Rock and Pop Syllabus

Rp1  KS3 Solo – With accompaniment/backing track - Time limit 4 minutes (A)
Rp2  KS4 Solo – With accompaniment/backing track - Time limit 4 minutes (A)
Rp3  KS5 Solo – With accompaniment/backing track - Time limit 4 minutes (A)
Rp4  KS3 bands – for up to 4 players - Time limit 5 minutes (D)
Rp5  KS3 bands – for 5 or more players - Time limit 5 minutes (F)
Rp6  KS4 bands – for up to 4 players - Time limit 5 minutes (D)
Rp7  KS4 bands – for 5 or more players - Time limit 5 minutes (F)
Rp8  KS5 bands – for up to 4 players - Time limit 5 minutes (D)
Rp9  KS5 bands – for 5 or more players - Time limit 5 minutes (F)
Rp10  Open section – for up to 4 players - Time limit 6 minutes (D)
Rp11  Open section – for 5 or more players - Time limit 6 minutes (F)

These times do not include setting up time as described in the notes below.

In each section bands will be asked to play a rock/pop song of their own choice. This music should demonstrate to the adjudicator the skills, ensemble playing and enjoyment of the music by all band members. The bands will also be assessed on set up, tuning, addressing the audience, showmanship, presentation, entertainment and vacating the stage at the end of the performance. 

Solos and duos please note that accompaniments can either be played live or a backing track may be used.

The best KS4 band of the day will be awarded the Garrett Shield; the best KS3 band the John Gleadall Cup. The Brian Baber Cup will be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator.

Each section is open to bands of the appropriate age. No member of any band must exceed the age limit for the section.

In each section there will be adjudications for best of section in the categories:

PLEASE NOTE:

1. The Rules and Regulations of this Festival must be carefully observed.
2. Time limits must be strictly observed.
3. Entrants are asked to provide all their own instruments, leads and FX units. The festival will provide backline, electric piano and PA equipment. Guitarists, bassists and keyboard players MUST use the amplification provided (courtesy of Crookhorn College). Singers, wind players must use the provided microphones. Drummers must use the provided kit.  Drummers may change kick pedal and cymbals if time allows.
4. All entrants will be given 5 minutes to set up and sound check with the sound engineer. If the sound engineer deems that more time is required through no fault of the band then this will be allowed.
5. No entrant is to borrow equipment from other entrants unless they come from the same school/teacher and the teacher in charge is in agreement.
6. The Portsmouth Festival of Performing Arts can take no responsibility for lost instruments/equipment.
7. You may enter each of your pieces in one class only.
8. Under PRS rules, you are advised not to perform from photocopied music.
9. Please remember to bring a copy of your score (if available) for the adjudicator’s use, even if you choose to play from memory.
10. As your Portsmouth Music Festival certificate can be included in your Record of Achievement file, your performance here is an important part of your musical education. So, just a word of encouragement for you – it will greatly enhance your performance if you walk tall on to the stage, look as if you are enjoying yourself, perform as well as you can and then stand, smile and acknowledge the audience as their applause tells you that they have enjoyed listening to you.

Adjudicator: tba

Venue: Crookhorn College, Waterlooville. PO7 5UD

Dates: 7th February 2026

Closing date for entries: 10th November 2025

Online entries: pfpa.org.uk

Paper entries/titles to: Chris Armstrong, Crookhorn College, Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville PO7 5UD
chris.armstrong@crookhorn.hants.sch.uk