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SYLLABUS

VEREENIGING ARTS FESTIVAL

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Participation

  • Participation is open to amateur participants. Professional performing and creative artists may not participate. Teachers and instructors are allowed participation.
  • Learners with special educational needs (LSEN-learners) are allowed to participate in all the sections of the Vereeniging Arts Festival. There are special entry forms and a syllabus for LSEN-learners available on the website.
  • Affiliation Fees: All schools, studios, institutions or private individuals who wish to participate in the Vereeniging Arts Festival must pay the affiliation fee. (Please refer to our website for fees.)
  • A participant/group/ensemble may participate only once under any item number.
  • Participants may however also participate in items stipulating a higher grade of age, if desired.
  • Group sizes:
    • Choir: 21 – 120 persons
    • Speech choir: 15 – 70 persons
    • Orchestra: 21 – 70 players
    • Ensemble: 5 – 20 players
    • Dialogue: 2 – 4 persons
    • Group: 4 – 20 (Unless otherwise specified)
  • Participants must be present at the venue 15 minutes before the appointed time.
  • A copy of the piece to be presented must be handed in. If this is not made available, the adjudicator reserves the right not to adjudicate.

Syllabus

  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival provides eight sections for participation:
    • Visual Art
    • Instrumental
    • Piano
    • Vocals
    • Choir
    • Afrikaans Drama
    • English Drama
    • LSEN
  • All items under each section are compiled in the syllabus.
  • The Syllabus is available on our website. If an affiliate wants to print download and print out the syllabus of part of it, to make filling in the entry forms easier, they are welcome to do so.
  • All items are referenced by an item number which is used to sort the entries of the Vereeniging Arts festival. Please make sure all entries are indicated with the correct item number when completing the entry form.
  • Should you have any enquiries, please contact the assigned convenor of the section. Contact details are available on the website on the ‘Dates and Information form’.
  • Entry forms correlate with the columns in this syllabus, therefore do not change any column on the forms, please.
  • All time limits for item are indicated in minutes. Please stay within the limited time frame!
year school holiday. (The e-mail address on the entry forms will be used).

Certificates

  • One certificate per entry will be printed.
  • One certificate per group item will be printed.
  • Affiliates may request individual certificates for each group member at an additional fee per certificate, provided that the name list is submitted with the entries.

Please see the details on the ‘Fees and Summary form’.

  • Certificates are printed electronically from affiliate’s entry forms. Therefore, the Arts Festival committee does not take responsibility for any spelling or typing errors on certificates.
  • In the event of an error, affiliates may request a reprint from the co-ordinator of the section at a fee (please refer to our website for fees).
  • Affiliates are responsible to collect reprinted certificates from co-ordinators before the end of the Arts Festival.No further reprints will be done after 30 October of the relevant year.
  • All certificates are issued without alterations (tipex) and with a report handwritten by the adjudicator.

Adjudication

  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival is committed to appoint competent, accre dited adjudicators, qualified in the field of the relevant section.
  • No adjudicator is permitted to take part in any item and no private pupil, relation or employee of an adjudicator may participate in any item which is adjudicated by the relevant adjudicator (except as a member of a choir).
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival Management undertakes to accept the grading of the adjudicator as final.
  • No person (except members of the Vereeniging Arts Festival Management) shall be permitted to communicate with an adjudicator immediately prior or during the adjudication of a sub-section.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival Management has the right, in the event of a dispute submitted in writing, to decide which solution shall be accepted by all parties as final.

