SYLLABUS RULES & REGULATIONS

• GROUP ENTRY FORM
• SOLO ENTRY FORM

• ONTARIO PROVINCIAL AUDIO RECORDED COMPETITIONS
• PROVINCIAL QUALIFYING CLASSES

Participants and their chaperones are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, accompanist services and meals.

Acoustic or digital piano accompaniment is required for all solo entries, with the exception of Dance. They are the only forms of accompaniment permitted, unless otherwise specified. Solo instrumental accompaniment such as guitar and lute or small percussion or instrumental groups with a maximum of five (5) members may also be permitted in some classes where specified. Please be sure to inquire with the Festival office if in doubt prior to registration. A chord may be given on the piano at the commencement of each piece of unaccompanied music. There is no accompaniment, piano or otherwise, permitted for ensemble classes, unless specified.

Competitors are required to provide their own accompanist for competition, master classes and performances, without remuneration or payment for incidental expenses. Accompanists and their requirements are the responsibility of the entrant. Accompanists may not sing along with competitors, or coach from the piano. The Grand Finals program order will not be changed to accommodate accompanists. The Festival Competition reserves the right to disqualify any competitor whose accompanist does not have an original score clearly visible during live performance.

Adjudications offer invaluable feedback to competitors, as they assess the strengths and weaknesses of each performance and include recommendations for improvement.
Adjudicator’s reports will be e-mailed to competitors upon conclusion of the preliminary round of the competition. Grand Finals participants will have their adjudication sheets and certificates given to them at the competition venue at the conclusion of the competition.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition has assembled the finest Internationally renowned Adjudicators, Master Teachers & Clinicians of the highest standard of excellence and artistic integrity, dedicated to providing any interested individuals, regardless of previous experience, their skills and knowledge in this outstanding Arts-based Festival Competition.

The Arts Integra faculty is multicultural and diverse, composed of highly regarded Educational and Performing Arts professionals, and specialists in their respective fields. Master Classes are offered in a stimulating, positive and encouraging environment that fosters confidence and personal growth with regards to teamwork, artistic understanding, responsibility, self-discipline and artistic expression.

Adjudicators have the right to stop or start a performance at any time, and may choose to hear only a portion or portions of works to be played. Adjudicators also have the authority to expel anyone whose behaviour is deemed inappropriate or distracting at any time, without refund. The Association reserves the right to substitute or appoint additional adjudicators or clinicians without notice, at any time. Decisions of judges are final.

Competitors may enter only once in each class. Competitors may be of any age, however in all classes in which an age limit is prescribed, competitors must be no older than the prescribed age on the last day of the forthcoming Festival. Age limits will be strictly adhered to and the exact date and year of birth must be entered in the space provided on the entry form, accompanied by a copy of a birth certificate or passport documenting proof of age.

MUSIC DIPLOMA CLASSES
Diploma classes are for students who are studying at the Associate Level but have NOT completed the Associate Diploma as of December 31st of the previous year.
 
MUSIC GRADED CLASSES
Advanced: Students between the ages of 20 – 28 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.   
Senior: Students between the ages of 17 – 19 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.   
Intermediate: Students between the ages of 15 – 16 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.   
Junior: Students between the ages of 12 – 14 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.   

MUSIC THEATRE
Advanced: Students between the ages of 20 – 28 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.
Senior: Students between the ages of 17 – 19 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.
Intermediate: Students between the ages of 15 – 16 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.
Junior: Students between the ages of 12 – 14 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.

SPEECH ARTS
Advanced: Students between the ages of 20 – 28 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.     
Senior: Students between the ages of 17 – 19 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.     
Intermediate: Students between the ages of 15 – 16 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.     
Junior: Students between the ages of 12 – 14 as of December 31 prior to the Provincial Festival.

For the purpose of these competitions an amateur shall be defined as follows:
A student or any person whose principal means of livelihood is not obtained from the performance of the Arts in the particular category in which he/she is competing even though from time to time such a person is in receipt of remuneration for artistic services rendered, but not on a full-time basis. Please note that members of the Musician’s Union or persons possessing either ACTRA or EQUITY full membership cards are considered professional and are therefore ineligible for the Ontario Provincial Competitions.
University Music & Drama Performance majors must only enter classes at the OPEN level. Please note that a competitor who qualifies as a professional for the purpose of a particular class may still qualify as an amateur in other classes of the Arts. All classes shall be restricted to amateurs only, unless otherwise specified. The competitor’s signature will be required on the entry form confirming non-professional status.

The Arts Integra Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 and is compulsory for all Grand Finals Exhibition and Competition candidates. Competitors not in attendance will be ineligible to be chosen as Winners. Failure to attend may result in disqualification.

All Awards and Certificates will be presented at the absolute sole discretion of the International renowned Jury, Adjudicators and the Executive Committee. All of the judges’ decisions are final.

Competitors must achieve the following minimum standards to be considered for Certificates and Awards:

GOLD   89%  &  above
SILVER  83-88%
BRONZE  75-82%

All First, Second and Third Place winners will be announced and featured online at www.artsintegra.com, and will receive a written adjudication and a mark in all Competitive classes, provided all other regulations have been followed.

At the sole discretion of the Adjudicator, a First, Second or Third place certificate may not be awarded. In Competitive classes, only one First Place Award will be given. There may be ties for Second and Third Places, at the discretion of the Adjudicator.

