Syllabus by Section - Vocal

For all Vocal Concert Group Classes: Only competitors performing from memory may be recommended to proceed to the Rose Bowl competition.  All competitors will receive an adjudication and a mark, provided all other requirements are met.

Own Choice of Three Selections 

Competitors should perform each of the following:
1. an aria from opera or oratorio OR a piece from the Baroque era;
2. a lied;
3. plus one other song.

Selections should be from standard concert or suitable instrument-specific repertoire. Competitors will be judged on selections, contrast, appropriateness, keys, technique, interpretation and stage presence. 

• Abuse of the time limit will not be tolerated.  Competitors abusing the time limit will be adjudicated only, with no mark.  Selections must be sung as a set, one following the other without interruption.
• Movements from song cycles are permitted
• Folk songs without a written musical piano accompaniment arrangement or classical treatment are not permitted
• Selections must be performed as a set, one following the other without interruption
• Competitors must not perform any selection entered in any other class in the current festival

For all Musical Theatre Classes: Elaborate sets, including furniture and other large staging elements, are NOT permitted. A table and/or chair can be made available for all performers at the festival venue. Small handheld props are permitted.

Own Choice of One Musical Theatre Song  

Musical Theatre Song: A song that incorporates all three elements of musical theatre: acting, staging/dancing, and singing in their routine presentation. This would include Disney songs, stand-alone musical theatre songs, and musical selections from a film and/or stage musical.

• Solo only, no added parts
• It is recommended that costumes be worn
• No live props are permitted
• Not to exceed five minutes, including introduction and any dialogue
  
  

Own Choice of Two advanced selections

The recommended selections must include a Ballad and an Up-Tempo work.

The term “Ballad” is used to describe music with a slower tempo, often of a serious or introspective nature, e.g. - “On My Own (from Les Misérables).

The term “Up-Tempo” is used to describe music with a lively tempo. Often comedy, e.g., “One Hundred Easy Ways (from Wonderful Town).

All selections are to be sung from a published score, in any published key of a staged musical.  Minimum age 15 years by December 31, 2025. 

• Music must be provided to the adjudicator. The original copy can be the Broadway score, from an Anthology, or purchased online (proof of purchase must be provided), provided it comes from a staged musical. The Score submitted must match the version/revision being performed.  The year of the revision is to be indicated on the entry form. Selections are not to include revues, operetta/light opera (e.g., Romberg, Johann Strauss, Lehár, and Offenbach). It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure that their selections meet these criteria.

• Competitors may perform in costume enhancements (e.g., hat, scarf, jacket, shawl) and one handheld prop per selection. Competitors may leave the stage briefly for a drink of water or to facilitate an entrance, but must not leave the stage for complete costume changes. Spoken passages are allowed only if published in the script/score provided. For full class regulations, see pg. 12 of the 2026 Syllabus.

Own Choice of One Selection by a Canadian Composer

• Selection must be in classical style, not a folk or pop song unless specifically arranged for vocal solo. Must supply original music to the adjudicator.
• Must supply original music to the adjudicator
  
  

Own Choice of One Traditional Folk Song from any country

• Includes Newfoundland and Labrador traditional folk songs and Newfoundland and Labrador contemporary songs composed in a folk song style. 
•  Each participant must provide original music for the adjudicator. Where original music is non-existent or out of print, words and melodic line must be provided.
• For Folk Song definitions, please refer to rule 5 on page 3 of the 2026 Syllabus.

Own Choice of One Gospel Song, suitable for a church setting

Own Choice of One selection from the indicated grade level or above

• Selection MUST come from either the Royal Conservatory of Music or the Conservatory Canada syllabus. 
• Singing should be in classical style. 

Own Choice of One Duet for Voice

• Pop and folk songs are not permitted unless arranged in classical style

Own Choice of One Musical Theatre Duet

• Not to exceed five minutes, including introduction and dialogue.
• It is recommended that costumes be worn. 
• No live props permitted.

Own Choice of Two Contrasting Selections

• Minimum 6, maximum 12 singers.
• At least one selection must be in 3 or more parts. 

Own Choice of One selection for a Musical Theatre Group

• Minimum of 3 voices - Maximum of 12 voices
• Must supply original music to the adjudicator
  
  

Own Choice of Two Contrasting Selections

This class is for vocalists who would like to receive written adjudication on their performance but are not able to attend in person. Vocalists will submit a recorded performance through the Ciniki platform. Marks will not be awarded, and this class is not eligible for awards.