The Wind Bands’ Association of Singapore (WBAS) on 15 September 2017, released new information pertaining to their 2018 key program – Singapore International Band Festival (SIBF).
While the website will be updated with more information about the adjudicators, set pieces and schedule in the coming months, we have particularly analysed some of the new rules and regulations of the competition component.
Here is a list of key differences for SIBF 2018, as compared to 2016.
// Open Division has been renamed to Concert Division
Age Limits
Division 1 no longer has an age limit – this means that musicians of any age can participate as long as they are not a professional.
Division 2B limit is now reduced to Age 16 and below (ie. born in or after 2002).
Division 2A age limit is now raised to Age 20 and below (ie. born in or after 1998).
// The age limit for Divisions 2A and 2B in 2016 was 18 years old or below (i.e. born in or after 1998).
No Set Piece for Concert Division
Unlike 2016, there will be no required music for the Concert Division.
Music selection remains a part of the judging criteria (under Programming and Artistic), and bands will have to ensure that there is at least one Grade 5 work within its repertoire.
// Bands previously had to select a set piece from a compiled list in the Open Division.
Performance and Stage Time
In Division 1, bands will need to perform 1 piece of required music and at least 1 piece of choice music that adds up to a total performance time of at least 16 minutes.
Bands may perform longer than 16 minutes but will only be allowed a maximum of 25 minutes on stage.
// Division 1’s total performance time was previously 15 minutes.
New Award Category
A “Gold with Distinction” award has been introduced for Bands that score 90.00 marks and above.
Gold with Distinction: 90.00 and above
Gold: 80.00 – 89.99
Silver: 70.00 – 79.99
Bronze: 60.00 – 69.99
Certificate: Below 60.00
// The awards for previous years used to be:
Gold: 90.00 and above
Silver: 80.00 – 89.99
Bronze: 70.00 – 79.99
Certificate: Below 70.00
Cash Prizes
There will now be cash prizes for 2nd ($3,000) and 3rd ($1,000) placing in the Concert Division. For Concert Division, 1st Prize (trophy and cash prize of $10,000) will not be awarded if the top band scores below 90.00 marks.
// 2nd Prize for Open Division was previously $4,000. There was no prize for 3rd place.
For more information on Singapore International Band Festival 2018, please visit their website here!
A contributing editor at TBP.