Entry Information

Heats:
One song of own choice. Total performance time of up to 4 minutes.

Up to 5 Finalists and two Reserve Finalists will be chosen from the heats.

For solo voice only. No backing vocals are permitted. Accompaniment can be with either:
(a) Piano and/or guitar accompaniment.
(b) Self-accompaniment.
(c) OR with recorded backing track.


Final:
Sunday, 25 August 2024 at Petersham RSL

Finalists prepare 2 contrasting works with a total performance time of up to 10 minutes (Including time taken between works).

Please note: You do NOT need to perform the same song in the Finals that you performed in the Heats. You can if you would like to, but it is not mandatory.

Both pieces will be accompanied by the Sydney Eisteddfod House Band (Drums, Piano, Bass & Guitar).

No backing tracks, private accompanists or self-accompaniment allowed.

Sheet Music:
It is up to each performer to provide clear, readable charts for each member of the band.

Below are some recommended sources.
Readymade Music: www.readymademusic.com
Barlow Music: www.barlowmusic.com.au

In addition, the band asks that a recording be provided to determine the style of the performance.

All sheet music and guide tracks need to be submitted to Sydney Eisteddfod by July 31 at the latest. Failure to submit music by this time may result in you being unable to participate in the event.

Adjudication will be based on originality of style, delivery, vocal ability, stagecraft and overall presentation, which includes audience communication (linking dialogue).

Adjudicators

Ryan Sheppard

Area of Specialty:
Dance/singing

Originally from the NSW Central Coast, Ryan has built a dynamic international career as a performer, choreographer, and creative. A graduate of Brent Street, he is recognised for his versatility, leadership, and longevity in the industry, contributing to some of Australia’s most iconic productions. Ryan originated the role of Chistery in the 2008 Melbourne premiere of Wicked (GFO Productions), becoming one of the show’s longest-serving cast members with over 1,900 performances across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. As Dance Captain, he was also part of the casting team for the South Korean company. His stage credits include We Will Rock You (Brit understudy), The Book of Mormon (Dance Captain, u/s Elder McKinley, Joseph Smith & Mission President), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Dance Captain, u/s Tick & Bernadette), West Side Story (A-Rab), and the original Dirty Dancing creation workshop. In 2023, he led the team for the Harry Potter Yule Ball Celebration (Lead Host & Dance Captain) and appeared in Amazon Prime’s Dance Life. International highlights include Rent (Sony Pictures), One Life to Live (Disney), Splash Las Vegas, and the West Side Story European tour. As a choreographer, Ryan’s work has been featured in campaigns for Upstage World, The Rob Guest Endowment, Sydney Council, and more. He has performed alongside Kelly Clarkson, Guy Sebastian, Will Young, Crystal Waters, and the Young Divas. Ryan currently serves as Head of Full-Time Training and Course Coordinator of Brent Street’s Performing Arts Program, where he mentors the next generation of performers. He continues to tour internationally with the vocal group Boys in the Band (SMA Productions), with highlights including the F1 Singapore Grand Prix. A former Australian Idol contestant, he was also signed to Warner Bros. Publishing as a songwriter. Additional credits include The Helpmann Awards, The Son of the Mask, Carols by Candlelight, and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Important Notes

Entrants can repeat songs once that have been performed in other events (Please refer to Item 4 under the Contemporary Singing Category Rules & Conditions).

Adjudicators' reports will be written for the preliminary heats only. No marks will be given on these reports..

Please note: You do NOT need to perform the same song in the Finals that you performed in the Heats. You can if you would like to, but it is not mandatory.

Conditions

Conditions:

1. Previous winners not eligible.
2. Adjudicators' reports will be written for the heats only. No marks will be given on these reports.
3. The Winner and Finalists must be reasonably available for media interviews and performance engagements. Sydney Eisteddfod will endeavour to continue to provide performance opportunities to alumni as a way of staying connected and nurturing the creative practices of all.
4. Finalists: Approved band charts for the item/s must be supplied for each individual musician - bass, drums, guitar and piano.

Band charts to be purchased from the approved arrangers listed below.

1) Dick Buchanan: www.dickbuchananmusic.com
2) Readymade Music: www.readymademusic.com
3) Barlow Music: www.barlowmusic.com.au
4) Talbot (Darryl Talbot): www.talbotmusic.net

If using arrangers other than those suggested above, they must be a member of the MAGA (Musicians and Arrangers Guild of Australia) - www.magainc.org.au/find.html

Please seek prior approval from Sydney Eisteddfod by sending an email at least one month prior, giving all relevant details so that our Musical Director can approve before proceeding with purchases from other arrangers except those listed above.

All band charts must be approved by our Musical Director before performance.

Please refer to the Contemporary Singing Rules & Conditions of Entry. Your entry is accepted under these conditions.

Prizes

Winner: $1,500
Sponsored by Petersham RSL Club.
The winner also receives a photographic portfolio courtesy of BWP Studios.

Finalists (excluding place-getter): $300 each.
Sponsored by Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund