Group Singing "Classical" Competition Rules

 

Duration: 4 to 6 Minutes

Genre: Hindustani or Carnatic

Before you register, please read the sections below.


Rules & Regulations

  1. Performance should be in one of the Indian classical music genres - Hindustani or Carnatic. 

  2. The performer may utilize a Shruti box/a drone app (e.g., Tanpura/Shruti) on a tablet, smartphone, or iPad. All background hum/drone audio must be downloaded in advance for offline use. KANE is not responsible for performance interruptions caused by buffering or connectivity issues. There will be no instrumental support from KANE. 

  3. The device must be used strictly for a continuous drone (hum) only. Any use of the device to play melodic tracks, rhythmic loops, or "Karaoke-style" backing is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

  4. The team should come prepared with any one Kriti. 

  5. The participants must know the lyrics and may not use any aids (paper, digital devices, external audio, etc.) on stage. 

  6. We will not permit any form of coaching or prompting during the performance.

  7. Teams must have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 participants. 

  8. There is no age-based categorization for this event. 

  9. The participants must register online prior to the registration deadline and receive an email confirmation number from KANE. 

  1. KANE reserves the right to photograph and/or video record the performances. We may publish such photos/videos post-event.

  2. The Judges' decision will be final.

  3. Any violation of the aforementioned rules may result in disqualification of the contestant.

 

Judging Guidelines

Total Score: 100

  • Shruti/Chosen pitch (20 Points):

  • Is the entire group singing in perfect unison with the Shruti box and with each other?

  • Tonal Stability - Are there any "stray" voices falling off-pitch, or is the group sound blended and centered?      

 

  1. 2.  Laya, Rhythm and Precision (20 Points): 

  • Is the group maintaining a consistent tempo (Laya) together?

  • Are the Sangathis and Gamakas executed simultaneously by all members, or is the execution staggered/messy?

  • Does the group stay perfectly in sync with the Taal cycles?

 

  1.   Diction (20 Points):

  • Is the pronunciation clear in the language chosen? Are the words divided appropriately to bring out the right meaning intended by the composer?

 

  1.   Style and Melody (30 Points): 

  • Does the singing reflect the purity and traditions of the style chosen (Carnatic or Hindustani)? 

  • Can you feel the mood (bhaava) of the melody (raaga) coming through? Is the singing melodious and smooth? 

 

  1.   Overall Appeal/Entertainment (10 Points): 

  • Is the group singing with confidence, energy, and coordination? 

  • Does the attire represent traditional Indian ethnicity uniformly?

  • Are they engaging the audience with their performance?

    PENALTY APPLIED:

  1. a) 10 Points - if not ready when the name/chest number is called for performance onstage.

  2. b) 10 Points - if the time exceeds the maximum allotted time of 6 minutes. 

  3. c) 10 - Points - if the participant uses lyric sheets, mobile devices, cue cards, or any other visual aids during the performance.

  4. d)  Disqualification - if a recorded track/karaoke is used.

Note:

Official judges feedback and comments shall not be publicly disclosed or distributed by the organization. Participants may approach the judges for personal feedback following the event; however, providing such feedback is entirely at the judges’ discretion.

Anytime, for any questions, please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We wish you good luck and look forward to meet you and to witness your skills!

Team Malhar