DATE: 27/28 July 2024
VENUE: ST DOMINIC'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, GAUTENG PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA


EDUCATION AFRICA INTERNATIONAL MARIMBA & STEELPAN FESTIVAL 2024 COMPETITION RULES

NEW in 2024:
  1. There will be two venues that will run concurrently for parts of both days of the festival. Venue 1 will run all the large ensembles and all the small category 2 competitions and all the category 4 competitions. Venue 2 will run all the category 1 and 3 small ensembles. No instruments may be moved from one venue to the other. We will ensure that small and large ensembles in the same section do not run concurrently in the programme. (e.g. PS1 and PL2 will not run concurrently in two venues)
  2. The sizes of the ensembles have changed: small: 2 - 12 members and large: 13 and more members.


PLEASE NOTE:
FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS COMPETITION A MARIMBA IS DEFINED AS: ANY MELODIC PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT WHICH HAS WOODEN KEYS

SECTIONS AND CATEGORIES
THERE ARE 3 MAIN SECTIONS: PRIMARY, HIGH AND OPEN DIVIDED INTO 14 SUBSECTIONS AND THERE ARE 4 CATEGORIES.

SOLO ONLINE ENTRIES
SMALL ENSEMBLE: 2 - 12 BAND MEMBERS
LARGE ENSEMBLE: 13 OR MORE MEMBERS

Sections

SECTION ELIGIBILITY
PRIMARY SCHOOL BANDS
(SMALL ENSEMBLE)
"PS" (Primary Small) 		bands with 2 -12 members maximum (including dancers and/or singers)

South African Schools: Grades 0 - 7
International Schools: please check with organisers
PRIMARY SCHOOL BANDS
(LARGE ENSEMBLE)
"PL" (Primary Large) 		bands with 13 or more members (including dancers and/or singers)

South African Schools: Grades 0 - 7
International Schools: please check with organisers
ACCOMPANIED PRIMARY SCHOOL BANDS
(NO SIZE OF ENSEMBLE RESTRICTION)
"AP" (Accompanied Primary) 		bands must have 1 - 3 adults/teachers playing with the band
no restriction in the size of the band

please note: the "AP" and "AH" sections are ONLY available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category. Bands in this category are NOT eligible for the "Best Marimba/Steel Band at the Festival" Prize (for more information see below)

South African Schools: Grades 0 - 7
International Schools: please check with organisers
ONLINE PRIMARY SCHOOL BANDS
(NO SIZE LIMIT OF ENSEMBLE)
"OP" (Online Primary) 		available to South African Bands and International Bands who are not able to make it to the LIVE festival.
no restriction to the size of the band

South African Schools: Grades 0 - 7


please note: the "OP" , "OH" "OO" sections are ONLY available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category. Bands in this category are NOT eligible for the "Best Marimba/Steel Band at the Festival" Prize (for more information see below)


ONLINE PRIMARY SOLO
"OPS" 		available to South African and International participants

South African Schools: Grades 0 - 7
International Schools: please check with organisers


Participants must enter into Diatonic Solo Marimba category or Chromatic Solo Marimba/Steelpan category


HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
(SMALL ENSEMBLE)
"HS" (High Small) 		bands with 2 - 12 members maximum (including dancers and/or singers)

South African Schools: Grades 8 - 12
International Schools: please check with organisers
HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
(LARGE ENSEMBLE)
"HL" (High Large) 		bands with 13 or more members (including dancers and/or singers)

South African Schools: Grades 8 - 12
International Schools: please check with organisers
ACCOMPANIED HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
(NO SIZE OF ENSEMBLE RESTRICTION)
"AH" (Accompanied High) 		bands must have 1 - 3 adults/teachers playing with the band
no restriction in the size of the band

please note: the "AP" and "AH" sections are ONLY available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category. Bands in this category are NOT eligible for the "Best Marimba/Steel Band at the Festival" Prize (for more information see below)

