New in 2027!
Syllabus Changes
STRINGS
In line with feedback that we received from our community string advisors, we have updated our string syllabus including violin, viola, cello and bass. Our classes will now be primarily divided by level instead of age. This is an effort to allow the adjudicator to provide more equitable evaluations.
Transitional Rule:
To ensure a fair transition, Festival restrictions on previous class winners will be waived for the String Division for the 2027 Festival only. Students who have previously placed first in a String Division class may enter any class for which they are otherwise eligible, regardless of their previous results.
The usual restrictions on past class winners will resume in subsequent years.
Level Guidance:
Syllabi of the major Canadian examination bodies provide grade level guidance in making suitable repertoire choices. Repertoire not included in a Canadian syllabus must be at the appropriate grade level for the class.
Examples of Canadian syllabi for guidance:
https://conservatorycanada.ca/syllabi/
https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/syllabuses
VOICE
Based on feedback from our community voice advisors, we are pleased to introduce new Vocal Ensemble categories for small and large ensembles, with age sub-divisions of 14 and under and 15–22 years.
PABC PROVINCIAL FESTIVAL
Younger competitors recommended for Provincial Excellence classes and who do not win at this level, may in a subsequent year, be recommended for their age group class instead. This rule only applies to Provincial Excellence competitors.
Vocal Variety competitors MUST perform a selection that is from a different genre than their main class (ie - musical theatre competitors must perform a selection that is not from the Musical Theatre genre)
Duet classes will now only require one work to be performed at the Provincial Festival, with a lowering of the entry fee and the time limit.
The introduction of a school musical theatre ensemble class in the virtual choral classes. This class will require a video recording.
REGISTRATION FEE ADJUSTMENTS
In response to inflation and rising operating costs, we have made modest adjustments to our registration fees for 2027. Most classes have increased by $2 per class, while Recital Class – Excellence and select Concert Group and Ensemble classes have increased by $5 per class.
These adjustments will help us bring adjudicator compensation in line with current professional rates while continuing to provide a high-quality Festival experience for our participants.
Festival Prep Workshops
Criminal Record Checks for Volunteers
We require our volunteers, 18 years and older, to apply for a Criminal Record Check - free of charge. Apply online with your BC Services Card.
Please contact Franki Katz with any questions.
franki.katz@vkmfestivals.org
photography and videography
Festival attendees may now photograph or record their own participant's performance, subject to the following guidelines:
No flash photography.
Photography and filming must not interfere with the adjudicator, performers, or other audience members.
No extra time will be given to facilitate photography or filming.
Please photograph or record only your own student or child.
FINAL CONCERT & AWARDS NIGHT
We’re delighted to announce the VKMF Final Concert & Awards Night on Saturday, May 15th, 2027, held at Bethany Baptist Church (22680 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC). This will be a special evening to celebrate the brilliant performances of the festival and to honour our 2027 award winners. More details to come!