Summer School, Chichester
	Syllabus information
	Music for Licentiate & Fellowship Examinations

Summer School, Chichester

Exhilarating would be the word to describe yet another successful week in Chichester. It seems to go from strength to strength. A relaxed and happy atmosphere was created from day one. Christina Ballard's warm and welcoming manner put everyone at their ease.

There was a high proportion of young and overseas teachers, many on their first trip to Chichester. It will, most certainly not be their last! One teacher was heard to say, "I came here because I had to, next year I'll come because I want to."

Everyone got into the swing and atmosphere very quickly. Friendships were struck up from all over the world. A few regulars caught up with old acquaintances and swapped notes. It truly was a unique experience to witness so many people from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA, Malaysia and Europe, all executing the ISTD Syllabi with the same passion and ultimate goal - to teach the very best work to their pupils.

It may sound like all work and no play, but not so. The campus bar was very welcoming after a 12 hour day of dance! The Quiz night, organised by Caroline Lavelle, kept already over-worked brains even busier.

The theatre trip proved to be a great success. A short walk across a field and we were in the Minerva Theatre. Very intimate, the perfect setting for "Pal Joey" an excellent performance. I was thrilled to meet up with four cast members whom IÕve worked with in the past.

One noticeable absentee this year was Mrs Ashcroft. Her presence was sorely missed especially by those of us who love and admire her. She will be thrilled to know that the'team' did not let her down. It was Mrs Ashcroft who was the instigator of this unique week. There are too many people to mention personally, everyone did a wonderful job.

All in all a superb week, due to the organisation, the venue with its faultless service, hospitality and delicious food! The quality of teaching by the brilliant faculty, imparting their expertise in many different ways, so inspirational, much was to be gained by this.

The execution of the New Modern work by the talented young teachers, so refreshing.

With this calibre of teachers passing on the Modern work with such style and ease, the ISTD is in safe hands for many years to come. I had a ball!

Carol Ball

Back to top

Syllabus information

• New Grade 3 & 4 Modern Grades
  
  
  • The new Grades 3 & 4 became examinable but optional from February 2000. Associate examinations including the two grades come into force at the same time. Please mark Grade and Associate examination timetables with'new grades' until they become compulsory.
    
    
• Dances for Grade 3 & 4
  
  
  • The current edition of the notes for Grade 3 & 4 omitted to give the timing for the dances - the time limit for Grade 3 & 4 is a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds.
    
    
• Associate Examination
  
  
  • The advent of the last two new grades has considerable impact on the structure of the Associate Examination. Please read the following notes very carefully.Set Amalgamations Candidates will be expected to prepare:
    
    
    1. One boys' amalgamation from Grade 1 or 2
       
       
    2. One lyrical amalgamation from Grade 1, 2 or 3
       
       
    3. One Jazz amalgamation from Grade 1, 2 or 3
       
       
    4. Either the girls' Floor Sequence, Lyrical or Jazz amalgamation from Grade 4
       No two amalgamation to be chosen from the same grade.
       
       
• Modern Examination Uniform
  
  
  • Uniform for Major Modern examinations - trainers and trousers - please can we remind teachers that although there is no compulsory uniform for the Modern work it is not appropriate for Major candidates to wear Jazz trainers or wide-legged trousers. The examiner needs to see the complete use of the legs and feet and a clean line.
    
    
• Use of CD in Associate Examinations
  
  
  • Candidates may choose to conduct the whole examination on CD and without a pianist - until the new syllabus is compulsory. In this case candidates must bring with them, into the examination, their choice of a minimum of three contrasting pieces of music on CD or cassette which will be used for the free work. A cassette/CD operator must be provided which must not be a teacher or a candidate entered in that session. Candidates entering a centre session must make it clear to the organiser whether or not they require a pianist or CD/cassette operator.

Back to top

Music for Licentiate & Fellowship Examinations

We hope that the chart below will help to clarify the music situation.

Licentiate

From September 2000 all Licentiate classes whether Grade or Major must be conducted to CD and/or cassette. The second part of the examination will also be conducted to CD and/or cassette and candidates must bring a good range of their own unset music, as in the Associate, to cover Grade, Major and Boys' work. Pianists will no longer be supplied for any Licentiate examinations in the UK.

Fellowship

At present will remain as it is with a pianist supplied by HQ. As soon as Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 are on CD the Fellowship Examination will also be conducted without a pianist. Now that so many of the Modern Grades and Majors are available on CD we thought we would clarify the use of piano/CD for all the Modern and Tap examinations.

Music

Please remember the following regulations regarding cassette and CD operation:

1. Music operators must not be teachers. Students who are not entered in the current sessions are ideal.
   
   
2. Music operators should sit sideways wherever possible and not face-on to the candidate.
   
   
3. Facilities should be provided for re-winding cassette tapes outside the examination room.
   
   
4. Associate candidates no longer need a pianist for set or free work unless still using the old Grade 3 or 4 Modern (only until January 2001).

Breaking the regulations about music operators can put our examiners in a difficult and embarrassing position. It is unprofessional of teachers not to rehearse and organise this essential part of the examination process. Please help to make examination day as relaxed and happy as possible for everyone involved.

Back to top