South African Schools: Grades 8 - 12
International Schools: please check with organisers
ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
(NO SIZE LIMIT OF ENSEMBLE)
"OH" (Online High) 		available to South African Bands and International Bands who are not able to make it to the LIVE festival.
no restriction to the size of the band

please note: the "OP" , "OH" "OO" sections are ONLY available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category. Bands in this category are NOT eligible for the "Best Marimba/Steel Band at the Festival" Prize (for more information see below)

South African Schools: Grades 8 - 12
ONLINE HIGH SOLO
"OHS" 		available to South African and International participants

South African Schools: Grades 8 - 12
International Schools: please check with organisers

Participants must enter into Diatonic Solo Marimba category or Chromatic Solo Marimba/Steelpan category

OPEN BANDS
(SMALL ENSEMBLE)
"OS" (Open Small) 		bands with 2 - 12 members maximum (including dancers and/or singers)

Tertiary institutions, professional adult bands, amateur adult bands, school bands (with at least 4 ADULTS).
please note: if you are a school band and you enter this category you MUST have at least 4 ADULTS playing in the band.

OPEN BANDS
(LARGE ENSEMBLE)
"OL" (Open Large) 		bands with 13 or more members (including dancers and/or singers)

Tertiary institutions, professional adult bands, amateur adult bands, school bands (with at least 4 ADULTS).
please note: if you are a school band and you enter this category you MUST have at least 4 ADULTS playing in the band.
ONLINE OPEN BANDS
(NO SIZE LIMIT OF ENSEMBLE)
"OO" (Online Open) 		available to South African and International Bands who are not able to make it to the LIVE festival.
no restriction to the size of the band

please note: the "OP" , "OH" "OO" sections are ONLY available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category. Bands in this category are NOT eligible for the "Best Marimba/Steel Band at the Festival" Prize (for more information see below)

Tertiary institutions, professional adult bands, amateur adult bands, school bands (with at least 4 ADULTS).
please note: if you are a school band and you enter this category you MUST have at least 4 ADULTS playing in the band.
ONLINE OPEN SOLO
"OOS" 		available to South African and International participants

Open to adults (19 and older)

Participants must enter into Diatonic Solo Marimba category or Chromatic Solo Marimba/Steelpan category.


Please note: if you have mixed age groups in your band then you must enter your band into the HIGHEST AGE GROUP excluding "AP" and "AH":

e.g. if you have a mixed band of primary and high school members then you must enter them into the high school section.
e.g. if you have a band of primary or high school and there are 4 or more adults/teachers, then you must enter them into the open section.
e.g. If you have a band of primary or high school and there are 1 - 3 adults/teachers, then you must enter the accompanied primary or high school section.

THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES THAT FALL INTO EACH OF THE THREE BAND SECTIONS (Unless otherwise indicated)
(excluding the accompanied primary and accompanied high school sections and the online primary, online high and online open sections which are only eligible to enter the "battle of the bands" category)

Categories

CATEGORY INSTRUMENTARIUM TIME LIMIT
1 "BATTLE OF THE BANDS":
MARIMBA BAND: marimbas with/without non-melodic percussion instruments* only

OR

STEEL BAND: steelpans with/without non-melodic percussion instruments* only. 		3 minutes
2 "IN THE MIX" :
If you are a MARIMBA BAND then you need to include at least one other different melodic instrument** OTHER THAN A MARIMBA in your ensemble with/without non-melodic percussion instruments. These instruments need to play a significant role in the ensemble. (Final decision will be made at the discretion of the adjudicators and programme director).
OR
If you are a STEEL BAND then you need to include at least one other different melodic instrument** OTHER THAN A STEELPAN in your ensemble with/without non-melodic percussion instruments. These instruments need to play a significant role in the ensemble. (Final decision will be made at the discretion of the adjudicators and programme director). 		3 minutes
3 "STRICTLY CLASSICAL"
For 2024 your band must PLAY music by the Classical composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). You may enter a marimba band, a steelpan band, or a steelpan and marimba band (no other melodic instruments permitted.) You may play Mozart in any style! You may include other composers into the composition but the majority of your performance played in this category MUST be by Mozart.		 3 minutes

