Which syllabus do I use?
Every year our teachers go through the understandable confusion of not knowing which syllabus to consult when selecting repertoire for the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival.
Concert Band: (more info at Concert Band / Wind Ensemble )
With the growing number of titles on both the Musicfest Canada (The Nationals) list and the Ontario Band Association (OBA) list, it can only get more confusing. Participants are welcome to select repertoire from either list and are encouraged to consult both syllabi.
Please note:
- If you have plans to take your ensemble(s) to the National festival, MusicFest Canada requires one Canadian piece in your programme at their festival in May 2025. This is NOT required for your performance at GHMF but we do recommend it, especially if your goal is to perform on the Nationals stage.
- The GHMF/OBA are NOT ABLE to provide any conductor scores for adjudication use in 2025. As such, participants are required to obtain TWO additional copies for all selections, for adjudication.
As every group’s total stage time is about 23 minutes, we ask that you programme no more than 15 minutes of music. Please choose repertoire to fit within this general guideline.
We recommend that you perform contrasting material (ie, be sure to include some lyrical/slow & expressive repertoire).
In 2025 we are upholding our regulations for classical and educational compositions for the Concert groups (Bands, Orchestras, and Chamber Ensembles) to align with the standards and requirements of our two partner festivals (OBA and MusicFest/Nationals).
At any point during your programming process, if you have questions about the materials or if you are in need of recommendations, please contact Shashi at [email protected] for assistance!
Click on the icons below to review the most up-to-date *CONCERT BAND* syllabi from the Ontario Band Association and MusicFest Canada-The Nationals.
Jazz Ensemble and Combo: (more info at Instrumental Jazz )
Jazz Groups are encouraged to play pieces in 3 contrasting styles. There is no set syllabus list. Please note that Pop arrangements ARE ACCEPTABLE at the GHMF Jazz Band Festival. Also note that we do not currently have a Canadian content requirement at GHMF. However, should you participate in MusicFest Canada in May, you wil need to prepare and perform a Canadian selection as per their regulations.
String and Symphony Orchestra: (more info at String Orchestra / Symphony Orchestra )
Orchestra Groups are encouraged to play 2-3 pieces in 2-3 contrasting styles, depending on total performance/music time. There is no set syllabus list – we DO have recommendations though. Email us at [email protected]
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble: Chamber groups are encouraged to play 2-3 pieces in 2-3 contrasting styles. There is no set syllabus list. The OBA also hosts a small ensemble festival, and the suggested resource list can be found at the bottom of this page: CLICK HERE
Click on the icons below to review the most up-to-date sylllabi from MusicFest Canada and the OBA.
