VEA Division Overview
The Division Overviews are defined as clearly as possible to be inclusive and allow all entries to perform in the most appropriate divisions.
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If you are unsure about where to place a band or ensemble, please refer to the Division Overview below which clearly outlines the division definitions. Some of the criteria has changed, so please make sure read the supporting documents below so you can enter the most appropriate divisions.
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Division 1 (Large) - District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards
(8+ Members)
SSAATB, SSSAAA, TTTBBB
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Standard:
This division is intended for experienced singers comfortable in close four-part vocal harmony and a relatively high level of jazz understanding and experience. They should be comfortable both performing a cappella and with a rhythm section. They are required to be able to execute the different rhythmic styles within the jazz genre (such as swing, Latin, and ballads) at an advanced level.
Division 1 performers are expected to be able to connect with the audience in an authentic and sophisticated way to truly convey the message of a song.
Performance Requirements:
Each ensemble must perform two (2) pieces which will include:
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GIJ Set Piece – As We Seek The Sacred (a cappella)
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Own Choice Piece – either a cappella or piano/rhythm section accompaniment
Division 1 may choose an a cappella or accompanied own choice piece. For Own Choice Piece schools must provide their own rhythm section on the day or a backing track to be used.
GIJ will not be providing any in house rhythm section for schools to use.
Performance Time: 15 Minutes
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Each ensemble has a total of 15 minutes in which to enter the stage, perform their two pieces, and exit the stage.
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Set up and quick sound check on stage is included in each ensemble's allocated time.
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Ensemble warm up areas will be provided prior to performance time.
Numbers on Stage:
8+ members. As a guide, the maximum recommended number of vocalists in a jazz vocal ensemble is 20; however, a school can enter a larger ensemble if they choose.
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Division 1 (Small) - District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards
4-7 members
SSAA, SATB, TTBB
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Standard:
This division is intended for experienced singers comfortable in close four-part vocal harmony with a relatively high level of jazz understanding and experience. They should be comfortable both performing a cappella and with a rhythm section. They are required to be able to execute the different rhythmic styles within the jazz genre (such as swing, Latin, and ballads) at an advanced level.
Division 1 performers are expected to be able to connect with the audience in an authentic sophisticated way to truly convey the message of a song. In line with the regulations regarding common members, students within larger ensembles are permitted and encouraged to form groups of 4-7 voices.
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Performance Requirements
Each ensemble must perform two (2) pieces which will include:
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GIJ Set Piece – The Baobab (a cappella)
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Own Choice Piece – either a cappella or piano/rhythm section accompaniment
For Own Choice Piece schools must provide their own rhythm section on the day or a backing track. GIJ will not be providing any in house rhythm section for schools to use.
​
Performance Times: 15 Minutes
-
Each ensemble has a total of 15 minutes in which to enter the stage, perform their two pieces, and exit the stage.
-
Set up and quick sound check on stage is included in each ensemble's allocated time.
-
Ensemble warm up areas will be provided prior to performance time.
Numbers on Stage:
The maximum number for Division 1 Small Ensemble members on stage at any one time is seven (7).
Division 2 (Large) - District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards
(8+ Members)
SATB, SSAA, TTBB
Standard:
This division is intended for intermediate jazz harmony singers who are growing comfortable with four-part vocal harmony, in both the accompanied and a cappella realms. They should be developing a sound understanding of differing jazz styles, and an awareness of the communication aspect of performance.
Performance Requirements:
Each ensemble must perform two (2) pieces which will include:
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GIJ Set Piece – Wachagot (accompanied set piece - rhythm section backing track),
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Own Choice Piece – a cappella
Performance Time: 15 Minutes
-
Each ensemble has a total of 15 minutes in which to enter the stage, perform their two pieces, and exit the stage.
-
Set up and quick sound check on stage is included in each ensemble's allocated time.
-
Ensemble warm up areas will be provided prior to performance time.
Numbers on Stage:
8+ members. As a guide, the maximum recommended number of vocalists in a jazz ensemble is 20; however, a school can enter a larger ensemble if they choose.
Division 2 (Small) - District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards
4-7 members
SAB, SSA, TTB
Standard:
This division is intended for intermediate jazz harmony singers who are growing comfortable with three to four-part vocal harmony, in both the accompanied and a cappella realms. They should be developing a sound understanding of differing jazz styles, and an awareness of the communication aspect of performance.
In line with the regulations regarding common members, students within larger ensembles are permitted and encouraged to form and enter groups of 4-7 voices.
Performance Requirements
Each ensemble must perform two (2) pieces which will include:
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GIJ Set Piece – Beyond The City (accompanied - rhythm section backing track),
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Own Choice Piece – a cappella
Performance Time: 10 Minutes
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Each ensemble has a total of 10 minutes in which to enter the stage, perform their two pieces, and exit the stage.
