NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL OF CREATIVE ARTS (NIFCA)
PERFORMING ARTS – MUSIC RULES 2023
NON PROFESSIONAL ADULT & JUNIOR CATEGORIES
1. NAME OF THE COMPETITION
- The name of the competition shall be the NIFCA Performing Arts Music –Non-Professional Adult & Junior Categories (the Competition) which comprises Preliminaries and Finals and is organized and administered by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).
- These Rules apply to those persons wishing to enter the Competition in the Non Professional Adult & Junior Categories.
2. ELIGIBILITY
- Persons wishing to enter the Competition must be:
- A citizen of Barbados or
- Legally resident in Barbados
If the artiste is not a citizen or legal resident of Barbados he/she must present evidence to show he/she is actively pursuing legal residence.
b) Participants in the competition must be at least 4 years old by September 1st in the year of the competition. An entrant is eligible to participate in the Junior Category of NIFCA-Music where his/her age is under 18 years by September 1st. All other entrants (18 years or older) will be adjudicated in the Non- Professional Adult Category.
- Groups with mixed ages will be judged according to the age category (Junior, Adult) to which the majority of the group belongs, on or by September 1st. A complete list of the group’s members indicating their ages and dates of birth must be submitted with the entry form. The NCF reserves the right to satisfy itself that the conditions relating to age are met.
- To enter as a Non-Professional Adult, a person must be 18 years old by September 1st in the year of the competition.
- The following are eligible to participate in the Competition:
– Individuals
– Schools
– Community Groups
– Office
– Neighbourhood
– Church
– Organization
– Musical Bands/Orchestras/Soloists,
– Groups Singing or Instrumentalist
– Other
- All persons entering this category must be considered amateur (i.e. they do not make a living from the performance of music.
3. ENTRY TO THE COMPETITION
- To enter NIFCA Performing Arts-Music competition, persons must properly fill out the relevant online registration form and submit it to the NCF by or before 4.00 p.m. via the NCF website: www.ncf.bb by the indicated dates.
- Persons requiring assistance with online registration may do so by appointment at the NCF during the week of September 25-29th,2023.
- Registration deadlines are as follows:
-Individuals/ Community Groups/ Others:
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
-Secondary Schools:
Friday, October 6, 2023
-Primary Schools:
Friday, October 6, 2023
- Participants whose registration has not been received by the NCF by the deadline indicated at 3c) above shall not be eligible for participation in the Competition.
- The NCF shall dispatch a notice by letter or email to the participant(s) within seven (7) working days of receipt of their entry advising them whether the request for entry has been approved or refused.
- A participant’s duly appointed representative(s) may register, as set out in 3 a) above, on behalf of the participant(s). All group entries must be submitted by the designated leader of the group.
- Participants under 18 years of age at September 1st must have their entry forms submitted by a teacher, parent or guardian.
- Where two works are being entered in the competition, one must
be local or original. (For the purposes of this competition, an original work is considered a musical composition created by a local
artist in the last three years). When one piece is being entered, that
piece should be locally arranged. SEE GENERAL AND INCENTIVE AWARDS, under APPENDIX “A”.
- All classical entries must be supported by music scores. Works being entered in this year’s competition must not have been entered in any previous NIFCA competition by the same performer. Where there is a complaint that a presentation does not conform to this requirement, the complainant shall produce recorded evidence to support the complaint. The penalty for violation of this shall be disqualification of the musical selection or song from the Competition.
j) Music Scores (only) of classical pieces to be performed in the Competition shall be submitted with the Entry Forms ONLINE or hand delivered no later than the dates set out at 3a. Classical pieces will not be allowed to be performed if Music Scores are not submitted.
4. ARBITRATION
- Prior to the deadline for submission of Entry Forms, the NCF shall appoint an Arbiter to decide and adjudicate on any appeals, complaints or matters in dispute or requiring clarification arising from these Rules.
