Syllabus - Woodwinds - Reeds

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2027

• The volume of registrations in this discipline has been sufficient to reintroduce the distinction between flute and reed instruments. Since recorders and similar instruments are neither flutes nor reeds, they are defined as a distinct category of instrument.
• As such, various classes previously lumped together as "woodwind instrument" classes have been broken out into flutes, recorders, and reeds classes.
• The Festival has added virtual woodwinds classes.

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Adjudication Woodwinds classes will be split between flute and reed adjudicators. Recorder classes will be overseen by an adjudicator based either on the adjudicator's professional experience with the instrument or on the quantity of registrations and available time for scheduling, whichever consideration is most pertinent.

 

DEFINITIONS

Woodwind Instrument For the purpose of the Festival, a woodwind instrument is any instrument qualifying as either a flute, reed, or recorder instrument.

Flutes For the purpose of the Festival, a flute instrument is any type of flute or piccolo. Any other instrument qualifies as a flute instrument at the adjudicator's sole discretion.

Recorders A recorder instrument is any type of recorder or whistle. Any other instrument qualifies as a recorder instrument at the adjudicator's sole discretion.

Reeds A reed instrument is any type of clarinet or bass clarinet, oboe or English horn, saxophone, or bassoon or contrabassoon. Any other instrument qualifies as a reed instrument at the adjudicator's sole discretion.

Reed Duet, Trio, or Ensemble A reed duet, trio, or ensemble is:

• Any duet where either or both performers are playing a reed instrument.
• Any trio where at least two performers are playing a reed instrument.
• Any ensemble of four or more performers, in which at least half of the performers are playing a reed instrument.

 

RULES & REGULATIONS

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

Instrumentation Each class in this discipline permits solo reed instrument performers or reed duets, trios, or ensembles, all as defined above.

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 except when one or the other is specified by the class rules. When in doubt, the adjudicator determines the suitability of a repertoire selection for its class.

Classical Repertoire Selections in classical categories must be art music or "classical" repertoire. Repertoire selections may be the performer's own choice except where otherwise specified. Selections specified as Conservatory selections must be drawn from an RCM or CC repertoire list. If a class specifies a Conservatory level, selections performed in that class must match or approximately match its level; otherwise, they must be suited to the technical proficiency of the performer or performers.

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

Multi-Movement Works You may perform a single movement from a multi-movement work as a single selection. You may also combine multiple movements from a multi-movement work into a single selection. These movements must be contrasting where possible. You may not perform multiple movements from the same work as different selections in the same class. When performing multiple movements from a multi-movement work in a class, you combine a specified number of movements from the work together according to the class's rules.

Concerto A woodwind concerto, or a related work such as a concertino, may only be performed in concerto classes, and may not be performed in any other class in this discipline. Accompaniment must be a reduction of the orchestral parts, performed by a collaborative pianist.

Etude An etude may only be performed in etude classes, concert group classes, non-competitive classes, or virtual classes, except where otherwise specified.

Orchestral Excerpt An orchestral excerpt may only be performed in orchestral excerpt classes.