Competition Requirements

Sections 102-119, & 100.

1. Competitors are to present one accompanied song of their choice. It may be sourced from anywhere, however, it must be sung in a classical style.  Please refer to the 'Sections' page found here for the full requirements of each section.

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Section 101 VCE Units 3+4 CVSC VCE Award

1. Competitors will perform three contrasting items from their VCE Unit 3+4 program as a small recital.

2. Competitors must present at least two different languages and one unaccompanied work.  

3. Chosen repertoire must be sung in a classical style.

4. Competitors must be enrolled in VCE Unit 3+4 Music Repertoire or Music Inquiry focusing on Classical Voice performance. 

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Section 117 Undergraduate Aria Award

1. Competitors are to perform one aria (in the original language) of their own choice. Competitors are required to be enrolled at an Australian university in an undergraduate course studying classical voice. Competitors in this section will not be included in the consideration for the Scholarships and Awards on offer.  

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Competition Guidelines

1. Competitors must sing in the Classical style. 

2. Accompaniment is by a single instrument. Piano accompanist provided at the competition. 

3. All items are to be performed from memory, except for Arias from Oratorio which may be performed with music.  

4. Props are not required, except for sections 103, 105, 109, and 113 where minimal props are optional. 

5. Sections 105, 109, and 113 must be performed in costume and character. 

6. At the conclusion of each section, the adjudicator will announce the placegetters and those who have received an Honourable Mention. 

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Dress Code: Please refer below for full details. Competitors are not to perform in school uniform. 

 

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Accompanist

​Official Accompanist: Isaac Mouskovias - isaacmouskovias.com

​If you wish to have a rehearsal, please book through Isaac's website. Bookings will become available once the CVSC Pre-Registration has closed.​

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The official accompanist is provided without cost on competition day, however any rehearsals you wish to have with the accompanist are to be organised on a private basis. 

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All music submitted through the Pre-Registration portal will go directly to the official accompanist. The official accompanist reserves the right to reject any late music. Music must be submitted through the pre-registration portal, which you'll receive a link to upon entering via Stardom. 

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COMPETITION RULES

1. A competitor performs an item in a heat or section. 

2. COMPETITOR – A competitor may be one person.

3. Entry fees are not refundable except unless the event is cancelled. 

4. A competitor may be of any age, but must in secondary school and be enrolled in Year 7-12. Competitors in VCE sections may be asked to furnish proof of enrolment. The committee reserve the right to withhold a prize until such proof has been sighted. 

5. Competitors may only enter sections for which they qualify. Competitors may enter more than one section, provided they meet the requirements. Any breach of this rule and competitors will be automatically disqualified. 

6.  Only one entry per section is allowed from each competitor.

7. Competitors who have been taught by the adjudicator in private tuition (workshops excepted) in the last 6 months may not enter the competition.

8. The adjudicator has the right to refrain from awarding a prize where insufficient merit has been displayed.

9. The adjudicator’s decision will be final in all sections.

10. Any approach to the adjudicator by a competitor, parent, teacher or friend of the competitor, during the competition, is strictly forbidden.

11. Use of microphones is not permitted.

12. No prompting or assistance of any kind may be rendered to a competitor in a section during a performance except by the adjudicator or in some circumstances, the accompanist. For breaches of this rule, disqualification will be enforced.

13. Teachers and parents will not be allowed side stage during performances without special permission from the competition committee.

14. The theatre technician will set stage lighting for all sections. No special effects will be permitted.

15. No rehearsal or practice is permitted on the stage while the competition is occupying the venue. Any competitor not observing this condition will be disqualified.

16. Rude, aggressive and un-cooperative behaviour of teachers, parents or competitors during the competition may result in disqualification and possible barring of the related entrant(s) from competing in the coming 12 months. Please Refer to our code of Conduct Policy for detailed expectations of appropriate behaviour.

17. Entrants must provide a copy of music for the adjudicator. This copy is to be submitted prior to the competition via the pre-registration portal.  

18. Entrants must make copies of sheet music from original or officially authorised sheet music displaying copyright endorsement. Please label clearly with section number and full name. Failure to comply with copyright regulations will render a competitor ineligible.

19. Competitors acknowledge they compete at their own risk. 

20. The committee and the competition as an organisation does not take responsibility for instruments or properties.

21. The stage manager or adjudicator has the right to stop any item if they are of the opinion a competitor has suffered a serious injury, or there is possible risk of serious injury. The ultimate safety of the competitor is always to be considered.