- All complaints related to the Competition shall be submitted, in writing, to the Arbiter in a sealed envelope addressed as follows:
The Arbiter
National Cultural Foundation
West Terrace
St. James
c) All decisions made by the Arbiter shall be final and binding on the competitors and the NCF.
5. ADJUDICATION
- The Competition shall be judged in two (2) stages – Preliminaries and Finals.
- The NCF shall appoint a Chief Judge who shall adjudicate at each stage of the Competition.
- The NCF shall determine the composition of the judging panel at each stage of the Competition.
- The names of the judges shall be publicly announced before the commencement of the Preliminaries.
- The judges reserve the right not to award any special prizes offered in this competition.
6. PRELIMINARIES
a) Judging at the Preliminaries shall not be open to the public.
b) Only entries registered by the closing date indicated at Rule 3 a) above shall be eligible to be judged in the Preliminaries.
c) Each participant shall enter and perform not more than two (2) works in each genre of music at the Preliminaries.
d) Participants performing to recorded accompaniment or their duly appointed representatives shall present a recording (as outlined at 10 aa) to the NCF’s designated officer no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the commencement of the Preliminaries.
e) At the Preliminaries, the maximum points awarded to each participant by the judging panel shall be as follows:
VOCAL PERFORMANCE & INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
WEIGHTING
Musicianship 30
Expressive Features 25
Rendition 20
Originality 15
Presentation 10
Total 100
f) The thirty-five (35) entries that are awarded the highest scores of sixty-five (65) points or over in the Junior Category, and scores of seventy (70) points or over in the Non-Professional Adult category shall be selected to perform those works at the NIFCA Finals. Contestants will only present the work(s) selected by the judges for the finals,
g) At the request of participants, judges will critique their performances at the Preliminaries only. Participants must indicate on the registration form their desire to have this critique done.
7. COACHING
Mandatory Coaching Sessions will be held for all finalists in the period prior to the Finals. All finalists are required to participate towards their best possible presentation at the Finals
8. FINALS
a) Participants selected for the Finals will be competing for Gold, Silver, Bronze and the Top Awards in NIFCA Music. Participants shall perform only those works that have been selected by the judging panel to be performed at the Finals.
b) All Finalists shall assemble at the venue designated by the NCF on a date and time advised by the NCF to rehearse for participation.
c) At the Finals, the maximum points awarded to each participant by the judging panel shall be as follows:
VOCAL PERFORMANCE & INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
WEIGHTING
Musicianship 30
Expressive Features 25
Rendition 20
Originality 15
Presentation 10
Total 100
d) An average score for each selection entered shall be taken. Participants who perform selections that are awarded average scores as indicated below will also be awarded certificates as follows:
Non-Professional – Adult Category Junior Category
Gold 91 – 100 points Gold 86 – 100 points
Silver 81 – 90 points Silver 76 – 85 points
Bronze 70 – 80 points Bronze 65 – 75 points
e) Participants that medal at this stage of the competition will be eligible for consideration towards the awarding of general and incentive awards.
f) No duplicate certificates will be issued for any lost/stolen certificates. However, a letter confirming the award will be issued by the NCF if requested to do so.
9. GENERAL AND SPECIAL AWARDS
- Participants who receive certificates are eligible for Incentive and General Awards as outlined in Appendix “A”. Only those participants who are selected for the Finals would be eligible for Special Top Awards.
10. GENERAL REGULATIONS
Conduct
- A participant shall be held accountable for the actions of those individuals whom he or she brings on stage during the Competition.
- If, during the Competition, a participant or any of his/her supporting acts make any gesture or action that exceeds the bounds of good taste, the participant may be disqualified from the Competition. The Judges shall determine whether behaviour is indecent, obscene, and defamatory or in excess of the bounds of good taste.
- Participants or their associates who behave in a disruptive manner, which interferes with the performance of other individuals or groups or the smooth running of the Competition, may be disqualified from further participation in the Competition.
