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Introduction
This syllabus has been designed to meet the needs of modern school based music teaching. Any effective combination of instruments may enter and to encourage community based groups there are no age restrictions.
The fee for the large ensemble is a double the grade solo fee, regardless of the number of players taking part. One fee only is payable for the ensemble.
A single report form will be issued for the whole ensemble but each member of a successful ensemble will receive an individual certificate and an application form to order the medal from the college.
Mark Scheme
A total of 100 marks is available and will be divided as follows:
80 marks for Performance
10 for Presentation
10 for Balance of Programme
Requirements
1. The ensemble should consist of between 5 and 30 players, although this maybe exceeded by prior discussion with VCM. If accompanied or conducted this member is not included in this number. Parts may be doubled as required.
2. A conductor is allowed and will be assessed as part of the ensemble but will not receive a certificate or require to be shown on the entry form.
3. Scores should be provided for the examiner. Photocopies are acceptable for this and will be destroyed by the examiner afterwards. For jazz ensembles and other groups not using conventional notation a lead sheet or other form of written guidance to the structure of the piece should be provided and should be submitted to the college at least one month before the exam for approval.
4. Programmes should be submitted to the college at least 4 weeks before the exam for all levels from Bronze upwards. For exams below this level ensembles should provide a written programme detailing pieces and composers/arrangers to the examiner on the day. These may only be changed with written consent from VCM. If in doubt over programming please contact VCM for advice.
5. The entry form should include the names of all players. The subject code is EN.
6. Examiners will create one report form per ensemble but all performers will receive a certificate and a medal application form if successful.
7. The provision of music stands, chairs etc. is the responsibility of the ensemble in discussion with the individual exam centre. Ensembles should notify centres of how much setting up time they require and this will be incorporated into the timetable of the examination session.
8. Repertoire should aim to incorporate all players and from Silver Medal level upwards conventional ensembles should try to draw from standard repertoire. However arrangements maybe included at Gold and Platinum levels under certain circumstances and prior written consent should be sought from VCM having detailed why this is required.
9. Performances are to be given as if to a public audience. Spoken commentary is not required.
Time Guidelines
These are the suggested times for performances. Ensembles running considerably over time maybe stopped during performance.
- Junior Bronze Medal 8 minutes
- Junior Silver Medal 10 minutes
- Bronze Medal 12 minutes
- Silver Medal 15 minutes
- Gold Medal 20 minutes
- Platinum 25 minutes
Programme Requirements
Ensemble Groups will be expected to perform a minimum of two and maximum of four pieces to be drawn from educational arrangements, original compositions or specially adapted music. Pieces are to be drawn from various appropriate sources as determined by the composition of the ensemble.
The approximate standards required for each medal examination are as follows:
- Junior Bronze Medal (grade 3)
- Junior Silver Medal (grade 4)
- Bronze Medal (grade 5)
- Silver Medal (grade 6)
- Gold Medal (grade 7)
- Platinum Medal (grade 8)
At Junior Medals elementary part playing is required in 2-4 parts. From Bronze medal 4 part harmony is required. A varied and well-balanced programme should be offered demonstrating the skill, variety and tonal opportunities afforded by ensemble playing. It is expected that a copy of the programme and copies of the main ensemble score will be given to the examiner on the day of the exam and this will form part of the programming mark.
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