Rules & Regulations

a. Two (2) printed scores and/or lead sheets with numbered measures must be presented at the check in desk prior to performance and picked up by the director following the performance or clinic. GHMF is not responsible for materials not picked up prior to the ensemble leaving the performance/clinic area. Up to three (3) scores or lead sheets may be presented (and would be appreciated by the adjudicators) but only two (2) are required. Photocopying of copyrighted material is illegal. Photocopied scores will not be passed to the adjudicators and clinicians unless accompanied by a letter of consent from the copyright owner or publisher.
b. It is strongly recommended that all Ensembles provide an advisor to the sound technician at the time of performance. It is also recommended that the solo sheets and stage plots provided are as concise, clear and current as is possible. The basic Jazz Ensemble set up will be ACOUSTIC. Two solo microphones will be in the trumpet section; two in the trombone section; two in the sax section; two in front of the band. The piano will have one microphone. General balance of the ensemble is to be carried out acoustically, solo microphones (including the piano microphone) will be active only for solos at the cue or request of the ensemble’s sound advisor (or at the judgement of GHMF staff).
c. (i) It is recommended that Jazz Ensembles in Classes A101 to A302 inclusive conform to “standard instrumentation” (up to twelve brass, up to six saxophones, up to six rhythm). (ii) Deviation from the “standard instrumentation” will be judged on its musical merit. Use of woodwind doubling in the sax section is encouraged.
d. No fewer than 9 nor more than 24 performers in Jazz Ensemble Classes A101 to A302 inclusive are permitted on the stage during any single selection. Ensembles exempt from this rule (e.g. A401 through A701) are reminded that the stage size and configuration may not permit adequate room for further performers.

e. All ensembles should present a program of three (3) contrasting selections with opportunities for improvisation. Jazz repertoire is encouraged; i.e. Swing, Jazz Blues, Ballads, Jazz Rock, Latin Jazz, Samba, etc...; Pop material is inappropriate. One selection must be a ballad. The ensemble must consider timing rules (see g. below) when programming repertoire.
f. Warm up rooms will be available for a maximum of 20 MINUTES prior to the performance. Each Ensemble must report to the warm up check in area 1 HOUR prior to performance time to allow sufficient time to put cases and equipment in the assigned storage area.
g. Performance time is limited to a maximum of 30 MINUTES which will include: warm up, set up, introduction of the ensemble, performance, commentary from the Adjudicator, Honour presentation and exit from the stage. This time block will be strictly enforced. Any Ensemble exceeding this time restriction may be suspended and their performance cut short.
h. Each performing Ensemble will receive a clinic of approximately 30 MINUTES with a Festival adjudicator/clinician focusing on items of concern. i. In the combo classes, there may not be fewer than 2 nor more than 8 performers (including vocalists) on stage during the performance of a selection. j. Traditional Jazz Combos will perform jazz in the style of the early 1900’s. The suggested instrumentation is tuba/string bass, cornet/trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone and rhythm. No electronic audio support will be provided.
k. In the combo classes it is highly recommended that each member improvise.

a. All ensembles will be evaluated to a “National Standard of Performance” unless they have elected “Adjudication Only” prior to their performance.
b. Musical integrity will be the basis of evaluation. Adjudicators will include consideration of stylistic interpretation, intonation, dynamics, attacks, releases, articulations, balance, time, feel, improvisation, instrumentation and the variety, quality and appropriateness of repertoire selections.
c. Adjudicators’ comments will reflect the total assessment of the performance selections. d. If time permits, a brief verbal adjudication will follow each performance.
e. Written adjudications will be available the evening following each performance, subject to the completion of adjudicator deliberations.
f. All Adjudicators’ comments will be intended as a guide for the continued development of the Ensemble.

Ensembles must bring all instruments and equipment other than that specifically provided by the Festival as follows:
a. Warm Up Room and Clinic Room: An acoustic or electric or electronic piano or keyboard, guitar amplifier, keyboard amplifier, bass amplifier, complete drum set, chairs and music stands (depending on category).
b. Festival Performance Area: An acoustic or electric piano, keyboard amplifier, guitar amplifier, bass amplifier, complete drum set (five piece kit with ride, crash, hi-hats), congas, chairs and music stands (numbers and layout may be restrictive due to performance stage configuration).
c. No equipment may be substituted or moved. All Ensembles must use the equipment supplied. Drummers are only permitted to exchange the snare drum and bass pedal. The Zildjian cymbals, which are provided, may not be removed from their stands or from the drum set, but may be re- organized as required. The ensemble may add cymbals to the drum kit, provided that they are complete on their own stand. Keyboard players may add their own keyboards if necessary, but not move or remove existing keyboards.
d. The movement of any equipment on the stage will be counted as a portion of the ensemble’s time in that particular performance area.

a. All members of a Chamber Ensemble must be performing with a concert band or Orchestra which is registered and participating at the GHMF.
b. Ensembles are requested to perform two selections of contrasting style - own choice.
c. Performance is limited to 15 minutes of music and 20 minutes total stage time including set up, performance and tear down. Groups exceeding the time restrictions may be suspended and their performance cut short.
d. Warm up rooms will be available for a maximum of 20 MINUTES prior to the performance. Each Ensemble must report to the warm up check in area 45 MINUTES prior to performance time to allow sufficient time to put cases and equipment in the assigned storage area.
e. “Pop” and jazz literature is inappropriate.
f. Each ensemble must provide the adjudicators with two (2) conductor’s scores for each selection performed. Scores are to be given to the check in desk by the director prior to the performance and picked up by the director following the performance and clinic. GHMF is not responsible for materials not picked up prior to the ensemble leaving the performance/clinic area.
PHOTOCOPIED SCORES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE FESTIVAL STAFF.

Ensembles will be allowed to store their instruments on site in an area supervised by GHMF personnel only for the time during which they have been scheduled to be in the warm-up, performance and clinic rooms. Ensembles must be accompanied by their directors, chaperones, or other supervisors at all times while in the storage area. Ensembles must arrange for storage of equipment at all other times.

It is the responsibility of the ensemble director to pick up the audio recordings and all music scores BEFORE leaving the performance/clinic area. GHMF will not be responsible for CD’s, scores or any other items left following the performance and clinic.

The Festival will not provide rehearsal rooms for any ensemble performing at GHMF. Ensembles will only be allowed to rehearse on site in a supervised warm-up room approximately one hour before their scheduled performance time.

Ensembles may request a specific day and time to perform. Performance times will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, once the Registration Form and Deposit have been received. Note that these should be considered requests only, and GHMF will not be able to guarantee assignment of each requested performance date and time.

All ensembles must ensure that stage plans and biographies be completed in full and submitted at check in. It is suggested that these forms be mailed or emailed to GHMF prior to the festival, blank copies can be downloaded from ghmf.ca or emailed on request.

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