Selected winners from Ontario may be personally invited to participate in the Arts Integra Grand Finals Exhibition & Competition April 20th – 26th, 2009, as well as to attend the exclusive Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 and to perform in the Gala Concert during the Markham Village Music Festival on Friday, June 20th, 2009. Selected candidates will be required to perform the piece or works selected by the Adjudicators of the Arts Integra International Festival Competition. Refusal to perform will result in the forfeit of Scholarships, Awards or Prizes.

First place winners in all Competitive classes may be eligible for Overall Outstanding Performer Awards, Education Scholarships, as well as additional Awards and opportunities for Performance at the sole discretion of the Festival Committee, and where funds are available, providing a minimum of three classes have been entered, and a mark of 85% has been achieved, although, participants may enter as many times in additional classes as they wish. Failure to participate in all classes entered and programmed will influence the awarding of scholarships.

To be eligible for the Canadian National Festival competition, a competitor must obtain a minimum mark of 85% in the appropriate classes at the Arts Integra International Festival Competition for Music and the Arts.

Any performer receiving a mark of 90% or higher will receive First Class Honours with Distinction.

Any selection performed below the level of study will not be included in the average for Awards and will not be eligible for First, Second or Third Place awards.

In Non-Competitive classes, no marks will be given, but Certificates will be awarded. In any Non-Competitive class, there may be several of each awarded.

Overall Outstanding Performer Awards will be given to qualified amateur entrants in Competitive Solo classes in Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Guitar, Music Theatre, Speech Arts and Dance where the top three qualifying marks will be averaged to determine eligibility for the Awards. That average must be at least 80%. While decisions for marks in each class rest with the Adjudicator, the final determination of the Outstanding Performer Awards in each discipline will be based solely on the average of marks, which will be determined by the Festival Competition Office. In the event of a tie, the Adjudicator will be asked to break the tie, and in which case the decision of the Adjudicator is final, providing all other rules and regulations have been honoured. The final responsibility for all decisions regarding Awards rests with the Festival Competition Office. If the Winner is unable to compete in the competition Grand Finals & Exhibition, a qualified Runner-up, may be given the opportunity in their stead.

Winners of the Grand Finals Exhibition & Competition will be announced online, and at the exclusive Awards Ceremony where the Adjudicator and Executive Committee may, at their sole discretion and as funds are available, award Scholarships to competitors, who, in their opinion, show a great deal of promise in the future development of their discipline.

Winners who receive notification of receiving a monetary award MUST sign the required thank you letter(s) before receiving their award cheque(s). All cheques must be cashed within 30 days of the issued date, or funds will revert back to the Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition may designate a maximum of two competitors to compete in each of the seven OPEN class categories in Voice, Piano, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Chamber Groups and Classical Acoustic Guitar at the Ontario Provincial Festival.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition may designate a maximum of two advanced competitors, two senior competitors, two intermediate competitors and two junior competitors from the MUSICAL THEATRE and from the SPEECH ARTS class categories at the Ontario Provincial Festival.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition may designate a maximum of two performing groups from bands, string orchestras or choirs to the Ontario Provincial Audio Recorded Competitions that have been recommended by an adjudicator for performances heard, having received a mark of at least 85% or its equivalent.

Should a competitor be recommended to attend the Provincial Festival by more than one local festival, OMFA will accept only the first correctly completed application form for that competitor.

Winners chosen to proceed to compete at the Ontario Provincial level of competition will be required to fill all appropriate forms at the conclusion of the Grand Finals where the recommending adjudicator and Festival secretary must also sign application forms. The competitor, who thereby indicates that he/she has read, understood and accepted the rules of the Provincial Competition and accepted the terms as outlined regarding the Privacy Act, must also sign the form. Full information must be included in all spaces, including names of composers, movements of works, accurate performance times, etc. If the applicant has any special scheduling request, it must be stated on the Application form in the space provided. Although compliance is not guaranteed, such special requests will be given every consideration provided that request is made on the original Application form. The full Entry Fee for each competitor must accompany the Application Form. The entry fee is not refundable for any reason. It is essential that the accompanist be listed on the entry form. The name of the accompanist, if any is needed, must be included in the appropriate space on the Application Form; scheduling without conflicts depends on this information. Application Forms must be completed in full or they will be subject to rejection.

All contestants proceeding to the Canadian National Music Festival will be provided with meals and living accommodations; travel costs to be provided only if funds are available. All contestants must stay in the assigned accommodation from the evening of the competitor briefing through to the Grand Award Competition. If clarification is necessary, contestants should contact the Provincial Administrator or the Executive Director of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. The President of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals shall be the final authority in all matters pertaining to the National Music Festival.

In 2007, awards for the National Music Festival were as follows:

Competitors in Choral Societies, Choirs, Orchestras, Bands and other Ensembles in groups of three or more, must be bona fide members of their respective organizations on January 1st of the year of the Festival Competition. Competitors must be prepared to submit a list of such members under circumstances wherein the Arts Integra International Festival Competition or the Ontario Association may require a certificate of bona fide membership.

A Brass Band may be comprised of any or all of the following instruments: cornets or trumpets, flugel horns, E flat alto horns, baritones/euphoniums, trombones, tubas and drums.

