2026 Festival Syllabus - Jazz, Rock & Pop Bands

Class Descriptions:

Small Ensembles - Jazz Combos, Pop/Rock Bands: Bands may include 3-10 players and may include vocals and a mix of acoustic and electric instruments. Microphones will be available for vocals and acoustic instruments. A basic drum kit set up will be provided. A detailed list of available sound gear will be provided to participants in advance (any additional gear that is required must be brought by the participants).

Large Ensembles - Stage/Jazz Bands: Stage bands include 11 or more players, are conductor-led and are playing charts arranged for traditional "big band" (saxophones, trumpets, trombones & rhythm sections).

Class Levels: Bands should enter the grade or age level 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 level.

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.

ENSEMBLE RULES & REGULATIONS

Sheet Music/Lyrics: Participants must provide the adjudicator with a legally purchased copy of the music or a lead/lyric sheet if there is no sheet music available, even when the piece is being performed by memory. A purchase receipt must be presented for digital copies. Refer to section 7.14 of the Rules, Regulations & Guidelines for more information about Copyright.

Arrangements, Cuts & Improvisation: Jazz/Pop/Rock bands may perform their own arrangements. Vocal parts should only make cuts for repeated choruses (all verses should be included). Cuts to extended instrumental sections are allowed for Rock and Pop bands. Improvised solos are permitted.

Class Awards: Participants in competitive ensemble classes will be awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze Seal of Standard based on their marks: Gold for a mark of 90 and above, Silver for a mark of 85-89, and Bronze for a mark of 80-84. Marks will be recorded on comment sheets but will not be shared with the class, and no class placements (I.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) will be announced.

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. 

• Small Ensembles  One (1) or Two (2) selections may be performed. Small Ensembles must have a minimum of four (4) performers.
• School Jazz Bands  Two (2) contrasting selections must be performed.