2025 Festival Syllabus - Brass
BRASS CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Brass Solo & Recital Classes Participants must perform one (1) selection for Solo classes, or two (2) selections for Recital classes from the appropriate grade level. For Recital classes selections must be from two different Repertoire lists in their instrument's RCM or CC Syllabus. For example, if the grade level includes List A & List B the participant should play one (1) selection from each list. If there is a List C, then the participant may choose which two (2) Lists to select from. Accompaniment is required (see Rules & Regulations below).
Etude Classes Participants must perform two (2) contrasting Etudes/Studies from the appropriate grade level. Where the syllabus indicates "Group 1", and "Group 2" participants should select one (1) Etude from each Group.
Brass Concerto Participants may perform one (1) or two (2) consecutive movements of a concerto. Repertoire selections do not need to be from a syllabus list. Participants must enter the level based on their age as of December 31st, 2024, and should select the grade level that they are currently playing at.
Popular Classes Participants must perform one (1) selection for Solo classes or two (2) selections for Recital classes. Popular selections should be covers from commercial artists in any of the following genres: Pop, Folk, R&B, Soul, Rock, Alternative, Indie, Jazz or Country. Songs listed in the RCM or CC syllabus are not permitted. Selections may include improvised sections. Popular selections must be performed with either live accompaniment or an instrumental backing track. For Popular classes participants must enter the level based on their age as of December 31st, 2024.
Duets & Trios Participants must perform one (1) selection in the appropriate genre and must enter the age level of the oldest participant based on their age as of December 31st, 2024, for competitive classes.
Non-Competitive Classes Participants must perform one (1) selection for Solo classes and must perform two (2) selections for Recital classes in the appropriate genre. Non-Competitive classes will be organized based on registration so that participants of similar ages and levels will be grouped together. Adults ages 29 and above must enter at the non-competitive level, and Adult & Child groups may enter non-competitive ensemble classes.
BRASS RULES & REGULATIONS
Accompaniment Participants must perform with live piano accompaniment for all Brass Solo & Brass Recital classes (except where the syllabus indicates that a piece is "Unaccompanied") and performers must make their own arrangements for an accompanist.
Backing Tracks For Popular classes only, participants must use either live accompaniment (piano or guitar/ukulele) or an instrumental backing track that does not have back-up vocals. Performers are encouraged to use tracks with limited instrumental breaks (edited tracks/ reductions are allowed). Backing tracks must be provided as an MP3 file prior to the festival class (registrants will be contacted with instructions for submission).
Duet & Trio Accompaniment Piano accompaniment is not required but should be included if indicated in the score. Ensembles where the piano part plays an equal role, and the pianist is a class participant should enter in the "Chamber Music" division.
Multi-movement Selections One (1) selection may consist of multiple movements, where specified in the RCM or CC Syllabus (ex. Sonatas & Concertos). Participants must perform the movement(s) specified in the syllabus where applicable. For example, the syllabus may require that only one movement of a piece be played, or that two or more specific movements be played.
Time Limit Total performance time must not exceed twenty (20) minutes in total for any class.
Sheet Music Participants must provide the adjudicator with a legally purchased copy of the music for all selections (a purchase receipt or IMSLP listing must be presented for digital copies), even when the piece is being performed by memory. Refer to section 7.14 of the Rules, Regulations & Guidelines for more information about Copyright.
Memorization is not required for Brass classes.
OMFA Provincial Requirements
Classical Brass Solo Two (2) selections must be performed (optional: three (3) selections for Open level). For trumpet entries selections must be in the current RCM or CC Syllabi (no exceptions). For all other brass unlisted selections will be accepted if verified to be at an appropriate level.
Popular Brass Solo, Duets & Trios One (1) selection must be performed.
Brass Concertos One (1) selection must be performed, which may include one (1) or two (2) consecutive movements.
Participants should consult the OMFA Syllabus guidelines (www.omfa.ca) if they are interested in participating.