22. The Committee reserves the right to:
    (a) Divide a section.
    (b) Cancel or combine any section with three (3) competitors or less.
    (c) Award only one prize if a section has less than three (3) competitors on the day.
    (d) Appoint a substitute adjudicator if required.

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WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Five weeks before competition, it's important that you have completed the pre-registration portal which will be accessible after entry, and will close a week after entries have closed.  By submitting your music here, this copy will be used for the adjudicator and accompanist.  

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All copies submitted through the pre-registration portal should have the section number and competitor name at the top of the page. The music must also have the first bar of each line numbered. This allows the Adjudicator to easily specify areas in your music that they would like to draw your attention to, which will further enhance your learning experience. If you are unsure about how to go about this process, perhaps discuss it with your teacher who may be able to assist you in preparing the music. 

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Please note: If you are scanning your music using a phone, please make sure it is set to 'Black and White', as this allows for the clearest scan for reading. If you are unsure how to go about this, please check out this video. We ask that you get the clearest scan possible. 

 

It is also a requirement you have with you original copies with you at the competition or proof of purchase. 

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If you need to use the dressing rooms to change into a performing outfit, it is advisable to bring coat hangers for any items that need to be hung on the clothes rails at the venue. Items of clothing etc. are less likely to be misplaced if you bring a bag or container to store your effects in while you are onstage.

 

All electrical items used on stage or back stage must be tested and tagged within the previous 12 months. It is not advisable to leave valuables items in the dressing rooms while you are performing. The committee does not take responsibility for items left unattended at the venue. If you do have items of value to be watched while you perform, you may give them to a volunteer backstage for safe keeping.

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WHAT TO DO ON THE DAY

1. ALL COMPETITORS MUST REGISTER AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF SECTION OR THEY WILL RENDER THEMSELVES LIABLE FOR DISQUALIFICATION.

2.  Upon arriving at the venue, report to the Registration Desk. This is located in the foyer of the theatre. You should report at least 30 minutes prior to your section starting. 

3. As copies of your music should already be submitted through the Pre-Registration portal, you do not need to hand in any music. 

4. Once your name is checked off at the registration desk, report to the backstage area and inform the Backstage Volunteer that you have arrived. 

5. If you intend to sit in the auditorium prior to your section, be sure to monitor competition and allow yourself plenty of time to return to the backstage area and prepare for your performance. Competitors may be taken side stage 15 minutes prior to the section start.

6. After your performance, the Adjudicator’s report and any certificates or prize monies may be collected from the Registration Desk up to 30 minutes after the adjudication.

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Competitors should arrive at the competition in enough time to register for their section (30 minutes prior to section start time) and to familiarise themselves with the venue and make contact with the official accompanist should you wish. Parents and supporters may accompany competitors to the backstage area to assist them. The Classical Voice Singing Competition Committee will not take responsibility for competitors in the dressing room areas, however competitors will be suitably supervised, and will be left in the holding well with the Volunteers prior to being called to the side stage area. Please be aware that other competitors need to use the venue space and so it is not advised that large groups of supporters congregate in the back stage areas. Due to the limitations of space at the venue and in the interests of safety, parents/care givers are not permitted side stage with the competitors unless they are playing for the competitor or providing essential assistance. 

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STARDOM

All entries are completed using the online database Stardom. Entries will open on the 1st of May, 2023. 

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Stardom can be accessed via the link on the homepage or by going to www.stardom.com.au

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All entries are to be completed by 11:59PM Friday 11th August 2023.  No late entries will be accepted. Please refer to Policy for Entries.

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All entries must comply with competition rules at the time of entry. Entries are completed once payment has been confirmed. Once the entry has been completed you can access your invoice on your Stardom page. It is the competitor’s responsibility to confirm all details of the entry are correct.

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Before confirming payment please check that everything is correct. Changes can easily be made by using the back buttons. There are no refunds on entry fees so please check entries carefully.

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No new entries can be added after the closing date. No late entries are accepted after 5th August 2022.

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If you need any help at any stage then please contact the Classical Voice Singing Competition at classicalsingingcompetition@gmail.com - We are more than happy to help you with any issues.

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VENUE

Patricia Turner Centre for Creative Arts - Firbank Grammar School

51 Outer Crescent, Brighton VIC 3186 (Enter via Gate 8 on Middle Crescent). 

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The Patricia Turner Centre for Creative Arts is located at 51 Outer Crescent, Brighton. The venue has an easy to find entrance to the foyer located on on Middle Crescent (entry via Gate 8). There is plenty of on-street parking available, and theatre is situated just 700 metres from the North Brighton station. 

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COPYRIGHT

The Classical Voice Singing Competition holds a CAL and APRA Licence and venues will hold the necessary PPCA Licenses.

