Note : The following are applicable from 2024 onwards
THE DESCRIPTORS – MUSIC
65 – 69 or DEVELOPING – A performance demonstrating an awareness of technical skills, requiring more consistency & artistry.
70 – 74 or PROGRESSING – A performance showing development of technique and/or communication and commitment.
75 – 79 or MERIT – A competent performance, showing some artistic awareness and/or technical ability.
80 – 84 or COMMENDED – A convincing performance technically & artistically, with increasing stylistic & communication skills.
85 – 89 or HONOURS – An excellent performance, demonstrating fluent technical and artistic skills with emerging individuality.
90 – 94 or OUTSTANDING – An impressive performance technically and artistically, displaying spontaneity & clear individuality.
95+ or EXCEPTIONAL – A superlative performance, displaying exceptional artistic individuality.
Each band of marks/categories has not only the descriptor note above but also one line of criteria which is descriptive but not prescriptive.
THE CRITERIA – MUSIC
These are the criteria to be used at Federation festivals by Federation Adjudicators when giving marks or categories.
65 – 69 or DEVELOPING – An inconsistent performance with an overall need for accuracy and /or continuity and artistic development.
70 – 74 or PROGRESSING – A generally secure performance in notes and rhythm at a reasonable tempo but as yet with limited attention to detail, tonal qualities, and style.
75 – 79 or MERIT – Mostly fluent and accurate, with some awareness of tone and style, but requiring a sense of communication and performance.
80 – 84 or COMMENDED – Confident, with clear evidence of tonal and stylistic qualities and a developing awareness of communication and performance, although there may be moments of imprecision.
85 – 89 or HONOURS – Assured and expressive, demonstrating a high level of technical security, imagination and stylistic insight and with a real sense of communication and performance, although small blemishes may be present.
90 – 94 or OUTSTANDING – A stimulating, imaginative and persuasive performance, showing stylistic flair, interpretative insight, poise and unobtrusive technical command.
95+ or EXCEPTIONAL – An astonishingly impressive performance displaying effortless technical control and superlative individuality in its artistry, and profound musical insight.