Canadian repertoire is readily available at most music stores and at the Canadian Music Centre located at the address below:

Canadian Music Centre
20 St. Joseph Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y 1J9
CANADA
Telephone: (416) 961-6601

A National organization of highly professional adjudicators comprised of performers and teachers who have established highly respected reputations within their fields of expertise.

It is essential that you notify the Festival Office of any change of address following submission of any entry form.

Entry is open to work that applies to the following categories:

Competitive Classes [C]
These classes are suitable for competitors who wish to be considered for financial awards.

Non-Competitive Classes [NC]
These classes are designed for those of all levels and abilities who would like the experience of performing and receiving feedback from adjudicators without the pressure of competition. Participants will receive adjudication only. No marks or standing will be announced, but Certificates will be awarded.

Provincial Classes [P]
Fully competitive classes, where winners may be put forward to compete at the Ontario Provincial Finals, with an opportunity to compete ultimately at the Canadian National Music Festival. Please note Provincial Classes have their own specific requirements.
Candidates are responsible for choosing the appropriate category in which to apply and must ensure that they comply with the rules requirements for each class. The Festival Competition reserves the right to change, combine or subdivide classes at any time.

Choirs by grade may contain up to 65 voices.
All students enrolled in a class must participate, with the exception of special needs students.

The competitions shall be under the Management of the Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc. The Executive Director has the final decision in any error or omission in all regulations.

A Concerto or Concerted work applies to any composition for solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERTO OR CONCERTO WORK
Competitors perform their own choice of one movement of any Concerto or Concerted Work. The soloist may be a pianist, string or wind instrumentalist.

Conductors may be either professional or amateur. With the exception of Jazz Ensembles, conductors may not sing with their choirs nor play with their choirs, orchestras, bands or ensembles.

At no time are competitors or others permitted to enter into any discussion or correspondence with the Adjudicators, unless invited to do so by the Adjudicator. Please direct all questions to the Platform Marshal or to the Festival Competition Office.

All copyrights must be observed. Contestants must provide original scores of music being used, containing solo and accompaniment in the proper key, for the adjudicator. The accompanist must have an original score on the piano, and members of chamber groups must perform from original parts. Failure to do so automatically disqualifies the contestant. As an aid to the adjudicators, contestants must number the first bar of each line in their scores.

Music must be delivered to the adjudicator’s secretary immediately preceding the class and retrieved immediately following the competition class during the Grand Finals Exhibition & Competition. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in the competitor being declared non-competitive and adjudicated without marks. If requested, competitors will have 24 hours to provide original copies of the music to the Adjudicator. Please use page-turners if required.

Costumes & Props are permitted during classes, where specified. A list of all prop requirements must be submitted along with Entry. Competitors are permitted to have one assistant to help with costume changes, and will be given time between songs for a costume change, if needed during live performance. Please include time required for costume change in the total performance time when registering.

Da Capo and Dal Segno indications must be observed at all levels in order to maintain the integrity of the composer’s intended presentation as much as possible.

Anyone who detracts from a performance or adjudication or is in any way disruptive will be expelled from the performance and competition with no refund given.

Please consider making a donation along with your entry. The Arts Integra International Festival Competition receives no funding from government agencies and relies on the support of its donors to ensure its existence. All donors will be listed online and receipts will be issued.

An English translation must be provided for the adjudicator if performing in any language other than English.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition is a member Festival of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Association, which may be found at www.fcmf.org.

Entrants of the Arts Integra International Festival Competition, who wish to represent Ontario at the Provincial Finals, must first qualify, as well as live or study within the Province. In the case of chamber groups, the majority of members must study or reside in the province of Ontario. After attaining the required standard, they must be recommended by the adjudicator(s) to proceed to the Provincial Level of competition. The winner in each class at the Provincial Level of competition, if recommended by the adjudicator, is then eligible to compete in the National Music Festival. The National Music Festival is for Senior Diploma Level competitors only.

The National Music Festival has been confirmed for Saskatoon, SK in mid-August, 2009.

The Executive Committee shall establish the price of admission to all classes and sessions of the Arts Integra International Festival Competition. Appropriate Entry Fees must accompany each entry registration, and includes a $10 processing fee per registration. Contestants may enter more than one category, but may only enter each class once. Once a registration is submitted, fees are non-refundable for any reason.

In accepting the invitation to represent the Province of Ontario at the National Music Festival, competitors are responsible for covering travel costs to the National Festival and Accompanist fees. When funds permit, OMFA will assist in covering part of the travel costs for competitors.

An entry fee of $125.00 per person is required at the National Level for live performances, and $100.00 per entry for those competing in choral classes by CD or audio DVD. The National Festival entry fee, accommodations and meals are paid for through OMFA affiliation fees.

LOCAL FESTIVAL – Arts Integra International Festival Competition

The following rules have been prescribed to ensure equal fairness for all competitors. Please read them carefully before applying to participate in the Festival Competition. By entering this competition, you agree that you have read and understood this Syllabus and implicitly agree to the rules and specifications for each class entered in their entirety prior to submitting an Entry Form, and certify that all rules and conditions contained herein will be complied with in respect to each entry. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of the following rules shall render the competitor liable to disqualification.

The Festival Competition shall be known as the “Arts Integra International Festival Competition”.