Venues
d) The NCF will choose the venues for the staging of the Preliminaries and Finals of this competition.
e) Participants shall report to the NCF Stage Manager or NCF designated Officer at the venues selected for the staging of the Preliminaries and Finals no later than one (1) hour before the scheduled start time of the event.
f) Failure to comply with Rule 10 e) may result in the reduction of one (1) point by each judge up to a maximum of five (5) points.
Staging
g) The manner of presentation of a selection will be at the discretion of the participant. Each entry is, however, limited to a maximum of seventy (70) persons on stage at any one time during the presentation of a selection.
h) Should a participant fail to observe Rule 10 g) a designated NCF officer shall inform the Chief Judge immediately after the participant’s performance has ended.
i) The penalty for violating Rule 10 g) shall be a deduction of one (1) point by each judge for every person in excess of the number permitted, up to a maximum of five (5) points per judge on the panel. The designated NCF officer shall notify the participant or the participant’s duly appointed representative of the violation.
j) Performance in the Competition shall not exceed seven (7) minutes for group or solo presentations and will be timed by the official time-keeper from the start of the performance (first musical note played).
k) A violation of Rule 10 j) shall result in a one (1) point deduction by each judge on the panel for every minute or part thereof over the limit up to a maximum of five (5) points per judge. Where a violation occurs, the designated NCF officer shall notify the participant or the participant’s duly appointed representative of the violation.
l) Participants shall appear and perform in their correct position as determined and notified by the NCF.
m) A violation of Rule 10 l) may result in a one (1) point deduction by each judge on the panel up to a maximum of five (5) points.
n) Failure by participants to comply with the reasonable instructions of the NCF designated officer may result in their disqualification from the Competition.
o) The use of props and costumes will be a consideration for awarding points at the Finals.
p) All participants shall be responsible for the setting up, dismantling, transportation and safety of their equipment which must be removed promptly at the end of the respective judging session.
q) All participants must provide their own musical scores, sets, costumes, props, make-up, accompaniment and instruments.
r) The NCF will provide technical assistance in stage management, sound and lighting for the Finals.
s) Participants shall inform the NCF designated officer of any changes to their technical requirements no later than forty-eight (48) hours after being notified of their selection to perform at the Finals. Failure to provide this information may result in the performance being compromised.
t) All children shall be accompanied by adults at the minimum ratio of one (1) adult to ten (10) children at all stages of the Competition.
u) A maximum of two (2) assistants shall be allowed to accompany each adult group at all stages of the Competition.
Musical Accompaniment
v) Participants using live accompaniment shall provide their own accompaniment and shall indicate on the Entry Form what instruments will be used, the number of persons expected to perform, and the number of chairs and microphones required.
w) Participants not submitting the information required in Rule 10 v) shall not be considered for participation in the Competition.
x) Accompaniment tracks being used should not contain the same melodic line as that being performed by the vocalist / instrumentalist / group.
y) The participant shall submit a copy of the props list, a short biography and details of the accompaniment to be used, in the space provided on the entry form to the NCF by the deadline.
z)The details of the accompaniment to be used, whether live or recorded must include the title of the music, the arranger and the composer.
aa) All recorded music must be submitted to the designated NCF officer by email , clearly labeled showing the name of the participant, the title of music contained thereon, name of the composer, and arranger.
Release of Scores
bb) The average scores of the participants for the Finals shall be made public via the NCF website within seven (7) days after the completion of the Competition.
Special Performances
cc) Award-winning participants in the Competition may be required to perform at another NIFCA event. Entry in the Competition, therefore, implies an acceptance to perform if chosen.
