Arrangement for 77th Hong Kong Schools Music Festival (2025) and

Announcement on “Mixed Competition Mode” Pilot Scheme

 All Solo / Duo / Group Classes would be held.

 Competitions would be held in “Mixed Mode”. Majority of the classes would
be held in “Live Competition Mode (LCM)”, with only some elementary solo
classes remain to be held in “Video Submission Mode (VSM)”.

Please refer to Syllabus for more details. Please also read and observe the Rules and
Regulations.

3-year Pilot Scheme - “Mixed Competition Mode” for 76th - 78th Music Festivals
Taking pride in offering live contesting stages, the Association also embraces
technology to allow online participation during the pandemic. In continuing the
alternative channel for students to join this enriching educational activity, the
Association has started a 3-year pilot scheme of “Mixed Competition Mode” for
Music Festival since last festival year. The project aims to explore the feasibility of
running the Festival both live and online in the long-run, and to refine the necessary
logistic work.

Video submission will be open to some elementary solo classes to encourage

beginners’ participation, while most classes will remain in LCM.

The Association is dedicated to the development of aesthetic education for the youth
of Hong Kong. While striving for innovation, the Association will make every effort
to keep the Music Festival going and continue to offer a constructive platform for
students to realise their artistic potential. The Association truly appreciates the
ongoing support from principals, teachers, parents and other stakeholders in the
Festival, and their concerted effort in adopting effective means in addressing their
students’ learning needs and maintaining their learning momentum. The Association
hopes that students taking part in the coming Festival will not only have the chance to
enhance their skills in music performances but also learn about philosophy and
aesthetics from music.

Hong Kong Schools Music and Speech Association

August 2024
 Highlighted points indicate the addition and changes
of the Rules and Regulations of this Festival.
Members / Competitors should read the whole set of
Rules and Regulations thoroughly.

77th Hong Kong Schools Music Festival (2025)

24 February to 26 March 2025

Rules and Regulations – Live Competition Mode (LCM)

 For some classes, there are requirements and details given in the class description of the Syllabus.
Such information is also an integral part of the Rules and Regulations which members / competitors
must also take note of and observe.
 Unless it is otherwise specified, when the class concerned is a duo class or a group class, the term
“competitor” refers to a competing team, not the individual member(s) of a team.

All competitors must be students of members of the Hong Kong Schools Music and Speech
Association (the Association) and must enter the Festival through such members. Members
may enter their own students only (please refer to 1.2 for duo classes). It is the members’
responsibility to inform their students of every detail about the competitions. The

Association will not approach individual competitors. It is the responsibility of members /
competitors to ensure that information given on the entry forms is valid, complete and meet
the requirements of respective classes. The Association bears no responsibility for
checking of the eligibility of the entry. Submission of an entry implies consent from the
members / competitors to abide by these Rules and Regulations and will strictly observe the
MISSING
Rules and Regulations. Any entry that is disqualified at any time because of not meeting
the eligibility or violating the Rules and Regulations will not be informed separately and no
entry fees will be refunded.

If competitors are found to have violated the Rules and Regulations, whether before, during
or after the competition, the violation may result in:
(i) disqualification – the competitors are not permitted to participate in the competitions; or
(ii) the competitors may participate in the competitions and be given comments, but they
will not be awarded any marks / awards or certificates; or
(iii) the competitors may participate in the competitions but the marks / awards will be affected.

If any dispute arises, the Association reserves the right to make the final decision.

1 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Competitors must be Hong Kong students who are aged 23 or under and attending
whole day school / half day school in kindergarten, primary, secondary and special
schools, or studying full-time in universities / post-secondary institutes in Hong Kong.
Students attending universities / post-secondary institutes may enter the Festival on
their own and they are only eligible to enter Open Classes.
1.1 Group Entry: It covers choir, Chinese instrumental group, orchestra, band and
ensemble classes. This includes Classes 27 - 99, 236 - 238, 241 - 246, 301 - 303,
311 - 313, 321 - 324, 400 - 408, 467 - 472, 572 - 577, 601 - 624, 631 - 644, 820 and
861. For Classes 820 and 861, the team must comprise students from the same
university / post-secondary institute. Class 820 also accepts team comprising
students from the same registered organisation. The rest of the classes are only
open to School Members; unless otherwise specified, a team must comprise
students of the same School Member.

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 1.2 Duo Entry: It covers duet, violin sonata, cello sonata and art song classes. This
includes Classes 25, 26, 156 - 158, 209, 218 - 220, 226, 255 - 256, 305, 325 - 328,
706 and 801. Both competitors must meet the entry requirements, and at least one
of the competitors must be the student of the member that enters them.
1.3 Solo Entry: It covers solo and original composition classes. This includes
Classes 1 - 9, 12 - 15, 17 - 20, 112 - 151, 206, 208, 213 - 217, 222 - 223, 225, 227 -
228, 230 - 231, 252 - 253, 306 - 307, 329 - 332, 335 - 337, 340, 410 - 413, 416 -
419, 422 - 425, 428 - 431, 434 - 437, 440 - 443, 446 - 449, 452 - 455, 458 - 465,
490 - 491, 500 - 502, 504 - 506, 508 - 510, 512 - 514, 516 - 519, 530 - 532, 534 -
535, 540 - 546, 550 - 551, 553 - 554, 556 - 557, 559, 588, 625, 700 - 705, 802 - 811,
828, 838, 848, 860, 872, 890 - 891 and 898.
1.4 Open Classes: This includes Classes 801 - 898, people who are musicians by
profession are not allowed to enter respective Open Classes. People who used to
be Cantonese opera actors or Cantonese operatic songs singers by profession are
not allowed to enter any Cantonese operatic song classes. Please refer to Annex 1
for the full list of eligible universities and post-secondary institutes.
1.4.1 Classes 801 - 803: Competitors must be aged 15 or above.
1.4.2 Classes 890 - 891: Competitors must be University and Post-secondary students.
1.5 Scholarship Classes: This includes Classes 150, 151, 588 and 838.
1.5.1 Competitors of these classes must be full-time students aged 23 or under.
1.5.2 First-prize winners of any of these classes in the past Festivals may not enter
the same classes again.
1.5.3 Finals are set for all Scholarship Classes.

2 ENROLMENT
2.1 Entry Form
2.1.1 Members have to logon the On-line Enrolment System (OES) for enrolment.
2.1.2 University / Post-secondary students have to enrol through the Association
website. They must submit a scanned copy of their student ID cards during
enrolment.
2.1.3 Competitors have to use their names identical to that of their Hong Kong ID
cards / travel documents / birth certificates for all the entries. For group
classes, competitors should use their names identical to that of membership
record of the Association.
2.2 Substitution or swapping of competitors, change of area codes or class numbers
will not be permitted after the submission of entry forms.
2.3 Competitors entering more than one class may bear a risk of time clash. This may
result in their own decision whether to attend the competition(s) or not.
2.4 Competitors have to enter classes according to the requirements stipulated in the
current Syllabus e.g. the entry requirements, level of attainment, age, education
level, grade, gender, competition requirements, class requirements, etc.
Competitors who fail to do so will be disqualified.
2.5 In all classes where an age requirement is stipulated, the governing date shall b e
31 December 2024. Examples:
Aged 23 or under Born on or after 1 January 2001
Aged 19 or under Born on or after 1 January 2005
Aged 16 or under Born on or after 1 January 2008
Aged 14 or under Born on or after 1 January 2010
Aged 13 or under Born on or after 1 January 2011
Aged 10 or under Born on or after 1 January 2014

