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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS |
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Do I need to bring a tape recorder ? (Dance
section only) |
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How does the Beckenham Festival work? The Beckenham Festival is a registered charity. It has three major sections, Music, Dancing and Speech & Drama. Each section has its own sub-committee run by volunteers, and there is a main committee that oversees matters relating to the Festival as a whole. The Music section is further divided into 10 instrumental and 2 vocal subsections each with its own section organiser. Each section or subsection consists of competitive classes, some of them open to all comers, others limited by age, by grade or level of performance, or by type of performance (e.g. piano duet, improvised dance, verse speaking etc.). Each year there are usually between 3,000 and 4,000 entries in total, spread over around 500 classes. You can enter as many
classes as you like, subject to being eligible. Each section and subsection is
judged by a professional adjudicator, who will provide a written and, time
permitting, a verbal assessment of each performance, and award appropriate
graded certificates to each competitor. Many classes carry medals, trophies
or cash awards in addition to certificates, provided a high enough standard
is reached. Winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places are normally announced at the
end of each class By clicking here you can
view the Festival Rules that cover all sections. Each section has its own additional
rules, that are shown at the beginning of each section or subsection. (N.B.
In the event of any discrepancy between the information below and the
Festival Rules, the latter will prevail). |
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When is the Beckenham Festival held? The Festival is held throughout November each year, at weekends and where necessary on Friday evenings. In 2008 it will start on Saturday 8th November and finish on Sunday 30th November. |
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Each printed copy of the syllabus contains an entry form, (which may be photocopied if more than one copy is needed). Alternatively you can request a copy of the entry form (paper or electronic) by first contacting the Festival Secretary, stating which sections and/or music subsections of the Festival you wish to enter. The appropriate contact details for the section organiser will then be provided. You should only include multiple entries on one form where the Festival’s contact name and address is the same for all of them, otherwise complete one form for each contact and send them separately to the appropriate addresses. |
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What if
I miss the closing date ? Late entries are not normally accepted, and with some sections that are oversubscribed (Dancing in particular), entries may close earlier than the official closing date once maximum numbers have been reached. In exceptional circumstances, and where numbers permit, some section organisers may agree to accept late entries, but it is not advisable to rely on this discretion. If you know in advance that you cannot provide full details of your entries by the closing date, you should contact the appropriate section organiser(s) to warn them as early as possible, to improve the chances of your late entry being accepted. If your entry is not accepted your entry fee will be returned to you. |
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Can I submit conditional entries ? No, entries submitted conditionally, for example on condition that the class will be held on a particular date or time of day, cannot be accepted under any circumstances. |
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How will
I know where to go and when ? Each section organiser to whom you have submitted entries will notify you as soon as possible after entries have closed, advising you of the date, time and venue of the class or classes that you have entered. |
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You should arrive in plenty of time to park, and to find your way to the appropriate room or hall, and to make contact with your accompanist if you have one. Limited warm up facilities are available at Cator Park School only, but if you are using the services of the official accompanist, he/she is unlikely to be available for rehearsal at that stage. Some classes may overrun, causing subsequent classes to start late, but no class will start early unless all competitors are present. Your name will be called when it is your turn to perform. |
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Will I be able to park when I
arrive ? On-street parking may be available in the vicinity of Cator Park School and Sydenham High School, subject to local restrictions. Kelsey Park School has some parking available within the grounds. St George’s Church is close to a public pay and display car park, but on-street parking in the area is limited. |
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What if I turn up late for the class ? Don’t panic – if you do it will almost certainly affect your performance. Whilst some classes last only a few minutes where there are a small number of entries, others may continue for an hour or even more, so you may still be in time. If you’ve missed your turn, your name will be called again after all other competitors have finished performing. Of course, once the adjudicator has completed his or her decision and marking, then no more performances will be allowed to start. If you arrive late do not enter the performance room while others are performing, wait outside until you hear applause and then indicate to the door steward that you wish to enter the room. No refunds of entry fees can be entertained if you are unable to perform. |
