Strings Syllabus
NON-COMPETITIVE YOUNG STRING CLASSES – 18 YEARS AND UNDER
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.
St1 Pre-grade – Grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (B)
St2 Grades 2-3 Time limit 4 mins (C)
St3 Grades 4-6 Time limit 7 mins (D)
St4 Grades 7-8 Time limit 10 mins (E)
St5 Post-grade 8 Time limit 12 mins (F)
COMPETITIVE YOUNG STRING CLASSES – 18 YEARS AND UNDER
Harpists may enter all classes unless specified for bowed strings
OWN CHOICE OF ONE PIECE or MOVEMENT for BOWED STRINGS
St6 Pre-grade – Grade 1 Time limit 2 mins (A)
St7 Grades 2-3 Time limit 4 mins (B)
St8 Grades 4-6 Time limit 7 mins (B)
St9 Grades 7-8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
St10 Post-grade 8 Time limit 12 mins (C)
OWN CHOICE OF ONE PIECE or MOVEMENT for HARPS
St11 Pre-Grade – Grade 2 Time limit 4 mins (B)
St12 Grades 3-5 Time limit 5 mins (B)
St13 Grades 6-8+ Time limit 10 mins (C)
JAZZ, SWING & RAGTIME
Own choice of piece.
St14 Grades 1-5 Time limit 4 mins (B)
St15 Grade 6+ Time limit 8 mins (B)
UNACCOMPANIED SOLO
Own choice of one or two movements from any work for an unaccompanied string instrument.
St16 Grades 1-5 Time limit 4 mins (B)
St17 Grade 6+ Time limit 8 mins (B)
SONATA
Own choice of part or all of a sonata.
St18 Open Time limit 15 mins (D)
CONCERTO / CONCERTINO
One or two movements, or a piece originally written for performance with orchestra.
St19 Grades 2-4 Time limit 6 mins (B)
St20 Grades 5-7 Time limit 8 mins (B)
St21 Grade 8 Time limit 10 mins (C)
St22 Post-Grade 8 Time limit 12 mins (C)
RECITAL CLASS
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.
St23 Pre-grade – Grade1 Time limit 8 mins (B)
St24 Grades 2-3 Time limit 10 mins (C)
St25 Grades 4-5 Time limit 15 mins (D)
St26 Grades 6-7 Time limit 20 mins (E)
St27 Grades 8-8+ Time limit 25 mins (E)
DUETS
Own choice of one or two pieces. Duets can be accompanied or unaccompanied. At least one performer must be a string player. Both performers will be adjudicated.
St28 Grades 1-3 Time limit 4 mins (B)
St29 Grades 4-5 Time limit 5 mins (B)
St30 Grades 6-7 Time limit 8 mins (B)
St31 Grades 8-8+ Time limit 10 mins (C)
NON-COMPETITIVE ADULT CLASSES
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.
St32 Grades 1-5 Time limit 8 minutes (D)
St33 Grades 6-8 Time limit 10 minutes (E)
St34 Post-grade 8 Time limit 12 minutes (F)
COMPETITIVE ADULT CLASSES
DUO CLASS
For string instrument and piano. Own choice of one piece or movement. Both players to be named on the entry form as both will be adjudicated.
St35 Open Time limit 10 mins (C)
SONATA
Own choice of part or all of a sonata.
St36 Open Time limit 25 mins (E)
SOLO CLASS
Own choice of pieces or movements.
St37 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.
St38 Open Time limit 25 mins (E)
ORCHESTRAL & ENSEMBLE CLASSES
Some ensemble classes may take place with the string classes, depending on numbers of entries and convenience of timetabling.
CLASS-TAUGHT ENSEMBLE
For performers who have been learning together as a class, all playing the same instrument or a mixture of instruments. Music may be a single melody line or in parts, any number of pieces within the time limit. A piano accompaniment or a backing track may be added if desired. Minimum number of players 5, no maximum. Please state number expected on entry form.
St39 Key Stage 1-2 Time limit 8 mins (F)
St40 Key Stage 3-4 Time limit 8 mins (F)
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Own choice of one piece or movement. Any combination of instruments including a string instrument. At least three players, each playing a separate part. Please state the number of players (and names if known) on your entry form.
St41 Grade 1-5, up to 4 players Time limit 10 mins (C)
St42 Grade 1-5, 5 or more Time limit 10 mins (F)
St43 Grade 6-8+, up to 4 players Time limit 15 mins (D)
St44 Grade 6-8+, 5 or more Time limit 15 mins (F)
FAMILY AND FRIENDS ENSEMBLE
Own choice of one piece or movement. Any combination of instruments including a string instrument. At least three players, each playing a separate part. No age limit but should include at least one player who is 18 years or under. Please state the number of players (and names if known) on your entry form.
St45 Up to 4 players Time limit 15 mins (D)
St46 5 or more players Time limit 15 mins (F)
YOUTH ORCHESTRA
All players to be aged 18 years and under on 1st September 2024.
St47 Open Time limit 15 mins (G)
MIXED AGE ORCHESTRA
Players of all ages.
St48 Open Time limit 15 mins (G)
ADULT ORCHESTRA
All players to be aged 18 years and over on 1st September 2024 and no longer in full-time, non-advanced education.
St49 Open Time limit 15 mins (G)
Adjudicator: Lorraine Deacon
Venue: Crookhorn College, Waterlooville PO7 5UD
Dates: 9th March 2025
Closing date for entries: 18th November 2024
Online entries: pfpa.org.uk
or if wishing to submit a paper form, please email strings@pfpa.org.uk
Lorraine Deacon
At the Royal Academy of Music Lorraine Deacon studied the ’cello with Douglas Cummings and chamber music with Sidney Griller, and whilst there was awarded the Manson Prize for the Performance of Contemporary Music by Sir Michael Tippett. She subsequently undertook further studies with David Smith of the Alberni Quartet.
Her performing career ranges from West End theatre to the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, whilst recordings range from the haunting cello solo on Katie Melua’s cover of “Turn to Tell” to the string chamber works of David Osbon with the Anglo American duo for Albany Records.
She is now principal ’cellist with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra and gives regular chamber music recitals at South Hill Park. Concerto performances include Bernstein’s Three Meditations and the concertos of Elgar and Walton under conductor Philip Ellis.
Based in Berkshire she teaches ’cello at Wellington College and is passionate about passing on her joy of music-making to the next generation. Many former and existing pupils have been awarded music scholarships to prestigious public schools including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, and Charterhouse, or have gained places at specialist centres such as Chethams and The Purcell School, and many have gone on to further study at the country’s leading conservatoires.
PLEASE NOTE:
In classes St1-5 and St32-34 only, the title and composer of the piece to be played must be specified but may be changed up to 16th February 2025.
In addition for all orchestral classes:
- You are asked to state on your entry form the number of players in your orchestra, the name of your Musical Director and whether the instruments played are strings only or mixed.
- Orchestras entering the youth section must only include players aged 18 years and under on 1st September of the current academic year.
- If enough orchestras enter in the same category, the class will be divided.
Prizes
The Gordon Cawthorne Memorial Trophy
Presented to the performer aged 14 years and under who makes the greatest impression on the adjudicator.
The Portsmouth Chorus Challenge Cup
Presented for the best performance by a performer aged between 15 and 21 years in any class.
The Wendy Towell Cup
Presented to the most promising intermediate level cellist.
