Rules & Regulations
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1. Festival Divisions

    There are three Festival Divisions which operate concurrently within Atlantic Band Festival and are as follows:

      A - Instrumental Jazz (combo, ensemble and traditional jazz)
      B - Concert Band / Orchestra / Brass Band
      C - Choral ( concert choir, chamber choir and jazz choir)

2. Standards of Performance

    Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Standards of Performance are recognized by Atlantic Band Festival.

    A Gold Standard signifies that an Ensemble has achieved excellence in all facets of its performance

    A Silver Standard signifies that an Ensemble is demonstrating an exceedingly high standard of musical performance.

    A Bronze Standard signifies an above average quality of performance with latitude for improvement.

    A Merit Standard acknowledges an average quality of performance.

    Ensembles may elect to perform for Adjudication Only with no standard to be awarded or considered.

3. Rule Enforcement

    The Venue Manager for each performance area will enforce all festival rules and regulations. Ensemble Directors disputing the Venue Managers decision may request the consideration of the Festival Director. The Festival Director's decision, in consultation with the Venue Manager, will be considered final.

4. Conduct

    The conduct of a participating ensemble and its individual members is the responsibility of the individual director. It is expected that participants will demonstrate respect at all times for the rights of others and conform to laws and bylaws of the festival site, host city and province. Directors will ensure participants are appropriately chaperoned at all times. Problems and violations brought to the attention of the Festival Director will be dealt with appropriately and may result in Suspension or Dismissal (see below).

5. Scholarships and Awards

    Atlantic Band Festival will select outstanding performers for scholarships and awards. As well a most outstanding performing group in each category will be chosen. Selection of recipients will be made by the festival adjudicators.

    Berklee College of Music

      Scholarships to Berklee's Five Week Summer Performance Program will be awarded in the following amounts: one $1500, one $1000, and three $500.


    Outstanding Soloist Awards

      Plaques will be awarded to students who have achieved an outstanding solo during their performance at Atlantic Band Festival. Outstanding Soloist Awards will be announced at the festival dance each evening.

    Most Outstanding Soloist Award

      The most outstanding soloist will receive a cash award of $100 from Atlantic Band Festival. To be eligible, students must be listed on the Soloist form supplied to the band director.


    Most Outstanding Ensemble Award

      Concert/Orchestra/Brass, Jazz and Choir. A most outstanding group in each of the three categories will receive a trophy and cash award of $300.00

    Band Camp Scholarships

      There will be a draw each evening for band camp tuition scholarships. All participating ensembles will be eligible.

        University of New Brunswick Summer Music Camp - 1 half-tuition scholarship
        Acadia University Summer Music Institute Jazz Camp - 3 scholarships
        Acadia University Summer Music Institute Concert Band Camp - 3 scholarships
        Summer Rock, Musicstop Ltd. - 2 scholarships

    Creative Music Workshop Scholarship

      One $300 scholarship toward summer study at the Creative Music Workshop in Halifax sponsored by JazzEast. Intended for inquisitive ears and minds, CMW offers musicians an opportunity to explore creative, improvisational music making with internationally renowned artists. For information regarding the Creative Music Workshop, JazzEast and the TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival Halifax, visit their website at www.jazzeast.com

6. Suspension, Dismissal and Appeal

    Atlantic Band Festival reserves the right to enact either of the following two sanctions for violations of the rules and regulations and /or code of conduct.
    1. Suspension - An Ensemble that has been suspended shall be deemed ineligible to receive any Festival Standards of Performance or awards. Suspension shall result from flagrant time violations, age or affiliation infractions, illegal substitution and tampering with sound or stage equipment.
    2. Dismissal - An Ensemble that has been dismissed will have all rights and privileges of participation in Atlantic Band Festival revoked and will forfeit all registration fees. Dismissal will result either from conduct that is perceived to be detrimental to the aims of Atlantic Band Festival or interference with another Ensemble's performance.

      Appeals must be made in writing to the Festival Director, who will review the situation, in consultation with the adjudicators and venue manager. All decisions made at this time will be final.

7. Clinics and Workshops

    Clinics - Participants are encouraged to attend the instrument specific clinics offered each day. Junior clinics are at 11:00 am followed by Senior clinics at 12 pm.

    Workshops - Each ensemble will receive a workshop with one of the Adjudicators immediately following the adjudicated performance. The length and nature of the workshop will vary depending on the category, class and performance level of the ensemble.

8. Concerts and Dances

    All registered participants are invited and encouraged to attend the concerts and dances. Some events require advanced ticketing and seating is limited. Tickets are restricted to participants and chaperones only. Tickets will not be reserved until the appropriate forms have been received by Atlantic Band Festival and all fees have been paid. Directors sending in their forms and fees early have the best chance of securing reservations.

9. Announcement of Standards of Performance

    Standards of Performance, included with the Director's Package, can be collected immediately following the adjudicated performance but will not be announced or posted at the Festival.

10. On Site Storage

    Ensembles will be allowed to store their instrument cases and coats on site for the time they are scheduled in warm-up, performance and workshop. Groups must arrange for storage of equipment at all other times, either on their bus or at their hotel.

11. Scheduling of Performances

    The Festival will schedule ensembles as follows:

      Concert Band/Orchestra/Brass Band April 30 - May 2
      Instrumental Jazz April 30 - May 2
      Concert/Chamber/Jazz Choir May 1

    Only Concerts Bands may request a specific day and time to perform. Times will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, once the registration form and deposit have been received.