2026 Festival Syllabus - Chamber Music

Class Description: Chamber Music ensembles may include 3-5 players, with one player per part, all the parts having equal importance, and should not have a conductor. Members can include any combination of orchestral instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, harp, guitar, recorder, and/or percussion, with or without piano and/or one vocal part.  **Note: Duet & Trio class options are available within each instrument division (example: Piano Duets should register in the Piano division). Trios consisting of the same instrument family (ex. 3 brass instruments) should register under their instruments' division, whereas a Trio consisting of mixed instrumentation should register in the Chamber Music division (ex. a trio with violin, piano and flute). Piano and Vocal Quartets should register in those divisions.

Class Options:

• 20 Minute Workshop     Ensembles will have a total of 20 minutes on stage including both their performance time and the adjudicator’s workshop.  Ensembles may perform one (1) or two (2) selections with a recommended performance time limit of 6 minutes to allow time for the workshop.  If an ensemble chooses to play two (2) selections the adjudicator will assign one mark which is the average for both pieces.  No preference will be given based on how many pieces the participant plays. 
• 30 Minute Workshop     Ensembles will have a total of 30 minutes on stage including both their performance time and the adjudicator’s workshop.  Ensembles must play two (2) selections, with a recommended performance time limit of 10 minutes to allow time for the workshop.

Levels: Chamber Ensembles should enter based on the highest RCM level represented within the group. For example, if some of the ensemble members are playing at a grade 5 level, but one or more members are playing at a grade 7 level then the ensemble must register for the Junior (Levels 6-9) class.

Multi-movement Selections: One (1) selection may consist of multiple movements. No more than two (2) contrasting movements are permitted to be played for a selection.

Scores & 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 32. of the Rules, Regulations & Guidelines for more information about Copyright.

OMFA Provincial Requirements:

• Chamber Music - Two (2) selections must be performer (one selection may consist of multiple movements).
• Participants should consult the OMFA Syllabus guidelines (www.omfa.ca) if they are interested in participating in the OMFA Provincials, as the OMFA requirements may differ from the KW Kiwanis Music Festival Syllabus. At least one (1) selection must have received a mark of 85 at the local festival.