Woodwind & Brass Classes

Provisional Date: 7-8th March 2026

Venue: Delrow Community Hall, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD25 8DJ

Adjudicators:

To be confirmed

Entries: ONLINE ONLY (via our website)

All enquiries: Adie Landsman adie@watfordfestival.co.uk

The timetable summary will be available online at www.watfordfestival.co.uk from January 2026

-Please read the information below carefully.

-Please note that pieces can ONLY be performed in ONE class.

All candidates MUST bring a copy of their music for the adjudicator as well as an original book/sheet music.

For all digitally purchased music, you must provide proof of purchase.

*Please note that where age is specified, the age must be reckoned as on 1st February 2026.

Prizes: In all classes, there will be a combination of trophy and/or medals or certificates for prize winners and every competitor will receive a certificate and adjudicator’s comment sheet.

Wind, Brass and Recorder Section Prizes:

The Watford Festival Brass Award - £25 to the most promising young brass player

The Watford Festival Woodwind Award - £25 to the most promising young woodwind/recorder player.

*NEW class for 2026 *Relaxed class*

A non-competitive class suitable for children of any age to perform in a more relaxed environment. Within reason, we will try to accommodate any requests or specific needs. Feedback will be given, but there will be no competitive element. All children will receive a medal for participating.

Please get in touch with the section leader directly to discuss your requirements.

2026 Classes:

E0	Novice Wind and Brass - Pre Grade 1	2 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£13
E1	Grades 1-2 Wind and Brass	3 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£14
E2	Grade 3-4 Wind and Brass	4 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£15
E3	Grade 5-6 Wind and Brass	5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 20 performers per class.	£16
E4	Grade 7-8 Wind and Brass	8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 15 performers per class.	£19
E5	Recital class - Grade 5 and below	12 mins	2-3 contrasting pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£23
E6	Recital class - Grade 6 and above	15 mins	2-3 contrasting pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£26
E7	Ensemble class - 2-6 members age 12 and under	5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£18
E8	Ensemble class - 2-6 members Age 18 and under	8 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 10 performers per class.	£21
ER	Relaxed class - all wind and brass Relaxed class A non-competitive class suitable for children of any age to perform in a more relaxed environment. Within reason, will try to accommodate any requests or specific needs. Feedback will be given, but there will be no competitive element. All children will receive a medal for participating. Please get in touch with the section leader directly to discuss your requirements.	5 mins	1-2 pieces or movements	limit of 8 performers	£16

Notes

1. Competitors are not allowed to present any piece/movement in more than one class.

2. Please keep the piece within the stated time, as if a performance goes over time, a bell may be rung and the performance marked up to that point only.

3. A copy of the music MUST be provided for the adjudicator. See No.2 of Regulations and General Information. This rule about original copies and photocopies will be strictly applied.

4. We reserve the right to amalgamate classes with few entries, for both adjudication and trophy purposes. Candidates in classes that have been combined will be informed in advance of the competition. This includes combining recorder with other wind/brass classes of similar standards.

5. There will be a limit of 15 entries per class unless stated otherwise. We have the right to amend this at any time.

6. One original copy of the music must be provided either for the use of the performer or the adjudicator. You will not be able to receive Adjudicator feedback without a copy of the music.

7. We reserve the right to disqualify any performers who do not follow the rules listed above.

8. Recital classes MUST present 2-3 contracting pieces or movements. Performers presenting only 1 piece will be able to perform and receive feedback BUT will NOT be able to compete for medals.

9. Where age is specified, the age of the candidate must be reckoned on as 1st February 2025