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2.6 Area Code
2.6.1 For solo and duo entries, competitors are allowed to enter in the Region of
their choice. However, School Members should enter all their Group
Classes according to the Region of their school. These classes include
27 - 39, 81 - 82, 84 - 87, 89, 323 - 324 and 468 - 469. If School Members
are not sure which Region their school is located, please refer to “School
Lists by District” on the Education Bureau website.
2.6.2 U denotes Hong Kong Region (including outlying Islands) and Kowloon
Region (including Sai Kung).
2.6.3 E denotes New Territories East Region (including North District, Sha Tin
and Tai Po).
2.6.4 W denotes New Territories West Region (including Kwai Chung and Tsing
Yi, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long).
2.6.5 N denotes classes which will not be divided into Regions. These
competitions may be held at any venues in U/E/W Regions.
2.7 The Association reserves the right to allocate any competitions to be held in any
venues.
2.8 In any district where a class has only one entry, the Association reserves the right to
group them up with the same class in other districts.
2.9 Enrolment Period
2.9.1 Entries will be accepted from 26 September 2024 (10:00 a.m.) to
25 October 2024 (5:00 p.m.).
2.9.2 Under no circumstances will late entries be accepted.
2.9.3 Depending on the classes entered, competitors may be required to submit
other information / documents. Please refer to the Important Dates to be
Noted given in Annex 2 or the Association website for the deadlines.
2.10 Entry Fees
2.10.1 Please refer to the current Syllabus for the entry fee of each class.
2.10.2 Once the entry form is submitted, no refund will be made even if
competitors:
(i) fail to take part in the competition for any reason;
(ii) apply for withdrawal; or
(iii) violate the Rules and Regulations.
2.10.3 Once the entry fee is submitted, no refund will be made if schools are
suspended due to epidemic, rainstorm or tropical cyclone (Annex 4 - 6).
2.11 Members have to compile competitors’ entries and submit on the On-line
Enrolment System in batch(es) before the submission deadline. Members have to
settle the payment by post or in person with the following attachments by
29 October 2024 at the latest:
(i) Payment Advice (PA) - downloadable from the On-line Enrolment System;
and
(ii) cheque / cashier’s order (ONE cheque / cashier’s order for ONE payment
advice only)
The Association accepts no responsibility for any loss, delay or damage during
postal delivery. The receiving date of the above documents shall be in reference
with the postmark. Payment receipt will be available for members to download
from the Association website from 20 November 2024 (10:00 a.m.) onwards.
2.12 If members have not completed the enrolment procedures, all students in the
concerned batch cannot enter the competitions. Any information or documents
already submitted to the Association will be destroyed without further notice.

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 2.13 Entry Form Receipts (EFR)
Each entry form submitted will be issued with an Entry Form Receipt. Members
can download the Entry Form Receipts from the Association website from
6 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.) onwards for distribution to respective competitors.
University / Post-secondary students who have entered on their own will receive the
Entry Form Receipts via email.
2.14 Competition Notifications (CN)
For the identification of competitor’s status, the Association will issue a
Competition Notification for each and every class that the competitor has entered in,
i.e. if a competitor has entered two classes, he / she will be given two Competition
Notifications. Members can download the Competition Notification from the
Association website from 6 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.) onwards for distribution to
respective competitors. University / Post-secondary students who have entered on
their own will receive the Competition Notification via email.

3 REGULATIONS
3.1 General Rules
3.1.1 The Association reserves the right to amend the Syllabus. Amendments, if
any, will be posted on the Association website. The most recently updated
version posted on the Association website overrides the previous ones.
3.1.2 The Association reserves the right to allocate a competition in any session
on any date and at any venue within the Festival period. Usually there will
be three sessions, i.e. morning, afternoon and evening sessions, set for each
day. Each session will normally last for three to four hours.
3.1.3 Depending on the number of entries in each class and the length of time
required for the piece, the Association will allocate competitors of the same
class into a number of groups. Each group is independent of the others and
so are the adjudication and results.
3.1.4 The Association reserves the right to make changes, modifications and
cancellations of any arrangements for the Festival as deemed necessary or
expedient.
3.1.5 Competition information is given on the Competition Notifications.
Members / Competitors can also access the details from the Festival
Timetable posted on the Association website from 6 January (10:00 a.m.) to
15 January 2025 (5:00 p.m.) with:
(i) the membership number and password; or
(ii) the reference number as shown on the Entry Form Receipt.
If a request for change is to be made, please refer to “Procedure for Alteration
Application” in Annex 3. The altered items will be uploaded to the Festival
Timetable - Revised Version from 21 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.).
3.1.6 The Association will decide on the full schedule of all competitions. The
order of competitors’ performance and groupings for each competition will
be assigned by ballot draws. Competitors who fail to perform according to
the published order will be considered performing “not in assigned order”.
They will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be
awarded to them.

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3.1.7 Competitors have to report to the Festival assistants at the Reporting Time
specified on the Competition Notification. Once the competition starts, the
adjudicator / Festival assistants have the right to refuse anyone (including
competitors) from entering the venue. As a result, a competitor may miss
important announcements or his / her assigned order.
3.1.8 No alternative arrangement (such as re-scheduling of competitions,
re-allocating competitors to other groups, etc.) will be made for competitions
which the Association has to cancel or for competitors who do not attend as
scheduled, whatever the reason.
3.1.9 Competitors must bring with them the required valid documents to report to
the Festival assistants. For verification of their identity, spot checking may
be made. Competitors failing to present such documents to the Festival
assistants before they perform will only be given comments. Neither marks
nor certificates will be awarded to them. The required documents are as
follows:
Solo or duo class competitors must bring:
(i) the Competition Notification (electronic or printed copy); and
(ii) the student ID card / student handbook / Hong Kong ID card* / travel
document, all of which must be original and bear a recent photo.
Group class competitors must bring:
(i) the Competition Notification (electronic or printed copy);
(ii) the student ID card / student handbook / Hong Kong ID card* / travel
document of each member, all of which must be original and bear a
recent photo; and
(iii) the completed Competitors’ List. Competing teams have to
download the Competitors’ List (Group Classes) from the
Association website. They must complete the form with names,
dates of birth and education level of each member, the signature of
principal / responsible teacher and school chop.
*The Hong Kong Juvenile ID card does not bear a photo of the holder and
therefore is not an acceptable identification document at the Music Festival.
3.1.10 When the Festival assistant calls upon a competitor to perform, he / she will
read out the competitor’s assigned order as well as the competitor’s name, in
Cantonese for Chinese instrumental music classes, Cantonese operatic song
classes and vocal / choral classes sung in Chinese; while in English for the
rest of the classes.
3.1.11 When the length of performance is adequate to form a judgment,
adjudicator(s) may cut short the pieces. For Cantonese operatic song
classes, adjudicators may select one section from the piece for the
competitors.
3.1.12 Before the announcement of results, no one (including competitors, teachers
and parents) is permitted to approach the adjudicators. Anyone who
violates this rule may be asked to leave the venue. If the person is a
competitor, he / she will only be given comments. Neither marks nor
certificates will be awarded to him / her. When enquiries are to be made,
the Festival assistants will be the persons to be approached.