The Festival Competition shall be under the direction of Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc. [Arts Integra] through its Executive Director, who is responsible for all aspects of the Festival and whose decisions on all matters shall be final and binding on all concerned.

In these rules and regulations:
(i) Arts Integra means the Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc.
(ii) Association means the Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc.
(iii) Festival Office means the Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc.
(iv) Arts Integra International Festival Competition means the Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc.

The Grand Finals are considered to be the most outstanding level of competition.

Competitors of an advanced level who live or study in the Province of Ontario may be selected to participate in the Grand Finals Exhibition & Competition.

Selected participants may have received an ARCT or equivalent, or may be working towards attaining one or a similar level of recognition in their preparation for a career in the Arts.

First place winners of classes designated OPEN classes with a mark of 85% or higher are eligible to be invited to compete.

Competitors who are selected to perform at the Grand Finals Exhibition & Competition during the week of April 20th to 26th, 2009 will be notified on www.artsintegra.com, or by email and/or telephone by April 10th, 2009.

If a potential Grand Finals competitor cannot be reached with 3 attempts, does not respond, or an emailed award notification is returned as undeliverable for any reason, the potential Grand Finals competitor may be disqualified and the next best (runner-up) contestant will be selected to participate in their stead.

Selected Grand Finals Performing Competitors are entitled to free entry into the Grand Finals Competition. Contestants invited to perform in the Grand Finals Competition must wear formal attire, unless costumes are being used. Informal clothing or shoes will result in disqualification.

Selected candidates will be required to bring their own accompanists, taped accompaniment, playback equipment, amplifiers, props, sound mixing equipment, audio technician, music stands, percussion instruments and set-up technicians, footstools and costumes if needed, to any live performance.

Performers with accompaniment on any “pre-recorded track” on CD or audiocassette must provide 2 copies for the venue, and may not have backing vocals, with the exception of Dance routines. The music must be on side “A”, cued to the beginning of the work to be performed. Please note alternative accompaniment upon registration if using accompaniment other than piano.

Choirs may warm up for one minute during the Grand Finals Exhibition & Competition. Choirs may sing with or without accompaniment as specified for each class. In pieces requiring accompaniment, piano only may be used unless otherwise specified.

Competitors and accompanists should be prepared to perform 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the performance. Competitors and audience must be in their assigned seats at the start of the event, and must stay for the duration of the event (except as authorized by the Festival Competition Office). Competitors who are not ready to perform when called by the Platform Marshal may not be allowed to perform.

No performance shall commence until the Adjudicator gives a signal to do so.
Candidates will perform in order as outlined by the Festival competition committee. The Association reserves the right to determine, divide, combine or alter the order of performance at any time.
The Adjudicator shall have discretionary power to stop any performance at any time.
At no time are competitors or others permitted to enter into any discussion or correspondence with the Adjudicators. Please direct all questions to the Platform Marshal or to the Festival Competition Office.

Entries for Provincial and National submissions must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the following syllabi:

• The Ontario Provincial Festival Syllabus: www.omfa.ca
• The Canadian National Festival Syllabus: www.fcmf.org.

Selected competitors may be contacted by the Festival Competition and invited to perform for the public at the Finals Gala Concert during the Markham Village Music Festival in June, without remuneration or payment for incidental expenses. Performers need not necessarily have won their competitive classes in order to be invited to perform.

Forty-eight (48) hours notice must be given in writing to the Festival Office at www.artsintegra.com if a competitor must withdraw from a scheduled live competition or performance.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition for Music and the Arts invites all Individuals, Schools, Sacred and Community Choirs, Bands, Orchestras and Ensembles, Dance and Theatre Groups, Culinary, Literary and Visual Artists interested in participating in the Creation and Performance of the Arts to participate in this inaugural year of the Arts Integra International Festival Competition.

The mission of the Arts Integra International Festival Competition is to encourage the creation, learning, participation, appreciation and support for the Arts. Competitors of all ages and abilities from a wide variety of disciplines and styles will have an opportunity to create and perform for, learn from and be judged by the highest professional Internationally respected adjudicators.

All competition classes, unless otherwise stated in these rules and regulations and in class headings, shall be open to any competitor without regard to residence or domicile, void where prohibited or restricted by law. Applicants may apply for as many classes, and in as many disciplines as they wish.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition is a member of the Ontario Music Festivals Association and the National Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. Eligible winners who have met the requirements set forth in the respective syllabi will be recommended to proceed to the Ontario Provincial Music Festival, and then on to the National Music Festival. Prizes range from Educational Scholarships and Performance opportunities, to Awards and Trophies.

Review the Festival Competition syllabus rules, regulations and class notes, then complete and submit the Online Entry Registration form, made available at www.artsintegra.com.

Applicants certify that they have read and understand all rules and regulations by completing all information fields and sections of the entry application form carefully. Failure to complete all information fields or submit all materials may result in disqualification. It is the responsibility of both the teacher and the competitor to read all rules and enter the correct classes when entering the Arts Integra International Festival Competition of Music and the Arts.

Upon completing registration and in order to be considered eligible, competitors will be issued with an official Receipt of Registration, which must be attached to each piece of work that is submitted. Entries will not be accepted or judged unless accompanied by an official Receipt of Registration.

