Australian Accordion Teachers Association Prospectus

PERFORMANCE CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

Solo Class Descriptions
Duet Class Descriptions
Trio/Ensemble Class Descriptions
Orchestra Class Descriptions

The Australian Accordion Teachers Championships and International Festival offers five performance categories: International Open Accordion Championship, International Pacific Piano Accordion Championship, Australian Championship, Standard, Qualified.

SOLO CLASS SCHEDULE

Entry Fee: $10 per class unless specified below. This price is for the FIRST ENTRY by any competitor. Each subsequent solo entry is $6 unless specified below. All times listed below are maximum playing times. Please ensure, you have read all parts of this Prospectus relevant to your class, especially the "Competition Rules", before sending in your entry.

INTERNATIONAL OPEN ACCORDION CHAMPIONSHIP

These classes are open to contestants from any country playing button or piano accordion. All placegetters of International Championships classes are presented with certificates. Winners receive a trophy which must be returned to the AATA Office no later than 21 days prior to the next year’s competition. Winners wishing to retain the trophy may purchase it.

Australian and International Pacific entrants in these classes are automatically entered in the equivalent Australian and International Pacific Solo Championship Class, dependent upon their eligibility as set out in this Prospectus. Australian and International Pacific entrants play only once and pay one entry fee, even though that one performance may result in winning the Australian, International Pacific and International Open titles.

NO.

CLASS/AGE, MUSIC REQUIREMENTS

Entry Fee

IO251	International Open Accordion Championships, 15 years and under solo. Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important. Maximum 10 minutes playing time.	$35
IO252	International Junior Virtuoso Accordion Championships, 20 years and under solo. This class provides a stepping stone to the International Open Accordion Solo Championship category. Each contestant will perform an own choice programme with a minimum of two pieces in differing styles, character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stagecraft all being important. Ten (10) minutes minimum and maximum 15 minutes playing time.	$40
IO253	International Open Accordion Solo Championship OWN CHOICE PROGRAM: consisting of three (3) or more pieces including one from the Baroque era, one piece to be of a slower, lyrical style* and one piece of a technical virtuosic style*. It must contain at least one Original Work but transcriptions may also be used. Individual movements from cyclic works are acceptable. Examples of the slower, lyrical style: Kalina Krasnaia by Semionov, Romance by Angelis, Vocalise by Rachmaninov, Aria by Bach etc... ** Examples of the technical virtuosic style: Caprice by Paganini, a fast Sonata by Scarlatti, Finale of 1st Sonata by Kusjakov etc... Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important. Playing time: minimum 15 minutes to maximum 20 minutes playing time. Failure to observe minimum or maximum playing time will result in a mark penalty. Candidates up to 32 years of age are allowed to enter the competition.	$50

INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC PIANO ACCORDION CHAMPIONSHIP

These classes are open to contestants from the following countries or territories: Philippines, New Caledonia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Guam, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Canada, USA, Mexico, Panama, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, New Zealand and all South Pacific nations and territories.

The winner of the International Pacific Piano Accordion Solo Championship class will receive a personalised internet page on Accordions Worldwide internet site for 1 year from the competition date.

All placegetters of International Championships classes are presented with certificates. Winners receive a trophy which must be returned to the AATA Office no later than 21 days prior to the next year’s competition. Winners wishing to retain the trophy may purchase it.

Australian entrants in these classes are automatically entered in the equivalent Australian and International Championship Classes, dependent upon their eligibility as set out in this Prospectus. Australian entrants play only once and pay one entry fee, even though that one performance may result in winning the Australian, International Pacific or International titles.

NO.

