Marlow Music Festival

Incorporating Computers in Personnel International Concerto Competition

Music Festival Information

How does the Marlow Music Festival work?

The Marlow Music Festival is a registered charity, run by a committee of volunteers. There are three main music sections – vocal, piano and instrumental – plus small sections for organ and composition.  Each section is divided into subsections consisting of competitive classes, some of them open to all comers, others limited by age, by grade or level of performance, or by type of performance (eg piano duet, junior school choir etc.). There are also a few non-competitive classes to provide those not wishing to compete with an opportunity to perform and receive valuable advice from an experienced Adjudicator.

 

You can enter as many classes as you like, subject to being eligible. Each section is judged by a professional Adjudicator, who will provide a written and, time permitting, a verbal assessment of each performance, and award appropriately graded certificates to each performer. Many classes carry medals and trophies in addition to certificates, provided a high enough standard is reached. Winners of first, second and third places are normally announced at the end of each class.

 

By clicking here you can view the Festival Rules that cover all sections. Each section has its own additional rules and these are shown at the beginning of each section of the syllabus.

 

When is the Marlow Music Festival held?

The main Festival is held in November each year, on weekday evenings and at weekends. The Festival Concert will be held in the last Sunday afternoon of the Festival

 

The Concerto Competition classes are held in the spring , usually April with the winner concert in June or July. The winners concert is held in central London.

 

How do I enter the festival?

Each printed copy of the syllabus contains an entry form, (which may be photocopied if more than one copy is needed). You can request a copy of the entry form by contacting the Festival Entries Secretary  Alternatively entries may be submitted via this web site.

 

What if I miss the closing date?

Late entries are not normally accepted, and with some popular sections (eg concerto and early graded piano classes), entries may close earlier than the official closing date if the classes are oversubscribed. In exceptional circumstances, and where numbers permit, the Entry Secretary may agree to accept late entries, but it is not advisable to rely on this discretion. If you know in advance that you cannot provide full details of your entries by the closing date, you should contact the Entry Secretary as early as possible, to improve the chances of your late entry being accepted.  If your entry is not accepted your entry fee will be returned to you.

 

Can I submit conditional entries?

No, entries submitted conditionally, for example on condition that the class will be held on a particular date or time of day, cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

 

How will I know where to go and when?

The Entry Secretary will notify you as soon as possible after entries have closed, advising you of the date, time and venue of the class or classes that you have entered.

 

What happens on the day?

You should arrive in plenty of time to park, and to find your way to the appropriate room or hall, and to make contact with your accompanist if you have one. Some classes may overrun, causing subsequent classes to start late, but no class will start early unless all performers are present. Your name will be called when it is your turn to perform.

 

Will I be able to park when I arrive?

Limited on-street parking may be available at off-peak times in the vicinity of Court Garden and All Saints Church. There is a public pay and display car park at Court Garden and this is also the car park nearest to All Saints Church.  Spaces are available within the grounds of Wycombe Abbey School and should these become full, there is a nearby pay and display car park next to the Wycombe Swan.

 

What if I turn up late for the class?

Don’t panic, if you do it will almost certainly affect your performance. Whilst some classes last only a few minutes where there is a small number of entries, others may continue for an hour or even more, so you may still be in time. If you’ve missed your turn, your name will be called again after all other participants have finished performing. Of course, once the adjudicator has completed his or her decision and marking, then no more performances will be allowed to start. If you arrive late do not enter the performance room while others are performing, wait until you hear applause before entering. No refunds of entry fees can be entertained if you are unable to perform.

 

How is the order of performance decided?

The Music Co-ordinator will determine a random order of performance once all entries are received.

 

What if I am ill?

Your entry fee cannot be refunded once your entry has been accepted, whether due to illness or for any other reason.

 

Do I need to bring a music stand?

Not if you are a solo performer – one stand is provided.  However, if you are performing with other instrumentalists, you do need to provide your own stand. If in doubt check with the Music Co-ordinator.

 

How long should my performance be?

The time limit for each class is indicated in the syllabus. No time limit is given for classes in which only set pieces (or pieces selected from a set book) may be played. The smooth running of the festival is dependant on accurate timing of the programme. Do not exceed the time limit, as the Adjudicator may ask you to stop if you do so, and may penalise you if you seriously abuse this rule.

 

Can I perform the same piece in more than one class?

No, not in the same year, nor can you perform the same piece in two consecutive years.

 

Does the Festival provide accompanists?

No.  Wherever possible, performers are encouraged to provide their own accompanist.  If this is not possible, a list of accompanists who can be contacted appears on this site and in the syllabus. Accompanists fees must be borne by the performer and are a private arrangement outside the control of the Festival.

 

What about audience admission?

Performers and performers’ accompanists will be admitted free of charge. Friends, relatives and other members of the public will be admitted to all classes but will not be allowed to enter or leave during a performance.

 

Audience Admission Charges

Court Garden and All Saints Church

 

Adults and Children over 12

Session (morning/afternoon/evening) £1.00

Per day £1.50

Season ticket for all classes £5.00

 

 

Children under 12 and OAPs

Per session (morning/afternoon/evening) £0.50

Per day £0.75

Season ticket for all classes £2.50

 

Admission to the Festival Concert costs £5 (£2.50 concessions).

 

See also Friends of the Festival

 

If I win a Medal, Award or Trophy, do I keep it?

Medals become your property and so may be kept indefinitely; but any Trophy you win remains the property of the Festival, so you may keep it only until the first day of the next year’s Festival when you must return it, clean and in good condition to the Trophy Secretary. Occasionally there is a split decision so that each winner holds the trophy for approximately 6 months. You will be asked to sign for the trophy before taking it away. Space permitting, you may have your name inscribed on the trophy or its plinth in similar size and style to existing engraving.  You are responsible for the cost if you wish to do this.

 

The winner of The Computers in Personnel Cup also receives a small replica to keep.

 

The Bravo Bag is a music case which is given to the winner to keep.

 

How does the marking system work?

The Festival adopts a numerical marking system.  Certificates are awarded in the following categories:

· 90+  OUTSTANDING

       An exceptional performance, technically and artistically.

· 87 - 89         DISTINCTION

       An excellent performance, technically and artistically.

· 84 - 86         COMMENDED

       A convincing performance, technically and artistically.

· 81 - 83         MERIT

       A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or technical ability.

· 78 - 80         MODERATE

       A performance showing development of technique and/or communication.

· 75 - 77         FAIR

A performance limited in its communication.

 

Medals may be awarded for first, second and third places at the discretion of the Adjudicator. A Gold medal may only be awarded for first place when a mark of 87 or more is achieved.

 

Can my performance be recorded?

No, audio and video recording is strictly prohibited.

 

Can I use photocopies?

You are strongly advised to read the Festival Rules and sections on Copyright and Adjudicator’s Copy to be sure that you are complying with the rules regarding the use of photocopies by yourself, by your accompanist or in providing copies for the Adjudicator in ‘own choice’ classes.

 

Are refreshments available?

Yes, light refreshments are available at the cafeteria in Court Garden for sessions held at the Shelley Theatre. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and biscuits are available next to the Archer Recital Hall.  Please do not take food or drink into the performance rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions