2026 Festival Syllabus - Strings
Popular Strings
Strings Class Descriptions
Solo Classes Participants must perform one (1) selection.
Recital Classes Participants must perform two contrasting (2) selections.
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. 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 January 1st, 2026.
Strings Rules & Regulations
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). Backing tracks may be purchased from www.karaoke-version.com
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 the General Rules, Regulations & Guidelines for more information about Copyright.
Memorization is required for all competitive Popular Strings 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.
Popular Strings One (1) selection must be performed.
Adult Amateur Solo Two (2) selections must be performed.