RSCM Southwell and Nottinghamshire Area | information about Awards

Awards Scheme information

The scheme is designed to encourage all choristers to achieve a higher standard of singing and musicianship and is intended to be used in conjunction with the RSCM Voice for Life programme. It has the added advantage that an impartial third party, who will be able to give unbiased and constructive criticism, will examine candidates. Thus the examination can also be used as a yardstick to measure ability and achievement.

The scheme is open to choristers of all denominations and ages, and the syllabus has been carefully compiled with this in mind.

There are two awards:

Dean's Award (RSCM Bronze Standard)

This tests the basic requirements of singing in a church or school choir.

Bishop's Award (RSCM Silver Standard)

The Bishop's Award concentrates on the chorister's musicianship and interpretative ability, and should only be attempted after considerable experience and preparation.

Examinations

These will be twice each year (usually in May and September) at the Cathedral. Successful candidates will receive a distinctive ribbon with appropriate badge and a certificate. These will be presented at the October Diocesan Choirs' Festival.
Application for entry must be made no later than 1st April and 1st August respectively.

Structure and distribution of marks

The structure of this award reflects that of the Voice for Life scheme. There are five sections, only four of which are examined. (Section D, which is not assessed during the examination, is satisfied by means of an appropriate testimonial to be submitted with the candidate's application).

The marks are distributed according to the following scheme:

• A   Using the voice well   [50%]
• B   Musical skills and understanding   [20%]
• C   Repertoire   [10%]
• D   Belonging to the choir   [testimonial]
• E   Choir in context   [20%]

The pass mark is 60%. In order to pass, candidates should demonstrate consistency throughout the examination, though a pass mark in every section is not required. Successful candidates may be classified as follows:

• 85%+   Distinction/highly commended
• 75%+   Merit/commended
• 60%+   Pass

Examination conditions

1. Copies of all prepared work MUST be brought to the examination, with an extra copy of each item for the examiner. The examiner's copies should be full music editions (e.g. of hymnbooks). The examiner may refuse to conduct an examination if the correct music is not brought.
2. All music must be legal, i.e. printed copies or legally produced photocopy. The use of illegal photocopies will automatically disqualify a candidate.
3. Robes are NOT required.
4. Candidates may bring their own accompanist; in case of difficulty the examiner will play. After Section A accompanists should leave the room.
5. A maximum of 100 marks is attainable, with a pass mark of 60 for both examinations. The maximum number of marks obtainable and the pass mark (in brackets) are shown for each line item in the syllabus. Although it is not necessary to pass each item individually, the mark awarded may be used to give an indication of the candidate's proficiency against that requirement.
6. The Awards Administrator reserves the right to refuse an examination entry without stating a reason. In such cases, the examination fee will be refunded in full.
7. In the event of non-attendance at an examination, through illness or emergency, the Awards Administrator must be contacted immediately, with a subsequent written explanation sent by letter or e-mail. A refund, or credit for future entry, may be granted at the Administrator's discretion.
8. On signing the entry form, candidates (and their representatives and Choir Trainers) are deemed to be accepting the entry conditions, and the examiner's musical judgements.
9. The current fees are indicated at the head of each syllabus. Cheques should be payable to "RSCM Southwell & Notts. Area - Committee" and sent with the entry form.
10. The result of the examination will be sent to the candidate's Choir Trainer by post, usually within two weeks of the examination. Examiners will not divulge results at the time of the examination.

Candidate entry requirements

1. There is no age limit on candidates for these awards.
2. Candidates should normally have been members of an RSCM-affiliated choir for at least two years (for Dean's Award) or three years (for Bishop's Award); transfer from another choir will be acceptable if clearly documented.
3. Entry is restricted to candidates from choirs based within the geographical area of Nottinghamshire and the Church of England Diocese of Southwell. (Prospective candidates from choirs outside this area should apply to their appropriate local RSCM area Awards Secretary, who will be able to advise what schemes are available in their region).
4. Applications are welcome from candidates of any voice part. Allowance will be made, where appropriate, for the range of the candidate's voice.
5. Candidates for the Dean's (Bronze) Award should normally have attained the standard of Voice for Life: Dark Blue level.
6. Candidates for the Bishop's (Silver) Award should normally have gained reasonable experience beyond the standard Voice for Life: Red level. It is also recommended that candidates should have passed the Dean's (Bronze) Award first, although this is not a requirement.
7. A written testimonial from the Choir Trainer, counter-signed by the Incumbent/Minister/Head Teacher/Director of Music, is required on the entry form, confirming the candidate's commitment to the choir and general musical competence. The entry form also asks for details of RSCM singing courses or training events in which the candidate has participated.

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