Symbols:

  • All participants will receive a certificate to acknowledge participation.
  • Achievement will be graded by way of a symbol:
  • A++ = 90% and higher
  • A+ = 85% - 89%
  • A = 80% - 81%
  • B+ = 75% - 79%
  • B = 70% - 74%
  • C+ = 65% - 69%
  • C = 60% - 64%
  • D = lower than 60%
  • Any adjudicator may choose to award an A+++ -symbol to an extraordinary item presented. (National standard)

ENGLISH DRAMA SECTION

  • The number of entries per affiliate is unlimited.
  • All items (unless otherwise specified) are own choice.
  • The maximum time limit for items gives coaches a guideline as to the standard and length expected from a specific grade/level.
  • A copy of the piece to be presented must be handed in on A4 at the reception table before that specific session starts.
  • Blocks or chairs are allowed for all dramatised sub-sections, but no stage-dressing.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide two big and two small blocks, as well as a table and two chairs for the section English Drama.
  • Additional props are allowed in certain sub-section Props must be provided and removed by the participant. The Vereeniging Arts Festival does not take responsibility for any props.
  • Participants are advised to consult the entry fees on vereenigingartsfestival.co.za, as these may differ according to sub-section, category and level.
  • Participants must heed the set time limit for each item. The co-ordinator of the section has the right to stop any performance that exceeds the set time limit of the item.
  • All time limits are indicated in minutes.

GUIDELINES FOR SUB-SECTIONS:   

 Poetry (individual):

  • The poem must be age appropriate. The presentation must not distract attention from the spoken word. No hand or body movements.
  • Dramatised Poetry (Individual / dialogue / group): The presentation of the poem is enhanced with the use of motivated hand and body movements.
  • Prose (Individual): Prose is the written word and/or spoke language that is not in verse form. No hand and body movements are allowed.
  • Dramatised Prose (Individual / dialogue / group): The written word is dramatised with the use of motivated hand and body movements.
  • Monologue (Individual): A scene in a drama or one-act play in which the participant speak alone. The participant remains the same character throughout. A conversation may be held with a fictitious character. Props and make-up may be used.
  • Speech choir: Only one poem may be presented. Participant’s hands and feet must remain static during the performance. Facial expression must enhance the performing of the poem. No conductor is allowed. Number of participants: 15 – 50.
  • Dramatised Speech choir: Only one poem may be presented. Movement, costumes, decor and make-up are permissible. Additional effects such as sound effects and music are optional. No conductor is allowed. Number of participants: 15 – 50.
  • One-Act play: Any number of participants can form a drama group to perform a One-Act play. Participants may render more than one character. Props, decor, make-up and costumes are allowed. No stage-dressing.
  • Recital programme (Individual / Group / Speech choir): An individual, group (2 - 14 persons) or Speech choir (15 – 50 persons) must perform a diverse programme of works from the same poet or works with a common theme. Some of the works must be dramatised. Props and make-up may be used where appropriate. The entire programme must not exceed the time limit.
  • Prepared reading (Poetry or Prose): The participant’s reading is adjudicated on fluency, phrasing and effective use of voice and eye contact. Participants must prepare three pieces (poetry or prose) from which the adjudicator will choose one.
  • Unprepared reading (Poetry or Prose): The adjudicator will provide the reading material. Participants will not read the same piece. A participant will be given two minutes to prepare.
  • Story telling – prepared (Individual or Group): The participants may present a complete story or only part of a story. Music, props, costumes and movement may be used. The origin of the story may influence the choice of movement and the use of props.
  • Story telling – unprepared (Individual or group): The adjudicator will provide the theme or subject. Individual participants will receive 5 minutes to prepare; groups (2 – 15 participants) will receive 20 minutes. Participants must present a structured story with compelling content. Emphasis is put on creativity combined with lively facial expression and voice usage.
  • Improvisation (Individual of Group): The adjudicator will provide a choice in the subjects for the improvisation. Individual participants and groups (2 – 5 participants) will receive 5 minutes to prepare. Participants must choose one of the subjects and announce it clearly before performing. Speech and movement may be used to present the improvisation.
  • Mime (Individual or Group): Participants must present a situation with movement only. No words, props or costumes are allowed. Participants may use blocks, chairs and make-up.