-
Set up and quick sound check on stage is included in each ensemble's allocated time.
-
Ensemble warm up areas will be provided prior to performance time.
Numbers on Stage:
The maximum number for Division 2 Small Ensemble members on stage at any one time is seven (7).
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Division 3 (Large) - District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards
8+ Members
(Treble, Mixed, Changed Voices)
Standard:
This division is for ensembles within the beginner realm who are starting to immerse themselves in jazz harmony. These ensembles should be able to sing in two to three-part vocal harmony and display some understanding of the varying styles of jazz vocal performance.
Each ensemble must perform two (2) pieces which will include the GIJ Set Piece – accompanied (rhythm section backing track), and an Own Choice piece – accompanied or a cappella.
Performance Requirements:
Each ensemble must perform two (2) pieces which will include:
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GIJ Set Piece – Ode to a Freeloader (accompanied set piece - rhythm section backing track),
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Own Choice Piece – accompanied (piano or backing track) or a cappella
Performance Time: 10 Minutes
-
Each ensemble has a total of 10 minutes in which to enter the stage, perform their two pieces, and exit the stage.
-
Set up and quick sound check on stage is included in each ensemble's allocated time.
-
Ensemble warm up areas will be provided prior to performance time.
Numbers on Stage:
8+ members.
As a guide, the maximum recommended number of vocalists in a jazz ensemble is 20; however, a school can enter a larger ensemble if they choose.
Division 3 (Small) - District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards
4-7 members
SA, ST, TB
Standard:
This division is for ensembles within the beginner realm who are starting to immerse themselves in jazz harmony. These ensembles should be able to sing in two to three-part vocal harmony and display some understanding of the varying styles of jazz vocal performance.
In line with the regulations regarding common members, students within larger ensembles are permitted and encouraged to form and enter groups of 4-7 voices.
Performance Requirements
Each ensemble must perform two (2) pieces which will include:
-
GIJ Set Piece – Your Best Friend (accompanied set piece - rhythm section backing track),
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Own Choice Piece – accompanied (piano or backing track) or a cappella
Performance Time: 10 Minutes
-
Each ensemble has a total of 10 minutes in which to enter the stage, perform their two pieces, and exit the stage.
-
Set up and quick sound check on stage is included in each ensemble's allocated time.
-
Ensemble warm up areas will be provided prior to performance time.
Numbers on Stage:
The maximum number for Division 3 Small Ensemble members on stage at any one time is seven (7).
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Division 4 - District Council of Grant Vocal Ensemble Awards
No division in 2024
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Contact
If you have a questions relating to Set Pieces please contact our schools team.
08 7735 0303
Vocal Ensemble - Set Piece Samples
Division 1 VEA (Large)
SSSAAA
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
As We Seek The Sacred
Composed & Arranged by Lisa Young
Division 1 VEA (Large)
SSAATB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
As We Seek The Sacred
Composed & Arranged by Lisa Young
Division 1 VEA (Large)
TTTBBB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
As We Seek The Sacred
Composed & Arranged by Lisa Young
Division 1 VEA (Small)
SSAA
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
The Baobab
Composed & Arranged by Jacqueline Gawler
Division 1 VEA (Small)
SATB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
The Baobab
Composed & Arranged by Jacqueline Gawler
Division 1 VEA (Small)
TTBB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
The Baobab
Composed & Arranged by Jacqueline Gawler
Division 2 VEA (Large)
SSAA
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Wachagot
Composed by Trish Delaney-Brown, Arranged by Naomi Crellin
Division 2 VEA (Large)
SATB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Wachagot
Composed by Trish Delaney-Brown, Arranged by Naomi Crellin
Division 2 VEA (Large)
TTBB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Wachagot
Composed by Trish Delaney-Brown, Arranged by Naomi Crellin
Division 2 VEA (Small)
SSA
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Beyond The City
Composed & Arranged by Luke Thompson
Division 2 VEA (Small)
SAB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Beyond The City
Composed & Arranged by Luke Thompson
Division 2 VEA (Small)
TTB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Beyond The City
Composed & Arranged by Luke Thompson
Division 3 VEA (Large)
Male
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Ode To A Freeloader
Composed & Arranged by Naomi Crellin
Division 3 VEA (Large)
Mixed
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Ode To A Freeloader
Composed & Arranged by Naomi Crellin
Division 3 VEA (Large)
Treble
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Ode To A Freeloader
Composed & Arranged by Naomi Crellin
Division 3 VEA (Small)
SA
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Your Best Friend
Composed & Arranged by Ed Fairlie
Division 3 VEA (Small)
ST
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Your Best Friend
Composed & Arranged by Ed Fairlie
Division 3 VEA (Small)
TB
ANZ Vocal Ensemble Awards
Your Best Friend
Composed & Arranged by Ed Fairlie
GIJ VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP
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