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Adjudicator Dr Oliver Gledhill PhD MA(Mtpp) PGCA ARCM FISM
Oliver Gledhill, cellist, was a Scholar at the Guildhall School of Music and won numerous awards including the ISTEL/Redditch Music Society Competition. He studied with many eminent cellists including William Pleeth, Edmund Kurtz and André Navarra. He has given acclaimed recitals at the Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room, including three in the Kirckman Concert Society Series. Festival appearances have included solo performances in England, France, Italy, Mallorca and the Czech Republic. Oliver has recorded nine CDs, including the complete works for cello by Léon Boëllmann, which was awarded five stars for performance by BBC Music Magazine, and has been played on the radio in Australia, Belgium and the USA, and W.H. Squire – Miniatures for Cello and Piano for the British Music Society/Naxos, which was featured as John Brunning’s Drive ‘Discovery’ of the week on Classic FM, and followed a PhD at the Royal Academy of Music/University of London on W.H. Squire, his cello miniatures and the portamento.
Dr Gledhill teaches the cello at Junior Guildhall, in London, and is a member of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama Research Ethics Committee. He also teaches for the Music Specialist School at City of London Academy Highbury Grove. He has edited music for Peters Edition and Durand. His published writings include articles and reviews for the Strad magazine and the British Journal of Music Education. Oliver Gledhill is an Examiner for Trinity College London, and as their cello syllabus consultant composed fifteen graded studies for the current TCL Cello Scales book. As an Adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals, he has adjudicated at over one hundred festivals, including the Finals of Music for Youth on five occasions. His pupil successes include Most Promising String Player awards at the Bedfordshire, Chelmsford, Hatfield, Southend and Watford Festivals, the winner of Junior Guildhall’s Lutine Prize 2020 and the only cello finalist in the Strings Category of BBC Young Musician 2020.
Rules
1 Entering the Festival is only available via the ‘Run My Festival’ system.
2 Entries will be accepted only if the appropriate entry fee is received before the closing date.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
3 You will receive an email confirming your entries when you complete the registration.
If you have not received this notification email, please check your spam folder before contacting colchesterrotarymusicfestival@gmail.com
4 You may not enter more than once in the same class except where you are entering on different instruments.
5 The same piece may not be performed in more than one class in the same Festival year.
6 The title and composer of your music must be stated as part of your entry.
7 Any changes must be notified by email to admin@colchesterrotaryfestival.org.
8 The Festival is for amateur performers. For the purpose of this Festival, an amateur is considered to be a person whose main source of income is not made from music, acting or dance performances, (although he or she may receive occasional fees and ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses), or teaching in these disciplines. This restriction does not apply to an entrant’s Conductor or Accompanist.
9 Entrants may perform in as many classes as they choose but may not use the same piece of music in more than one class.
10 Entrants may perform on more than one instrument in
Solo Woodwind
Solo Brass
Solo Strings (bowed)
Solo String (plucked)
11 All Instrumental and Voice entrants must supply a copy of their music for the adjudicator in addition to the one they are using. These will be collected at the Registration Desk. Accompianist also needs music.
12 You must observe all relevant time limits for performances. The “Performance time” shown is the total time and entrants should note that spoken introductions, other than stating your name and titles of your performance pieces, are included within the quoted timings
13 The adjudicator will assign marks and/or categories as follows:
Exceptional – over 95
Outstanding – 90-94
Honours – 85-89
Commended – 80-84
Merit – 75-79
Progressing – 70-75
Developing – 65-69
14 The Festival will have the necessary copyright performance permissions provided that the identity of any work to be performed has been provided in advance and that the piece has not been re-arranged without the composer/author’s consent. You may submit a photocopy of your music for the adjudicator. These will be destroyed after the Festival.
Adjudicator for all classes
Dr Oliver Gledhill PhD MA (Mtpp) PGCA ARCM FISM
Age limit all classes- up to the age of 17 as of 31st August 2026
All solo classes £12.00- pay by Bacs
All duets/trios and ensembles £18.00 -pay by Bacs
Junior Choir - £25.00 – pay by Bacs
Adult choirs - £30.00 – pay by Bacs
Classes which include adults in ensembles are Non-competative.