IN ADDITION, THERE IS A SEPARATE CATEGORY IN VARIOUS AGE GROUP BUT RESTRICTED TO 10 PLAYERS OR LESS FOR PRESTIGE BANDS TO BE SELECTED FROM EACH INSTITUTION AND RESTRICTED TO ONE BAND ONLY FROM EACH INSTITUTION:

CATEGORY INSTRUMENTARIUM / ADDITIONAL RULES TIME LIMIT
P4/H4/O4 "PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN/AFRICAN" PRESTIGE BANDS

1. This will be open to one band only from each of the institutions taking part.
2. Each band must have a maximum of 10 performers (inclusive of dancers).
3. Each band must play a South African/African piece or a medley of pieces. (Please check with organisers if you are unsure of the origin of your piece).
4. The band must be a marimba band with/without non-melodic percussion instruments OR a steel band with/without non-melodic percussion instruments. 		3 minutes

*Examples of non-melodic instruments This list includes some but not all possible examples of non-melodic instruments:

Drum-kit, All types of drums (except tunable drums), hosho, triangle, shakers, maracas, wood-blocks, claves, cabasa, guiro, shekere, rhythm sticks, rain stick, agogo

(please contact the organisers if you are unsure of any other instrument you may wish to include in your band) 		**Examples of melodic instruments This list includes some but not all possible examples of melodic instruments:

violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, penny whistle, recorder, trumpet, trombone, tuba , French horn, saxophone, bag-pipes, all guitars, piano, keyboard, celeste, marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, metallophone, steelpans, choir, solo singer, vocal ensemble, bottle band, more than one tuned kudu horn, kora, mbira, harp, boomwhackers, kazoos, tunable drums, narrator or poet.

(please contact the organisers if you are unsure of any other instrument you may wish to include in your band)


ADJUDICATING CRITERIA

ABOVE ALL: THE PERFORMANCE NEEDS TO BE A MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
1 ENSEMBLE:
  • Togetherness
  • Internal balance and blend
  • Appropriate choice of instruments (where applicable)
 3 ARRANGEMENT:
  • Variety in parts
  • Exploration of instrument potential
  • Appropriate style
  • Creativity
  • Colour
2 PERFORMANCE:
  • Range of dynamics
  • Appropriate tempo choice
  • Level of difficulty
  • Phrasing
  • Rhythm
  • Technique
  • Alternating hands (marimbas)
  • No banging on the instruments
  • Bouncing of mallets
  • Appropriate choice of mallets
  • Playing in the middle of the bars (marimbas)
  • Correct grip
  • Intonation (where applicable)
  • Interpretation
 4 STAGE PRESENTATION:
  • Movement and facial expression
  • Whole body involvement
  • Confidence
  • Preparedness
  • Dress
  • Capturing the spirit of the composition
  • Effort


PLEASE NOTE: EACH ADJUDICATOR WILL RANK THE BANDS IN ORDER. THE WINNING BANDS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE COMBINED RANKINGS OF THE ADJUDICATORS. THE DECISIONS OF THE ADJUDICATORS ARE FINAL AND NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL PERFORMERS NEED TO BE DRESSED APPROPRIATELY. NO PERFORMERS MAY GO TOPLESS AND PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF HOW REVEALING YOUR OUTFITS ARE.

PLEASE NOTE: FOR ONLINE SECTIONS YOUR VIDEO WILL BE SCREENED LIVE AT THE FESTIVAL IN A SEPARATE VENUE BUT WILL BE ADJUDICATED ONLINE BEFORE THE FESTIVAL.