11. PROMOTION/ BROADCAST OF PERFORMANCE
a. The participant agrees that the NCF shall be entitled to use his/her performance or part thereof or his/her image or likeness in the promotion of the competition and other related NIFCA events.
b. The NCF shall have the following rights in the performance:
i. The right to a live broadcast, within Barbados, of the whole or any substantial part of the performance;
ii. The right to use excerpts of the performance for promotional or marketing purposes within Barbados and outside of Barbados;
iii. The right to copy the performance or a recording of the performance for the purposes of teaching, research, news reporting, review, instruction or education;
iv. The right to record the performance for archival purposes,
v. The right to include the performance in any Pay Per View or subscription programming provided there is an agreement between the producer and any performing rights organization of which the Performer may be a member;
vi. The right to include the performance in any Pay Per View or subscription programming for the agreed upon rate of two hundred and fifty Barbados Dollars (Bds. $250.00) between the producer and the performer if the performer is not a member of any performing rights organization.
APPENDIX “A”
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL OF CREATIVE ARTS (NIFCA)
SPECIAL AND GENERAL AWARDS FOR MUSIC – NON PROFESSIONAL ADULT & JUNIOR CATEGORIES
SPECIAL TOP AWARDS – Non-Professional ADULT & JUNIOR All entries that medal at the Finals stage of the Music competition will be eligible for these awards accordingly.
1. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship which is sponsored by the Prime Minister’s Office, will be awarded to an individual and/or creator of an entry in the Adult Category achieving 93% or higher in the Music Finals. Awardees must be between the ages of 18 – 40 and demonstrate the greatest potential for training and development in the awarded discipline. This award which may only be won once by any participant is for a maximum of BDS $35,000.00 per discipline, for tertiary studies at any Caribbean Arts institution. Two scholarships will be on offer across all categories of NIFCA. Only one participant may be nominated for this by the judges in each of the disciplines of NIFCA. A maximum of two will be awarded in any year.
2. The James Millington Award of Excellence is in the form of a trophy and a cash prize of $3,000.00. It is presented to the highest scoring participant achieving 91% or greater in the NIFCA Music Showcase.
3. The Prime Minister’s Award for the Best Original NIFCA Music Entry will be offered to recognize significant creativity and innovation in a NIFCA entry that challenges established norms in the art-form. It will comprise a cash award of $3,500.00 and a trophy.
4. The Founder’s Trophy. This award is in memory of NIFCA Founder – Mr. Arden Clark. It is in the form of a challenge trophy which is awarded to the most outstanding gold award performance in NIFCA Performing Arts Finals.
5. *NEW* – 2 scholarships to the Barbados Community College will be offered towards training in the Associate Degree programme in Music to a value of Bds $3000.00 each.
GENERAL & INCENTIVE AWARDS
- Incentive Awards will be offered to reward and encourage promising acts in each discipline may be won by participants. These will take the form of a plaque and cash awards to the value of two hundred ($400.00) for an
individual and seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) for groups as
follows:
– Best Presentation
– Best Performance by a Primary School
– Best Performance by a Secondary School
– Most Promising Performance by each category of Community Group (Office, Neighbourhood, Church, Organization)
– Best Performance by an Individual
– Best Newcomer to NIFCA
– A Special Incentive Award will be offered for the Best Arrangement. Non-resident arrangers are ineligible for this award.
– Best Spouge Performance
– Best Performance of Tuk Rhythms
– *NEW* – Best Original Piece
– *NEW* – Best Instrumental Performance
– *NEW* Best Original Piece
– *NEW* Best Instrumental Performance
– *NEW* Most Entertaining Performance/Performer
– *NEW* Best Small Ensemble – 15 and less
– *NEW* Best Large Ensemble – 16 and over
- Incentive Award for outstanding participation by an Artiste(s) with Disabilities. This award comprises of a trophy and a cash award to a value of $400.00 for an individual and $750.00 for a group. To qualify, participants must specify on their entry form their wish to be considered for this award.
