Definitions

In these rules the following terms or expressions shall bear the meanings assigned to them below:

“TMF – NCE” shall mean the Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod including all events and activities related thereto.

“National Organising Committee (NOC)” shall mean a committee of the TMF – NCE with a mandate to manage the day-to-day operations of the TMF – NCE.

“Local Volunteers (LV)” shall mean volunteers from the hosting province or town with a mandate to help facilitate the Regional Elimination.

■ “Artistic Committee (AC)” shall mean a committee of the TMF – NCE with a mandate to manage the day-to-day technical, artistic, and musical aspects of the TMF – NCE.

■ “Sponsors” shall mean Tiro Mpane Foundation and any other financially quantifiable contributor to the TMF – NCE.

■ “Regional” shall mean all nine (9) SA Regions with: Eastern Cape, Free State (incorporating Neighbouring Country Lesotho), Eswatini (Neighbouring Country), Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West (incorporating Neighbouring Country Botswana) and Western Cape

■ “Assessors” means a panel appointed by the TMF –NCE to assess performances at Regional Eliminations.

■ “Adjudicators” means a panel appointed by the TMF – NCE to adjudicate performances at the National Finals.

 

1. Eligibility

Only adult choirs are eligible to apply to participate in the TMF – NCE subject to the terms and conditions set out in these rules. Choristers must be at least eighteen (18) years old to participate in all TMF – NCE events of that particular year.

For the National Choral Eisteddfod, the participating choirs are to submit to NOC, a list of the names of choristers indicating their age, ID number and supporting copy of a legally approved ID document. These documents should reach NOC seven (7) days after their regional eliminations, with the last region submitting by 11th October 2024. This exercise will assist with booking of buses, accommodation etc.

In the event of doubt that a chorister is below the required age, the onus is on the chorister/choir to prove otherwise. An identity document must immediately be provided to dispel the notion. Failure to provide proof otherwise, the choir will be disqualified.

To be eligible to host the Regional Eliminations, a Region that has less than eight (8) category choirs, will be required to compete at another Region as determined by the NOC. These choirs will be assessed according to their regional belonging for the sake of Regional representation at the national finals.

For a choir to be eligible to proceed to the Nationals, a minimum overall mark of 70% needs to be attained.

Should a choir qualify for the National Finals, the choir must use at least 90% of the choristers who performed at the Regional eliminations.

 

2. Choir Composition

2.1 Regional eliminations will have two categories – Standard and Large.

2.2 National Finals will have three categories – Standard, Large and Great Champions categories.

2.3 The size of a choir participating in the Standard category should not be fewer than 30 nor exceed 48 choristers.

2.4 The size of a choir participating in the Large category should not be fewer than 49 nor exceed 60 choristers.

2.5 The size of a choir participating in the Great Champions category should not be fewer than 61 nor exceed 80 choristers.

2.6 Choirs who fail to meet these criteria will be disqualified.

2.7 Each chorister may sing in only one choir in which he/she is a registered member for that particular year. While the first choir the chorister participated under will face no repercussions, the other choir(s) where the chorister partakes shall be disqualified.

2.8 A conductor may choose to sing with another choir, however in a different category than the one he/she directs in

 

3. Prescribed Music

3.1 Standard Category: African Unaccompanied music by African Composers born before 1960. Western Choirs to choose from a list provided by TMF – NCE, of excerpts from Operettas and Operas

3.2 Large Category: African Accompanied music by African Composers born from 1960. Western Choirs to choose from a list provided by TMF – NCE, of excerpts from Operas.

3.3 Great Champions Category: African Accompanied music by African Composers born from 1960. Western Choirs to choose music from the large category list under 3.2.

NB: CHOIRS ARE EXPECTED TO INDICATE IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE, 2 PRESCRIBED WESTERN REPERTOIRES OF THEIR CHOICE UPON REGISTRATION. ONLY 3 CHOIRS IN STANDARD CATEGORY WILL BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM THE SAME PIECE, SIMILARLY, ONLY 2 CHOIRS IN THE LARGE CATEGORY WILL BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM THE SAME PIECE.

 

The first choice will be considered subject to the quota as per rule above is not yet exhausted or a second choice will then be considered. Should the second choice be also not available, TMF-NCE will expressly in writing communicate choices still available with the affected choirs within 24 hours of their registration.