PRIZES
1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be announced.

The winner of EACH CATEGORY of EACH SECTION will be awarded a floating trophy.
ADDITIONAL PRIZES will be awarded at the ADJUDICATORS' discretion.


SPECIAL PRIZES
A Signature Combination Marimba donated by The Marimba Workshop (PTY) Ltd. www.marimbaworkshop.co.za (to be drawn from a hat).

Please note: The donor of the prize will not be responsible for the delivery costs of the prize. PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR FURTHER PRIZES.

BEST "MARIMBA BAND OF THE FESTIVAL" PRIZE
As there are SO many marimba bands at the festival:

To be eligible for this prize please take note of the following rules:

  1. The institution needs to take part in ALL FOUR categories to be eligible for this prize. (Excluding bands from sections: "AP", AH", "OP", "OH" and "OO").
  2. The highest scoring marimba band (from the institutions that have taken part in ALL FOUR CATEGORIES and have NOT been disqualified in any of these categories) from each PRESTIGE BAND: PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN/AFRICAN category: the Primary School (P4), High School (H4) and Open (O4) Sections will compete against each other before the prize giving for the chance to be crowned the Best Marimba Band of the Festival.
  3. All six adjudicators will adjudicate this. Therefore, it is in your interest to choose your very best 10 players (or less) to take part in category 4. (As this category has a maximum of 10 people playing in the band the playing field is levelled!)
  4. If your institution enters ALL FOUR categories, then it is imperative that your prestige band is at the Festival on Sunday 28 July and is available to perform during the time of the play-off. The three bands that will be performing against each other will be announced after the last performance of the Festival competitions.
  5. It is essential that your prestige band is on the premises of the Festival TWO HOURS before prize giving is due to start. If your band is unreachable at the time of the announcement of the three competing bands then you will forfeit the chance of being part of the play-off!
  6. The three competing bands will be required to play the same music they played in the prestige band category (CATEGORY 4).
BEST STEELPAN PERFORMANCE OF THE FESTIVAL PRIZE
  1. The institution needs to take part in ALL FOUR categories to be eligible for this prize. (Excluding bands from sections: "AP", AH", "OP", "OH" and "OO").
  2. The highest scoring steel band (from the institutions that have taken part in ALL FOUR CATEGORIES and have NOT been disqualified in any of these categories) from each PRESTIGE BAND: PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN/AFRICAN category: the Primary School (P4), High School (H4) and Open (O4) Sections will compete against each other before the prize giving for the chance to be crowned the Best Steel Band of the Festival.
  3. All six adjudicators will adjudicate this. Therefore, it is in your interest to choose your very best 10 players (or less) to take part in category 4. (As this category has a maximum of 10 people playing in the band the playing field is levelled!)
  4. If your institution enters ALL FOUR categories, then it is imperative that your prestige band is at the Festival on Sunday 28 July and is available to perform during the time of the play-off. The three bands that will be performing against each other will be announced after the last performance of the Festival competitions.
  5. It is essential that your prestige band is on the premises of the Festival TWO HOURS before prize giving is due to start. If your band is unreachable at the time of the announcement of the three competing bands then you will forfeit the chance of being part of the play-off!
  6. The three competing bands will be required to play the same music they played in the prestige band category.
  7. Should there not be sufficient steel bands to take part in this play-off then the 6 adjudicators will decide which band performance deserves the title of the best steel band performance.


COMPETITION RULES
If you live outside of the Gauteng area and are unable to bring your own marimbas or steelpans you may use the marimbas and steelpans that will be at the festival. Please check with the organisers that the specific marimbas and steelpans that you play on will be available at the Festival. The organisers cannot guarantee that all different instruments will be present at the Festival, please contact the organisers to confirm.

Anyone entering the SMALL ENSEMBLE Categories will be required to submit their tech. riders by 11 March 2024.

