2026 Festival Syllabus - Strings

String Ensembles Class Descriptions

Duets  Participants must perform one (1) selection, on any two (2) stringed instruments.

Trios Participants must perform one (1) selection, on any three (3) stringed instruments. **Quartets should register in the Chamber Music or Small Ensembles division.

Classical Ensembles  Classical selections may include a wide range of Western art music based on formal traditions.

Contemporary & Popular Ensembles  Contemporary music is defined as a wide range of compositions written after 1960, and may have both classical and modern elements.  Popular selections may be covers from commercial artists in any of the following genres: Pop, Folk, R&B, Soul, Rock, Alternative, Indie, Jazz or Country. 

Community (non-competitive)  Community ensembles may include two (2) to five (5) members with the majority of players on stringed instruments.

Strings Rules & Regulations

Ages Levels    Participants must enter the age level of the oldest participant based on their age as of January 1st, 2026, for competitive classes. 

Duet & Trio Accompaniment  Piano accompaniment is not required but should be included if indicated in the score. The piano part is considered "accompaniment" when the piano part does not have an equal role, and the pianist is not a participant being evaluated. 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. Participants may play one (1) or two (2) consecutive movements of a selection.

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

Memorization is not required for ensemble 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.

• Strings Duets & Trios One (1) selection must be performed. 

 

Ensembles - Non-Competitive