The following FAQs are intended to help you with typical queries, however they are not a substitute for reading the Syllabus and the Regulations. They are available on the festival website at twaf.co.uk.

 

Q: The piece I want to play won’t fit into the time limit. Does that matter?

A: Yes. Running over time contributes to classes running late and is unfair to other performers who are sticking to the time limits. A few seconds over is OK but any significant overrun will be noted and marked down.
 

Q: I can’t find the class I want to enter on the Entry System.

A: The Entry System will only show classes for which you fit the entry criteria. Also some classes may close early if they are full.

 

Q: When will I know the class schedule?

A:  The person who made the entry will receive an email with dates and times no later than 4 weeks before the festival. The timetable will also be available on the festival website at twaf.co.uk.

 

Q: What if the class is at an inconvenient time? Can I get a refund or change to a different class?

A: Sorry, no. But please let us know if you’re not going to come.

 

Q: I’ve entered my child into the wrong class – can I change it?

A: Possibly, if there is enough time in the timetable. Once the programme has gone to print no further changes are possible.

 

Q: How do I change it?

A: You can change it yourself on the online entry system.

 

Q: Can I play from the music or does it have to be from memory?

A: You may choose whether to play from the music or perform from memory EXCEPT for vocal classes, which must be sung from memory.

 

Q: Do I need to send you a copy of my poem/prose reading/music?

A: Only if you have entered a Composition Class. Otherwise please just bring a photocopy of your piece to hand to the Adjudicator on the day.

 

Q: I don’t have an accompanist – what shall I do?

A: If your usual accompanist can’t attend, or you usually play unaccompanied, you may do so at the festival. However, a more musical outcome may be achieved by performing with the accompaniment if there is one, so you may consider booking the festival accompanist (details on website). You may also use a backing tape providing you bring your own equipment and set it up yourself.

 

Q: My piece isn’t ready, can I swap to another one?

A: You’re free to change your piece at any point and you don’t need to tell us.

 

Q: What should I wear?

A: Dress in something you feel comfortable and confident wearing. Some like to dress up, others prefer to be casual. Remember you are giving a performance, and what you wear can help you to feel special. Drama performers should wear practice clothes. School groups should wear uniform.

 

Q: Can parents come and watch?

A: Yes – friends and family are all very welcome! There is a small entry charge and you can stay and watch as many other classes as you like.

 

Q: My duet partner can’t come, can someone else play instead?

A: Last-minute substitutions are sometimes allowed at the Chairman’s discretion, providing other performers in the class will not be adversely affected. Speak to Celia Barstow at celia.barstow@btinternet.com.

 

Q: Where do I go when I get to Kent College?

A: Go to Festival Reception in the Dining Hall to buy tickets & programmes. You will be directed to your room.  Aim to be at your room 5 -10 minutes before your class starts.

 

Q: What about car parking?

A: There is some car parking but it does get busy. Try to arrive in plenty of time and share lifts if possible.

 

Q: What if I get held up and miss the start of my class?

A: Don’t panic. If you arrive before the adjudication starts, you can still take part. The Session President will allow you to play at the end. Once the adjudication has started, no more performances are allowed.

 

Q: Can I practise on the day, before my class?

A: There are a few practice rooms in the Music Block which are first-come first-served. Do not rely on having a practice with your accompanist on the day – there may not be a free room.

 

Q: My child won their class, does that mean they will be playing in the Prize Winners concert?

A: Not necessarily. We have many class winners and only about twenty will perform at the Prize Winners concert (also known as the GEMS concert). We aim to put on an entertaining and varied programme representing all age groups, and this partly determines who is invited to perform.

 

Q: We’re not free to go to the Prize Winners concert, can we have the trophy at the festival instead?

A: Sorry, no. All trophies are presented on stage at the Prize Winners concert (also known as the GEMS concert). If you’re unable to attend, you may collect it from the Trophy Co-ordinator’s house by arrangement.

 

Q: Do I get to keep the trophy?

A: You may keep the trophy for one year. It must be returned to the Trophy Co-ordinator in good time for the following year’s festival.

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Q: I don’t feel the class was marked fairly. What do I do?

A: Try and catch the Chairman (Celia Barstow) or the Vice-Chairman (Amelia Ross) to talk about your concerns. If you don’t know them or can’t find them, make your concerns known to any festival official (identified by a lanyard) for them to take forward. If you wish to make a formal complaint, please contact the Festival Secretary (Debbie Mumford) in writing by the end of the festival weekend. A fee of £20 is payable which will be refunded if the protest is upheld. All committee member email addresses are on the festival website at twaf.co.uk.

 

Q: We’ve never been to a festival before. What exactly is my child supposed to do?

A: Performances take place in front of an audience of other competitors, their families and the adjudicator. They may take place in a classroom, a recital room or a hall. Some classes can be quite small, having maybe only three or four performers.  Others may be quite large (twelve or more perhaps). 

 

Each performer is called forward to play in turn. They announce what they will play, perform it, bow to acknowledge applause and return to their seat. When everyone has played, the adjudicator will comment on the performances, highlighting positive aspects and making constructive suggestions on what could be done to make it even better next time. Then a winner is announced and receives a medal and possibly a trophy (to be collected the following weekend at the Prize Winners concert also known as the GEMS concert). Each participant is given a certificate and a mark sheet. Depending on the size of the class, there may be second and third places as well.

 

TIP: Announce your piece’s title and composer in a LOUD voice and SMILE at your audience. Try and keep going even if you make a slip – many performers do and it doesn’t matter. Don’t ask to start again even if you hear others doing so.

At the end, SMILE and BOW before going back to your seat.