  1. Singing by the BAND MEMBERS is permitted during the performance in any of the above categories. A separate choir or singer for the purposes of this competition is regarded as a "melodic instrument". Therefore if the band has a separate choir or singer/s then the band must enter in category 2 only. No offensive or inappropriate lyrics will be accepted.
  2. If a band includes a narrator or poet in the performance then the band must enter in category 2 only. No offensive or inappropriate lyrics will be accepted.
  3. Dancing by the band OR a separate dance group may be included during the performance in any of the above categories provided the number of performers is adhered to.
  4. Participants may ONLY compete in their relevant section.
  5. In Section "PS" and "PL" and "HS" and "HL" the teacher or conductor may NOT play with the band. He/she may NOT keep the beat for the band by clapping, stamping feet or playing any type of instrument including clicking beaters. There is a special section this year for teachers who wish to accompany their bands. Please see the above rules for sections "AP" and "AH"
  6. ELIGIBILITY:
    SECTIONS "PS" AND "PL": only children from grades 0 - 7 (South African Education System) (please contact organisers re: non-South African participants).
    SECTIONS "HS" AND "HL": only children from grades 8 - 12 or a mixed age group grades 0 - 12 (South African Education System) (please contact organisers re: non-South African participants).
    SECTIONS "OS" AND "OL" : mixed age group of grades 0 - 12 and at least 4 adults or an adult band.
  7. SECTIONS "AP", "AH": any band where 1 - 3 teachers/adults perform with the band. A reminder that this section is only available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category.
  8. SECTIONS "OP", "OH", "OO": A reminder that this section is only available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category. (These sections will be BROADCAST at the Festival. See guidelines for submitting videos).
  9. Provided the total length falls within the time limit, a performance in ALL CATEGORIES may consist of any number of pieces played as a medley of tunes in any style. (Medley: a musical composition made up of a series of songs or short pieces presented as one full piece, with no breaks in between).
  10. The same band may NOT enter more than once in any particular category.
  11. CATEGORY 4 is restricted to ONE band from each institution. The band must either be a marimba band with/without non-melodic percussion instruments OR a steel band with/without non-melodic percussion instruments. The size of the band must be a maximum of 10 performers. The band must play a South African/African piece or medley. The bands will compete in Primary, High or Open sections. Singing and dancing is permitted by band members. Please remember there has to be 4 or more adults in your band to enter Category 4 in the Open section.
  12. Groups will only be eligible for a prize if the duration of the performance does not exceed 3 minutes. Timing will be recorded from the 1st note of the performance. There will be time set aside for setting up and striking. PLEASE NOTE: the programme director WILL stop the band after 3:10. Unfortunately we cannot run over time.
  13. Please make sure that you enter your band in the correct categories and that you adhere to the combinations of instruments, age groups and time limits as stipulated in these rules. Groups that do not adhere to the stipulations as set out above will NOT be eligible for a prize.
  14. A list of the titles of the music you will be performing at the Festival must be sent to the Festival office by 8 July 2024. Forms will be sent to all registered institutions. Bands which have not sent these lists by 8 July run the risk of not being eligible to compete. The composer, publisher and length of piece will be required in each case. (NO SHEET MUSIC IS REQUIRED).
  15. PLEASE NOTE: drummers, conductors or band members may not have an inner ear click track or metronome during their performance. If a band is found to be using this, they will be disqualified from the category.
  16. No backing tracks or pre-programmed drum or electronic beats will be considered in any of the categories.
Please note: By agreeing to participate in this International Marimba & Steelpan Festival you hereby grant permission on behalf of your band members for photographs, videos and possible radio or television broadcasting to take place, including posts on social media related to their band performances. You hereby agree on their behalf that you will not claim any compensation for the above. You also agree that you will have written permission in this regard from the parents of all minors (under 18).

YOU MAY ONLY ENTER A MAXIMUM OF 4 ENTRIES FROM EACH INSTITUTION OR 7 FROM INSTITUTIONS WHERE YOU ARE ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL AND PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN OR MIXED AGE GROUPS.