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ALL MUSIC COMPETITORS

The following three copyright forms are completed online when entering the competition through STARDOM.

1. Performers’ Declaration Form No. 1 This form declares that the performer is working from an original piece of music.

2. Adjudicator Copy Form No. 2. The Classical Voice Singing Competition is a member of the Association of the Eisteddfod Societies of Australia, and has permission for ONE adjudicator’s photocopy for a performance. This form declares that the photocopy came from an original piece of music.

3. Accompanist Copy Form No. 5 Declares that any photocopied sheet music being used by the accompanist is from an original piece of music.

 

Competitors must use original music or officially authorised copies during their performance. It is illegal to photocopy music that is in copyright without prior permission from the copyright owner. It is illegal to copy/reproduce tracks from an original sound recording without prior permission from the record company that owns the copyright. In addition you must have a manufacture licence from AMCOS.

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Schools – all copies must be made in accordance with AMCOS licence agreements and stamped with school’s official stamp “AMCOS LICENSED COPY”.

Responsibility for adherence to copyright law rests solely with the person doing or authorising the photocopying or reproduction.

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Copyright Infringements:  The Classical Voice Singing Competition disassociates itself from any copyright infringement and has no liability or responsibility towards those who are detected doing so. Further information can be found at www.apraamcos.com.au/

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PROGRAMS

Hard Copy programs will be available from the foyer on the day of competition for $5, and competitors also have the option of purchasing a program upon entry in Stardom which will be posted out. 

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VIDEOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY

• No video or photography other than the appointed official photographer or videographer (copyright laws). 

• All performances will be filmed by our offical videographer, and performance videos can be purchased at the conclusion of the competition. 

• Photographs will also be available for purchase.

• By submitting your entry you have automatically granted permission to broadcast, telecast or photograph any item performed in the competition.

• Any objection must be submitted in writing at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the competition.

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ADVICE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS & SUPPORT AUDIENCE

Each day of competition is divided into three sessions - Morning 9:30AM, Afternoon 1:30PM, Evening 7:30PM. It is a requirement that audience members pay a fee upon entry to watch the competition. There is a set fee for each session. Competitors may watch free of charge. There are EFTPOS facilities available at the venue. 

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During the competition audience members are not permitted to speak during items while they are performing onstage, and may not leave the auditorium while an item is performing (except in exceptional circumstances such as a baby crying, coughing fit or other reason that may disturb the competitor during their performance). All parents/care givers of performers should inform other supporters who attend the competition to see your child perform of these protocols. 

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In keeping with the spirit of the competition, audience members are expected to be encouraging of performers. Jeering or talking loudly during a competitors performance will result in the member being asked to leave the auditorium.

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Performers’ names only are printed in the programme. Section results are recorded in the Stardom database, Facebook page and appear in the media. Name and addresses are kept on a secure database for administrative purposes.  All personal details are for the Classical Voice Singing Competition use only.

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The committee accepts no responsibility for any props or personal possessions left at the performance venue. A lost property box will be located near the Registration Desk for the duration of the competition.

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Complaints and compliments regarding the event can be made to any official volunteer who will endeavour to address the issue or find an appropriate person to address the issue. If the issue remains unresolved you will be requested to put the issue in writing and address it to the President of the Classical Voice Singing Competition. The complaint will be considered and a response formulated at the Committee of Management meeting after the event.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

Please find listed below the Classical Voice Singing Competition Code of Conduct Policy regarding safety and behavioural expectations during the competition event. All feedback to the committee is always welcome. Feedback can be given verbally face to face during the event, or by telephoning, or in writing via email. The committee discourages negative feedback via social media forums, as this affects other patrons whose performances may be reflected on directly or indirectly in the comments. The committee takes all feedback seriously and feedback is discussed at committee meetings with a view to clarifying and resolving issues. Approaching a volunteer during the competition in a respectful way to voice a concern or make a complaint is the appropriate way to air grievances.

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Backstage

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Policy

The committee of the Classical Voice Singing Competition support the positive participation of all entrants into the competition regardless of ability and ensure that all venues have access to all areas for entrants with mobility challenges as outlined in the Code of Conduct policy. The committee is responsible for promoting and encouraging a supportive environment for entrants to participate and compete in the backstage and stage areas. All measures will be taken to provide participants with equal access to the resources available backstage.

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Rights

Competitors, Teachers and Supporters have the right to:

• Participate in the competition according to competition rules.

• Access facilities required for preparation to competition.

• Be treated in a courteous and respectful manner by all other persons present backstage.