INSTRUMENTAL SECTION

  • All items are own choice within the specified style.
  • Participants must hand in a copy of the music at the adjudication table just before the item is performed.
  • Only one entry per item number.
  • Participants must provide their own accompanists.
  • Accompaniment may be with piano or any other instrument.
  • Pieces may not be transposed to a different key but must be played in the original key.
  • Participants may submit entries in two different levels (music grades) in the same category.
  • Some styles must be interpreted according to the musical period during which it was composed: Baroque period (1600-1750); Classical period (1750-1800); Romantic period (1800-1900); 20th Century (1900-2000); Contemporary (2000-).
  • Some of the styles may overlap in genre or music period.
  • A music piece from any genre may be entered under the style marked ‘other’ or ‘exam piece’.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will not provide any instruments for this section. Participants are responsible for the provision and setting up of the instrument/s for their performance, including stand(s).
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide a piano to be used for accompaniment for this section.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide sound equipment for the playing of backtracks under all sub-sections with backtrack.
  • No additional equipment (amplifiers, midi-cords, etc.) will be provided.
  • Keyboards: If you enter a keyboard item, please bring your own keyboard. Please arrive in due time to ensure that your instrument is set up and functioning properly before the item needs to be performed.  Contact the convenor of the section beforehand to arrange an appropriate time.
  • Drums: Please arrive in time to ensure that your drums are set up before the section you are participating, starts. Contact the convenor of the section beforehand to arrange an appropriate time.
  • Use of backtracks under any sub-section with backtrack: Recordings must be of high standard.
    • Recordings must be handed in digitally on the day of the performance, marked clearly with participant’s name and item number.
    • The part performed by the participant may not be duplicated on the recording.
    • Backtracks are used at own risk and no refund or rescheduling will occur on account of backtracks that fail to play.
  • Participants are advised to consult the entry fees on vereenigingartsfestival.co.za as these may differ according to sub-section, category and level.
  • Participants must heed the set time limit for each item. The co-ordinator of the section has the right to stop any performance that exceeds the set time limit of the item.
  • Time limits are indicated in minutes.
  • Recital programme: The programme must consist of two, three or four contrasting works chosen from different styles. The programme must not exceed the set time limit.
  • Concerto: A concerto may be presented on any instrument with piano accompaniment. The participant may perform the whole concerto or any number of movements, within the set time limit.
  • Ensemble and orchestras: Refer to the section on general information of this booklet for the sizes of groups. A piano or keyboard may form part of any ensemble or orchestra (string, wind or other instruments). No sound enhancement or manipulation using sound software (with keyboards or electronic devices or backtracks) are allowed in this sub-section.

PIANO SECTION

  • All items are own choice within the specified style.
  • Participants must hand in a copy of the music at the adjudication table just before the item is performed.
  • Only one entry per item number.
  • Participants may submit entries in two different levels (music grades) in the same category.
  • Some styles must be interpreted according to the musical period during which it was composed: Baroque period (1600-1750); Classical period (1750-1800); Romantic period (1800-1900); 20th Century (1900-2000).
  • Some of the styles may overlap in genre or music period.
  • A music piece from any genre may be entered under the style marked ‘other’ or ‘exam piece’.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide a piano for this section.
  • A venue with two pianos will be specified for concertos and quartets.
  • A venue will be specified for any items under the sub-section of ‘organ’.
  • No keyboard is provided by the Vereeniging Arts Festival for the sub-section of ‘Piano or Keyboard (with backtrack)’.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide sound equipment for the playing of backtracks under the sub-section ‘Piano or Keyboard (with backtrack)’.
  • No additional equipment (amplifiers, midi-cords, etc.) will be provided for a keyboard.
  • Use of backtracks under the sub-section ‘Piano or Keyboard (with backtrack)’:
    • Recordings must be of high standard.
    • Recordings must be handed in digitally on the day of the performance, marked clearly with participant’s name and item number.
    • The part performed by the participant may not be duplicated on the recording.
    • Backtracks are used at own risk and no refund or rescheduling will occur on account of backtracks that fail to play.
  • Participants are advised to consult the entry fees on vereenigingartsfestival.co.za, as these may differ according to sub-section, category and level.
  • Time limits are indicated in minutes next to every item. Please consult the syllabus and make sure that you adhere to the time limit. The convenor of the section has the right to stop the participant if the time limit is exceeded.
  • Recital programme: The programme must consist of two, three or four contrasting works chosen from different styles. The programme must not exceed the set time limit.
  • Concerto: For the piano section a concerto is performed by two people on two pianos. The participant may perform the whole concerto or any number of movements, within the set time limit.

