Brass Syllabus

OWN CHOICE OF ONE PIECE or MOVEMENT - WORKSHOP

Each performer will play in turn (for up to the time limit stated below) and will then work with the adjudicator either immediately following their performance, or as a small group after a few performances at the adjudicator’s discretion. Each performer will additionally receive written feedback on their own performance and a certificate.

Br1  Pre-grade 1 – Grade 1 - Time limit 2 mins (B)
Br2  Grades 2-3 - Time limit 4 mins (C)
Br3  Grades 4-6 - Time limit 7 mins (D)
Br4  Grades 7-8 - Time limit 10 mins (E)
Br5  Post-grade 8 - Time limit 12 mins (F)

OWN CHOICE OF ONE PIECE or MOVEMENT 

Performers may be accompanied on the piano or another Brass instrument played by a teacher/ adult (pupil teacher duet).

Br6  Pre-grade 1 - Time limit 2 mins (A)
Br7  Grades 1-2 - Time limit 3 mins (A)
Br8  Grades 3-4 - Time limit 4 mins (B)
Br9  Grades 5-6 - Time limit 6 mins (B)
Br10  Grades 7-8 - Time limit 8 mins (B)
Br11   Post-grade 8 - Time limit 10 mins (C)

JAZZ, SWING & RAGTIME

Own choice of piece.

Br12  Grades 1-3 - Time limit 4 mins (B)
Br13  Grade 4-5 - Time limit 6 mins (B)
Br14  Grades 6-8 - Time limit 8 mins (B)
Br15  Post-grade 8 - Time limit 10 mins (C)

UNACCOMPANIED SOLO

Own choice of one or two movements of a piece specifically written for solo instrument.

Br16  Pre-grade 1 - Time limit 2 mins (A)
Br17  Grades 1-2 - Time limit 3 mins (A)
Br18  Grades 3-4 - Time limit 4 mins (B)
Br19  Grades 5-6 - Time limit 6 mins (B)
Br20  Grades 7-8 - Time limit 8 mins (B)
BR21  Post-grade 8 - Time limit 10 mins (C)

SONATA

Own choice of part or all of a sonata.

Br22  Open - Time limit 15 mins (D)

CONCERTO / CONCERTINO

One or two movements, or a piece originally written for performance with orchestra.

Br23  Grades 6-7 - Time limit 8 mins (B)
Br24  Grade 8 - Time limit 10 mins (C)
Br25  Post-grade 8 - Time limit 12 mins (C)

RECITAL CLASS

Own choice of a group of two or more contrasting pieces. The programme can include a mixture of accompanied pieces (piano or another Brass instrument) and unaccompanied pieces. Please aim for a balanced programme of music of different styles.  Performers will be adjudicated on their programme choice and presentation, as well as their performance.

Br26  Pre-grade 1 – Grade 1 - Time limit 8 mins (B)
Br27  Grades 2-3 - Time limit 10 mins (C)
Br28  Grades 4-5 - Time limit 15 mins (D)
Br29  Grades 6-7 - Time limit 20 mins (E)
Br30  Grades 8-8+ - Time limit 25 mins (E)

DUETS, TRIOS AND QUARTETS

Own choice of one or two pieces.  Duets can be accompanied or unaccompanied. At least one performer must be a Brass  player. All performers will be adjudicated.

Br31  Grades 1-3 - Time limit 4 mins (B)
Br32  Grades 4-5 - Time limit 5 mins (B)
Br33  Grades 6-7 - Time limit 8 mins (B)
Br34  Grades 8-8+ - Time limit 10 mins (C)

ENSEMBLES OF 5 OR MORE PERFORMERS

Ensemble should include at least two brass performers.  Own choice of two or three pieces or movements. Please state exact time on the entry form.

Br35  Under 11 years (F)
Br36  11 -18 years (F)

OWN CHOICE OF ONE PIECE or MOVEMENT - WORKSHOP

Each performer will play in turn (for up to the time limit stated below) and will then work with the adjudicator either immediately following their performance, or as a small group after a few performances at the adjudicator’s discretion. Each performer will additionally receive written feedback on their own performance and a certificate.

Br37  Grades 1-5 - Time limit 8 minutes (D)
Br38  Grades 6-8 - Time limit 10 minutes (E)
Br39  Post-grade 8 - Time limit 12 minutes (F)

DUO CLASS

For Brass instrument and piano.  Own choice of one piece or movement.  Both players to be named on the entry form as both will be adjudicated.

Br40  Open - Time limit 10 mins (C)

SONATA

Own choice of part or all of a sonata.

Br41  Open - Time limit 25 mins (E)

SOLO CLASS

Own choice of pieces or movements.

Br42  Open - Time limit 12 mins (C)

RECITAL

Own choice of a group of two or more contrasting pieces.  Performers will be adjudicated on their programme choice and presentation, as well as their performance and are encouraged to play at least one piece from memory.

Br43  Open - Time limit 25 mins (E)

Repertoire to be submitted by 16^th January 2025.

BAND CLASSES
For any combination of instruments including brass, wind, jazz and big bands.

Br44  Junior Band For players up to Year 6 - 15 mins (G)
Br45  Junior Jazz For players up to Year 6 - 15 mins (G)
Br46  Senior For players up to Year 11 - 15 mins (G)
Br47  Senior Jazz For players up to Year 11 - 15 mins (G)
Br48  Community For players of any age or combination of ages - 15 mins (G)
Br49  Community Jazz For players of any age or combination of ages - 15 mins (G)

Adjudicator: Keith Allen MMus, BA, FTCL, ARCM, PGCE

Venue: Crookhorn College, Waterlooville. PO7 5UD

Dates: 15th-16th February 2025

Closing date for entries: 18th November 2024

Online entries: pfpa.org.uk

or if wishing to submit a paper form, please email brass@pfpa.org.uk

Keith Allen was awarded a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, going on to take post-graduate studies at Birmingham, Kingston and West London Universities. He played clarinet and saxophone with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Shakespeare Company and others. His previous positions include: Saxophone Tutor at Birmingham Conservatoire; Head of Birmingham Music Service; Musical Director: Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company and Consultant Editor, Faber Music.

Present positions include Music Director, Birmingham Symphonic Winds; Festival Director, National Concert Band Festival; Conductor, Solihull Youth Wind Orchestra and Consultant Editor for Faber Music.

He is also an adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals. Keith is a regular visitor to America directing University, Community and School Wind Bands in Minnesota as well as leading the Best of British Music trade stand at the annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

Interim Head of Section – Sandra Lawlor

Prizes

The Incorporated Society of Musicians’ Award
for the best communicated performance (ages 13 to 18 years)

The Woods Trophy
for the most promising performance (ages 12 & under)

The Maurice André Trophy
for the performer with the all-round best tone

The Denegri Cup
will be presented at the adjudicator’s discretion for the most inspiring teacher or performer

All performers are encouraged to give a short introduction to their piece(s).