 

ONLY CHOIRS IN THE CHAMPIONS CATEGORY MAY CHANGE THE SONG(S) THEY PERFORMED AT REGIONAL ELIMINATIONS, HOWEVER THE CHOIR SHOULD CHOOSE FROM THE LIST PROVIDED AS PER 3.2 ABOVE.

CHOIRS THAT PROCEED TO THE NATIONAL FINALS WHO MAY WANT TO CHANGE THE AFRICAN PIECE THEY PERFORMED AT THE REGIONAL ELIMINATIONS SHOULD DO SO BY WRITING TO THE ARTISTIC COMMITTEE PROVIDING REASONS FOR THE CHANGE AND SCORES.

IN ADDITION, CHOIRS MUST SUBMIT A LETTER OF PERMISSION FROM THE COMPOSER/CUSTODIAN/PUBLISHER TO UTILISE THE MUSIC (AFRICAN MUSIC) FOR ALL THE COMPOSITIONS REQUIRING RIGHTS TO BE GRANTED FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR MUSIC, UPON REGISTRATION. WITHOUT THIS PERMISSION LETTTER, A CHOIR WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM THE MUSIC.

 

4. Adjudication/Assessment

4.1 The selection and appointment of Adjudicators/Assessors to serve in the Panel shall be at the sole discretion of the TMF-NCE.

4.2 Any decision of the adjudicators shall be final and binding and no discussion or correspondence will be entered into.

4.3 Choirs or choir members or officials who dispute, threaten, or attempt to intimidate sponsors, adjudicators, NOC and LOC in any way or who attempt to disrupt the TMF – NCE with any form of protest action could be banned by the NOC from some or all future competitions.

4.4 Assessors – Regional Eliminations

4.5 Adjudicators – National Finals

 

5. Competition Dates and Venues

The TMF – NCE will determine the dates and venues of all competitions, after considering the availability of suitable venues.

 

6. Starting Times

6.1 All competitions, both Regional Eliminations and National Finals, shall commence at 09h00 or such other time as may be determined by the TMF -NCE.

6.2 Choirs are to report to the Organisers ONE (1) HOUR before starting time (i.e. 08h00).

6.3 Please note that the starting times will be strictly adhered to. Any choir arriving late at the Regional Eliminations or National Finals shall be penalised. In determining the penalty for late choirs, the NOC may decide to reduce and/or cancel the choir’s participation fee.

6.4 The performance order of choirs at the Regional Eliminations shall be based on the reverse order of confirmation of participation in the Regional Eliminations i.e. the first choir to submit its application /confirmation and registration fee will be last to perform. Choirs will be advised of the performance order prior to the Regional Eliminations.

The performance order of choirs at the National Finals will be decided via a live draw after the voting process has been completed.

 

7. Registration

7.1 Choirs that are interested in participating in the Provincial eliminations must register online, through a link, pay a non-refundable registration fee of R500, and upload the proof of payment. Registration closes on the 30th of June 2024 at midnight.

7.2 Choirs must deposit the registration fee directly into the bank account as directed by the NOC:

Account name: TMF-NCE

Bank: FIRST NATIONAL BANK

Account number: 63089288849

Branch code: 253045

Reference number: Choir Name

7.3 For reference purposes please use the name of the choir. The choir shall bear the risk of payment not reaching the NOC by 30 June or not reaching the NOC at all.

7.4 If a registered choir is unable to participate in the Regional Eliminations, the NOC must be informed in writing a month prior to the event.

7.5 Choirs who qualify to participate in the National Finals must submit a list of names, identity numbers, next of kin contact name and contact number, known allergies of the choristers and conductor to the NOC one month prior to each of these events.

7.6 Choirs are eligible to register regardless of their affiliations.

 

8. Dress Code

8.1 Choristers are expected to perform in their choir uniforms.

8.2 Choristers will be provided with Branded Wristbands specified by NOC. The Wristbands will be used for identity purposes when performing and for special accesses.

8.3 The choir conductor should retain the performance dress code for the awarding ceremony. In the absence of the choir conductor, a formally dressed official may collect the award. Failure of the choir to collect its award as it is presented shall result in the forfeiture of the award.

 

9. Conductors

9.1 A conductor may only conduct one choir that she/he registered with per Eisteddfod year. Refer to clause 2.8 above.

9.2 A conductor may not be changed between Regional Eliminations and National Finals unless there are reasonable merits presented to and approved by the AC condoning the change.

 

10. The Regional Eliminations

10.1 In the event that any of the activities are cancelled for any reason, the TMF- NCE shall not be held liable for any costs, damages or losses incurred by any choir, choir members or officials.