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Prefix for sections
BTT - Beginners to Grade 3
M - Solo Instrument ( Grades 4-8+)
V- Solo voice ( Grades 4-8+)
DTV - Duets/Trios, instrument or voice
ME - Music Ensembles
C - Choirs
Beginners to Grade 3 (Prefix BTT)
Age limit all classes- up to the age of 17 as of 31st August 2026
BTT 1. SOLO STRINGS (BOWED) PRE-GRADE 1
(This class is for string players who have not yet reached a standard to enter grades)
BTT2 SOLO STRINGS (BOWED) GRADE 1 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT3 SOLO STRINGS (BOWED) GRADE 2 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT 4 SOLO STRINGS (BOWED) GRADE 3 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT5 SOLO STRINGS (PLUCKED, INCL ELECTRIC GUITAR, HARP ETC) PRE-GRADE 1
(This class is open to players who have not yet reached a standard to enter grades)
BTT6. SOLO STRINGS (PLUCKED, INCL ELECTRIC GUITAR, HARP ETC) GRADE 1 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT7 SOLO STRINGS (PLUCKED, INCL ELECTRIC GUITAR, HARP ETC) GRADE 2 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT 8 SOLO STRINGS (PLUCKED, INCL ELECTRIC GUITAR, HARP ETC) GRADE 3 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT 9 SOLO PIANO PRE-GRADE 1
(This class is open to performers who have not yet reached a standard to enter for grades)
BTT10. SOLO PIANO GRADE 1 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT11 SOLO PIANO GRADE 2 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT12 SOLO PIANO GRADE 3 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT13 SOLO VOICE PRE-GRADE 1
(This class is open to singers who have not yet reached a stage to enter for grades)
BTT14 SOLO VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERATIC GRADE 1 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT15 SOLO VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERATIC GRADE 2 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT16 SOLO VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERATIC GRADE 3 OR EQUIVALENT
BTT17. SOLO VOICE POPULAR GRADES 1 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
BTT18 SOLO VOICE POPULAR GRADES 2 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
BTT19 SOLO VOICE POPULAR GRADES 3 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
BTT20 SOLO VOICE MUSICAL THEATRE GRADE 1 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
BTT21 SOLO VOICE MUSICAL THEATRE GRADE 2 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
BTT22 SOLO VOICE MUSICAL THEATRE GRADE 3 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Classes – Solo Instrumental (Prefix M)
Age limit all classes- up to the age of 17 as of 31st August 2026
Backing tracks must be blue tooth enabled
Possible award - Colchester Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year
M361. SOLO PIANO GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
M362 SOLO PIANO GRADES 6-7 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD.
M363 SOLO PIANO GRADES 8 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
M365 SOLO STRINGS (BOWED) GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with a different instrument
M366 SOLO STRINGS (BOWED) GRADES 6-7 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with a different instrument
M367 SOLO STRINGS (BOWED) GRADES 8 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with a different instrument
M369 SOLO STRINGS (PLUCKED, INCL ELECTRIC GUITAR, HARP ETC) GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrants may enter more than once with a different instrument
Electric Instrument must have own amp, PAT tested
M370 SOLO STRINGS (PLUCKED, INCL ELECTRIC GUITAR, HARP ETC) GRADES 6-7 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrants may enter more than once with a different instrument
Electric instruments must have own amp, PAT tested
M371 SOLO STRINGS (PLUCKED, INCL ELECTRIC GUITAR, HARP ETC) GRADES 8 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrants may enter more than once with a different instrument
Electric instruments must have own amp, PAT tested
M372. SOLO BRASS GRADES 1-3 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrants may enter more than once with a different instrument
M373 SOLO BRASS GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrants may enter more than once with a different instrument
M374 SOLO BRASS GRADES 6-7 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with different instrument
M375 SOLO BRASS GRADE 8 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant my enter more than once with different instrument
M376. SOLO WOODWIND GRADES 1-3 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with a different instrument
M377 SOLO WOODWIND GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with a different instrument
M378 SOLO WOODWIND GRADES 6-7 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with a different instrument
M379 SOLO WOODWIND GRADE 8 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Entrant may enter more than once with a different instrument
M380 SOLO PERCUSSION GRADES 1-3 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Own Instrument may be provided. Basic Drum Kit available at venue
