Awards

Awards are available in many categories, reflecting all levels and musical styles represented at the festival. All award winners are selected by the adjudicator and are chosen according to the adjudicator’s professional opinion regarding the performance skills and musical abilities of the candidate. The adjudicator reserves the right not to grant awards in all categories, dependent upon the number of entries, and the merit of performances. Award winners will be contacted by phone at the end of festival week. The following top awards are presented to participants whose performances display an exceptional degree of musicianship:

Awards of Excellence

Awards of Excellence are presented annually to one student in each festival discipline: voice, piano, fretted strings, winds and percussion, fretless strings, and amped and mic’d. Students chosen for these awards demonstrate high levels of skill and musicality, and their performances reflect great depth of preparation. Students must participate in three or more solo or small ensemble performances. Large ensemble performances are not eligible.

Leading Note Musicianship Award

This award is presented annually to a student entering 3 or more solo or small ensemble classes representing different styles and/or multiple disciplines. The successful performer shows emerging talent, and musical ability to perform and communicate their music to the adjudicator and to the audience.

Keynote Musicianship Award

This award is presented annually to an advanced student entering 3 or more solo or small ensemble classes representing different styles and/or multiple disciplines. The successful performer shows exceptional talent, and musical ability to perform and communicate their music to the adjudicator and to the audience.

North Hastings Music Festival Bursary Award

This is presented to a deserving festival participant who is accepted into a post-secondary music program. The student must have been an active participant of the North Hastings Music Festival during their high school years.