The goal of HKICF is to let students in Hong Kong experience the full flavours of an international choral festival without having to travel. This is why in every session of the competition, there are two different adjudicators with one of them being from overseas. This is to facilitate music exchange between Hong Kong and the rest of the world.
We believe that learning music through observation can be even more meaningful. With an alternative competition model, we would like to emphasise that the participating teams are not competitors, but are actually learning partners. After each choir’s performance, adjudicators will come onstage for mini-coaching sessions, actively engaging with the choir, conductor, and the audience. Each choir is then encouraged to perform their piece again, incorporating the comments and suggestions received from the adjudicators. Through this exchange, both the choir and the audience can benefit from the adjudicators’ constructive comment, encouraging attendees to learn from different perspectives, creating a valuable learning experience for all.
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In order to focus on the goal of music-making and mutual improvement, participating teams are free to choose their own pieces to join the competition. As long as the standard of the choirs reach a certain level of competence, the team will be awarded with the corresponding level of prize.
Besides singing techniques, choral singing can also nurture students’ teamwork and communication skills. In each competition session, each school will send out one of its member to be the MC, introducing his or her own choir to the audience. The introduction can also include unforgettable memories from their practices, the style of the performing songs etc., which can give them an opportunity to share what they have learnt.
Each year before the choral festival, both teachers and conductors spare no effort during practices, so as to cultivate students, spark their interest in music and expose them to different genres of music. These efforts should not go unnoticed, therefore at the end of each competition session, there is a dedicated thank you section for the teachers, so that choirs can express their gratitude to their teachers and conductors.
Last not not least, in order to promote choral music, the Festival welcomes any members of the public to enjoy the performances of the participating choirs.
New Initiative:
Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Choir Division
The Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Choir Division is a newly established division for participation in the Competition cum Masterclass, designed to provide choirs of all sizes with the opportunity to showcase their talents and enhance their skills.
For emerging school choirs, gaining stage experience is essential for growth and development. Our innovative competition format, structured as a masterclass, offers valuable learning and exchange opportunities, particularly for smaller choirs with limited experience.
Additionally, this new division allows vocal ensembles to present their performances and receive expert guidance on further improvement. We have observed a notable increase in the quality of school vocal ensembles, and we aim to provide them with a much-needed platform to shine.
To maximise the educational experience, we have set a participant limit of 6 to 30 members per team. Please note that spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Adjudicators and presenters
Add-on items
“Meet the Jury” will be arranged for each choir after the competition, where interested conductors will have the chance to meet online with a member of the adjudicating panel to ask for more in-depth comments on their performances and exchange views with each other. This is an optional component that will be available to you in the application form.
The package includes high-resolution performance photos without watermark and a full competition performance video of the choir(s) with comments from adjudicators. This is an optional component that will be available to you in the application form.
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Rules & Regulations
Before applying for the Competition cum Masterclass, please thoroughly review the Rules & Regulations. This will ensure you understand all requirements and expectations.
Frequently asked questions
Participating choirs should arrive at the Competition venue and report to the event assistant according to their assigned registration time. Prior to performing, one or two student representative(s) should give a brief (around 1-minute) introduction of the choir and the chosen piece(s). Each participating choir’s first performance will be assessed. The adjudicators will give comments and feedback after the performance. The participating choir may be asked by the adjudicators to perform excerpts of the piece(s) again if time allows. Each participating choir is provided with about 10-15 minutes of performance time, which includes the time for adjudicators to finalize the score and feedback.
Participating choirs are required to bring two copies of the music score and a copyright declaration form to be handed over to the event assistant for evaluation. If this score is to be performed with accompaniment, sheet music including the accompaniment must also be provided. HKICF will keep two copies of the score for record. The participating choirs must provide all instruments needed for the performance other than the piano, which will be provided by the venue.
One music stand, piano and piano stool will be provided. Unless otherwise stated, no other equipment, such as props, stage sets or power, will be provided at the Competition venue. All other instruments must be provided by the participating choir. Use of loudspeakers, electronic musical instruments, synthesizers and audio-visual equipment at Competitions is prohibited.
Participating choirs must separately arrange for an accompanist if accompaniment is necessary.
HKICF is the sole authorized photographer for the venue. No electronic or communications devices may be used at the venue without permission. Unless otherwise permitted, photography, audio or video recording of any part of the Competition (including the granting of comments and the announcement of the results). Violators will be asked to leave the venue. Rights to all competition-related photography, as well as video and sound recording, belong to the Hong Kong Virtuoso Chorus Limited.
Participating choirs are required to submit the original score or a letter of copyright declaration along with two copies of the music to be handed over to the event assistant for evaluation upon registration at the Competition venue. If the copyright cannot be cleared, the participating choir will bear all responsibilities relating to such failure. Participating choirs which violate copyright laws by using photographic copies without permission will be disqualified.
Unfortunately, you do not have the option to specify a date for the Hong Kong Inter-School Choral Festival (HKICF) Competitions. HKICF is responsible for determining the date, time, order, and location of all Competition events. However, participating schools do have the opportunity to suggest preferred competition dates and provide reasons during the application period. These suggestions are taken into consideration by HKICF as reference. For instance, schools can request to avoid scheduling Competitions on specific dates to prevent conflicts with school exams. HKICF will strive to accommodate these requests to the best of their ability. It’s important to note that due to the large number of participating schools, it may not be possible for HKICF humour the request of every school.
Once the Competition schedule is announced, if a school finds that the allocated time clashes with important activities like exams, tests, school trips, or speech day, the principal or music teacher must reach out to other schools participating in the same category to discuss the possibility of swapping Competition slots.
To initiate the swap, both schools need to come to a mutual agreement and send a written request to HKICF before the specified deadline (within two weeks of the schedule announcement). The school requesting the swap must also submit the academic calendar or any other documentation as supporting evidence. Once the application is approved, HKICF will update the online schedule and notify both schools in writing.
It’s important to note that this arrangement is meant only for extenuating circumstances due to the large number of participating choirs.
In the case that the Education Bureau announces the suspension of classes due to infectious diseases/ weather/ another reason and participating choirs are required to cancel all activities, Competition session(s) may be canceled and there will be no re-scheduling of the Competition session(s).
HKICF will not make any further announcements with regard to the canceled competition session(s) due to the above reason. If a Competition session is canceled for any reason, HKICF retains the discretion to decide if alternative Competition session(s) will be organized. HKICF reserves all rights to transfer, modify, or cancel any Competition-related arrangements. HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
There are no set pieces for the Competitions. Participating choirs may choose their own repertoire, in any language, voicing (including unison), and length. Original pieces are acceptable. HKICF aims to give participating choirs as much freedom as possible in choosing their repertoire to best showcase their talents.
HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
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