• Be given all necessary information required to compete or support the competitor.

• Participate in the competition in a safe environment.

• Be supported and encouraged throughout the competition.

• Perform on stage without distraction from any side stage or auditorium activity.

• Have easy access to the stage area for each performance.

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Responsibilities

Competitors, Teachers and Supporters have the responsibility to:

• Act in a manner respectful of other persons occupying the backstage area.

• Follow instructions given to facilitate safety measures.

• Inform volunteers or Front of House Officer of any issues that may cause safety concerns.

• Follow instructions given to facilitate fair competition including rules and regulations available on the website.

• Always be supportive and encouraging of other participants.

• Stay clear of any entry or exit area which may inhibit or distract from another competitor’s performance.

• Observe all rules and instructions while side stage awaiting performance.

• Not act in any way which may compromise the physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing of any other person present in all areas.

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To meet the above criteria the following specific rules and consequences apply:

1. Breach of safety measures/acting in a way that endangers the physical safety of another person. Consequences – warning given. If the behaviour persists then the person responsible will be asked to leave the backstage area. This may result in the person’s inability to participate in the competition.

2. Examples – running (except when organised to run between the prompt and off prompt sides of the stage during a performance), damaging Firbank Grammar property, putting safety at risk, throwing objects, pushing and shoving through other people.

3. Verbal abuse, bullying or harassment of another person backstage or side stage (including volunteers). Consequences –

4. Examples – yelling at a person regardless of what is being said, use of profanities to another person in a yelling and insulting manner, put downs of another person’s character, ability or reputation, insulting another person, making threats to another person’s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing. Degrading, ridiculing or laughing at another competitor’s performance or their Teachers teaching methods, and criticism of an adjudication or the adjudicator are considered to be insulting and degrading comments (exception applies when the person respectfully approaches volunteer personnel to voice a concern or make a formal verbal complaint).

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• Competitor – 1 warning given. Any further breaches will result in disqualification from their next section entered and banning from the backstage area until that next section or disqualification from the current year’s competition and a ban from entering the side stage area.

• Teacher – no warnings given. Any breach will result in a ban from the backstage area.

• Parents / Supporters – 1 warning given. Further breaches will result in a ban from the backstage area for the duration of the competition.

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1. Damaging or stealing others property. Consequences – the person may be requested to replace the said item or compensate financially or risk being asked to leave the backstage area. Stealing is an offence under the law and will be reported to police.

2. Example – borrowing property without asking, breaking another’s property knowingly.

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Front of House

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Policy

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The Classical Voice Singing Competition works in accordance with venue managers to facilitate the smooth running of the eisteddfod and access to all available facilities at the venue. The committee seeks to encourage a positive environment for competitors, teachers and supporters to easily do all things necessary to follow procedure for registration and gain access to the auditorium to view competition. Visitors to the venue and patrons of the competition should be able to enjoy the facilities in a friendly and harmonious atmosphere.

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Rights

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Competitors, Teachers and Supporters in the front of house area (shared public areas) have the right to:

• Access available facilities.

• Enjoy a friendly and harmonious atmosphere.

• Be adequately informed of all instruction necessary to complete registration for competition entry and be provided with assistance if required.

• Gain entry to the auditorium to view competition if capacity allows.

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Responsibilities

Competitors, Teachers and Supporters in shared public areas have the responsibility to:

• Act in a courteous and respectful manner to eisteddfod and venue staff.

• Do all things necessary to complete registration if required.

• Act in a courteous and respectful manner to other venue users.

• Follow rules set down by the venue or the eisteddfod that constitute personal safety or the safety of others.

• Refrain from making insulting, degrading or ridiculing comments of any other persons accessing the venue or participating in the competition.

• Refrain from doing anything that may knowingly contribute to the damage of venue property.

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To meet the above criteria the following specific rules and consequences apply:

1. Knowingly damaging venue property may result in the person responsible being financially liable for the damage or being at risk of being charged with vandalism.

2. Verbally abusing volunteers or venue staff such as making put down remarks, use of profanities in a yelling and insulting manner, accusations, threats to physical, psychological or emotional safety will result in the person being asked to leave the venue immediately.

3. Verbally abusing other competitors, teachers, parents and supporters such as making put down remarks, use of profanities in a yelling and insulting manner, accusations, threats to physical, psychological or emotional safety will result in the person being asked to leave the venue immediately.

4. Threats to the safety of any other person or any physical abuse will result in the abuse being reported to police and charges may be laid.