10.2 In the event that 25 or more choirs confirm their participation in a region, the NOC may decide at its sole discretion to extend the Regional Eliminations to cover two days

or to engage two panels of adjudicators, provided that the Standard and Large categories are each completed in a single day. It will be compulsory for choirs to sing both prescribed pieces consecutively in a single appearance on stage or in alternation; whereby odd numbered choirs will present the African piece and even numbered choirs present the Western piece and/or vice versa.

10.3 Under no circumstances will Regional Eliminations exceed two days in duration, nor will any one category exceed one day in duration.

10.4 In the event that 24 choirs confirm their participation in a region, they are eligible to sing the selected prescribed pieces in two separate appearances on stage. However, should the starting times be compromised, the NOC may decide at its sole discretion to make it compulsory for choirs to sing both prescribed pieces consecutively in a single appearance, or in alternation; whereby odd numbered choirs will present the African piece and even numbered choirs present the Western piece and/or vice versa.

10.5 The NOC reserves the right to, at its sole discretion disqualify any choir or chorister from participating in the competition over reasons that go against the TMF – NCE policies.

10.6 A participation fee will be paid to choirs that performs both prescribed pieces in their entirety at the Regional Eliminations. For Regiona Eliminations, participation fee will be paid out as per the prize policy as set out by TMF – NCE.

The participation fees will be paid into the choir’s specified bank account.

 

11. National Finals

11.1 Overall 1st positions per category (standard or large) per province /region will proceed to the finals.

1st – 5th top ranked choirs (highest overall scores) in the large category when all regions are combined will form the Great Champions Category. Additional 2 choirs per category will be voted in by the communities/fans and this will make a total of 12 choirs in the Standard category and 12 in the large.

All choirs that obtain position 2-4 in each category has a potential of being voted in to compete at the National Finals as deemed by the AC.

A participation fee at National Finals will be paid to choirs that meet conditions as set out by TMF – NCE.

11.2 Transport: The Organisers will pay the transport costs to the National Finals for all choirs competing in the National Finals. This includes 48 choristers and 1 conductor for Standard category choirs, 60 choristers and 1 conductor for Large category, and 65 choristers and 1 conductor for Great Champion’s category. Great Champions Category choirs will need to make own travel/accommodation arrangements for the extra fifteen (15) choristers should they want to have a maximum number of eighty (80).

The NOC’s decision on bus company and type of bus shall be final. The NOC shall not be responsible for payment for the transport of any additional numbers other than the numbers stipulated above. Such charges shall be for the account of individual choirs. The reserve bus driver will be used for all journeys longer than 600 km.

11.3 Accommodation: Choirs will only be provided with accommodation at the National Finals. Standard and Large Category Choirs: A night before the competition day (ie. To check out on the morning of the competition).

Great Champions Category: Choirs to be provided accommodation for the duration of the National Finals.

11.4 Meals Only breakfast will be provided to all participating choirs. Choirs should make their own lunch and dinner arrangements.

11.5 Notification of Non-attendance If a choir qualifying to participate at the National Finals is unable to attend, the NOC must be informed by the 11th of October 2024.

Due notification will prevent unnecessary loss of funds, which will be recouped from the cancelling choir.

11.6 Programme of events: National Finals Saturday – Standard category – Western and African Pieces, Great Champions Category choirs will perform their African Piece.

Sunday – Large Category – African and Western Pieces, Great Champions Category choirs will perform their Western Pieces.

 

12. Prizes

Prizes will be announced in due course.

13. Transport and Accommodation

13.1 For all the Regional Eliminations, choirs shall be responsible for their own transport and accommodation costs at Regional eliminations.

14. Admission and Gate Takings

14.1 The admission fee will be determined by the NOC.

14.2 Admission to the venue where the Regional Eliminations or National Finals are held is strictly reserved. Choristers who wish to enter the venue as part of the audience must pay the admission fee and produce a valid ticket at the entrance. For Conductors to receive free entry, they must be wearing their means of identification that the NOC may require.

15. Music Accompaniment

15.1 Choirs who participate at the Regional Eliminations must provide their own pianist. The NOC will ensure the availability of a piano and/or a suitable substitute accompanying instrument at all Regional Eliminations and/or an orchestra at the National Finals.

15.2 Choirs are responsible for arranging rehearsals with their own pianist.

15.3 A piano and/or a suitable substitute accompanying instrument are the only accompaniment permitted at the Regional Eliminations.