CLASS/AGE, MUSIC REQUIREMENTS

Entry Fee

IP250	International Pacific Piano Accordion Championship, 12 years and under solo. Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer. Maximum 5 minutes playing time. Entry $25	$25
IP251	International Pacific Piano Accordion Championship, 15 years and under solo. Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important. Maximum 10 minutes playing time.	$35
IP252	International Pacific Junior Virtuoso Piano Accordion Championship, 20 years and under solo. This class provides a stepping stone to the International Open Accordion Solo Championship category. Each contestant will perform an own choice programme with a minimum of two pieces in differing styles, character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stagecraft all being important. Ten (10) minutes minimum and maximum 15 minutes playing time.	$40
IP253	International Open Accordion Solo Championship OWN CHOICE PROGRAM: consisting of three (3) or more pieces including one from the Baroque era, one piece to be of a slower, lyrical style* and one piece of a technical virtuosic style*. It must contain at least one Original Work but transcriptions may also be used. Individual movements from cyclic works are acceptable. Examples of the slower, lyrical style: Kalina Krasnaia by Semionov, Romance by Angelis, Vocalise by Rachmaninov, Aria by Bach etc... ** Examples of the technical virtuosic style: Caprice by Paganini, a fast Sonata by Scarlatti, Finale of 1st Sonata by Kusjakov etc... Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important. Playing time: minimum 15 minutes to maximum 20 minutes playing time. Failure to observe minimum or maximum playing time will result in a mark penalty. Candidates up to 32 years of age are allowed to enter the competition.	$50

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES

Entrants in these classes must be Australian residents. By entering a class in the Australian Championship Category entrants compete for the honour of winning an Australian Accordion Championship title.

The Australian Championship classes are based on age. Some Australian Championship classes with an age limit require a Test Piece which every competitor must perform. Some classes require an Own Choice piece to be performed in addition to the Test Piece. Some classes require one or more Own Choice pieces to be performed.

All placegetters of Championships classes are presented with certificates. Winners receive a trophy which must be returned to the AATA Office no later than 21 days prior to the next year’s competition.

NOTE: A contestant may not in the same year enter a Championship solo class and a Standard solo class. Contestants in the Australian Championship solo classes are automatically entered in the equivalent International classes dependent upon their eligibility as set out in this Prospectus. Australian entrants play only once and pay one entry fee, even though that one performance may result in winning Australian, International Pacific and International Open titles.

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP PIANO ACCORDION SOLO

NO.	CLASS/AGE, MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
C249	9 years and under solo. One Own Choice Piece, maximum 3 minutes playing time.
C250	12 years and under solo. Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer. Maximum 5 minutes playing time. Entry $25
C251	15 years and under solo. Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important. Maximum 10 minutes playing time. Entry $35
C252	Junior Virtuoso, 20 years and under. This class provides a stepping stone to the International Open Accordion Solo Championship category and the Australian Open Accordion Solo Championship. Each contestant will perform an own choice programme with a minimum of two pieces in differing styles, character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stagecraft all being important. Ten (10) minutes minimum and maximum 15 minutes playing time. Entry $40
C255	Open Free Bass solo. One Own Choice Piece, maximum 8 minutes playing time.
C256	Open Electrical Modified Accordion Solo for accordions with electrical attachments, One Own Choice Piece, maximum 5 minutes playing time.

C253

Open Accordion Solo Championship - Entry $50

OWN CHOICE PROGRAM: consisting of three (3) or more pieces including one from the Baroque era, one piece to be of a slower, lyrical style* and one piece of a technical virtuosic style**. It must contain at least one Original Work but transcriptions may also be used. Individual movements from cyclic works are acceptable.
* Examples of the slower, lyrical style: Kalina Krasnaia by Semionov, Romance by Angelis, Vocalise by Rachmaninov, Aria by Bach etc...
** Examples of the technical virtuosic style: Caprice by Paganini, a fast Sonata by Scarlatti, Finale of 1st Sonata by Kusjakov etc...
Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important.
Playing time: minimum 15 minutes to maximum 20 minutes playing time. Failure to observe minimum or maximum playing time will result in a mark penalty.
Candidates up to 32 years of age are allowed to enter the competition.

BUTTON ACCORDION SOLO

An accordion with buttons on the treble keyboard and with standard bass and/or free bass.

NO.	CLASS/AGE, MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
B251	15 years and under solo. Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important. Maximum 10 minutes playing time. Entry $35
B252	Junior Virtuoso, 20 years and under. This class provides a stepping stone to the International Open Accordion Solo Championship category and the Australian Open Solo Button Championship. Each contestant will perform an own choice programme with a minimum of two pieces in differing styles, character and composer. Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stagecraft all being important. Ten (10) minutes minimum and maximum 15 minutes playing time. Entry $40

B253

Australian Solo Button Accordion Championship. Entry $50.