ONLINE RULES (sections: "OP" "OH" "OO")
  1. Once the registration is completed and the payment has been received, bands will be required to send videos of performances no longer than 3 minutes in length via WeTransfer to joan@educationafrica.org by 3 June, 2024.
  2. Available to South African Bands and International Bands who are not able to make it to the LIVE festival.
  3. No restriction to the size of the band
  4. Please note: the "OP", "OH", "OO" sections are ONLY available in the "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" category. Bands in this category are NOT eligible for the "Best Marimba/Steel Band at the Festival" Prize (for more information see above).
  5. You may only enter a maximum 1 video per band and a maximum of 7 per institution where you are entering high school and primary school children or mixed age groups. (e.g. High School + Primary School; High School + Open; Primary School + Open; Primary School + High School + Open)
  6. Videos must have been made in 2024. Videos need to have been taken with a cell phone and in landscape format.
  7. Permission from band members must be obtained to allow them to appear on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube as well as any other media.
  8. Adjudication of these categories will happen before the Festival but will be broadcast in a venue at the Festival.


ENTRANCE FEES
  • R700 NON-REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION FEE PER INSTITUTION TO BE PAID BY MONDAY 11 MARCH 2024.
  • R350 COMPETITION FEE PER BAND/ENSEMBLE PER CATEGORY TO BE PAID BY MONDAY 11 MARCH 2024.
  • R350 per participant for a full week-end festival passport, payable by closing date of competition: MONDAY 3 JUNE 2024. (This festival passport includes admission to all workshops and all performances as well as performing in the competition.). (This fee does not apply to any bands who are entering the "Online" Categories).
  • Limited sponsorship may be available for schools or individuals. Please contact joan@educationafrica.org directly via email by the latest 6 May 2024 for more information.


Due to the extreme demand and popularity for bands entering this Festival the FIRST 300 category entries that are FULLY PAID are guaranteed a place in the Festival, regardless of the closing date. Anyone after the first 300 paid category entries will be put on a waiting list in order of receipt. Please note it is up to your school to process payments timeously. (Please understand your own school's payment processes, as we cannot be held responsible for delayed payments, and cannot guarantee your entry without a full registration and category payment).

PLEASE REMEMBER: there is an additional entry fee of R350 for every participant and teacher for the Festival passport, who comes through the gate. These fees are due by Monday the 3rd of June 2024. There are reduced prices for spectators. Spectators can pay at the gate OR purchase tickets in advance from July 2024 from Ticketpro.

The International Marimba & Steelpan Festival will begin at 08h00 on SATURDAY 27 July 2024 and end on SUNDAY 28 JULY 2024 at approximately 19h00.

The prizes winners will be announced and the prizes awarded on SUNDAY AFTERNOON 28 JULY 2024 at the PRIZE WINNERS' CONCERT.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT: JOAN LITHGOW : joan@educationafrica.org or 082 266 4229 (OFFICE HOURS ONLY)

Please COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION AND ENTRY ONLINE AND PRESS SUBMIT.

PLEASE NOTE:
CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATION AND COMPETITION ENTRIES INCLUDING PAYMENT: FRIDAY: 11 MARCH 2024
LATE REGISTRATION: AN EXTRA (subject to availability): R350.00
CLOSING DATE FOR PARTICIPANTS' ENTRIES INCLUDING PAYMENT: MONDAY: 3 JUNE 2024
CLOSING DATE FOR ONLINE CATEGORY VIDEO SUBMISSIONS: MONDAY: 3 JUNE 2024
LATE ENTRIES: AN EXTRA: R50 PER PERSON


CONTACT DETAILS
JOAN LITHGOW: FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
EMAIL DETAILS: joan@educationafrica.org
082 266 4229

SEE YOU AT THE FESTIVAL!!!

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