Strings

The Strings classes for 2024 were held on 9 and 10 March. We enjoyed some accomplished and musical performances, to which the adjudicator Alex Urquhart responded with warmth, enthusiasm and technical advice, both general and specific.

Every level, from beginner to accomplished performer, is catered for in classes where marks are awarded, and in those where only feedback is given. Graded classes and those defined by age-group ensure that players can participate in whatever environment they feel most comfortable. As well as classes for solo players, there are opportunities for duets, ensembles and family groups.

For early-stage players who might like a chance to perform alongside their friends, there is an opportunity to take part in an informal Performance and to receive helpful hints from the adjudicator.

The Recital Competition provides an opportunity to give a sustained performance of contrasting pieces.

Awards 2024

Strings Rules

  1. Age limit: Unless specified, the age limit is 19 years, based on the performer’s age on 31 December in the year prior to the Festival. There are several classes open to adults.
  2. One performance only: Any piece of music may be played only once in the Festival.
  3. Graded music: Music chosen from the graded classes does not have to be from an exam syllabus but the adjudicator’s decision as to the acceptable grading of the perfromer’s chosen piece will in all cases be final. The String Secretary will be happy to give advice on this.
  4. Time limit: Performers are asked to pay close attention to the time limit for each class. A performance that is over the time limit may not receive a mark in a competitive class. Repeats are not required unless Da Capo or Dal Segno is marked..
  5. A copy of the music to be performed must be brought to the festival for the adjudicator to refer to during the performance. Photocopies aer acceptable but will be destroyed immediately after the class. (See Music Rules below regarding the copying of copyright works.)
  6. Accompanists: Unless an arrangement has been made by their teacher, performers must book and pay for their own accompanist, where needed. Please click here for a list of local accompanists.
  7. Announcement of piece: Performers are expected to announe the composer and title of the piece(s) they will be playing clearly and audibly at the start of their performance.
  8. Amateur status: Please note that all performers (excluding accompanists) must be amateurs (someone in full-time or higher education or who does not derive their main income from performance or teaching a string instrument).
  9. Please note that Springboard reserves the right not to refund entry fees if an entrant decides to withdraw.

Music General Rules

Copies of own-choice works for the adjudicator

The Music Publishers Association has recently issued a revised Code of Practice on copying copyright works and the following concession is made for copying Own Choice pieces from volumes only for the adjudicator. Other items must not be photocopied without permission of the copyright holder in each case.”When an Own Choice work is selected from a publication containing several different works and which is not published separately, one copy may be made for the use of an adjudicator at a competition or festival provided that the competitor has already purchased his/her own copy and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the administrator of the Competition or Festival immediately after the event. This permission specifically does not apply to set works.”

Performers are advised that this permission applies only to copyright holders who are members of The Music Publishers Association, listed at the back of the Code of Practice leaflet, obtainable from the Association at 6th Floor, British Music House, 26 Berners Street, London W1T 3LR. Tel. 020 7580 0126020 7580 0126

It is performers’ own responsibility to ensure that they seek permission to copy direct from any copyright holder whose name does not appear in the MPA list. Single copies of items may not be photocopied without prior permission of the copyright holder. The permission does not apply to making copies for the Accompanist, who should always be given a printed copy from which to work.

Photocopies for the Adjudicator must be totally legible or they may be refused.

Copyright guidance regarding internet downloads

Where music is downloaded from the internet, the performer must also print off and submit the permission statement accompanying the music. Please click here to see copyright guidance concerning internet downloads.

General Rules & Regulation

Please ensure that you read the Festival’s General Rules & Regulations, downloadable here.