Audience Protocols
- Participating performers, conductors, and accompanists are entitled to free admission in the performance spaces in which they will be performing during their class. Audience members have free admission to regular classes, except for large ensemble classes – bands, choirs, and orchestra – and for trophy playoffs, in which case they must pay an admission fee. Admission fees for these classes are detailed on the Festival website.
- Solo performers and ensemble members are expected to comport themselves according to these protocols while in the performance space whenever they are not themselves performing.
- As an audience member, you are expected to conduct yourself in a way that is respectful of the performers, the adjudicator, and the venue, and you may be asked to leave the performance space if engaged in misconduct. Signage at each venue will offer reminders of appropriate conduct.
- The adjudicator or Festival may allow one or more performers or audience members to disregard one or more of these protocols to account for medical requirements or in the event of an emergency.
Recordings and Photography
- Out of consideration for the performances and respect for the privacy of all persons present, you may take photographs and audio or video recordings only of the participant on whose behalf you are attending a class.
- Any photography or recording must be undertaken as discreetly as possible so as not to cause any disruption to the proceedings.
- Where possible, the Festival will designate an area within each venue for the purpose of recording performances, especially in those classes where a video recording is a Provincials submission requirement. If so, you are asked to only photograph or record performances while in this designated area.
- The use of a flash feature on any camera or similar device is strictly forbidden.
- Any kind of photographic, audio, or video recording of an adjudication is strictly forbidden.
Legal Requirements for Photography and Recording
All participants are reminded that recording of individuals — and especially of children and youth — is strictly governed by federal and provincial statues with respect to personal privacy, copyright, and rights to use of one’s own likeness. Anyone found to be in breach of these statutes could be subject to civil liability or legal penalty, as could the venue or Festival depending on the nature of the breach. To ensure the rights of all participants are respected, please carefully observe Festival rules regarding recordings and photography.