CHOIR SECTION

  • All items are own choice within the constraints of the given style.
  • One song is performed per item, except for a choir programme.
  • One certificate will be issued for each item.
  • A choir programme must consist of two or more choral works, different in character and forming a balanced and varied programme. The programme must not exceed the time limit. Only one certificate will be issued for a choir programme.
  • Choir benches will be provided for choirs of 21 – 60 members. Should the choir consist of more than 60 members, the co-ordinator of the section must be informed before the performance date.
  • Choirs may sing a capella, with piano accompaniment or with any additional instruments.
  • A piano for the use of accompaniment will be provided, but the Vereeniging Arts Festival will not provide, nor take responsibility for, any additional instruments.
  • Songs may be presented in any language in which they are published.
  • Transposition is permissible.
  • Choirs must provide their own accompanists.
  • A copy of the music to be performed must be handed in at the adjudicator’s table.
  • A choral work from any genre may be entered under the style marked ‘other’.
  • Presenting a song in unison is permissible for Junior Choirs.
  • Primary School Senior choirs, High School Choirs and Adult Choirs are expected to present works with two or more voices.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide sound equipment (including two microphones) for the use of backtracks under all sub-sections with backtrack.
  • No additional equipment (amplifiers, midi-cords, etc.) will be provided.
  • Use of backtracks under any sub-section with backtrack:
  • Recordings must be of high standard.
  • Recordings must be handed in digitally on the day of the performance, marked clearly with participant’s name and item number.
  • The part performed by the choir may not be duplicated on the recording.
  • Backtracks are used at own risk and no refund or rescheduling will occur on account of backtracks that fail to play.
  • Participants must heed the set time limit for each item. The co-ordinator of the section has the right to stop any performance that exceeds the set time limit of the item.
  • Time limits are indicated in minutes next to each item in the syllabus.
  • Choirs must please arrive at least 15 - 20 minutes before their participation.
  • There will be a venue available for choirs to rehearse for a few minutes before they perform. Please see to it that there will be supervision for your own choir.

LSEN SECTION

  • LSEN-learners will be adjudicated during school hours at their respective schools.
  • As soon as all entries have been received and processed, the time needed for adjudication will be determined.
  • The convenor of the section will then get in touch with the school to organise an appropriate date and time for the adjudication.
  • Adjudication will be in September.
  • Artworks will be adjudicated simultaneously with the other entries in the Visual Art section. Therefore, please follow the instructions as set out for the Visual Art Section, but make sure that your entries are clearly marked as LSEN- entries.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • All items are your own choice.
  • Type in the candidate's name & surname in the sequence as it should appear on the certificate.
  • Number all candidates in the first column, 1, 2, 3, etc.
  • Fill in the columns in accordance with the Vereeniging Arts Festival syllabus. If a column does not apply, leave it open. Please do not insert or remove any columns. Please do not edit the width or height of rows and columns. Print the form as is, even if some text does not fit in the cell.
  • Fill Duets/Trios/Dialogues in at the end of your list.
  • Duet/Dialogue partners must have the same candidate number in the first column. This also applies to trios and quartets, e.g. 20a, 20b or 21a, 21b, 21c.
  • E-mail your electronically completed entry form, proof of payment, as well as the ‘Fees and Summary form’ to vereenigingartsfestival@gmail.com. No handwritten entries will be accepted.
  • Make sure that your entries are on time! No late entries will be accepted. Please consult the ‘Dates and Information form’ in this regard.
  • Make sure that all fees due for the entries are paid. No entries with outstanding fees will be processed until we have received payment.
  • If you have any enquiries, please contact the convenor of the appropriate section. Contact details are on the “Dates and Information form’.

