Ensemble Category and Class Guide 

(All age designations are as of Jan. 1, 2024)

Concert Band, Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles

Concert Band Classes:Concert Bands must perform one selection from the 2024 MusicFest Canada Concert Band Syllabus (www.musicfest.ca). Although it is not a CRMF requirement, all Concert Bands are strongly recommended to perform a Canadian composition and a lyric piece at CRMF; NOTE: At MusicFest Nationals, these are mandatory requirements
Classes:B100   B200   B300   B400   B500   B600
N.B. Class numbers reflect the grade level of the test piece being performed (see the MusicFest Canada Syllabus for test pieces*). 
Orchestra/String Orchestra:Orchestra:  25 or more performers in which string instruments are complimented by brass, woodwind and percussion instrumentsString Orchestra: 12 or more performers on string instruments
Classes:O101: No age restrictionsO201: 21 years of age and underO301: 17 years of age and under or registered in Grade 12O401: 14 years of age and under
Chamber Ensembles:Chamber Ensemble: 3 to 9 performers of brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments; Chamber Ensembles must perform two selections of contrasting style.
Classes:B101: no age restrictionB201: 20 yrs. of age & underB301: 17 yrs. of age & underB401: 15 yrs. of age & under

Jazz and World Music

Jazz Ensembles:Jazz Ensemble: 9 to 24 performers with 'standard instrumentation' is recommended (up to 12 brass, 6 saxophones and 6 rhythm). Any deviation from the standard will be judged on its musical merit. Performance of a Canadian work is recommended; see musicfest.ca for the Instrumental Jazz Syllabus of published Canadian jazz repertoire.
Jazz Combo: 2 to 8 performers, including vocalists. Improvisation is highly recommended.
Trad. Jazz Combo: Repertoire performed in the style of the early 1900's. Suggested (Dixieland) instrumentation: tuba/string bass, cornet/ trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, rhythm.
Classes:A101: University or College Ensemble, no age restrictionA102: Community Ensemble, no age restrictionA201: Single High School Ensemble, 20 yrs. of age & underA202: Community Ensemble, 20 yrs. of age & underA301: Single High School Ensemble, 17 yrs. of age & under or Grade 12A302: Community Ensemble, 17 yrs. of age & underA401: Single High School Ensemble, 16 yrs. of age & under or Grade 11A402: Community Ensemble, 16 yrs. of age & underA501: Single High School Ensemble, 15 yrs. of age & under or Grade 10A502: Community Ensemble, 15 yrs. of age & underA601: School or Community Ensemble, 14 yrs. of age & under or Grade 9A701: School or Community Ensemble, 13 yrs. of age & under or Grade 8
World Music W101: No age restrictionsW201: Ensemble members are a maximum age of 20 yearsW301: Ensemble members are a maximum age of 17 years, or are registered in Grade 12W401: Ensemble members are a maximum age of 15 years

Choral Music

Choral Music  Concert/Chamber Choir: 10 or more singers, performing traditional concert/chamber choir repertoire, non-jazz styles. Choral Combo: 3 to 9 singers performing traditional, non-jazz styles. N.B.: A group may not perform a given selection in more than one category. 
Vocal Jazz and Contemporary Music**Please note that there will be NO microphones or rhythm section equipment available for Vocal Jazz and Contemporary Music entries for the 2024 CRMF Festival.** 
Vocal Jazz and Contemporary Music Combo: 2 to 8 singers with or without a rhythm section accompaniment performing contemporary vocal music.Vocal Jazz and Contemporary Music Ensemble: 9 to 18 singers with or without a rhythm section accompaniment performing contemporary vocal music.Combination Choir: Up to 18 singers (the number of vocal microphones available) performing an equal number of traditional and contemporary styles.
Classes:C101: University or College Vocal Groups, no age restrictions.C102:  Community and Church Vocal Groups, no age restrictions.C301: Vocal Groups whose members are the maximum age of 17 years as of January 1, 2023 or are registered in Grade 12.C401: Vocal Groups whose members are the maximum age of 15 years as of January 1, 2023.C501:  Vocal Groups whose members who are registered in Grades 1-7