If there is any question regarding entry forms, competitors are advised to contact the Festival Competition Office for verification prior to submitting their entry. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted, there will be no revisions of any work or transfers to other classes of any kind once submitted, and deadlines will not be extended for any reason. Entries received or postmarked after the deadline date will be denied, and no refund will be given.

While the Festival Competition Office will make every effort to ensure accuracy, it is not the responsibility of the Festival Competition Office to do so, and acceptance of the Registration Form by the Festival Competition Offices does not automatically ensure accuracy or eligibility.

The Festival relies upon the accuracy and integrity of information from both teachers and students and their compliance with all rules, levels of study and class requirements in determining Awards. The Festival Office reserves the right to request further documentation regarding eligibility requirements from any competitor or teacher in order to make a final determination of Awards. Candidates must include documented proof of age along with entry submissions in the form of a copy of birth certificate or passport. Any misrepresentation will result in disqualification.

Materials must be clearly labeled with identification and submitted along with the accompanying Receipt of Registration, which must be signed by the competitor, teacher, and parent or legal guardian, or a person authorized to sign on the competitor’s or ensemble’s behalf in order to certify the eligibility of the entry, and to guarantee that the entry submission has been carefully examined and found to be acceptable by the teacher and parent/legal guardian, as applicable. All participants in collective, group, chamber or ensemble work must be identified on the entry form.

Creations must be original, and must have never been published, won any other award, or been submitted or entered in any previous competition. All submissions must have been completed within one year of the deadline for submissions date.

The Executive Committee may, at its discretion, eliminate any entry for any reason, which may include profane references to a deity, obscene language, or content, which may be deemed offensive or incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Festival. The decision of the Executive Director is final in this and all other matters.

Competitors may enter as many times as they like providing class restrictions are strictly observed, and repertoire is different for each submission with the exception of the following:

• Competitors may not appear more than once in any one class, excluding accompanists and conductors.
• Repertoire from Solo competitive classes may be repeated in Provincial Qualifying classes, in which case only one recording is necessary for submission.
• All repertoire may be repeated in Master Classes, which take place after the competition.

Competitors are asked to include a brief biography of no more than two hundred and fifty (250) words, outlining their artistic and educational experiences and accomplishments to date as they relate to the category of entry.

Performing Arts
Competitors will be judged on the discrimination shown in their selections and on the program arrangement with regard to contrast, appropriateness, keys, etc., as well as on technique and interpretation. Receipt of Registration forms must be included with submissions.

All Competitive Performance candidates in Voice, Music Theatre, Drama, Speech Arts, and Dance must include supporting documentation of a “live” performance in a DVD, or VHS format with their entry forms.

All other Competitive Performing Arts candidates and Non-Competitive entrants must submit a CD, audio DVD, or audiocassette recording only.

All taped submissions must be cued to the beginning of the performance and if using an audiocassette recording, the tape must be cued to side “A”.

Composition
Composition classes are classified as non-competitive [NC]. Competitors may enter as many times as they like.

Submissions for this category must include an original work of the competitor, in any style, clearly handwritten or produced using any music scoring software accompanied by a clear audiocassette tape or CD of its performance, along with the Receipt of Registration.

Please indicate the instrument(s) and or voice used for each piece and be sure to cite the source of the melody, theme or text as applicable. The score should include dynamics and performance markings.

Entrants are encouraged but not required to perform/ conduct their own compositions. If the registration is being performed electronically (on CD, etc.) entrants should be prepared to bring any playback equipment, including audio technician, if invited to participate in the Grand Finals or any live performance.

Culinary Arts
Entrants must submit a copy of the original recipes to be adjudicated clearly labeled with the competitor’s name and contact information and accompanied by a Receipt of Registration.

Submitted materials should include directions for preparation, utensils required for mixing, cooking, refrigeration and or freezing along with the type and size of pans required, the preparation time of the recipe, and the number of servings which it will yield. Each recipe must list the exact ingredients in standard metric, U.S. or Imperial measurement in order of use.

All recipes will be reviewed and assessed by a panel of judges based on appeal, taste, appearance, and use of ingredients, ease of preparation, nutrition and balance.
Recipes not meeting the eligibility criteria will be eliminated.
Competitors whose recipe qualifies to proceed to the Grand Finals will be personally invited to prepare their dish or dishes in live competition within a set time limit and budget.

Literary Arts
Entrants must submit a copy of the work to be adjudicated clearly labeled with the competitor’s name and contact information and accompanied by a Receipt of Registration. Judges will base their assessment on originality and creativity in content and consistency of style, excellence in grammar and spelling, and adherence to word length.

All Literary Arts submissions must be in Microsoft Word file format, double-spaced, with a title and pages numbered. Entries not adhering to word count specifications will be disqualified.

Visual Arts
Entrants must submit the artwork to be adjudicated fully attached within an individual packaging container, clearly labeled with the title of the work, the competitor’s name and contact information, accompanied by a Receipt of Registration and a brief description of two hundred and fifty (250) words or less describing the creative process in complete detail as well as full documentation of materials used and any retouching that was done.

Judging will be based on execution of technical and artistic skills and expression, organization, integration of materials and adherence to the rules.

All Visual Artworks must be originally designed and produced. Artwork may extend up to three (3) inches beyond the mounted surface, but must be designed to hang on the wall.