VISUAL ART SECTION

  • Works completed in the current year or in the latter half of the previous year may be entered.
  • There are special forms available for LSEN-learners on the website.
  • Faulty entries will not be adjudicated, and no entry fees are refundable.
    • The following forms of Visual Art will be accepted:
    • Two-dimensional art: Drawing, Painting, Collage.
    • Three-dimensional art: Sculpture, Paperwork.
    • Photography
  • No computer-generated art will be accepted. The theme of the artwork is own choice.
  • Only original artwork will be accepted.
  • The maximum size of accepted art is 550 x 450 mm. No framed work or hardboard will be accepted.
  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING:

NB:  For this section, hard copies of the entries must be handed in for the adjudication, please!

    • Hint: Mount art on cardboard.
    • Label artwork on the front: Name and Surname; Item number; Grade; Title.
    • Label artwork at the back with: School/Studio.
    • If no title is given, mark as: Untitled.
    • All entries of a school/studio must be placed in a strong container.
    • Label the container with: School/Studio, the number of entries, contact number.
    • HARD COPIES OF ENTRIES: For this section we MUST receive a hard copy of the entries, please. It is important for verification!
  • The adjudicator will select artwork to be displayed for the duration of the Vereeniging Arts Festival and must be collected at the end of the last performing art section.
  • Artwork not on display must be collected along with the certificates when the sections for performing arts begin. As soon as adjudication has been completed, affiliates will be notified to come and collect the artworks.

VOCAL SECTION

  • All items are own choice within the specific sub-section and style.
  • Songs may be presented in any language in which they are published, except in the categories for German Lieder and Art Songs, which must be presented in the original language.
  • Transposition is permissible, except for the categories of Operatic and Oratorio arias, which must be performed in the original key of publication.
  • Participants must provide their own accompanists.
  • Accompaniment may be with piano or any other instrument.
  • A copy of the music to be performed must be handed in at the adjudicator’s table
  • Participants may submit entries in two different levels (music grades) in the same category.
  • A vocal piece from any genre in accordance with the sub-section may be entered under the style marked ‘other’ or ‘vocal’.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide a piano to be used for accompaniment for this section.
  • The Vereeniging Arts Festival will provide sound equipment (including two microphones) for the use of backtracks under all sub-sections with backtrack.
  • No additional equipment (amplifiers, midi-cords, etc.) will be provided.
  • Use of backtracks under any sub-section with backtrack:
    • Recordings must be of high standard.
    • Recordings must be handed in digitally on the day of the performance, marked clearly with participant’s name and item number.
    • The part performed by the participant may not be duplicated on the recording.
    • Backtracks are used at own risk and no refund or rescheduling will occur on account of backtracks that fail to play.
  • Participants are advised to consult the entry fees on vereenigingartsfestival.co.za, as these may differ according to sub-section, category and level.
  • Participants must heed the set time limit for each item. The co-ordinator of the section has the right to stop any performance that exceed the set time limit of the item.
  • Time limits for every item are indicated in minutes in the syllabus.
  • Recital programme: The programme must consist of two, three or four contrasting works chosen from different styles. The programme must not exceed the set time limit.
  • Ensembles: Refer to the section on general information of this booklet for the sizes of groups. A piano or backtrack may accompany the ensemble. For Grade 1 – Grade 4 ensembles in unison will be expected. From Grade 5 singers must present a part-song.

Guides: