2026 Festival Syllabus - Chinese Instruments

CHINESE INSTRUMENTS CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Chinese Instrument Solo & Recital           Participants must perform one (1) selection for Solo classes or two (2) selections for Recital classes.  Participants may refer to the Central Conservatory or Music, Chinese Musicians Association or the Shanghai Conservatory of Music when selecting repertoire.  Teacher’s Choice selections are permitted.

Duets & Trios  Participants must perform one (1) selection and must enter the age level of the oldest participant based on their age as of December 31st, 2024, for competitive classes.

Small Ensembles  Small Ensembles may consist of 4-15 members playing traditional Chinese Instruments.  Class Levels: Small Ensembles should enter the age group that represents the majority of the ensemble members. If there is an equal number of members in different age groups participants should enter the higher age level. 

• 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.

Community & Adult Amateur Classes (non-competitive)              Participants must perform one (1) selection for Solo classes and must perform two (2) selections for Recital classes.  Participants will receive a written and verbal adjudication, as well as a Participation Ribbon, but will not be given marks or class placements and are not eligible for financial awards.  Community & Adult 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 Community (non-competitive) level, and Adult & Child groups may enter Community (non-competitive) ensemble classes.

CHINESE INSTRUMENTS RULES & REGULATIONS 

Repertoire Selections  Participants cannot perform the same selection in different classes (for example, if a participant enters both a Chinese Instrument Solo class and a Chinese Instrument Recital class then they must perform 3 different selections).

Accompaniment  Participants may perform with live accompaniment where appropriate. Accompaniment instruments may include dulcimer, percussion, guzheng or piano. Pianos are available at festival venues, all other accompaniment instruments must be brought by the performer.

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 General Rules, Regulations & Guidelines for more information about Copyright. 

Memorization  is not required for Chinese Instrument classes.

OMFA Provincial Requirements  

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. 

• Chinese Instrument Solo  Two (2) selections must be performed. 
• Chinese Instruments Duets & Trios  One (1) selection must be performed.
• Small Ensembles  One (1) selection must be performed. 

Chinese Instrument Resources 

• Central Conservatory of Music                                                
•  Chinese Musicians Association
• Shanghai Conservatory of Music Syllabus