OWN CHOICE PROGRAM: consisting of three (3) or more pieces including one from the Baroque era, one piece to be of a slower, lyrical style* and one piece of a technical virtuosic style**. It must contain at least one Original Work but transcriptions may also be used. Individual movements from cyclic works are acceptable.
* Examples of the slower, lyrical style: Kalina Krasnaia by Semionov, Romance by Angelis, Vocalise by Rachmaninov, Aria by Bach etc...
** Examples of the technical virtuosic style: Caprice by Paganini, a fast Sonata by Scarlatti, Finale of 1st Sonata by Kusjakov etc...
Competitors must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stage-craft all being important.
Playing time: minimum 15 minutes to maximum 20 minutes playing time. Failure to observe minimum or maximum playing time will result in a mark penalty.
Candidates up to 32 years of age are allowed to enter the competition.

CONCERTINA OR DIATONIC ACCORDION SOLO

Concertina: An accordion in the traditional concertina style, held in the hands, usually without shoulder straps. Notes may or may not alter pitch with the bellows direction.
Diatonic: An accordion with buttons treble and bass, with the pitch of the note altering with the bellows direction, tuned to be played in one key. (Commonly known as an "inner and outer")

C20	15 years and under, Own Choice,	5 minutes
C21	Open Solo Championship, Own Choice programme. Entry Fee $30.	15 minutes

STANDARD

Entrants in these classes may be from any nation or territory. Classes in the Standard category are regulated by both age and playing experience. This offers people who might have been learning for a short period of time, or have begun learning later in life, the opportunity to compete on a more equal basis.

All music is Own Choice. A contestant may not in the same year enter a Standard solo class and an International or Championship solo class. A contestant may not enter a Standard solo class if he/she has been placed first or second in a International or Championship solo class the previous year.

All place getters of Standard classes are presented with certificates. Winners receive a trophy which must be returned to the AATA Office no later than 21 days prior to the next year’s competition.

STANDARD SOLO CLASSES

NOTE: A contestant may not in the same year enter a Standard solo class and an International or Championship solo class. Contestants who have been placed first or second in a Championship solo class in the previous year are not eligible to enter a Standard solo class. Standard category contestants perform one Own Choice piece only.

NO.	CLASS DESCRIPTION	TIME LIMIT
S108	7 years and under	2 minutes
S109	9 years and under	3 minutes
S110	10 to 12 years and under	3 minutes
S111	13 to 15 years and under	4 minutes
S112	16 years and over	6 minutes

QUALIFIED

Entrants in these classes may be from any nation or territory. Classes in the Qualified category are based on actual age, as at 8th June of the contest year, or on specific styles of music, or presentation.

All music is Own Choice. The Qualified category includes classes for different types of music, such as jazz, pop, novelty, ethnic, accordion with other instruments, accordion and vocal, etc. This offers each competitor a suitable class in which to perform their favourite music, and we hope, demonstrate the versatility of the accordion.

All placegetters of these classes receive certificates. Sight Reading classes are held in a private room without audience. For Creative Classes the performer is not required to provide written music for the adjudicators. This is to encourage the performance of individual arrangements and improvisation.

QUALIFIED SOLO CATEGORY CLASSES

NOTE: Qualified Category contestants perform one Own Choice piece only.

Q201	13 years and under, Free Bass	3 minutes
Q202	14 years and over, Free Bass	5 minutes
Q203	Composition Open	5 minutes
Q204	8 years and under	2 minutes
Q205	10 years and under	3 minutes
Q206	12 years and under	4 minutes
Q207	13 years and under, Light Classical	3 minutes
Q208	14 years and over, Light Classical	5 minutes
Q209	13 years and under, Original	3 minutes
Q210	14 years and over, Original	5 minutes
Q211	13 years and under Novelty	3 minutes
Q212	14 years and over Novelty	5 minutes
Q213	13 years and under, Pop Music	3 minutes
Q214	14 years and over, Pop Music	5 minutes
Q215	13 years and under, Jazz	3 minutes
Q216	14 years and over, Jazz	5 minutes
Q217	13 years and under, European Ethnic Music	3 minutes
Q218	14 years and over, European Ethnic Music	5 minutes
Q219	Open Accordion Solo with Self Vocal	5 minutes
Q220	13 years and under, music genres not included in Q201 to Q221	3 minutes
Q221	14 years and over, music genres not included in Q201 to Q221	5 minutes

CREATIVE SOLOS - no written music need be provided

Q230	13 years and under, Creative	3 minutes
Q231	14 years and over, Creative	5 minutes
Q232	Open Creative Electrically Modified	5 minutes

DUET CLASS SCHEDULE

Entry Fee: $12 per class. A duet shall consist of two performers and if two accordions, then both must play bass. The age of the eldest duet partner shall decide which age class a duet is eligible to enter. All times listed below are maximum playing times.

