ABOUT
THE FESTIVAL
UK SCHOOLS
MUSIC FESTIVAL
The UK Schools Music Festival is a brand new competition dedicated to promoting music education and inspiring young musicians throughout the UK. Despite being a new addition to the musical landscape of the country, we aim to provide a platform for students to showcase their musical abilities and gain valuable experience.
Our primary objective is to instill a passion for music in young students and encourage them to pursue their musical aspirations. We understand the significance of music education in the growth and development of young musicians in the UK, and we are committed to contributing to the nation's rich musical heritage.
We welcome local schools and music hubs throughout the UK to join our inclusive and supportive community, where students, teachers, and music enthusiasts can connect and collaborate. Our festival provides an opportunity for students to celebrate their musical achievements and showcase their talents.
This year, we are excited to hold our competition online, with plans for an in-person event scheduled for the upcoming school year. We encourage schools and organizations to partner with us and support our efforts to promote music education and recognize the talents of young musicians across the country.
By working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the UK's musical landscape and inspire the next generation of musicians. Join us at the UK Schools Music Festival and be a part of our mission to celebrate the power of music.
ELIGIBILITY
The UK Schools Music Festival warmly invites full-time pupils from all educational establishments across the United Kingdom to participate. This includes learners from state-funded schools, independent schools, academies, free schools, faith schools, special schools, as well as those who are home educated. Our aim is to embrace the diversity and talent present across the entire UK student population, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and creativity in the realm of music.
COMPETITION MODES
AND TIMELINE
Our competition includes two modes of participation: video submission and live performance. We believe that these diverse modes provide an array of opportunities for students to showcase their talents and learn from the experience.
We're thrilled to announce that we'll be launching the video submission mode in 2023-24. This digital platform will allow students to share their musical skills regardless of their geographical location.
From the 2024-2025 academic year onward, we'll be adding the live performance mode. This will enable students to experience the thrill of live performance and the unique feedback it provides.
While we use the term "competition," our focus is not on rivalry but on providing a platform for students to challenge themselves, strive for personal improvement, and learn from their peers. We aim to inspire growth and nurture the love of music in all participants.
CATEGORIES AND GROUPS
We have two main categories for entrants: Solo and Team.
For Solo Entries, we have divided the competition into two school year groups:
1. Primary (Years 1-6)
2. Secondary (Years 7-13)
Each of these groups are further divided into four levels:
1. Junior Level (Refers to Trinity/ABRSM grades 1-3)
2. Intermediate Level (Refers to Trinity/ABRSM grades 4-6)
3. Senior Level (Refers to Trinity/ABRSM grades 7-8)
4. Advanced Level (Refers to Diploma level)
For Team Entries, We welcome local schools and music hubs to join us in an array of ensemble categories:
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Band - Jazz
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Band - Rock/Pop/Electronic
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Band - World/Diverse Music
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Brass Ensemble
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Choir/Vocal Group (Unison / 2 voices / more than 2 voices)
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Folk/Mixed Ensemble
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Group - Acoustic Guitar/Classical Guitar
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Keyboard Ensemble
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Orchestra - Large ( More than 20 players)
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Orchestra - Mixed ( 10-19 players)
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Other/Mixed Ensemble ( 2-9 players )
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Percussion Ensemble
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Diverse Abilites Ensemble (SEND inclusive Ensemble)
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String Ensemble
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Other Ensemble
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Wind Band or Military Band
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Woodwind Ensemble
Each ensemble category is further divided into three groups with designated performance durations:
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Junior Group : 1-2 minutes
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Intermediate Group : 2-4 minutes
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Senior Group : 4-10 minutes
Ensemble Flexibility: For ensemble groups with a shortage of participants, we permit the inclusion of an alumnus or tutor for every 10 student performers, ensuring that larger groups can partake in our festival.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:
We allow teams the flexibility to choose their performance pieces based on their students' abilities. This encourages students to showcase their skills in a manner that best suits their capabilities and interests.
For Team Entries, groups can pick one piece as their "own choice" to perform within the time limit designated for their level (Junior - 1-2 mins, Intermediate - 2-4 mins, Senior - 4 -10 mins ). We encourage teams to select a piece that not only showcases their abilities and harmony as a group but also challenges them to push their limits.
By offering a choice of performance pieces, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and personal involvement in each participant's musical journey.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Our competition is focused on fostering growth and personal achievement in our participants. As such, our judging criteria are designed to provide comprehensive feedback that helps teams understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Our judges evaluate performances based on several key musical elements:
1. Overall Musical Performance: This includes the quality of sound, the accuracy of notes and rhythms, and the execution of the chosen piece.
2. Artistic Level: This measures the depth of interpretation and expression. It also includes the creative presentation and the overall impact of the performance.
3. Musical Elements: This includes an assessment of aspects such as timbre, tempo, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and harmony. Each of these elements contributes to the overall musicality and character of the performance.
4. Technical Proficiency: This includes technical control of the instrument(s) or voice(s), clarity, intonation, and the complexity of the chosen piece in relation to the team's ability.
5. Ensemble Cohesion: For group categories, the synergy between the team members, the balance of sounds, and the communication within the group will also be evaluated.
Our scoring system is designed to be fair, transparent, and educational, reflecting the multifaceted nature of musical performance. It encourages teams to strive for personal excellence and growth in their musical journey.
SCORING SYSTEM
AND RECOGNITION
Our scoring system recognizes achievement at all levels:
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• Gold Award: 90 and above
• Silver Award: 80-89
• Bronze Award: 70-79
• Merit Recognition: 60-69
• Participation Recognition: below 60
Through this system, we honor the commitment, hard work, and passion of all participants. Every performance is a step in the journey of musical growth and exploration, and we are here to encourage that journey in all its stages.
Every participant will receive valuable feedback from our esteemed panel of adjudicators. This constructive commentary will serve as a tool to improve their performance, not only for the competition but for their future musical endeavors.
By participating in the UK Schools Music Festival, students will not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to the rich tapestry of music education in the UK. Let's celebrate the power of music together!