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- The Cynthia Wilson NIFCA Producer’s Prize. This prize which takes the form of a trophy, will be awarded to recognize outstanding participation by a community leader, producer/organizer who facilitates and manages the successful participation of a group of artistes in any discipline for over five years. One prize will be awarded each year.
- In Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Barbados Landship, a cash award of $2,000.00 will be offered in each discipline for any entry that effectively illustrates any aspect of this institution’s history, activities or its legacy.
- The Jackie Opel Award will be awarded for the best locally written, arranged and performed musical selection (any genre). It comprises a Trophy and cash award of BDS$1,500.00.
- *NEW* -The Emile Straker Award will be awarded for the best locally written, arranged and performed folk selection. It comprises a Trophy and cash award of BDS$1,500.00.
- *NEW*- The Business Entrepreneur Prize. This prize is awarded across all NIFCA disciplines and is valued at $15’000.00. It will be awarded to recognize works that demonstrate entrepreneurial value. This prize will be awarded to an Adult composer, arranger or performer of a Gold awarded entry that has shown the most potential for reproduction and distribution of their entry.
- *NEW* – 50th Anniversary of NIFCA Award – this prize will be awarded to the Most Outstanding Presentation in the NIFCA Music 2023. The prize will take the form of a Trophy and a cash prize of $2000.00.
- Certificates of Achievement. These will be issued to authors / directors / set-designers/costume-designers/accompanists in recognition of their contribution to award-winning acts. These certificates will bear a gold, silver or bronze seal according to the level of award won by the entry.
APPENDIX “B”
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL OF CREATIVE ARTS (NIFCA)
GENERAL GUIDELINES – MUSIC – NON-PROFESSIONAL ADULT & JUNIOR CATEGORIES
GENERAL
- Participants are only allowed to enter a maximum of two (2) compositions. All entries must be Barbadian in origin or in arrangement. The categories of entry are at their own discretion, however, the compositions should be contrasting. Participants are encouraged to note that the creativity and a Barbadian aesthetic should be reflected in their presentations: lyrics, genre, arrangement or instrumentation and are expected to give consideration to originality and innovation in their choice of music.
2. Participants may use any vocal or instrumental combination in their presentation.
3. Where two songs are submitted, one should have a Barbadian or Caribbean quality whether through the music, lyrics,.
4. Groups may be represented as Duos, Trios, Quartets, Choirs, Bands, and can be augmented.
5. With respect to school entries:
i. SOLOISTS: Student soloists may, where desired, be accompanied by one or two teachers or other adults.
ii. SCHOOL BANDS/CHOIRS: These shall comprise school children but may also include past students of up to two (2) years and a Teacher or other adult as “Conductor”.
iii. AUGMENTAL CATEGORY: This is open to bands comprising students and teachers
. 6. Music will be categorized as follows:
i. TRADITIONAL/FOLK
ii. CONTEMPORARY/POPULAR
iii. CLASSICAL
iv. JAZZ
v. RELIGIOUS
vi. EXPERIMENTAL/FUSIONS
vii. OPEN – This category may comprise a mixture of disciplines, e.g. mime, sign language, performance poetry, etc., although with the principal focus being on music.
7. JUDGING CRITERIA (Definitions)
All entries will be judged in the following areas:
MUSICIANSHIP – rhythm, pitch, timbre (tonal quality), technique, tempo
EXPRESSIVE FEATURES – pronunciation, enunciation, dynamics, phrasing, articulation
RENDITION – conviction, projection, movement, understanding of style, interpretation
ORIGINALITY – unique approach to arrangement, melody and or rendition
PRESENTATION – stage presence, relevance of choreography
8. JUDGING DATES
The two (2) stages of the 2023 NIFCA Music Competition will be judged on the following dates:
- Preliminaries October 12-21, 2023
- Finals November 11 &12, 2023
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General queries should be directed to The Cultural Officer – Music Education, Kevin Moore at the National Cultural Foundation, telephone number 417-6629 or email kevin-moore@ncf.bb.
