Conditions of Entry

MUSIC LICENCING

Voices of Birralee as the manager of The Queensland Youth Music Awards hold a One Music licence, which covers the performance rights for each section. It is the school's responsibility to observe all copyright requirements under AMCOS agreements.

ADJUDICATION AND PRIZE MONEY

1. All entrants will be judged on the following criteria and the adjudicator's decision is final:

Musicality

• overall sound quality: blend, balance, tone, intonation
• technical elements: accuracy, rhythm, articulation
• musical interpretation: style/phrase, dynamics

Suitability and Presentation

• Suitability of the chosen music for the individual/group’s technical and musical capacity. Contrast of selection.
• Communication of music to audience, stage presence, discipline, level of confidence, appearance.

Your score will reflect the following Certificate Awards:

Score 86-100: Gold Certificate Award

Score 76-85: Silver Certificate Award

Score 70-75: Bronze Certificate Award

2. A full score of the music to be performed must be provided for the adjudicator.

3. Entrants may perform any number of contrasting pieces of their own choice, but should not exceed the time limits:

• Primary Choirs - 10 minutes of music
• Primary Bands/Orchestras - 10 minutes of music
• Secondary Choirs - 12 minutes of music
• Secondary Bands/Orchestras - 12 minutes of music

Note: These times do not include changeover times.

Five points will be deducted where an entrant exceeds the time limit.

*Contrasting in tempo, genre, style to demonstrate the versatility of your ensemble. 

4. Where grading for the section is specified, any ensemble playing above that section grading may be disqualified, but will receive an adjudication and certificate. 

5. Any protest must be lodged with the secretary before the adjudication is announced.

6. All Sections will be awarded the following prize monies:

• 1st place - $225
• 2nd place - $115
• 3rd place - $60

GENERAL RULES

1. QYMA reserves the right to cancel any section where four or fewer contestants have been entered. 

2. All ensembles require a minimum of 10 choristers/instrumentalists unless an exception is approved by the QYMA committee.

3. Conductors are not permitted to sing or play with their ensembles.

4. Where one chorister or instrumentalist (using the same class of instrument) performs in two or more ensembles in the same section, the conductor must notify the committee of the two or more ensembles affected. The adjudicators will make their decision and should two or more of these ensembles be in that prize list the highest will be awarded the prize and the second/third ensemble will become non-competitive (not eligible for prize money). Both ensembles will still receive comments from the adjudicator and a gold, silver or bronze award for their performances.

5. Backing tracks are not allowed for any section. 

6. Only school based ensembles may compete. Community ensembles are not allowed to attend QYMA.

7. Conductors must ensure students are quiet during performances and wait quietly until instructed to move.

INSTRUMENTAL RULES

1. Orchestras/Bands must not exceed 70 players

2. An instrumentalist may perform more than once in a section provided he/she uses a different class of instrument for each performance.

3. Adults are not permitted to perform with instrumental ensembles with an exception allowed for a primary school string ensembles, who may use an adult piano accompanist.

4. Secondary ensembles must perform within the specified grades:

• Intermediate ensembles - Up to and including Grade 2.5
• Advanced ensembles - Grade 3.0 and above

CHOIR RULES

1. In addition to one adult piano accompanist, a choir is permitted to use another adult instrumentalist. 

2. The piano will be placed to the left of the conductor. Staging and choir riser numbers will be made available to you before the evening. 

3. Secondary Section Guidelines

• Section 29 (Years 7 - 9) - for choirs in years 7-9
  
• Section 22 (Intermediate) - for choirs in a developing ensemble, who sing predominantly in unison, 2 part, or simple 3 part music
• Section 21 (Advanced) - for choirs with a high level of musicianship, who sing predominantly in 3 or more parts.

4. Section 9 includes a finals night. Choirs from the heats will be told if they are progressing to the finals. All ensembles in the heats will receive adjudicator comments and a gold/silver/bronze adjudication. Ensembles in the finals will receive a finals certificate and compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the Harley Mead Encouragement Award. 

Please note that your feedback to the committee is greatly appreciated.