLE COMPETITIONS

a. For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA.

b. For QSHBA Gold Coast Band Fest, each entrant shall state on the entry form the last winning performance including the name of the solo played. (The official entry forms allows for this information to be included).

· Any intending competitor may withdraw an entry in writing prior to the start of the Competition. Any entrant who does not advise the Contest Committee of their intending withdrawal and who fails to start in the event may be excluded from subsequent Competitions. Entry fees are non-refundable.

· A competitor may compete once only in duets and trios in any age grouping. However in larger combinations (quartets, quintets, etc), a contestant may be permitted to compete in more than one group providing that the same contestant playing the same instrument shall not compete more than three (3) times in the same section of the Competition.

· Novice Solos shall be restricted to contestants who have never won a first prize in any solo competition that had more than 3 competitors.

· Competitors in solos, duets and trios shall not be permitted the services of a conductor during their performance, but in larger combinations (quartets, quintets, etc); the use of the conductor, teacher or a member of the competitor’s band is permitted.

· In all age groups the age shall be as at the date of contesting.

· The winning competitor in a Solo event can only be awarded their first (1^st) place pursuant to an undertaking that they will compete in the appropriate Champion of Champions event at the competition except where an explanation is given to the satisfaction of the contest delegate or organiser.

· The same piece of music that was performed in the competition can be performed in a Champion of Champions event or the competitor may choose another piece as they desire.

· Electronic and/or pre-recorded accompaniment is allowed. The competitor is responsible for ensuring that the playback format is compatible with the Contest equipment. Please check with the Stage Manager at least two weeks prior to the competition. Any electrical equipment, brought to the competition, must be suitably "tested & tagged" in accordance with local regulations.

· Competitors are required to inform the contest committee if they are using the competition accompanist, their own accompanist, pre recorded accompaniment or if they are performing an un-accompanied piece.

· Un-accompanied pieces must be indicated as "unaccompanied" on the published music.

13. BAND - CHANGE OF GRADING

a. For Queensland Band Association (QBA) events and competitions, all entries must adhere to the Rules and By-Laws of the QBA (The grading is set by past contest results and by the Music Advisory Board of the QBA).

b. For QSHBA Gold Coast Band Fest, events, each band is responsible for nominating the grade in which they should be competing subject to age restrictions in age events.

· The contest organiser reserves the right to revise the grading of each and any band.

· Bands may request a change of grading by submitting a proposal, detailing their case to the QSHBA. The QSHBA may instigate a change of grading at any time on the advice of the Band, another competing Band or the Contest Committee.

14. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Legal opinion has been sought and obtained on the following:

a. It is a condition of admission that neither the QSHBA, the Contest Committee, nor any member of those organisations including any member of the Management Committee, Contest Committee, Volunteers or Officials shall be held legally liable for:

· any loss, damage or theft of any instrument or other valuables of any competitor or member of the public who attend the Competitions, Championships or Concerts,

· for any assault, illness, injury, death or any other circumstance that may arise while those persons travel to or from the venue or while in attendance at the Competitions, Championships or Concerts.

b. The Contest Committee, or their delegate, reserves the right to refuse admission to any person or persons for any reason and an official may ask any member of the audience to leave a room and/or the premises if their behaviour is considered to be inappropriate. In particular, abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

c. In the event of any inappropriate behaviour, illness, injury or death, the Management Committee reserves the right to call the Police and/or Ambulance and/or Fire and/or Emergency Services to the venue.

d. Any volunteer, official or any other person who witnesses or becomes aware of any act of bullying or assault (including sexual assault) are obligated to report this to the QSHBA Secretary or Contest Supervisor or their Delegate who shall call the Police to report the matter.

15. PERFORMANCE RIGHTS

a. The QSHBA reserves the rights to all recordings; either audio, video or both, that may be recorded at the Festival.

· No unauthorised recording of any event or performance is allowed.

b. The QSHBA reserves the rights to all and any broadcast of audio, video or both, from the Festival.

· No unauthorised broadcast of any event or performance is allowed.

c. The QSHBA reserves all radio, television and video rights and the right to permit commercial recordings of the Championships.

d. As the Festival involves young persons, no photography can be taken of any competitor within the Festival venue or surrounding area without the written permission of the competitor, and in the case of a minor, the written permission of the competitor's parent or guardian.

· The only exception to this rule is for the official band photo taken by the QSHBA Festival authorised photographer.

· It is the responsibility of the competing band to obtain authorisation from the contestants for the official band photo.

· No Flash photography is permitted at any of the Festival venues.

16. DECLARATIONS

a. Each competitor, by signing the declaration on the entry forms, agrees to abide by these rules.

Part B. QSHBA Competition Organisation Rules (link to separate document)

Contact the QSHBA by Email at: QSHBA Or by Mail to: The QSHBA, PO BOX 685, WYNNUM, QLD, 4178

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