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 3.1.13 Competitors may tune before they perform, but the tuning time may not
exceed 30 seconds, otherwise their marks will be affected.
3.1.14 Apart from harmonica band Class 301, Class 302 and Cantonese operatic
song classes, no amplification devices, electronic musical instruments,
synthesizers or audio-visual equipment will be allowed. Competitors who
violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor
certificates will be awarded to them.
3.1.15 Any form of prompting, such as cueing, is not allowed for all classes during
performance, otherwise competitors’ marks will be affected.
3.1.16 Other than piano classes, competitors must bring along their own musical
instruments for the competitions.
3.1.17 All western instrumental classes have to adopt A=440. Cantonese operatic
song classes have to adopt C# as 1.
3.1.18 Apart from original composition class, no recorded accompaniment is
allowed. Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments.
Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
3.1.19 Neat, tidy and appropriate attire is required during competitions. For the
dress requirement of Cantonese operatic song classes, please refer to the
Chinese version of the Rules and Regulations.
3.2 Number of Entries
3.2.1 Competitors are allowed to enter only once in the same class regardless of
the area code.
3.2.2 Solo classes and Duo classes categorised by grade (advanced, senior,
intermediate and junior / grades one to eight) or age group (age 19 or under,
age 16 or under, age 14 or under, etc.): Competitors may only enter one
grade / age group in a section / category.
3.2.3 Vocal Solo: For Classes 1 - 21, competitors may choose to enter one class
from the Singing in Foreign Language section as well as one class from the
Singing in Chinese section, but not more than one class under either
language section. Competitors entering Classes 1 - 21 cannot enter Classes
804 - 811 and vice versa.
3.2.4 Children Vocal Solo: Competitors may only enter either Singing in English
(Class 22) or Singing in Chinese (Class 23).
3.2.5 Piano Solo Classes 100 - 130, 147 - 151 and 838: Competitors may only
choose ONE class to enter.
3.2.6 String: Competitors entering Class 828 are not allowed to enter Classes 206,
208, 209, 210 - 217, 222 - 232.
3.2.7 Violin: Competitors entering Class 206 or 208 are not allowed to enter
Classes 210 - 217.
3.2.8 Cello: Competitors entering Class 225 are not allowed to enter Classes
227 - 229.
3.2.9 Recorder, Wind, Brass and Percussion: Competitors entering Class 848 are
not allowed to enter Classes 340, 410 - 465, 490, 491.
3.2.10 Chinese Instrumental Solo Award: Competitors entering Class 588 are not
allowed to enter Classes 500 - 559.
3.2.11 Cantonese Operatic Song Classes 700 - 708, 890 and 891: Competitors may
only choose ONE class to enter. Competitors may also enter Class 898.

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3.2.12 Ensembles: A school may enter more than one team in a class. However,
the members of one team must be entirely different from the members of
other teams. Competing teams who violate this rule will only be given
comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
3.2.13 Vocal Ensemble: A school may only enter either an A cappella class
(Class 91) or classes with piano accompaniment (Classes 92 - 94). For
classes with piano accompaniment (Classes 92 - 94), a school may only
enter a maximum of two classes. A member of a team may perform for
only one class among Classes 91 - 94. Competing teams who violate this
rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be
awarded to them.
[Example 1:
A school may not enter teams in both mixed voice A cappella vocal
ensemble class (Class 91) and in mixed voice vocal ensemble class with
piano accompaniment (Class 94).
Example 2:
A school may not enter all equal voice (Class 92), male voice (Class 93) and
mixed voice (Class 94) vocal ensemble classes with piano accompaniment.
Example 3:
A school may enter both equal voice (Class 92) and mixed voice (Class 94)
vocal ensemble classes with piano accompaniment. However, the
members of one team must be entirely different from the members of the
other team.]
3.2.14 Choir, Orchestra, Band and Chinese Orchestra: A school may only enter one
team in a class.
3.2.15 Choir, Orchestra, Band and Chinese Orchestra categorised by section /
grade: A performer of a team may perform for only one class in the same
section / grade. Competing teams who violate this rule will be
disqualified.
[Example of 3.2.13 and 3.2.14:
A school may not enter two teams in a senior string orchestra class
(Class 241) of the same Festival but it may enter one team in a senior string
orchestra class and one team in an intermediate string orchestra class
(Class 241 and Class 242). However, the members of one team must be
entirely different from the members of the other team.
Another example:
A school may not enter one team in a senior class for secondary school girls’
choir in the First Division and one team in the same senior class in the
Second Division of the same Festival but it may enter one team in a senior
class for secondary school choir in the First Division and one team in a
junior class for secondary school choir in the Second Division. However,
the members of one team must be entirely different from the members of the
other team.]
3.2.16 Kindergarten Music Activities: A school may enter both Singing in English
(Class 98) and Singing in Chinese (Class 99), or either one. However, a
school may only enter one team in each class and the members of one team
must be entirely different from the members of the other team.

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 3.2.17 String Ensemble and Piano Ensemble Classes 236 - 238: A member of a
team may perform for only one class among Classes 236 - 238.
Competing teams who violate this rule will only be given comments.
Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
3.2.18 Woodwind Ensemble - Secondary Classes 400 - 404: A member of a team may
perform for only one class among Classes 400 - 404. Competing teams who
violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates
will be awarded to them.
3.2.19 Chinese Instrumental Group: If a school enters Class 572, it may not enter
Class 573 or Class 574. If a school enters both Class 573 and Class 574,
the members of one team must be entirely different from the members of the
other team.
3.2.20 Competitors failing to follow the rules on the number of entries stated in 3.2
will only be permitted to compete in ONE of the competitions concerned.
The competition to be retained is randomly drawn electronically.
Competitors will be disqualified in the non-retained competitions at any
time without prior notice.
3.2.21 Competitors are allowed to perform only once in the same class.
Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither
marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
3.2.22 Orchestra, Band and Chinese Orchestra for Primary Schools (Classes 243,
246, 302, 311, 322, 472 and 575): If a school runs am and pm sections,
competitors of the two sections may join together to form one team. In
such a case, the section of the school being represented by the team has to
be specified on the entry form.
3.3 Competition Materials
The rules regarding the competition materials and the consequence of violation of
the rules are as follows:
Rule Consequence of Violation
(i) It is the responsibility of the members to Competitors will only be
ensure that if the competitors / given comments. Neither
accompanists / conductors use music scores marks nor certificates will be
during the performance, the scores must be awarded to them.
original / authorised for use. The
competitors, accompanists or conductors
must show the original score / a copy of the
music score(s) of which authorisation for
use has been obtained on stage during the
performance.
(ii) Competitors must perform according to the Competitors’ marks will be
competition requirements given in the affected.
Syllabus and amendments (if applicable).
*for specific rules, please refer to 3.3.1 and
3.3.2
(iii) Competitors must perform according to the Competitors will only be
set piece / Own Choice piece submitted. given comments. Neither
marks nor certificates will be
awarded to them.

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 (iv) Competitors must perform from memory if Competitors will only be
it is a competition requirement of the class. given comments. Neither
marks nor certificates will be
awarded to them.
(v) Competitors must perform the whole piece Competitors will only be
in its entirety according to the competition given comments. Neither
requirement. marks nor certificates will be
awarded to them.
(vi) If a class requires competitors to perform Competitors’ marks will be
both a set piece and an Own Choice piece, affected.
competitors must perform the set piece first.
(vii) Competitors / accompanists may use Competitors will only be
electronic devices during performance, but given comments. Neither
only limited to the following uses - marks nor certificates will be
(a) For score-reading awarded to them.
(b) For page turning
(c) For tuning

3.3.1 Set Pieces

The set pieces are given in the Syllabus. The name and the publisher of the
publication are also provided in the Syllabus. Competitors may use any
standard edition if no particular edition is specified. Members / competitors
are strongly advised to acquire the music scores as early as possible. They
may visit the Association to cross-check the versions they have against the
versions set for competitions. (Please visit the Association website for details.
Music scores will not be allowed to be photocopied or loaned out.)