Contestants may use resource materials in the development of the entry submissions, however, all source materials, software and hardware used in the production of the artwork must be cited and documented in the entry form, and attached to the entry. Failure to cite source non-original materials may result in disqualification.

A signed model release form must be obtained and attached to the back of the entry if models are used in an artwork submission. Failure to obtain signed permission from each model in the photo could result in disqualification.

Photographic documentation is required for large format print work such as billboards or exhibition graphics. Screen-based work must be sent on CD or DVD.

CD or DVD digital files in jpeg format must be sent of each work submitted for the online gallery. Slides are not permitted.

Entries must be durable enough to withstand handling and transportation. The structural integrity and durability of the entry is the sole responsibility of the contestant. Submissions must be sent by Registered Mail and may be declared as “Material for competition entry, no commercial value” in order to avoid any custom fees.

All shipping charges and custom fees for material submissions sent are chargeable to the addresser/contestant. The Arts Integra International Festival Competition shall not be held responsible for any theft, loss, damage of submissions in transit, illegible, incomplete, late, misdirected or postage-due entries, and reserves the right to refuse any works sent in with a custom payment due.

Proof of mailing or submission of any entry will not be considered proof of receipt for works entered. Upon full and accurate completion of registration, entry submissions and all materials, including recordings, videos, copies of music and scores must reach the Festival Competition office no later than the Entry Deadline Closing date addressed to:

Judging will begin upon receipt of submissions. The public is not permitted to view any portion of the preliminary judging process, but is welcome to attend the live Grand Finals Competition for Ontario residents and students, which may take place at any time during April 20th through the 26th, 2009 as well as the Master Class Sessions. Please consult www.artsintegra.com for more details.

Selected finalists will have their work highlighted at the Gala Finals and may benefit from worldwide exposure through promotions and various exhibitions, including an online exhibition at www.artsintegra.com for an unlimited period of time.

Competitors must perform works at their current level of study indicated upon registration, unless otherwise specified. The “current level of study” is the Conservatory level being studied as of December 31st of the competition year. If no conservatory examination has been taken in the year prior to the Festival Competition, the teacher must assign a level, based on his/her estimation of the competitor’s level of study in relation to existing Conservatory grades. This level must be reflected in the majority of selections entered.

In case of discrepancy or dispute, the decision of the Festival Competition Office is final in all matters. Except where prohibited by law, by participating, Contestants/Competitors agree to the following:

1. All contestants, as a condition of entry into the Competition, agree to forever release the Arts Integra International Festival Competition and Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc., their judges, divisions, affiliates and subsidiaries, and each of their directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers, teachers, successors and assigns, and all others associated with the development and execution of this Competition or any of its related activities from and against any and all liability, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever for any accidents or injuries, damages, losses of any kind to persons including death or property which may be sustained directly or indirectly with the participation in this Festival Competition or any of its related Master Classes, Events, Lessons or Activities.

2.   The Competitor agrees not to make any claim nor take any proceeding against any other person or corporation who might claim indemnity or contribution thereto from any person and/or entity as noted in paragraph (i) above. The Competitor further agrees to indemnify and save harmless any person and/or entity noted in paragraph (i) above from and against all claims, actions, proceedings, liablilities, losses, costs, expenses or damages against or incurred by such parties arising out of or in connection with any such claim or proceeding.

3.   The Competitor further agrees to reimburse any person and/or entity as noted in paragraph (i) above in full for the amount of any payment or payments made by such parties at any time or from time to time under and in accordance with any such claim or proceeding.  Such reimbursement is to be made within five (5) business days of written demand by such partie(s).

4. All Entries and Entry Materials submitted become the exclusive property of the Arts Integra International Festival Competition and Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc. and no Entry Materials shall be returned to any Competitor. Competitors warrant and represent that works submitted are his/her original work. By entering, Competitors agree to assign all rights including copyrights, to the Arts Integra International Festival Competition and Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc.. Entry into this Competition constitutes permission to the Arts Integra International Festival Competition and Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc. to use original works, reproductions of works, recordings, videos, recipes, manuscripts, and the name, city, province or state and country, biography, voice and statements by entrants, photograph and/or likenesses of entrants for any purpose, in any manner in perpetuity and in any media or promotion, digitalization, reproduction, exhibition and communication to the public in their advertising, promotion and/or public relations agencies without notice, remuneration or additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.

5. Competitors and their parties will be held personally responsible for any and all damages to the Competition venues, equipment, or any other property not belonging to them.

6. Any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Competition shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action.

7. Any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with participating, but in no event lawyer/attorney fees.

8. Under no circumstances will any participant be permitted to obtain awards for and hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased.

9. Any compromise to the fair and proper conduct of this Competition related to a computer virus, or similar type of technical impairment that may affect the proper fairness, security and administration of the Competition may result in the termination, amendment or modification of the Competition, or portion thereof at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee.

10. Arts Integra International Festival Competition and Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc. reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to void any entries of entrants whom it believes has attempted to tamper with or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play of this Festival Competition or who acts in a non-sportsman like manner or with the intent to threaten or harass any other person.

