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Exam Structure
Choral Singing
Choir
  • Applications are based on individual CHOIRS as a unit.
  • All applicant choirs should comprise no less than 12 and no more than 48 singers exclusive of conductor and accompanist(s).
  • Only one conductor will be accepted for the entirety of the Examination programme, while different accompanists will be allowed.
Online Exam Requirements
  • One uninterrupted video recording of the examination performance in MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV or MOV format is to be submitted.
  • The video submission should preferably be of high quality resolution (preferably 1920x1080 in 16:9 ratio) with high sound quality recorded in stereo format.
  • The examination performance video must be recorded in one continuous session without any interruption or editing. Failing to comply with this requirement will result in disqualification.
On-site Exam Requirements
  • Applicant may indicate one’s preferences for on-site examination based on specific dates and places provided by the IPMA at time of application.
  • With valid reasons, applicant may suggest an alternative preferred venue for on-site examination. In such case, if accepted, all financial, logistics and safety requirements of the venue shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant.
  • Applicant will be notified on the time, date & place of the on-site examination based on previously indicated preferences at least if not later than 30 days in advance.
  • Applicant should endeavour to start the examination performance at the specified time unless otherwise as arranged. No-show or late-comers will render the examination disqualified.

The Examination Syllabus is structured in three stages for all Levels:

WARM-UP – Own choice of warm-up exercises to demonstrate relevancy to the prepared programme
TECHNICAL WORK – Specific technical exercises to demonstrate the technical proficiency of the choir
PREPARED PROGRAMME – FOUR prepared pieces chosen from given Repertoire Lists.

 
Repertoire Lists
For all levels of the Examination, there are FOUR repertoire lists from which applicants can choose to form the Prepared Programme:

  • List A - Pre-classical repertoires
  • List B - Classical and Romantic repertoires
  • List C - 20th/21st Century repertoires
  • List D* - Folk arrangements and/or local** original compositions

* Own choice is possible forList D only, provided it is appropriate to the Level being examined.  Such own choice piece has to be submitted forapproval at the time of application.

** “Local originalcompositions” refer to original choral works by composers in the localities ofthe applicant.
 
Examination
Durations
Applicants should plan the timing structure of each of the 3 stages for the Examination Syllabus within the total duration allowed. A typical guide for optimum timing structure is suggested as follows:
Level 1:
Initial
Maximum
Minutes:
20
3 mins
Warm-up
1 min
Technical
15 mins
Programme
Level 2:
Intermediate
Maximum
Minutes:
26
4 mins
Warm-up
1 min
Technical
20 mins
Programme
Level 3:
Advanced
Maximum
Minutes:
32
5 mins
Warm-up
1 min
Technical
25 mins
Programme
 
Performance
Guidelines
For both online and on-site examinations, the entire examination performance must be carried out uninterrupted and within the maximum duration stipulated.  For every minute of over runtime, 10 marks will be deducted from the overall total of the final result.

Performing from memory (excluding conductor and accompanist) is stipulated for different Levels:
  • Level 1 (Initial) - At least 1 piece must be performed from memory
  • Level 2 (Intermediate) - At least 2 pieces must be performed from memory
  • Level 3 (Advanced) - At least 3 pieces must be performed from memory
 
Overall Marking
Scheme
The examination is divided into three sections with their corresponding percentage weightings:
Items
Max. marks
Part 1
Warm-up
10
Part 2
Technical Work
10
Part 3
Prepared Programme
Piece 1
20
Piece 2
20
Piece 3
20
Piece 4
20
Total Marks : 100
Total Marks
Attainment level:
Total Marks
Attainment level:
86-100
Distinction
75-85
Merit
50-69
Pass
Below Pass
 
Marking Scheme
for
Warm-Up
Total Marks
Attainment level:
Combined
Maximum Mark:
10
Total Marks
Attainment level:
Distinction
Merit
Pass
Below Pass
 
Marking Scheme
for
Technical Work
Total Marks
Attainment level:
Combined
Maximum Mark:
10
Total Marks
Attainment level:
Distinction
Merit
Pass
Below Pass
 
Marking Scheme
for
Prepared Programme
Total Marks
Attainment level:
Combined
Maximum Mark:
20
Total Marks
Attainment level:
Distinction
Merit
Pass
Below Pass
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