The rules regarding the set pieces and the consequence of violation of the rules are
as follows:
Rule Consequence of Violation
(i) If a competitor / accompanist / conductor Competitors will only be
needs to use music score(s) during the given comments. Neither
performance (including using electronic marks nor certificates will be
devices for score-reading), he / she has to awarded to them.
display the original score / a copy of the
music score(s) of which authorisation for
use has been obtained on stage during the
performance.

For set pieces of choral classes sold by the

Association (except classes 98 and 99),
please refer to [Link].

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(ii) If a competitor / accompanist / conductor Competitors will only be
uses the following scores at the competition: given comments. Neither
(a) Published electronic scores; marks nor certificates will be
(b) Unpublished scores; awarded to them.
(c) Scores under public domain; or
(d) Reading the above (a) to (c) scores with
electronic devices.
The competitor needs to submit a duly
signed “Copyright Declaration Form” to the
Festival assistant before performance to
prove that authorisation for use of the music
scores has been obtained or no authorisation
for use of the music scores is required as it is
in the public domain.

For School Member enrolment, “Copyright

Declaration Form” has to bear the signature
of the school principal and the school chop;
for Non-School Member enrolment,
“Copyright Declaration Form” has to bear the
signature of the Associate Member /
Temporary Membership for Music Tutor.
(The designated “Copyright Declaration
Form” should be downloaded from the
Association website.)
(iii) Competitors have to perform the set pieces Competitors will only be
according to the arrangements or key in the given comments. Neither
specified edition given in the Syllabus but marks nor certificates will be
that does not apply to the instructions on awarded to them.
bowing, fingering, phrasing, position and
pedaling.
(iv) If accompaniment is printed on the score or Competitors will only be
stated as a requirement in the Competition given comments. Neither
Requirement, competitors have to perform marks nor certificates will be
with and provide their own accompanists. awarded to them.

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3.3.2 Own Choice Pieces
[Link] Members / Competitors are required to submit the Own Choice
Form (OC Form) to the Association from 8 November 2024
(10:00 a.m.) to 18 November 2024 (5:00 p.m.) through the specific
link at the Association website. After the submission of the Form,
one will receive an email acknowledging the submission (the
acknowledging email will be sent to the email address provided in
the specific link only). This email does not mean the Association
confirms that the submission meets all the entry requirements and
competition rules. It is the responsibility of members /
competitors to make sure all the information is correct. In case of
any discrepancies between the online form and the OC Form,
information in the latter document shall be taken as final. For
any repeated submissions, the Association will take the
information from the last successful submission as final. This
Form can be downloaded from the Association Website from
8 October 2024 (10:00 a.m.). Competitors failing to submit
OC Form with correct information required will be disqualified.
[Link] Different movements of the same piece are considered as one Own
Choice piece.
[Link] Before the competitors perform, competitors of percussion
ensemble class (Class N467) have to submit the full score in
Western musical notation to the Festival assistant.
[Link] If the Own Choice piece of a singing class is not sung in English,
competitors have to provide an English translation of the lyrics for
the adjudicators.
[Link] All photocopies submitted will be destroyed after the Festival.
Competitors have to take the initiative to claim the original music
scores back from the Festival assistant after the competition. The
Association will not be held responsible for the loss of unclaimed
music scores.

The rules regarding the Own Choice pieces and the consequence of violation of the
rules are as follows:
Rule Consequence of Violation
(i) Before the competitors perform, competitors Competitors will only be
have to submit the original full score of given comments. Neither
their Own Choice piece / a full score copy marks nor certificates will be
of their Own Choice piece of which awarded to them.
authorisation for use has been obtained to
the Festival assistant.

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(ii) If a competitor / accompanist / conductor Competitors will only be
uses the following scores at the competition: given comments. Neither
(a) Published electronic scores; marks nor certificates will be
(b) Unpublished scores; awarded to them.
(c) Scores under public domain; or
(d) Reading the above (a) to (c) scores with
electronic devices.
The competitor needs to submit the
following scores and documents to Festival
assistant before performance:
(1) printouts of music scores; and
(2) a duly signed “Copyright Declaration
Form” to prove that authorisation for
use of the music scores has been
obtained or no authorisation for use of
the music scores is required as it is in
the public domain.

For School Member enrolment, “Copyright

Declaration Form” has to bear the signature of
the school principal and the school chop; for
Non-School Member enrolment, “Copyright
Declaration Form” has to bear the signature
of the Associate Member / Temporary
Membership for Music Tutor.
(The designated “Copyright Declaration
Form” should be downloaded from the
Association website.)
(iii) Competitors of choir, band, orchestra, Competitors’ marks will be
Chinese orchestra, scholarship classes, class affected.
820, 828 and 848 have to submit two extra
photocopies of the full score for each piece.
(iv) If there are omissions or other Competitors’ marks will be
arrangements, competitors also have to affected.
submit a photocopy of the full score with
the changes clearly marked.

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(v) If competitors / teachers have made any Competitors will only be
musical alterations to a piece, they have to given comments. Neither
submit “Copyright Declaration Form” to the marks nor certificates will be
Festival assistant for record before they awarded to them.
perform, proving that:
(1) They have cleared the copyright with
the composer / arranger / publisher; or
(2) They have failed to reach the composer /
arranger / publisher for copyright
clearance. All the responsibilities will
be borne by the school or Associate
Member / Temporary Membership for
Music Tutor.

For School Member enrolment, “Copyright

Declaration Form” has to bear the signature
of the school principal and the school chop;
for Non-School Member enrolment,
“Copyright Declaration Form” has to bear
the signature of the Associate Member /
Temporary Membership for Music Tutor.
(The designated “Copyright Declaration
Form” should be downloaded from the
Association website.)
(vi) It is the responsibility of the members / Competitors will only be
competitors to ensure that they do not repeat given comments. Neither
their Own Choice piece of one class in marks nor certificates will be
another class. They also have to ensure awarded to them.
that their Own Choice piece is not a set
piece of the same section / instrument in the
current Festival. (The current list of the set
pieces is posted on the Association website)
(vii) Own Choice pieces selected should fulfill Competitors will only be
the competition requirement of respective given comments. Neither
class marks nor certificates will be
awarded to them.
(viii)Competitors must perform the pieces in the Competitors’ marks will be
same order as submitted in the OC Form affected.
(ix) Competitors have to perform according to Competitors’ marks will be
the specific time limit affected and adjudicators
reserve the right to stop
performances.

