OVF has moved to an electronic distribution of the syllabus and registration form for all festivals.
The syllabus and registration form will be available for download from this page when they are ready.
Click here to download a pdf version. 1) Upon arrival at the festival, 2 copies of performance selections must be provided for the evaluators. The use of photocopies is forbidden. Photocopies of permanently out of print material must be accompanied by a letter of permission from the publisher (or legal copyright owner). Host schools will not be allowed to loan original copies of music! The OVF reserves the right to deny an evaluation and/or invitation to any ensemble that does not comply. 2) The accompanying persons up to a maximum of 8 must meet the criteria of the class entered. The keyboard accompanist in chamber ensemble and concert choir categories need not conform to provision. 3) Warm-up rooms will be available 20 to 30 minutes prior to performance. 4) Performance time is limited to 20 minutes including set-up, sound check (jazz choirs), and performance. All groups are encouraged to perform three contrasting pieces. 5) Each performing group will receive a 30-minute clinic. 6) Evaluations will include considerations of stylistic interpretation, intonation, dynamics, attacks, releases, diction, blend, balance, presentation and repertoire selection. Please refrain from choosing "pop" style music. Quality repertoire is highly regarded at this festival. If uncertain about appropriate repertoire, please contact the Festival Co-coordinator. 7) Groups performing in the jazz ensemble or jazz combo class will perform 3 contrasting selections. Groups should aim for a varied program including some traditional jazz genres such as swing, latin jazz, bebop, funk, fusion and blues. Groups performing in the combination class will perform 2 traditional choral pieces and 2 jazz pieces. A cappella singing, although not required, is encouraged in all categories and classes. 8) For vocal jazz, the sound system shall include three (3) rows of six (6) mics for the ensemble and up to two (2) solo mics. Microphones and/or microphone stands may not be moved out of the assigned row or out of order within a given row, with the following exception: in the vocal jazz combo class, up to three (3) mics from the centre row may be moved to the front row to accommodate the 9-voice combo. 9) For vocal jazz, a group's sound technician (one only) may work in conjunction with the festival technical director during their performance. 10) For vocal jazz, substitution or augmentation of equipment will not be permitted. Acoustic piano, electric piano, bass amplifier, guitar amplifier and a complete drum set will be supplied. Additional keyboards may be used. NO EQUIPMENT may be substituted except for the drummer's cymbals, bass pedal and snare drum. 11) The Ontario Vocal Festival is proud to be a qualifying regional festival of MusicFest Canada. At the discretion of the OVF in consultation with the clinicians, groups may be invited to participate in MusicFest Canada. 12) The Ontario Vocal Festival cannot issue refunds to groups that are unable to attend a festival due to inclement weather. 13) Due to fixed festival costs, refunds will not be issued after January 15, 2010.