M381 SOLO PERCUSSION GRADES 4-5. OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Backing tracks must be blue tooth enabled
M382 SOLO PERCUSSION GRADES 6-7 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Backing tracks must be blue tooth enabled
M387 SOLO PERCUSSION GRADES 8 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
Backing tracks must be blue tooth enabled
M393 SOLO INSTRUMENTAL. ANY INSTRUMENT ADULT ONLY (19+)
Adult Class is non competitive and does not qualify for any award
Classes – Solo Voice (Prefix V)
Age limit all classes- up to the age of 17 as of 31st August 2026
Backing tracks must be blue tooth enabled
Possible award - Colchester Rotary Club Young Singer of the Year
V385 SOLO VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERATIC GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
V386. SOLO VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERATIC GRADES 6-7 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
V387. SOLO VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERATIC GRADES 8 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
V389. SOLO VOICE POPULAR GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
V390. SOLO VOICE POPULAR GRADES 6 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
V392. SOLO VOICE MUSICAL THEATRE GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
V393 SOLO VOICE MUSICAL THEATRE GRADES 6 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STANDARD
V394. SOLO VOICE ADULT (19+)
This class is non competitive and does not qualify for Young Singer award
Classes – Duet- Trio – Instrument or Voice (Prefix DTV)
Age limit all classes- up to the age of 17 as of 31st August 2026
Minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 performers
Backing tracks must be blue-tooth compatible
DTVI1 PIANO GRADES 1-3 OR EQUIVALENT DUET
DTVI2 PIANO GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT DUET
DTVI3. PIANO GRADE 6 AND ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT DUETS
DTVI4. GRADE1-3 STRINGS OR EQUIVALENT (BOWED AND PLUCKED) DUET/TRIO
DTVI5 GRADE 4-5 STRINGS OR EQUIVALENT (BOWED AND PLUCKED) DUET/TRIO
DTVI6 GRADE 6 AND ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT STRINGS ( BOWED AND PLUCKED) DUET/TRIO
DTVI7 BRASS GRADES1-3 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI8 BRASS GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI9 BRASS GRADES 6 AND ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI10 WOODWIND GRADES 1-3 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI11 WOODWIND GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI12
WOODWIND GRADES 6 AND ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVII3VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERA GRADES 1-3 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI14VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERA GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI15 VOICE CLASSICAL/OPERA GRADE 6 AND ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI16 VOICE POPULAR GRADES 1-3 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI17 VOICE POPULAR GRADES 4-5 OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
DTVI18 VOICE POPULAR GRADES 6 OR ABOVE OR EQUIVALENT DUET/TRIO
Classes – Ensembles (Pre-fix ME)
Age limit all competitive classes- up to the age of 17 as of 31st August 2026
Possible award - Andrew Allen Trophy
ME 1 ENSEMBLE STRINGS JUNIOR ( UP TO AGE 11)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 35 performers
ME2 ENSEMBLE STRINGS SENIOR (UP TO 17)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 42 performers
ME 3 ENSEMBLE STRINGS INCLUDES ADULTS
Non - Competitive
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 41 performers
ME4 ENSEMBLE WOODWIND JUNIOR ( UP TO AGE 11)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 24 performers.
ME5 ENSEMBLE WOODWIND SENIOR (UP TO 17)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 40 performers.
ME6. ENSEMBLE WOODWIND INCLUDES ADULTS
Non Competitive
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 40 performers
ME7 ENSEMBLE BRASS JUNIOR ( UP TO AGE 11)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 28 performers
ME8. ENSEMBLE BRASS ( UP TO AGE 17)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 32 performers
ME9 ENSEMBLE BRASS (INCLUDES ADULTS)
Non -Competitive
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 19 performers
ME10. ENSEMBLE PERCUSSION JUNIOR ( UP TO AGE 11)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 22 performers
ME11
ENSEMBLE PERCUSSION (SENIORS UP TO 17)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 45 performers
Choir Classes
Backing tracks must be blue tooth enabled
Possible Award: Hatfield Trophy
C1 CHOIR PERFORMANCE – PRIMARY (Up to Age 11)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 70 performers.
C2. CHOIR PERFORMANCE SECONDARY (Up to Age 17)
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 70 performers
C3 CHOIR PERFORMANCE ADULT
Minimum of 1 and maximum of 70 performers
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