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3.4 Rules for Different Classes
3.4.1 The adjudicator(s) may stop a competitor who is not well prepared / does not
perform up to the required standard and competitors’ marks will be affected.
3.4.2 Vocal Solo and Vocal Duet Classes
All competitors have to perform from memory and sing in the language
specified in the class requirement. They have to find their own piano
accompanists. The singers may not self-accompany their own performance.
Soprano and Alto classes may not be entered by male singers. Tenor and
Bass Classes may not be entered by female singers. Competitors who
violate these rules will be disqualified.
3.4.3 Instrumental Solo Classes
All competitors of the instrumental solo classes have to perform from
memory. Competitors who violate this rule will only be given comments.
Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
3.4.4 Chinese Instrumental Classes
Solo class competitors (Classes 500 - 559) have to perform without
accompaniment. Other than double bass, cello and western percussion
instruments, no western instruments, including piano, are permitted for use
for Classes N576 Erhu Ensemble and N588 Chinese Instruments
Scholarship. Competitors who violate this rule will only be given
comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
3.4.5 Cantonese Operatic Song Classes
Please refer to the Chinese version of the Rules and Regulations.
3.4.6 Group Classes (Please refer to 3.4.7 for rules of Choral Classes)
[Link] Where a team has to perform two pieces, the total number of
members shall not exceed the specified limit of the class
concerned, otherwise competitors will only be given comments.
Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to them.
[Link] Where a team has to perform two pieces, performing members of
both pieces have to be on the stage together at the time the
performance begins, otherwise marks will be affected.
3.4.7 Choral Classes
[Link] Secondary school choir classes are divided into First Division and
Second Division. The two share the same competition format but
the set pieces and the time limit of the Own Choice pieces are not
the same.
[Link] If a school wins the first prize in a class in the Second Division
and intends to enter that class in the following year, it has to enter
the one in the First Division. The restriction ceases to exist in the
next ensuing year. [For example, a school wins the first prize in
the Singing in Chinese - Mixed Voice - Junior Class in the Second
Division and intends to enter the Singing in Chinese - Mixed
Voice - Junior Class in the next Music Festival, it has to be the one
in the First Division.] Competing teams violating this rule will be
disqualified.
[Link] Competitors of choral classes have to perform from memory and
sing in the language specified in the class requirement during the
competition. Competitors who fail to do so will only be given
comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to
them.

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 [Link] The number of performers of each team (including singers and
instrumentalists but excluding the conductor, the piano
accompanist and the page-turner) is restricted as follows:
No. of
Class No.
Performers
27 - 39, 41, 43 - 44, 46, 49 - 50, 52 - 53, 55, 58,
61, 63 - 64, 66, 69 - 70, 72 - 73, 75, 78, 81, 82, 25 - 60
84, 86, 87, 89, 97
47, 56, 67, 76, 83, 88, 96 25 - 80
820 25 - 80
The instrumentalists also have to meet the entry requirements of
the class entered.
[For example, a choir performs two pieces and the upper limit of the
number of performers of the class is 60. There are 60 singers and
instrumentalists, and one piano accompanist who is a student when
the choir performs the first piece. The piano accompanist swaps
his / her role with one of the singers when the choir performs the
second piece. The choir is therefore regarded as having a total of
61 performers and has violated the rule.] Competing teams who
violate this rule will only be given comments. Neither marks nor
certificates will be awarded to them.
[Link] Set pieces of choral classes sold by the Association (except classes
98 and 99): Members must purchase enough copies for each
performer (including singers, conductor and piano accompanist).
If the number of performers is more than the number of copies
purchased, competing team’s marks will be affected. Before the
competing teams perform, they have to submit the original score in
colour paper which bears the original Association chop purchased
from the Association to the Festival assistant. Otherwise,
competing teams will only be given comment. Neither marks nor
certificates will be awarded to them.

3.5 Finals
3.5.1 Finalists will receive an “Invitation to the Final” at the end of the
preliminary round. Finalists have to reply to the Association as to
whether they will attend the Final or not.
3.5.2 Competitors have to submit the original music scores and photocopies of the
Own Choice pieces to the Festival assistant before the start of the
competition for the adjudicators’ reference (inapplicable to Cantonese
operatic song classes). The number of photocopies required is as follows:
Category No. of Photocopies
Choral Classes 5
Non-choral Classes 3
If the Own Choice piece of a choral class is not sung in English,
competitors have to provide an English translation of the lyrics for the
adjudicators. All photocopies will be destroyed after the Festival.
3.5.3 At the finals, the competitors will receive no mark sheets. The Association
reserves the right not to award part or all of the prizes / scholarships of the

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 finals if finalists cannot perform up to a sufficiently high standard at the
finals concerned.
3.6 Rules at Competition Venues
3.6.1 Admission
[Link] Competitors have to arrive at the competition venue to report to
the Festival assistants at the Reporting Time specified on the
Competition Notifications.
[Link] Competitors of solo classes and duo classes may each be
accompanied by a maximum of one adult (either a teacher or a
parent). In a group class competition, each team may be
accompanied by a maximum of six teachers / staff members.
[Link] Seating priority will always be given to competitors of that
competition. When there are no sufficient seats at a particular
competition venue, teachers or parents accompanying the
competitors may not be admitted.
[Link] In a solo / duo class competition in which the competitors are
divided into batches, the competitors and their accompanying
teachers or parents are admitted to the competition venue only
during the assigned time slot. They must leave at the end of their
time slot. After all the performances, competitors should return
to the venue for the adjudicator's comments, the result and their
mark sheets. In a group class competition in which the
competing teams are divided into batches, a maximum of three
representatives of each competing team could stay to watch the
competition other than their own batch.
[Link] Even if there are extra seats for the audience, non-competitors
under the age of six will not be admitted to any competition
venues.
[Link] In accordance with the limitations / requirements of the venue or
request of adjudicators, the Festival assistants are authorised to
take charge of the seating and admission arrangements in the
competition venues.
3.6.2 Practice is strictly prohibited at the competition venues and the surrounding
areas.
3.6.3 Rearrangement of any setup and facilities is prohibited. The Association
reserves the right to claim compensation from those who damage the venue
facilities.
3.6.4 Unless otherwise specified, no equipment, props, backdrops or extra supply
of electricity will be provided. Please refer to Annex 7 for facilities
available for use in specific classes at the venues.
3.6.5 Competitors / accompanists / accompanying teachers or parents have to
follow all anti-epidemic regulations by the Government and the
precautionary measures by venues at that time and take the responsibility of
assessing their own health risk.
3.6.6 Anyone including competitors who causes undue disturbance in competition
venues may be asked to leave the venue. If the person is a competitor, he /
she will only be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be
awarded to him / her.

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 3.6.7 The use of communication or electronic devices is prohibited (except
electronic tuners, score-reading or page turning) at the competition venue.
Photo-taking, audio or video recording of any part of a competition
(including the time for verbal comments from adjudicators and the
announcement of results) are prohibited. Photo-taking is only allowed
during collection of mark sheet(s). Anyone who violates this rule may be
asked to leave the venue. If the person is a competitor, he / she will only
be given comments. Neither marks nor certificates will be awarded to him
/ her. Competitors / accompanists may not use any communication or
electronic devices during performing / accompanying. In case of violation,
the competitors will only be given comments. Neither marks nor
certificates will be awarded to them.
3.6.8 It is the responsibility of individual attendees to take care of their personal
belongings. The Association will not be held responsible for any loss.
3.6.9 The Association does not offer parking spaces at any venues.
3.7 Prize-winners’ Concerts
Prize-winners who are recommended by adjudicators may be invited to perform at
the Concerts. Unless the winner is supported by justified reasons, he / she has to
attend the Concerts. If the prize-winner is absent in the Concert, the Association
reserves the right not to issue any certificate and to withdraw or revoke any award
that has been made and presented. The Association has the right to set the
programmes of the Prize-winners’ Concerts to be held in any venues at any time /
in any mode. The Rules and Regulations of the current Hong Kong Schools
Music Festival shall also apply to the Concerts, including the number of performers
of group classes, competition requirements of the class etc.

4 CHANGES TO SPECIFIC CLASSES

Please refer to “New Arrangements of Specific Classes of the 77th Hong Kong Schools
Music Festival (2025)”.

