1. The ensemble should perform on a minimum of a 3 octave set of handbells,
   handchimes or bell plates. There is no limit to the extended number of octaves,
   except that the conductor should consider the logistical matters for an extended
   set of instruments.
   
   
2. There should be a minimum of 9 ringers to a maximum of 30 ringers in the ensemble. This excludes the conductor. There should NOT be any other “non-ringers” on stage.
   
   
3. The ensembles may / may not need to be conducted.
   
   
4. There should NOT be any other instruments used during the assessment, since the judging is purely based on “Handbells/Chimes/Plates”.
   
   
5. There should NOT be any form of dancing, singing or speech except simple verbal gestures (as prescribed by the composer/arranger) during the performance. However, simple body movements (ie: swaying) accompanying the music will be permitted for presentation purposes.
   
   
6. (School) Ensembles must field participants who are current students of the school. Awards will be revoked & the team may be disqualified for not fulfilling this requirement. (This point does not apply to church & open ensembles)

1. Each ensemble will need to perform 2 works, displaying the general versatility of the ensemble in both musical styles & techniques.
   
   
2. The total duration of both works should be between 6 to 9 minutes. (This timing does NOT include changing of positions or other logistical actions). Marks will be deducted for not keeping to the allocated time.
   
   
3. There will be 5 Levels (based on the AGEHR Levels *) of choices for the assessment. You will need to select the level that you wish to have the ensemble to be assessed at.
   
   
4. Your level of choice is also based on the level of music you have chosen. If both choices of music are of different levels, please choose the “lower” level for your assessment level.
   
   Eg A:
   If you have selected 1 work of Level 3 and another work of level 2.5 or level 2, then you will need to select a Level 2 assessment.
   
   Eg B:
   If you have selected both level 3 works, then your assessment is at Level 3.
   
   · Level 1 (Fundamentals Level)
   · Level 2 (Fundamentals Level)
   · Level 3 (Intermediate Level)
   · Level 4 (Advanced Level)
   · Level 5 (Recital Level)
   
   * Please see www.agehr.org for guidelines to the levels.
   
   
5. Judging will be by "ensemble" and the ensemble musicians share the same result. (The musicians may get a personalized certificate at an additional minimal cost.)
   
   
6. Original Music scores should be used unless performing from memory.
   
   
   

1. There will be 3 levels of awards:
   · PASS — Ensembles must attain a minimum of 65 marks out of 100.
   · MERIT — Ensembles must attain a minimum of 75 marks out of 100.
   · DISTINCTION — Ensembles must attain a minimum of 85 marks out of 100.
   · Ensembles attaining 64 marks or less out of 100, will be given a Certificate of Participation.
   
   
2. The judges will assess the ensemble based on:
   · Techniques
   · Musicality
   · Presentation / Awareness / Communication
   
   
3. What will the judges be looking for?

Level 1, 2 & 3
The basic need for a PASS will again be a good grasp of the notes & rhythm. Technique & musicianship may be only adequate, but there should be evidence of some careful preparation & familiarity with the basic ensemble listening skills. MERIT level will be more assured with the technical demands being met with greater control, including phrasing & ensemble dynamics. For a pass with DISTINCTION the examiner will be looking for a fluent & musical performance which has the ability to communicate to the listener at an appropriate tempo.

Level 4
For a PASS at this level, performance must be broadly accurate at the directed tempo and with some sense of rhythmic control & balance. There should be a secure ensemble awareness & a sense of the whole effect of the group. For a MERIT standard, one would expect a more competent technical standard together with some appreciation of stylistic qualities & control. For a DISTINCTION level, in addition to the above, there should be a secure technique, with a committed awareness of the stylistic demands plus the ability to make the music communicate & engage with the audience.

Level 5
Examiners will be expecting technical demands to be under control & grammatical accuracy to be of a high standard. There should also be some sensitivity to the quality of sound produced, individually & as a group. There will be a sense of stylish phrasing, well graded tonal shading together with awareness of the idiom & character of the music. For the highest marks, the performance should display a strong sense of musicianship combined with fluent technical control from all members. It should be an authoritative presentation suitable for a public concert.

1. The ensemble will need to bring their own musical instruments (including mallets, cradles, accessories…etc) for the assessment. The assessment board will provide only the following items:
   
   · 8 units 6ft x 2.5ft tables (formed in a “roof-top” position 2+4+2)
   · 8 units minimum 3” foams
   · 8 units table skirting
   · 1 unit conductor stand
   
   
2. The judges’ decision will be final.