Syllabus - Voice - Popular

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2027

• For housekeeping purposes, popular voice is treated as a distinct discipline from classical voice.
• Check housekeeping rules for changes to backtracks.
• The Festival has added virtual popular voice classes.

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Backtrack Recordings Backtrack recordings are permitted in popular voice classes.

• Participants are required to submit backtracks to the Festival using the formatting information detailed below.
• Participants are required to submit backtracks on or before a due date specified by the Festival, by a means determined by the Festival.
• Backtracks are no longer permitted to have background vocals.

Backtrack File Format

• Backtracks must be submitted as audio files. The venue requests the .WAV file format, but will accept .MP3 files.
• The venue will not accept online sources such as iTunes, YouTube, and so on.
• Backtracks are required to use the following naming format:

[Participant First Name] [Participant Initials] - [Song Title and Performing Artist]

• For example, if Christopher Askwith were performing We'll Meet Again, performed by Vera Lynn, the file name would be formatted as follows:

Christopher A - We'll Meet Again by Vera Lynn

 

DEFINITIONS

Voice Duet, Trio, or Ensemble A voice duet, trio, or ensemble is any duet, trio, or ensemble consisting entirely of vocalists. If the duet, trio, or ensemble is accompanied, the accompaniment part may be played by an amateur or professional performer or may be provided by a backtrack as documented above. Members of a vocal ensemble may be of any voice range.

 

RULES & REGULATIONS

Adjudication Classes in this discipline are adjudicated competitively except where otherwise specified.

Vocal Range and Instrumentation If a class specifies voice duet or trio or voice ensemble, the ensemble entering such a class must satisfy the definitions of voice duets, trios, or ensembles.

Repertoire Each class specifies the quantity of repertoire selections required for that class in its description. If a class permits performance of more than one selection, multiple selections must be contrasting - distinct from one another in style, mood, tempo, and so on. Selections may be accompanied or unaccompanied. When in doubt, the adjudicator determines the suitability of a repertoire selection for its class.

Popular Repertoire Selections in popular categories may be from any popular genre, such as jazz, pop, rock, hip-hop, country, folk, and so on, or chosen from film, television, video games, or similar media when written in popular style. Selections may be the performer's own choice. They must be suited to the technical proficiency of the performer or performers. Show tunes must be performed in music theatre classes.

Content Selections must be age-appropriate in terms of content. Performers aged 16 and under are required to perform 'clean cuts' of songs featuring profanity. Performers in older age cohorts are encouraged to perform 'clean cuts' of such songs. (Note that Provincials requires 'clean cuts' for performers of all ages.)

Language Unless otherwise specified, a selection may be performed in any language.