5 JUDGING CRITERIA
Adjudication will be based on the overall performance of the competitors, including:
 Technical Proficiency
 Fidelity to Score
 Understanding of Style
 Musical Communication
The decision of the adjudicators on all artistic matters shall be final.

6 AWARDS and MARKS

6.1 Competitors will receive mark sheets at the end of the competition in which they
have performed. Competitors will bear the risk of losing the mark sheets if they fail
to collect them on the spot. Otherwise, members have to bring their valid original
membership cards to the Association to collect the mark sheets for their students from
22 April 2025 onwards. University / Post-secondary students may bring their student
ID cards to collect mark sheets from the same date. All unclaimed mark sheets will
be destroyed before the commencement of the next Music Festival. Members can
download their students’ results from the member’s area of the Association website
from 10:00 a.m. on 28 April 2025 onwards.

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 6.2 Placing will be awarded to the winners of each competing class / group (except for
classes 98, 99 and all special school classes, please refer to 6.4). Only one
first-place winner will be awarded for each competing class / group, while there
may be more than one second place or third place winners. However, competitors
with less than 80 marks will not be awarded any placing nor prize.
6.3 A pennant will be presented to the first-place winner of each class / group at the end
of the competition. Each duo will be awarded two pennants.
6.4 Apart from Chinese instrumental classes, Cantonese operatic song classes and other
singing in Chinese classes, the certificates are in English. Certificates of three
levels will be awarded to competitors for their achievement:
Certificates Marks obtained
Gold Award 90 or above
Silver Award 80 - 89
Bronze Award 70 - 79
For classes 98, 99 and all special school classes, marks and placing will not be
awarded. The competitors will be awarded a Gold, Silver, Bronze Award
certificate, or without any certificate.
6.5 Only members may collect the certificates. They are responsible for distributing
the certificates to their students. Members have to bring along their valid original
membership cards to collect the certificates and pennants (if any) for their students
at the Association in June 2025, prior booking has to be made on the Association
website. University and Post-secondary students entering the Festival on their
own shall bring their student ID cards to the Association to collect certificates from
the aforesaid date onwards. All unclaimed mark sheets will be destroyed before
the commencement of the next Music Festival. Late collection after the aforesaid
period or request for re-issuance of certificates, if accepted, will be subject to a
handling fee.
6.6 Other trophies / awards / prizes may be collected within the specified period stated
in the Prize Collection Notification. Late collection, if accepted, will be subject to
a handling fee.
6.7 If a trophy / award / prize is damaged or lost after collection, no replacement will
be made.

7 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
7.1 For the smooth running of the Festival, the Association reserves the right to modify
these Rules and Regulations anytime. In any case, the Association shall not be
held responsible for any liability for compensation.
7.2 Force Majeure - In the event of any strike, lock out, enemy action, hostilities, riot,
civil commotion, malicious mischief epidemic, acts of government, governmental
orders or any other circumstance (whether or not of a similar nature to the foregoing)
over which the Association has no control which causes the cessation of or
substantial interference with the performance of the Festival competition(s) as
originally scheduled or reasonably re-scheduled, only part of the competition fees
after deducting all expenses which the auditors of the Association certified to have
been reasonably incurred for the preparation of the Festival competition(s) will be
refundable proportionally. For affected classes which are partly completed, no
re-scheduling will be arranged and the competition would be cancelled. Placing
will not be awarded to competitors who have performed.

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 7.3 If any competitor / member violates any law of Hong Kong (including intellectual
property right) and causes the Association to incur claims, damages, expenses, losses,
or any legal liability, the individual shall be fully responsible. The Association
reserves the right to recover any relevant compensation from such competitor /
member.

8 OTHER ISSUES
8.1 The decision of the Executive Committee of the Association on all matters arising
from administrative issues and competitions, including the interpretation of these
Rules and Regulations, shall be final.
8.2 Complaints and Suggestions
8.2.1 All complaints have to be made in writing by the member that entered the
competitor(s) to the Festival. The letter must be submitted to the
Complaint Handling Committee of the Association. The letter has to reach
the Association by post no later than 30 June 2025. An acknowledgement
of receipt will be sent to the member concerned within 7 working days after
receiving the letter.
If the member is a School Member, the submission has to:
(i) bear the signature of the school principal;
(ii) bear the school chop; and
(iii) include the membership number and correspondence address of the
school.
If the member is an Associate Member / Temporary Membership for Music
Tutor, the submission has to:
(i) bear the signature of the member; and
(ii) include the membership number and correspondence address of the
member.
If students attending universities / post-secondary institutes like to give
comments, the submission must include:
(i) the reference number;
(ii) the name of the student; and
(iii) correspondence address.
8.2.2 If a submission fulfills the above requirements, the case will then be
forwarded to the Complaint Handling Committee for discussion after the
Festival. The Committee will issue a written reply on the result to the
member concerned on or before 29 August 2025. The decision made by
the Complaint Handling Committee is final.
8.3 In the case where a competition / activity has to be cancelled because of class
suspension ordered by the Education Bureau, no alternative arrangement will be
made and entry fees will not be refunded. Information about specific
arrangements for competitions under school suspension in an epidemic / rainstorm /
typhoon will be uploaded on the Association website in due course. Please refer
to Annex 4 / Annex 5 / Annex 6.

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 8.4 Anyone suffering from epidemic shall not attend any Festival live competitions
or activities.

Any available recordings or video demonstrations circulated in the public do not

represent the judging criteria of the Music Festival. Competitors have to follow the
scores, the competition requirements stated in these Rules and Regulations and the
Syllabus when entering competitions.

Only members of the Association can enrol in any of the activities held by the
Association. All related services (such as enrolment, collection of competition materials
available at the Association, checking competition materials at the Association, etc.) will
only be provided to members / persons who can present a valid and original membership
card. For membership details, please visit the Association website.

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 Annex 1 (Live Competition Mode)
List of Universities and Post-secondary Institutes
Eligible to Enter the Music Festival

(In alphabetical order)

1. Caritas Bianchi College of Careers
2. Caritas Institute of Community Education
3. Centennial College
4. City University of Hong Kong
5. City University of Hong Kong - School of Continuing and Professional Education
6. Gratia Christian College
7. HKCT Institute of Higher Education
8. HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College
9. Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
10. Hong Kong Adventist College
11. Hong Kong Art School (a division of Hong Kong Arts Centre)
12. Hong Kong Baptist University
13. Hong Kong Baptist University - Academy of Film
14. Hong Kong Baptist University - College of International Education
15. Hong Kong Baptist University - School of Continuing Education
16. Hong Kong Chu Hai College
17. Hong Kong College of Technology
18. Hong Kong Institute of Technology
19. Hong Kong Metropolitan University
20. Hong Kong Metropolitan University - Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing
Education
21. Hong Kong Nang Yan College of Higher Education
22. Hong Kong Shue Yan University
23. Lingnan University
24. Lingnan University - Lingnan Institute of Further Education
25. Saint Francis University
26. The Chinese University of Hong Kong
27. The Chinese University of Hong Kong - School of Continuing and Professional Studies
28. The Education University of Hong Kong
29. The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
30. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
31. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Hong Kong Community College
32. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - School of Professional Education and Executive
Development
33. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
34. The University of Hong Kong
35. The University of Hong Kong - HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education
36. The University of Hong Kong - HKU SPACE Community College
37. Tung Wah College
38. UOW College Hong Kong
39. Vocational Training Council - Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education / Hong Kong
Design Institute / Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology
40. Vocational Training Council - School for Higher and Professional Education
41. Vocational Training Council - Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong
42. Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education
43. YMCA College of Careers

