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FAQ
Creating Inspiration in Every Child
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We have collected together all the common queries regarding our Glee Challenge experience under four broad tabs General, Registration, The Songs and judging. If you can't find the answer you're looking for do reach out and ask us directly.
Click here for full set of Rules and Regulations
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Where can I find the rules and regulationsA link to the full rules and regulations can be found above or on the registration page
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What should the children wear?We want to make participation as accessible as possible so there is no requirement for the choir to be outfitted. Plain, brightly coloured, T shirts will suffice. While some schools arrange for T shirts to be printed etc that is a choice for the school. Judges are not allowed to score outfits.
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Where and when will the 2025 heats be held?We have still to conclude certain aspects of our negotiations. However, it is highly anticipated that the following venues will be on the roster - Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline - Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen - Central halls, Stirling - Central Hall, Edinburgh - Hamilton Town Hall, Hamilton - Music Hall, Aberdeen - Perth Concert Hall - Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow - Usher Hall, Edinburgh Full draw can be found on the webpage menu
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What information or support will I get?Once the registration process including invoicing is complete you will - be able to access the members zone (from September 2024) - support videos e.g. warm up - set song resources for both songs- video, lyrics, backing track, workbook exercises and signing resources where applicable - song/artist choice lists - be able to access the Facebook private group page - for discussion, update etc - be able to attend teacher workshops in person and on line support materials -
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Can we bring our own instruments?The use of instruments is limited in the Challenge. As part of the performance children may use instruments e.g. percussion instruments. However, these should be occasional or incidental to the backing track and should not play a dominant role, the use of instruments will not be included in the judging criteria. No other accompaniment will be allowed.
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In what way does a Glee choir differ from a 'normal' school choir.Firstly, there's no such thing as a 'normal' school choir every choir is unique. However, a Glee Choir also known as a show choir which has to sing, dance and perform.
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Can we use props?Props may be used but they must be kept to a minimum. We do not have appropriate storage space in many of our venues and props often end up blocking fire escape routes etc. and create difficulties within the auditorium where the children are for the majority of the show. Banners/placards often interfere with the drop mics on stage and as such can only be handheld i.e. not on an extended pole. Too many or overlarge props may result in a deduction of points.
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What are the set songs?Set Song 1 - Clearest Blue by Chvrches Set Song 2 - TBA late November
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Do we have to sign the set song in full or can we sign just part of it?We want our Glee Choirs to be inclusive so we would like to see Signing (Makaton, BSL) incorporated within the performance for the first song. The level of signing within the song is up to you, it could be for the whole song or just the chorus, conducted by the whole choir or a group within the choir. Again, resources, staff and time will play a part here. Please note that the signing used in our videos is BSL/SSE, you can use Makaton if you wish,. Please see our signing lesson plans for more background. Please note that this applies across both set songs unless otherwise stated
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Can we add lyrics to Clearest Blue? Like in the instrumental part?No - Clearest Blue must be performed as is. This is designed to ensure that all choirs are performing exactly the same song. The instrumental section is generally there to encourage movement/dance
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Can we use our own backing track for the set song or sing it A capella?No
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Can we have some children starting off stage and coming on gradually through the song or must all children be on stage to begin with?Yes - you can bring the children on/off, from the stage wings, as part of the performance. They don't all have to be on the stage at the beginning.
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I can't access the first set songAll resources can be found in the members area. If you are having difficulties accessing or have lost your password to access the first set song please contact us at info@frissonfoundation.org.uk
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Can we choose any second song?Sort of -Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin', Tonights Going to be a Good Night (Black Eyed Peas), Hall of Fame (The Script) are not allowed. Please check for up to date exceptions. However, the song should be appropriate, so please check the lyrics etc. Please note that this year's theme is SCOTTISH ARTISTS/BANDS and you must choose a song from the list of artists or bands provided. The choir is judged on song, dance, teamwork and performance so please bear that in mind when choosing the song. Finally please check the song length both songs must fit within the 9 minute limit. The list and the set song will not be available until after summer break.
