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    24th & 25th Nov 2018

    © 2018 by the team at the Country Music Dunedin Awards

    CMDA Rules

    Download a PDF version by clicking the button below

    Rules

    General Information

    1. The CMDA reserve the right to photograph, record and/or broadcast any or all of the performances at auditions or finals for publicity purpose

    2. Audition times are drawn by ballot and advised after the closing date of entries.

    3. Contestants perform one song for auditions.  Those reaching the finals may perform the same audition song or another of their choice.

    4. The origin and sound of the song MUST BE COUNTRY.

    5. Judging is by a panel of judges during the auditions and finals.

    6. Judging is based on vocal and musical ability and stage presence

    7. Strictly no alcohol or drugs allowed.  Any contestant under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be disqualified.  Right of admission reserved.

    8. Contestants may enter once only in any one section.

    9. All sections are vocal.

    10. No pre-programmed backing allowed.  Single production instruments only.

    11. Official backing bands are available for auditions and finals.  Contestants may accompany themselves and not use the backing band.  However, when using the official backing band, one additional musician may join the band or replace a band member. NOTE: you cannot dismiss the entire band and use your own backing band.

    12. No harmonies or backing vocals are allowed.

    13. Ages as at 1 November.  Tiny Tots = Under 8 years.  Junior = 12 years and under.  Intermediate = 17 years and under. 

    14. The CMDA committee reserves the right for any section to be judged outright, to add to or delete from the programme at any time, or cancel any section if there are insufficient entries

    15. Judges have the right to recall any contestants and their decisions are final.

    16. Each contestant has a time space of 4 minutes.  This is the time for each contestant to introduce their entry and sing their song.  Please take care of the length of your song - it would be a shame to be penalised for going over time.  Also remember the Judges are looking for vocal/musical ability and stage presence not the prowess of the backing band so please if possible keep instrumental sections of song to a minimum. 

    17. Groups and Duets are not eligible to enter any Vocal Solo, Gospel, Country Rock or Traditional section.

    18. Chord charts are essential for the backing band.  Please refer to the guidelines to writing chord charts.

    19. Traditional - the official backing band is not available for this section.  Please arrange your own acoustic backing.

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    Junior & Intermediate Competitors

    You must enter your own age group sections.  The only exception is Duet.  Junior’s may go up an age group to perform with an intermediate or senior.  Intermediates may go up an age group to perform with a senior.