11. No substitutions or transfer of an award to a third party is permitted. By accepting an award, winners agree that Arts Integra International Festival Competition and Arts Integra Centre for Music and the Arts Inc. shall not be liable for any injuries, damages or losses of any kind resulting from or in connection with the awarding, receipt, acceptance, ownership, possession, use or misuse of any award, scholarship or prize awarded or accepted, or any aspects or parts thereof, or for any typographical or other error or inaccuracies in information or for any technical or human error which may occur in the processing of entries, including data entered by entrants, any entry miscommunications such as technical failures related to computer, telephone, cable, and unavailable network or server connections, related technical failures, or other failures related to hardware, software or virus, or incomplete, late or misdirected entries in these Official Rules or with the announcement of or offering of any prize. The winner shall bear all risk of loss or damage to their award, scholarship or prize after it has been delivered.

12. Winners are responsible for paying any necessary Provincial/State and Federal taxes related to the winnings. All Educational Scholarships must be used for the continuance of the participant’s Artistic Education, and all cheques must be cashed within thirty (30) days from the date of issue.

13. The Competitor agrees that all matters shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the parties shall be governed by, the laws of the Province of Ontario.

14. All of the provisions of this Agreement are to be construed as covenants and agreements. If any provision of this Agreement is illegal or unenforceable, it shall be considered separate and severable from the remaining provisions of this Lease, which shall remain in force and be binding as thought the provision had never been included.

Master Classes will be held on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 in Markham.
Performing Arts competitors aged 12 and above, will be given a unique opportunity to work directly with Adjudicators, Master Teachers and Clinicians in a relaxed and encouraging workshop environment, designed to inspire, encourage and help participants achieve the highest levels of excellence.

Candidates may indicate their preferred discipline on the entry form. Multiple entries are permitted, as participants may choose more than one discipline area in which to participate. Upon registration, entrants must include a list of three possible selections from which the Master Teacher may choose to work during the Master Class.

Special arrangements from Schools and Community groups may be made for the Adjudicator to attend them at an alternate date and location. Please check the website for full details at www.artsintegra.com or contact the Festival Office.

Selections must be played from memory, unless stated otherwise. Use of music will result in adjudication only; no mark will be awarded. Please be sure to read all class section notes for exceptions.

The memorization of Sonatas is required at the Ontario Provincial and Canadian National levels. Competitive Solo entrants must perform all repertoire from memory in order to be eligible for First, Second or Third Place standings, or for Awards in that class.

Entrants who do not meet memorization requirements are encouraged to enter non-competitive classes and will be exempt from Awards.

The National Music Festival is a classical, competitive festival organized by the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals, designed to help talented non-professional musicians to progress towards professional status.

DISTINGUISHED PATRON

Her Excellency,

The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.D.

Governor General of Canada

HONOURARY PATRONS

The Honourable Norman Kwong, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

The Honourable Iona V. Campagnolo, PC, CM, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of

The Honourable John Harvard, PC, OM, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba

The Honourable Herménégilde Chiasson, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick

The Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland

The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S., Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia

The Honourable Barbara A. Hagerman, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island

The Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan

Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Executive

Please direct all queries and correspondence regarding the Canadian National Music Festival to:

An all-Canadian Music Competition was held in Centennial Year (1967) with final competitions at Saint John, New Brunswick. The National Centennial Committee in conjunction with provincial governments funded this. The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals, founded in 1949, was primarily responsible for its organization and administration. In 1972 the National Festival was instituted on an annual basis, with final competitions being held in early September at the Canadian National Exhibition.

In 1973, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce became the Festival’s corporate sponsor, a relationship that was appreciated for 24 years. In 1981 it was decided that the National Festival would be held in a different province each year.

NATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL CLASSES
The following classes are offered at the National Music Festival:
Class 1 - Vocal Solo
Class 2 - Piano Solo
Class 3 - String Solo
Class 4 - Classical Guitar Solo
Class 5 - Woodwind Solo
Class 6 - Brass Solo
Class 7 - Chamber Group
Class 8 - Honourable Barbara A. Hagerman Choral
Class 9 - City of Lincoln Choral
Class 10 - George S. Mathieson Choral
Class 11 - Paul J. Bourret Choral
Class 12 -Richard W. Cooke Choral
Class 13 - Dr. & Mrs. J.F.K. English Choral
Class 14 - David Ouchterlony Choral
Class 15 - Margaret Wharton Memorial Choral
Class 16 – Florine Després Choral
Class 17 – Barbara Clark Choral.

First place winners in Classes 1 through 7 will perform at the Grand Award Competition for the Grand Award.

The National Music Festival shall be open to non-professional musicians who are i) Canadian citizens, or

ii) Living or studying in Canada, and who perform at festivals affiliated through the Provincial Music Festival Association.

The Arts Integra International Festival Competition is a member Festival of the Ontario Music Festivals Association. The Ontario Music Festivals Association is the organizing body of the Ontario Provincial Finals located at www.omfa.info.

Adjudicators recommend outstanding students from all member festivals of Ontario to participate in the Provincial Finals. The Provincial Entry Fee covers the cost for participating in the Ontario Music Festivals Association Finals. This fee is paid to the Ontario Music Festivals Association to allow our entrants who are chosen by the Adjudicators to participate at the Ontario Provincial level. The Ontario Music Festivals Association in turn, forwards a portion of the fees to The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals located at www.fcmf.org.