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What is role of the set song?There are two set songs one set song for the heats another set song for the regional finals The idea behind the set songs is to provide a common base for comparing schools when performing at the events. The set songs represent a challenge in themselves and more often than not they represent different challenges. Whilst it is up to each choir as to how it interprets the set song - all choirs must use the backing track provided and for the first set song the choir must sign at least part of the song. The set songs are based on the theme Scottish Pop and Rock Artists
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How do we find backing tracksBacking tracks for the set songs will be available via the website and must be used by all choirs. You may wish to source your own backing track for the second song, if you are having difficulty in doing so please get in touch. Please note as with all songs there must be no vocals on the backing track.
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How do we choose a second song?The second song is chosen by the choir and should be chosen in line with the theme which this year is Scottish artists. This year the songs must be chosen from the list of artists provided, if you wish to choose a song/artist not on the list please get in touch. The list will be made available after the summer holidays. Please note that if another choir in your region has already chosen your song option you will not be able to choose it. Please note that a medley of songs is not permitted. A mash up of two songs will be allowed.
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Why are there two set songs?There are two set songs one for the heats and one for the regional finals. This helps maintain the momentum for the Challenge with choirs having to learn a new song should they move forward. Schools can then choose which of the set songs they will perform at the National Final should they qualify. You may find it useful to work with both songs once the second song has been announced
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How does the Judging process work.Each judge is asked to score choirs across 4 categories Vocal, Visuals, Teamwork and Performance. Within each category there are a number of criteria each has a maximum value of ten points. The scores are entered for each category during the show using the Carmen show scoring platform. This means that judges score independently and each category is calculated in a way (Condorcet method) which ensures that no one judge can skew the marking scores.
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Who are the judges?Judges are drawn from across the music industry - radio presenters, dancers, singers, musical directors, choreographers - all of whom bring a different perspective to each performance. Depending on the show there will be 3-5 judges
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Can we use props and does this impact on the scoring?Props may be used but they must be kept to a minimum. We do not have appropriate storage space in many of our venues and props often end up blocking fire escape routes etc. The choirs are in the auditorium as part of the audience and it is not usually possible or appropriate to have props etc in the main hall. On stage banners/placards etc often interfere with the drop mics on stage and as such these can only be handheld i.e. not on an extended pole. Too many or overlarge props may result in a deduction of points.
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How are the choirs scored?This a show choir (Glee) Challenge and therefore performances will be judged across four broad areas o Vocal e.g. Intonation, tone quality, diction, ensemble, balance, blend, interpretation of music and text, dynamics, phrasing and communication o Visual e.g. choreography, precision/execution, authenticity, appearance, communication, use of stage, signing BSL, SSE or Makaton (set song only) o Teamwork e.g. energy, group dynamics, engagement of whole group The Vocal and Visual scores carry the most weighting within the scoring system. The scores are computed using the Condorcet method which ensures that no one judge can unfairly influence the scoring. The system also minimises any bias and the judges score independently of each other.
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How do I register?Registration is now closed
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How do I pay my registration fee?Please wait until you have received an invoice
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Why is there a potential penalty clause for cancellation?We want children to have as positive and memorable an experience as we can possibly provide and performing in a half empty hall does not achieve this. However, there are huge financial considerations and to date we do not receive any funding We plan the events in good faith and commit fairly large sums of money in booking the halls, in the same way as you would book a wedding these have to be paid up front in many cases and are subject to fairly tight contractual agreements . A late cancellation may mean that we may not be able to meet the costs of the event due to reduced ticket sales and in some cases may mean that we have to refund tickets - box offices charge us directly for any refunds given. also
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I'm not sure about the size of my choir, do I need it for registration?We understand that you may not be sure of your choir size at this stage and we will ask you to confirm numbers later. However, it helps us; with the planning and booking of halls; identify how many schools we can fit in each event and decide whether we need to ask schools to consider other areas and/or manage waiting lists. You will have to confirm your numbers at a later stage.
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What is the cost of registration?For all early bird entrant i.e. before 1st July £50. For all entrants after this date £60
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