5. Put downs of other competitors or their teachers or criticism of adjudicators or their adjudications made between parties loud enough that the comments can be heard by other venue users will result in the person given 1 warning. Further breaches may result in the person being asked to leave the venue.

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Auditorium

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Policy

The Classical Voice Singing Competition seeks to provide a supportive performance space with optimum conditions for our competitors. To this end the committee will impose behavioural standards that favour a positive performance experience for competitors and a positive viewing experience for audience. The auditorium is also the work space of our adjudicator. The committee seeks to provide a work place environment that allows adjudicators to complete adjudication work to the best of their ability uninhibited by factors that could distract and compromise the standard of work. The Front of House Officer can make the call on inappropriate behaviour and follow the relevant policies and procedures.

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Rights

Competitors on stage during their performance have the right to:

• Perform without distraction from their performance by the audience.

• Receive encouragement and acknowledgement for their performance through applause by the audience.

• Have their performance viewed by the adjudicator in a manner conducive to fair competition and without distraction.

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Competitors, Teachers and Supporters in the auditorium have the right to:

• View the performance without distraction by other audience members.

• View the performance of all competitors in a positive, supportive and encouraging environment.

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Responsibilities

Competitors, Teachers and Supporters in the auditorium have the responsibility to:

• Observe all behaviour protocols of audience participation.

• Not behave in any way that could distract a competitor from their performance.

• Observe all rules, instruction and advice given by volunteers and venue staff.

• Act in a way that is conducive to the physical, psychological and emotional safety of all other persons in the auditorium.

• Not approach or distract the adjudicator at any time unless authorised specifically to do so by official personnel.

• Sit in designated areas in the auditorium as instructed by volunteer ushers.

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To meet the above criteria the following specific rules and consequences apply:

1. All members of the audience must be seated during all performances and must not move from their seat during a performance. (A performance is considered to start from the moment a competitor enters on to the stage until the moment they are fully exited from the stage). Exception applies to audience needing to exit the venue in the case of an emergency or to remove a child who may be causing distraction to the performer. Leaving the auditorium to answer a mobile phone during a performance is not considered to be an emergency.

2. All members of the audience must not speak during a performance.

3. All members shall not make any facial or body gestures that could cause distraction to a performer or ridicule the performer in any way. Examples of this would be poking out a tongue, putting hands over ears, pulling faces, laughing at inappropriate times.

4. All members of the audience will observe the rules regarding mobile phone or recording device use. Mobile phones are not permitted to be used at any time in the auditorium. Phones are expected to be turned off or placed on silent. It is preferable that phones remain in pockets or handbags while in the auditorium.

5. All members in the auditorium will make an effort to keep noise levels to a minimum to allow the adjudicator to make thoughtful decisions without distraction.

6. All members of the audience are not permitted to approach the adjudicator at any time during the eisteddfod unless authorised by official personnel. Members will refrain from making comments about any of the performances in a voice loud enough to be audible to the adjudicator.

7. All members of the audience will refrain from making any negative remarks or put down comments about a competitor’s performance or the competitor or the adjudicator or the adjudication result. Breaches of this rule constitutes bullying and harassing behaviour. Competitors and supporters who participate in this behaviour will receive 1 warning and a repeat of the behaviour will result in them being asked to leave the auditorium. Teachers who participate in this behaviour will be asked to leave the auditorium.

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Breaches to any of the behaviours listed above will result in a warning and or being asked to leave the auditorium depending on the severity of the breach. Consistent breaches of the above over several sessions may result in a ban from the competition event.

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POLICY FOR ENTRIES

1. There are No Late Entries accepted. 

2. Once entries have closed No New Entries can be added. 

3. A withdrawn competitor can be replaced by another competitor. For example a student may be sick and has to withdraw, they then can be replaced by another student for that section.

   • A competitor can not be replaced by another competitor unless it has been approved by all parties and the Classical Voice Singing Competition committee.

   • All withdrawals must be reported to the Classical Voice Singing Competition committee ASAP and any replacement discussed with them.

   • Replacement competitor will come from waiting list held by Classical Voice Singing Competition. 

 

 

 

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DRESS CODE

It is a request that competitors wear performance-appropriate outfits. Sections 105, 109, and 113 must be in costume. Section 103 may also be performed in costume if suitable. 

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Competitors are not allowed to perform in school uniform. Doing so renders competitors liable for disqualification. 

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AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

There are scholarships and awards to be given to students who show great promise in a specific area of study The adjudicator will select the recipient of each award after the conclusion of all performances in the sections. Winners of these awards will be announced at the conclusion of the finals. It is recommended that all competitors attend the final in support of finalists, and to accept an award should they receive one.