Source:
Website of Education Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government LCM
 Annex 2 (Live Competition Mode & Video Submission Mode)
Important Dates to be Noted
Events Dates

Festival Syllabus released on the Association website 28 August 2024

Festival Syllabus (printed copy) available for members to
from 25 September 2024
collect at the Association
Shooting Guidelines released on the Association website 26 September 2024
26 September (10:00 a.m.) to
Enrolment Period
25 October 2024 (5:00 p.m.)
Competition forms* available for members / competitors to
8 October 2024
download from the Association website
Deadline of submission of cheque payment for entries
29 October 2024
submitted
Payment receipt available for members to download from from 20 November 2024
the Association website (10:00 a.m.)
Video
Submission Submission of "Copyright Declaration Form"
Mode 8 November (10:00 a.m.) to
Live 18 November 2024 (5:00 p.m.)
Submission of Own Choice Form and
Competition
Original Composition
Mode
Entry Form Receipts and Competition Notification available
for members to download from the Association website 6 January (10:00 a.m.) to
Festival Timetable to be released on the Association 15 January 2025 (5:00 p.m.)
website
8 January (10:00 a.m.) to
Application for Alteration
15 January 2025 (5:00 p.m.)
Festival Timetable - Revised Version to be released on the
21 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.)
Association website
Video 6 February (10:00 a.m.) to
Submission Video Submission Period
14 February 2025 (5:00 p.m.)
Mode
Live 24 February to
Competition Music Festival Period
26 March 2025
Mode
Report of Competition Results available for members to
28 April 2025
download from the Association website
Collection of Mark sheets, Pennants and Certificates
(Prior booking by members has to be made on the June 2025
Association website)
* Competition forms include Own Choice Form, Copyright Declaration Form, Original Composition
(N872) - Teacher’s Declaration, Alteration Form, Letter from the School, Letter from the Teacher,
and Competitors’ List (Group Classes)

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 Annex 3 (Live Competition Mode & Video Submission Mode)
Procedure for Alteration Application
The procedure stated below is to inform members / competitors on how to apply for alteration,
how to complete the alteration application form, and items they can apply for alteration.
Members / Competitors should study the guidelines carefully before filling in the Alteration
Application Form.

1 Items to be altered are restricted to:

1.1 Own Choice Class-related items
An application may be accepted in the case where:
a) Own Choice Form not submitted within the submission period;
b) Change of Own Choice piece submitted (change of movement(s) or arranger
may also be deemed to be a change of Own Choice piece);
c) Change of order in performing Own Choice pieces; or
d) Submission of additional information of Own Choice piece (e.g. movement(s), etc).
1.2 Late Submission for “Copyright Declaration Form” (if applicable)
1.3 Change of Competitors’ Personal Information on the Entry Form
Members / Competitors may apply for change of personal information or
responsible member filled in the Entry Form. Request for alteration of area code,
class or competitor(s) will not be entertained.
1.4 Change of Class
A change of class within the same category may be accepted only in the case
where:
a) A male competitor has entered a female class or vice versa; or
b) A competitor has entered a class not of his / her age group or education level;
or
c) A boys’ school / girls’ school has entered a mixed choral class.
1.5 Change of the Group in the Same Class (For Classes in Live Competition Mode only)
1.5.1 A change of group in the same class may be accepted only in the case
where:
a) Competition clashes with school examination, test or assessment;
b) Competition clashes with dictation or other school events which affects
the competitor’s academic results; or
c) Competition clashes with another competition of the Festival.
1.5.2 An alteration quota is set in each group. However, the quota may vary due
to the number of entries in a class and the conditions of the venues.
Therefore, applications are not guaranteed to be successful.
1.5.3 Members / Competitors have to check on-line at [Link]
the number of groups scheduled in the same class, when and where the
competitions are held, etc., and then list on the form their order of
preference to show which group they wish to be reallocated to.
1.6 Change of Competition Time of the Group Classes / Scholarship Classes (For
Classes in Live Competition Mode only)
With reason(s) listed in 1.5.1, a competitor may be permitted to apply for a swap
of competition order or competition group with another competitor in the same
class. However, the competitor has to take their own step to liaise with another
competitor so as to reach a mutual agreement between them on the swap before
starting the application procedures.

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2 Application Procedure
2.1 Members / Competitors have to submit one Alteration Application Form per item
of an entry needed to be altered.
2.2 The Association handles Alteration Application from 8 January 2025 (10:00 a.m.)
to 15 January 2025 (5:00 p.m.) (Office hours on 11 January 2025: 9:00 a.m. to
12:30 p.m.; 12 January 2025: Closed). Late submission of Alteration Application
Forms will not be processed (Such restriction does not apply to change of personal
data on the entry form stated in 1.3).
2.3 A finalist with the final clashing with another Festival competition has to contact
the Association for a change of competition time as soon as possible. However,
application for the change may not be successful.
2.4 Members / Competitors have to submit the Alteration Application Form(s) in person
or by a delegated person so that he / she will be informed immediately whether or
not the application is accepted, and correspondingly be given a confirmation slip and
an updated Competition Notification should the application be successful.
Applications via phone call, email, fax or post, etc., will not be accepted.
2.5 Please bring along the following documents when submitting the application.
Applications will not be processed if any of the following documents is missing:
a) A copy of Entry Form Receipt (EFR) / Competition Notification (CN);
b) Proof of the competitor(s)’ identity: A photocopy of Hong Kong ID Card /
travel document (for wrong age group) or student handbook showing the class
of student (for wrong education level), etc.; and
c) Other supporting documents: Examples of clashes and the supporting
documents required are listed below. For more details, please refer to the
Alteration Application Form. Templates for (ii) and (iii) can be downloaded
from the Member’s Area of the Association website.

Example Other supporting documents required

(i) Competition clashes with school Examination timetable with the school chop /
examination, test or assessment school calendar with the school chop
(documentary proof of the competitor
attending class of the matching education
level is mandatory if there is an indication of
education level in the document submitted)
(ii) Competition clashes with dictation A supporting letter with the principal’s
or other school events, which signature and school chop
would affect the competitor’s
academic results
(iii) Competition in Solo / Duo Class A supporting letter with the signature of
clashes with a Group Class the teacher responsible for the competition
competition and school chop
(iv) Swapping the assigned order / Supporting documents required in (i) / (ii) /
group with other competitors / (iii); and
teams in Group Classes or a letter of consent by the two parties that
Scholarship Classes due to (i), (ii) agree to make the swap
or (iii)

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2.6 Fees
2.6.1 Members / Competitors shall pay a handling fee of $100 for each application.
[Link] Handling fee is waived in the case when competition clashes with
another competition of the Festival.
[Link] For alteration items in 1.1 (a) to (c) above, they have to pay the
handling fee and a surcharge equal to the amount of the entry fee of
the class.
[Link] For change of class due to reasons stated in 1.4, they have to pay the
handling fee and a surcharge equal to the amount of the entry fee of
the new class.
Please refer to the Alteration Application Form for details.
2.6.2 Payment must be made in cash.
2.6.3 A confirmed alteration cannot be cancelled. Nevertheless, members / competitors
may make another application for alteration and pay the respective fees.
2.6.4 Under no circumstances will the handling fee and surcharge be refunded.

