The Ontario Christian MusicFest (OCM) was founded to provide a venue for students from Ontario Christian based schools to perform music in a Christian environment and to be educated and encouraged by adjudicators who share Christian beliefs and practices.
OCM wants to promote the study and performance of excellent band and ensemble repertoire that provides an excellent foundation for developing musicality and prepares students for a life long appreciation of music. As stated in Psalm 150 … Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
OCM is now a regional festival of MusicFest Canada. As an affiliate of MusicFest Canada OCM officials may offer invitations for outstanding ensembles to participate at the national finals of MusicFest Canada.
A new category for MusicFest Canada was founded through OCM. Praise and Worship ensembles are now encouraged to participate in OCM. Praise and Worship ensembles are also eligible to participate in the national finals of MusicFest Canada upon receipt of an invitation from OCM beginning in 2006.
It is our goal by supporting Christian school music programs through this educationally focused festival, that we can inspire parents, school officials, school supporters and volunteers, staff, music teachers and students to truly work to “Serve an Audience of One” through the wonderful gift of music.
2009 Festival Date(s)
Bowmanville is located in the heart of Clarington, approximately 45 minutes east of Toronto.
Festival Information
Every performing ensemble will have an opportunity to hear some of the finest Christian school concert bands, instrumental jazz ensembles and Praise and Worship Teams in Ontario.
Every performing ensemble will be observed and listened to by two or three of the most respected and experienced adjudicators in North America. Past adjudicators have included James H. White, Carol Johnson, Peter Stoll and Steve McCracken.
An educational clinic will follow each performance with one of the adjudicators. This clinic will focus on providing encouragement for each ensemble.
Each performing ensemble will receive:
i) Audio recording of performance. ii) Audio recording of performance with a voice-over by each of the adjudicators. iii) DVD of their festival performance. iv) Written comments and recommendations from each adjudicator.
Each performing ensemble will receive their recordings, comments and rating (i.e., Bronze, Silver, Gold) 30 minutes after their clinic. Performance ratings for the ensembles will not be publicly announced by the festival.
Clinics will also be scheduled as part of the activities during the festival.
(festival sponsor)
Performing ensembles will have an opportunity to be invited to attend and participate in the national finals of MusicFest Canada.
A warm up room is provided, complete with chairs, stands and standard equipment for each performing group to use immediately prior to their OCM performance.
Storage area and a student host/hostess will be provided for each school.
Repertoire
The performance of pop music, movie themes and music that may be deemed not in accordance with a Christian based mission statement is not permitted at anytime. The festival reserves the right to stop any performance that is in violation of the purpose and mandate of Ontario Christian MusicFest (OCM).
All jazz ensembles are required to perform repertoire that is representative of three contrasting jazz styles. Opportunities for improvisation by various student soloists are encouraged. A minimum of 9 and a maximum of 24 performers are permitted on stage during the performance of any single selection.
Ensembles interested in participating in the national finals of MusicFest Canada are required to consult the graded syllabus that is available at www.musicfest.ca . Performing ensembles (concert bands, jazz ensembles) that are interested in being invited to the nationals of MusicFest Canada must include the appropriate category on the festival registration form.
The listing of repertoire being performed at OCM must be emailed to the Regional Co-ordinator no later than March 23, 2008.
Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully, and shout for joy. Ps. 33:3 (festival sponsor) Fee Structure
It is our goal to keep registration fees at a minimum. Each performing ensemble will be charged $90.00 for their participation.
Please make all cheques payable to: “BDCSS” and indicate on the memo line – Registration Fee – OCM. The fees must be received prior to February 15, 2009 or the performing ensemble may be disqualified.
(festival sponsor)
Registration
Each performing ensemble is required to register by completing the festival registration form and submitting it prior to February 22, 2008. Late entries are generally not accepted. A waiting list will be developed and an ensemble may be invited if one of the registered ensembles cancels or becomes disqualified after February 22, 2008.
(festival sponsor)
