2026 Festival Syllabus - Voice
Classical Voice
Voice Class Levels
Age Levels For age level classes participants must enter the level based on their age as of January 1st, 2026. For vocal ensemble classes participants must enter the age level of the oldest participant based on their age as of January 1st, 2026.
Community (non-competitive) Classes Community classes will be organized based on registration so that participants of similar ages and levels will be grouped together. Adult-Child groups may enter Community (non-competitive) Ensemble classes.
Adult Amateur Classes Adults ages 29 & above must enter at this level.
Voice Class Descriptions
Vocal Solo Classes Participants must perform one (1) selection.
Vocal Recital Classes Participants must perform two (2) contrasting selections. For Classical Voice classes at the Intermediate level and higher each selection must be in a different language.
Classical Classes Repertoire selections are Teacher’s/Student’s choice and do not need to follow a graded syllabus list as long as they fit the classical genre (for example: traditional folksongs and art songs, etc). Participants may use the RCM Voice Syllabus or CC Classical Voice Syllabus as a guideline in repertoire selection but are not limited to these lists. Opera, Operetta and Oratorio selections (including Recitatives in Arias) are only permitted at the Senior and Advanced levels. *Exception: Baroque or Mozart arias may be performed at the Intermediate level.
Repertoire that is not permitted: Vocalises/Stand-Alone Recitatives, Popular or Musical Theatre (RCM: Levels 1-6 List C, Levels 7-10 List D, ARCT List F & CC: Levels 1-6 List C, Level 7 List D, Level 8-10 List E).
Voice Rules & Regulations
Failure to follow the Rules & Regulations below will disqualify participants from receiving a mark or class placement. Participants may still receive written and verbal evaluations from the adjudicator. **Participants should consult the General Rules & Regulations.
Accompaniment Participants must perform with live piano accompaniment for all Classical Voice classes and performers must make their own arrangements for an accompanist (except for Ensembles which may choose to sing A Capella).
Sheet Music Participants must provide the adjudicator with a legally purchased copy of the music for all selections (unless listed on IMSLP) even when the piece is being performed by memory. For digital copies of music that was purchased online either 1) the participant’s or parent’s name must be shown on the sheet music as the owner, or 2) a purchase receipt must be provided (in cases where the teacher made the purchase on behalf of a student the teacher may issue a receipt to show proof of purchase).
Vocal Cuts Vocals cuts are not permitted, with an exception for a repeated chorus.
Original Language For Classical vocal classes, selections must be sung in their original language.
Gender Roles Participants may sing whatever role or gender they feel applicable to themselves and any story line they would like to portray.
Memorization is required for all competitive voice 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.
Classical Voice Solo Two (2) selections must be performed for Intermediate levels and below, three (3) selections must be performed at the Senior level and four (4) selections at the Advanced level.
Vocal Duets & Trios One (1) selection must be performed.
Vocal Quartets Quartets are eligible for the Small Ensemble division. One (1) or two (2) selections may be performed.
Adult Amateur Solo Two (2) selections must be performed.
Voice Resources
- CC Classical Voice Syllaubs
- CC Contemporary Idioms Voice Syllabus
- RCM Classical Voice Syllabus, 2019 Edition
- RCM Classical Voice Syllabus, 2025 Edition
- OMFA Songs From the Screen Song Chart