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 Annex 4 (Live Competition Mode)
Competition Arrangements under School Suspension in an Epidemic

Classes Categorised by Education Level Classes Categorised by Level of Attainment / Age

e.g. primary school, secondary school e.g. grade 3 piano solo, age 10 or under

School suspension at all kindergartens / The Classes of competitions affected to be Competitions to be held as scheduled.
primary schools / secondary schools cancelled.
The competitors not from suspended schools can
Competitors from suspended schools are not participate in the competitions; they will only
permitted to attend any competitions. receive comments and be awarded marks, but no
placing will be awarded.

School suspension at individual Competitions to be held as scheduled.

kindergartens / primary schools /
Competitors from suspended schools are not permitted to attend any competitions; if they do not
secondary schools
follow this rule, they will be disqualified.

Class suspension at individual Competitions to be held as scheduled.

kindergartens / primary schools /
Competitors from suspended classes of the school are not permitted to attend any competitions; if
secondary schools / Universities
they do not follow this rule, they will be disqualified.
and Post-secondary Institutes
Note: Competitions scheduled to be held at the venues where school / class suspension being enacted may be cancelled.

** Information about specific arrangements for competitions during school / class suspension or
other circumstances will be uploaded on the Association website in due course **

No alternative arrangement (such as re-scheduling of competitions, re-allocating

competitors to other groups, etc.) will be made for competitions which the
Association has to cancel or competitors do not attend as scheduled for any reasons.

LCM
 Annex 5 (Live Competition Mode)
Competition Arrangements under School Suspension during Rainstorm

If the Education Bureau announces school suspension before 6:45 a.m., the competitions of the affected classes of the day will be cancelled.

Warning signal issued Classes Categorised by Education Level Classes Categorised by Level of Attainment / Age
before the reporting time e.g. primary school, secondary school e.g. grade 3 piano solo, age 10 or under

Black Rainstorm Warning Signal / If the signal is still in force:

Red Rainstorm Warning Signal 1. at 6:45 a.m. - the competitions with the reporting time falling between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
will be cancelled
2. at 11:00 a.m. - the competitions with the reporting time falling between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
will be cancelled
3. at 3:00 p.m. - the competitions with the reporting time falling between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
will be cancelled

Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal The competitions of the kindergarten classes The competitions will be held as scheduled.
will be cancelled. Competitors have to decide on whether they will
The competitions of the primary school, the attend the competitions or not, and will hold
secondary school and open classes will be responsibility for their own safety. Note 1
held as scheduled. Please refer to the time
line stated in the box above.

(to be continued)

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 (continued)
Warning signal issued All Classes
during a competition

Rainstorm Warning Signal The competitions continue.

Competitors have to decide on whether they will stay on for the competitions or not, and would hold
responsibility for their own safety.
Note 1: The competitions will be held as scheduled even if some of the competitors of the classes categorised by age are kindergarten students.

* Some of the competition venues are on school premises. When the schools concerned are closed due to rainstorm, the
competitions to be held at such venues may be cancelled. Please refer to the Association website when it happens.*

** Information about specific arrangements for competitions during school / class suspension or
other circumstances will be uploaded on the Association website in due course **

No alternative arrangement (such as re-scheduling of competitions, re-allocating

competitors to other groups, etc.) will be made for competitions which the
Association has to cancel or competitors do not attend as scheduled for any reasons.

LCM
 Annex 6 (Live Competition Mode)
Competition Arrangements under School Suspension during Tropical Cyclone

If the Education Bureau announces school suspension before 6:45 a.m., the competitions of the affected classes of the day will be cancelled.

Weather warnings issued Classes Categorised by Education Level Classes Categorised by Level of Attainment / Age
before the reporting time e.g. primary school, secondary school e.g. grade 3 piano solo, age 10 or under

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 Competitions to be cancelled if the weather warnings are to be / still in force:
or higher / “Extreme Conditions” 1. at 6:45 a.m. - for all competitions of the day
2. at 11:00 a.m. - for all competitions with reporting time scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and the
subsequent competitions of the day
3. at 3:00 p.m. - for all competitions with reporting time scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and the
subsequent competitions of the day

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 The competitions of the kindergarten classes The competitions will be held as scheduled. Note 1
will be cancelled.
Competitors should decide on whether they would
The competitions of the primary school, the
attend the competitions or not, and should hold
secondary school and open classes will be
responsibility of their own safety. Note 1
held as scheduled. Please refer to the time
line stated in the box above.
(to be continued)

LCM
 (continued)

Weather warnings issued Classes Categorised by Education Level Classes Categorised by Level of Attainment / Age
during a competition e.g. primary school, secondary school e.g. grade 3 piano solo, age 10 or under

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 Competitions to be terminated. Note 2

or higher
Competitors have to leave the venues as soon as possible.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 Competitions for kindergarten classes are to be Competitions continue.
terminated. Competitors have to leave the Competitors have to decide on whether they will
venues as soon as possible. Competitions for stay on for the competitions or not and will hold
the primary, the secondary and open classes to responsibility for their own safety.
be continued.

Note 1: The competitions will be held as scheduled even if some of the competitors of the classes categorised by age are kindergarten students.
2: Competitors who have performed will only receive comments and be awarded marks, but no placing will be awarded. The remaining
competition will be cancelled. The Association or the person-in-charge of the venue will notify the Festival assistant of the exact time
to discontinue the competition.

** Information about specific arrangements for competitions during school / class suspension or
other circumstances will be uploaded on the Association website in due course **

No alternative arrangement (such as re-scheduling of competitions, re-allocating

competitors to other groups, etc.) will be made for competitions which the
Association has to cancel or competitors do not attend as scheduled for any reasons.

LCM
 Annex 7 (Live Competition Mode)
Facilities Available for Use at Competition Venues

(In Class name’s alphabetical order)

Classes of / for Facilities
Cantonese Operatic Song amplifiers

Chinese Instrumental Ensemble music stands & chairs

Chinese Instrumental Solo chair

Chinese Orchestra - music stands & chairs

- high stools
- conductor’s podium & music stand
- timpani

Choir - 4 to 5 blocks of three-tier choir risers

- conductor’s music stand
- grand piano

Concert Band - music stands & chairs

- high stools
- conductor’s podium & music stand
- grand piano & timpani

Harmonica Band - music stands & chairs

- upright / grand piano
- electricity supply for bass harmonica amplifier

Kindergarten Music Activities - 4 to 5 blocks of three-tier choir risers

- upright / grand piano

Marimba Solo music stands

Melodica Band music stands & chairs

Percussion Band - a few chairs and music stands

- upright / grand piano

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 Classes of / for Facilities
Piano Concerto 2 grand pianos

Piano Solo / Duet grand piano

Recorder Band music stands & chairs

Special Schools - 4 to 5 blocks of three-tier choir risers

- upright / grand piano

String Orchestra - music stands & chairs

- high stools
- conductor’s podium & music stand
- timpani

Symphony Orchestra - music stands & chairs

- high stools
- conductor’s podium & music stand
- grand piano & timpani

Vocal Solo / Duet upright / grand piano

Western Instrumental Concerto / Sonata - chair

- upright / grand piano

Western Instrumental Duet - music stand & chair

- upright / grand piano

Western Instrumental Ensemble - music stands & chairs

- upright / grand piano

Western Instrumental Solo - chair

- upright / grand piano

Xylophone Solo - music stands

- upright / grand piano

Competitors and accompanists MUST bring their own musical instruments unless the
musical instrument(s) are available for use at the competition venue.

LCM