By submitting an Application Form for Ontario Provincial competitions, the competitor agrees to have read, understood, and to abide by the regulations contained herein and on the OMFA website at www.omfa.info.

Taping guidelines are available from the Provincial Festival Office or the Executive Director, Federation of Canadian Music Festivals.

Click here for full details.

A mandate of Arts Integra is to create performing opportunities for young musicians. Consequently, any Festival Competition participant, including Outstanding Performer Award winners, may be invited, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, without remuneration or payment for incidental expenses, to perform at other events sponsored throughout the year by Arts Integra.

In most cases, it is illegal to photocopy any portion of copyright music or text without authorization from the copyright holder. No photocopies, computer-generated copies or copy derived from computer programs will be allowed in this Festival in any case whatsoever, unless they show legal, written authorization of the publisher. Please note that both the accompanist’s copy and the Adjudicator’s copy must be original copies of the music and adhere to all Photocopying policies as outlined in the syllabus. The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any competitor presenting a photocopy or computer-generated copy. Legal sheet copies of scores downloaded from the Internet and printed off-site, may be permitted, but must be accompanied by suitable and full receipt documentation to the Festival Office ensuring the competitor has gained permission from the publisher, or that the music has been legally purchased through a legally licensed music provider. Please use page-turners if required.

The concentration of performers and adjudicators must be respected at all times. All electronic, visual or audio recording equipment including photography, flash, lighting, cell phones, pagers, blackberries and cameras, are strictly prohibited in the performance hall while the competition is in progress, during adjudications or during any Arts Integra event except as authorized in advance by the Festival Competition Office. Please be sure to turn off any electronic devices before entering the competition or performance venue. Anyone caught using any photographic or recording devices will be removed from the premises, and no refund will be given.

These rules and regulations have been devised to ensure equal fairness for all competitors. Questions and protests must be made in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of any incident, and addressed to:

Complaints or protests will not be considered unless made in writing to the Festival Office. If substantial evidence shows that an entry is found to be in clear violation of the rules of this contest or current copyright law, the entry will be disqualified. Any competitor, accompanist, teacher or parent who does not adhere to these rules may be eliminated from the Festival Competition at the sole discretion of the Festival Office. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations may disqualify the competitor, accompanist and/or their teacher from this and future Competitions. Under no circumstances are such protests to be made to the Volunteers, Staff or Adjudicator. Adjudications are copyright, and as such, competitors, accompanists, parents and teachers are not permitted to discuss the adjudicator’s comments unless invited to do so by the Adjudicator. All judges’ decisions are final.
Any and all questions or matters not dealt with in these rules shall be referred to the Executive Director, whose decisions on such matters shall be final and binding upon all concerned.

In the interest of timing, repeats are only required in the Senior Repertoire levels of Grade 9 and above, unless they are deemed an integral part of the form of a piece.

A selection of repertoire may only be used by once during the Festival Competition, and must conform to category requirements, excluding repertoire performed during Master Classes. Any previously performed repertoire is only permitted during Master Classes, which are non-competitive workshops.

Conservatory Canada (CC) - Contemporary Idioms Syllabus
Repertoire that is listed in the current CC Contemporary Idioms Syllabus (www.conservatorycanada.ca) must be performed in classes specifically designed for the modern idioms. Please telephone (1-800-461-5367) to order the Syllabus for appropriate classes.

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) - Popular Selection List
Repertoire that is listed in the current RCM Popular Selection List (www.rcmexaminations.org/acadinfo/popselectionlist.htm) must be performed in classes specifically designed for the modern idioms.

Elementary School: Grade 8 & under.
Secondary School: Grades 9 through 12.

Special Needs classes are at a Non-competitive level. Special Needs participants are individuals who require assistance for disabilities, which may be medical, mental, developmental, intellectual or psychological. Adjudicators wish to be sensitive and encouraging to all special needs participants. Please include a brief explanation of the special needs of each competitor upon registration.

Split class choirs should register for classes according to the grade containing the most students.

We welcome any ideas and suggestions for new classes of competition, which you may have to help us improve our Festival Competition. Please feel free to email us with your contributions.

Conductors, parents, guardians, or delegated members of the teaching staff must be directly responsible for their wards from the time of arrival to departure. Each group entry must secure and provide adequate supervision of students at all times to ensure an appropriate level of respect for all performances, adjudications and property at Festival Competition venues. Adult supervision must be present at all times. Participants must conduct themselves with the highest levels of deportment at all times. Anyone who detracts from a performance or adjudication or is in any way disruptive will be expelled from the performance and competition with no refund given.

Performances must adhere to the time limit specified for each class or a penalty in marking will result. The performance may be stopped if this limit is exceeded. The Executive Committee reserves the right to alter times, durations of performances, dates and venues at any time. Accurate performance times must include assembly, tuning, warm-up and performance, and must be included on the registration form.

Live competition class start times and order of performances will be strictly observed. Adjudicators may choose to hear a portion or portions of works to be played.

Classes may be divided or combined at the discretion of the Festival Office.

Competitors under 17 years of age may have their instruments tuned by a teacher or other person.

Competitors are not allowed to rehearse or warm-up in the competition hall prior to or during the Festival Competition Finals Gala, with the exception of Choirs. Choirs may warm up for one minute. Where possible, warm-up rooms may be made available, but this cannot be guaranteed.