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How is the order of performance decided ? Each section organiser will decide the order of performance by ballot once all entries are received. |
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Your entry fee cannot be refunded once your entry has been accepted, whether due to illness or for any other reason. |
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Do I need to bring a music stand ? No, unless you are part of a large group of performers. If in doubt check with the section organiser. |
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Do I need to bring a tape
recorder ? (Dance section only) No, a cassette tape recorder with speakers will be provided and only this equipment may be used. It will be operated by a Festival representative. Only one recording per cassette tape is allowed, and each cassette must be positioned ready to play. |
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How long should my
performance be ? The time limit for each class is indicated in the syllabus or in the class lists in the website. The smooth running of the Festival is dependant on accurate timing of the programme. Do not exceed the time limit, as the adjudicator may ask you to stop if you do so, and may penalise you if you seriously abuse this rule. |
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In Graded Classes can I
play my exam pieces? Yes, provided you did not take the exam a long time ago. Recent exam pieces, or pieces that you are currently preparing for examination may be used. If in doubt ask your teacher. |
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Can I
perform the same piece in more than one class ? No, not in the same year. Nor can you perform a piece in which you won First Prize within the last three years (except in the Dancing section). |
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Does
the Festival provide accompanists ? Yes, in most Music subsections there are official accompanists, for which an additional fee is payable with your entry. The fee will depend on the type of class, and details are shown at the beginning of each music subsection. This fee covers the performance only, and any arrangements for prior rehearsal are made privately between you and the accompanist. Bear in mind that the official accompanist will be playing for other competitors on the day, and will not be available for rehearsal immediately prior to your performance. It is important that you make early contact with the accompanist as soon as your entry is submitted to provide him or her with copies of music, and to arrange rehearsals if needed. Official accompanists may refuse to accompany you if they are not provided with copies of the music sufficiently early. Tape recorded accompaniments are not permitted except as specifically indicated for Dancing (see above). |
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What about audience admission
? Friends, relatives and members of the public may purchase day tickets (Adults: £2.00, children: £1.00) and section programmes (£2.50) on entry to any of the venues. Performers do not pay an admission charge for the class(es) in which they are performing. Alternatively you may choose to become a Member of the Beckenham Festival (currently £15 per year), which entitles you to free admission as a member of the audience to all classes at all venues throughout November, a free programme and entitlement to vote at the AGM. For details see Festival Membership |
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If I
win a Medal or Trophy, do I keep it ? Medals become your property and so
may be kept indefinitely; but any Trophy you win remains the property
of the Festival, so you keep it until the end of the following September when
you must return it, clean and in good condition to the appropriate section
organiser. Occasionally there is a split decision so that each winner holds
the trophy for approximately 5 months. You will be asked to sign for the
trophy before leaving the performance room. Space permitting, you are
expected to have your name engraved on the trophy or its plinth after the
name of the previous winner. |
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How
does the marking system work ? Performances are graded as follows : Below 75 marks - Performer’s Certificate (at adjudicator’s discretion) 75 -79 marks - Proficiency Certificate 80 - 84 marks - Merit Certificate 85 - 89 marks - Honours Certificate 90 or more marks - Distinction Certificate Only those obtaining Honours or Distinction grades are eligible for trophies and or medals in classes where these are available (except in Dancing section). |
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Can my performance be recorded ? No, audio and video recording cannot be permitted due to copyright law. |
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You are strongly advised to
read the Festival
Rules and section rules to be sure that you are complying with
the rules regarding the use of photocopies by yourself, by your accompanist
or in providing copies for the adjudicator in ‘own choice’ classes. |
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Yes, at Kelsey Park School and, on Saturdays and Sundays at Cator Park School light refreshments are available, near the main entrance. Please do not take food or drink into the performance rooms. |
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