15.4 The NOC will fix the position of the piano and/or a suitable substitute accompanying instrument on the stage, and it may not be moved at any time thereafter.

16. Invited Guest Areas

16.1 No conductor or chorister competing at the Regional Eliminations and the National Finals is permitted in the Invited guest’s areas. Choirs in breach of this rule may be disqualified.

17. Communication

17.1 Choirs are required to provide the name and email address and cell phone number of the person to whom all correspondence should be addressed.

17.2 All communications to the NOC or the TMF-NCE should be addressed to:

  • Telephone: 079 241 4007
  • Email: info@tmfnce.co.za
  • Whats App: 079 258 9532

 

17.3 All communication with the NOC or TMF-NCE committees should be directed through the Choir Management.

18. General

18.1 Each chorister and choir as well as its manager, secretary and other officials participate in the TMF-NCE at their own risk and indemnify the NOC, the Sponsors and their employees against liability arising from participation in the TMF-NCE.

18.2 Illegal use of the TMF-NCE’s and the Sponsors’ trademarks will be regarded a criminal offence.

18.3 The person signing the application form on behalf of the choir warrants that these rules and in particular the indemnity were read to each chorister, choir manager, conductor, secretary, and other officials, who agreed to be bound thereto.

18.4 Any transgression of or non-compliance with these rules will lead to disqualification and/or banishment. On entering the TMF-NCE, choirs undertake to observe these rules and that all administrative, disciplinary and adjudication decisions connected to the competitions will be dealt with in terms of these rules; and where the rules are silent the decision by the NOC shall apply.

18.5 The NOC reserves the right to amend the rules and regulations as and when they deem necessary.

18.6 A Choir and/or choristers will immediately be disqualified if chorister(s) and/ or the choir conducts themselves in a way that will harm the public image of the TMF-NCE or the maintaining of discipline, whether inside or outside of choir context.

19. Process of registering a Protest

19.1 A choir may lodge a protest with the TMF-NCE against another/other choir(s) in respect of any Provincial Eliminations and/or National Finals held under TMF-NCE auspices.

19.2 Where the protest relates to a chorister/s who is/are alleged to be a defaulter(s) the protesting choir will lodge the protest on the day of the event. If the protest is lodged before the choir takes the stage, the choir can withdraw the chorister/s and the protest is cancelled. If the protest arises after the choir has competed, the protest must be lodged, in writing, within 48 hours after the competition. The protesting choir should provide all evidence to substantiate the protest.

19.3 A non-refundable protest deposit fee of R3 000 must be paid to the TMF-NCE account on submission of a protest. The dispute referral must contain the relevant names, addresses and contact numbers.

19.4 In the event that the protest is lodged successfully, the defaulting choir will be disqualified, forfeiting championship status and the choir that obtains the subsequent position e.g. 2nd position will proceed to the finals as position 2. On forfeiting championship status all prize monies won by the defaulting choir will be forfeited and the defaulting choir, including the defaulting choristers, will be banned from participating in future TMF-NCE events.

19.5 The NCO shall, in its sole discretion, decide on the manner and procedure for resolving protests and its decision shall be final and binding.

 

20. Media Rights

20.1 Media rights for all competitions of the TMF-NCE will belong to the TMF-NCE, and no TMF-NCE material may be televised or filmed without the written consent of the NOC.

20.2 It will be misconduct for a choir to enter into a contractual agreement with a broadcaster, whether television, radio or any other media or format, without written permission from the TMF-NCE.

20.3 All choirs must incorporate in any agreement with their officials and choristers an undertaking on the part of such officials and choristers to seek permission from the choir and the NOC before distributing any relevant material to the media. It is the responsibility of the choir to ensure that any permission so granted is not used by the conductor or choristers in such a way as to bring the competition and/or its Sponsors into disrepute.

21. Memberships and Affiliations

While the TMF – NCE is open to a reasonable partnership and working relationships with Choral Music Organisation/Association/Body/Structure and does not report to any Choral Music Structure or individual.

Should a Choral Music Organisation/Association/Body/Structure/individual voluntarily express interest to assist or partake in any or all activities of the TMF-NCE, they will be requested to do so in writing detailing exactly the role or support they intend rendering also specifically stipulating their expectation in return which upon receipt, the TMF-NCE will then draw and propose a specific Memorandum of Understanding/Association which will have to be signed by both parties prior to any work undertaken by the volunteering party.

Registration Closed