Please ensure, you have read all parts of this Prospectus relevant to your class, especially the "Competition Rules", before sending in your entry.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DUET CLASSES

International Championship Category contestants perform one own choice piece.

NO.	CLASS/AGE, MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
AI256	International, 10 years and under Duet, own choice piece, time limit 3 minutes.
AI257	International, 12 years and under Duet, own choice piece, time limit 5 minutes.
AI258	International Open Duet, Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer. Time limit 10 minutes.

CHAMPIONSHIP DUET CLASSES

Championship Category contestants perform one own choice piece.

NO.	CLASS DESCRIPTION	TIME LIMIT
C30	10 years and under duet	3 minutes
C31	12 years and under duet	5 minutes
C35	Open Duet Class, Own choice programme consisting of at least two pieces of different style and character and composer.	10 minutes
C36	Open Entertainment Accordion Duet	5 minutes

QUALIFIED DUET CLASSES

Qualified Category contestants perform own choice music only.

NO.	CLASS DESCRIPTION	TIME LIMIT
Q261	Open Accordion with Vocal	5 minutes
Q262	Open Creative Duet own choice	5 minutes
Q264	Open Accordion with other instrument	5 minutes

TRIO/ENSEMBLE CLASS SCHEDULE

Entry Fee: $ 12 per class. Performances by 3 to 6 players Trio/Ensemble Category contestants perform Own Choice music only. All times listed below are maximum playing times.

The age of the eldest member of a trio/ensemble shall decide which age class a group is eligible to enter.

Please ensure, you have read all parts of this Prospectus relevant to your class, especially the Competition Rules, before sending in your entry.

CHAMPIONSHIP TRIO/ENSEMBLE CLASSES

NO.	CLASS DESCRIPTION	TIME LIMIT
C50	12 years and under Trio/Ensemble	5 minutes
C51	17 years and under Trio/Ensemble	8 minutes
C52	Open Trio/Ensemble	8 minutes
C53	Open Entertainment	8 minutes
C54	Open Electrically Modified Ensemble, (at least one accordion must be electrically modified)	8 minutes

QUALIFIED TRIO/ENSEMBLE CLASSES

Q280	13 years and under accordion/s with vocal/s and/or other instruments	3 minutes
Q281	14 years and over accordion/s with vocal/s and/or other instruments	5 minutes
Q282	Light Classical Group	5 minutes
Q283	Jazz Group, with/without other instrument/s and vocal/s	5 minutes
Q284	Creative Open Group, with/without other instrument/s and vocal/s	5 minutes

ORCHESTRA CLASS SCHEDULE

An orchestra is defined as a group of not less than 7 performers excluding the conductor. In all orchestra classes, at least 60% of performers excluding the conductor must use acoustic accordion.

All music is Own Choice. All times listed below are maximum on/off stage times.

All performers, whether or not they play the accordion, must be members of the AATA.

Please ensure, you have read all parts of this Prospectus relevant to your class, especially the "Competition Rules", before sending in your entry.

CHAMPIONSHIP ORCHESTRA CLASSES

No.	CLASS/DESCRIPTION	Entry Fee
C60	JUNIOR ACCORDION ORCHESTRA CHAMPIONSHIP	$30
	12 years and under, 12 minutes

C61	INTERMEDIATE ACCORDION ORCHESTRA CHAMPIONSHIP	$30
	17 years and under, two or more contrasting pieces, 15 minutes

C62	AUSTRALIAN ACCORDION ORCHESTRA CHAMPIONSHIP	$30
	Open to all players, 30 minutes

C63	OPEN ENTERTAINMENT ACCORDION ORCHESTRA CHAMPIONSHIP	$30
	Open to all players, the programme will be judged on its general public entertainment appeal, 20 minutes

INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA CLASSES

No.	CLASS/DESCRIPTION	Entry Fee
C64	INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION ORCHESTRA CHAMPIONSHIP	$30
	Open to all players, 30 minutes