Action Song Guidelines

ACTION SONG COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS - 2013

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

MALAYSIA

RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.0 Aim
The Action Song Competition is held to encourage and increase the use of English language among the younger pupils.

2.0 Objectives
2.1 To develop confidence and familiarity with the English language among the younger pupils.
2.2 To develop skills of integrating scripting of music and movement with language.
2.3 To provide a platform for learning in a fun and enjoyable manner.

3.0 Competition Rules
3.1 Eligibility: This competition is open to Year Three pupils from government-aided schools only.
3.1.1 Each Action Song team comprises members from the same school.

3.2 Team: Each team should comprise 5 to 15 pupils inclusive of performers and musicians. Each team should be accompanied by 2 teachers.

3.3 Time: On-stage presentation is 5 to 8 minutes. Marks will be deducted thereafter. 2 minutes is allocated for stage preparation before and another 2 minutes after the presentation with the two teachers as stage technicians.
3.3.1 Performance should be confined to the stage only.
3.3.2 The timing of the presentation starts with the first movement or first word uttered by the singers or any sound effects produced.

3.4 Theme: Choice or selection of theme is open.

3.5 Lyrics:
3.5.1 Lyrics can be original or adapted.
3.5.2 Contestants are not allowed to refer to any notes or texts during presentation.
3.5.3 Copies of the lyrics must be submitted to the organizers two weeks prior to the competition.
3.5.4 Lyrics should not touch on sensitive issues such as race, religion, politics, etc.
3.6 Presentation: Creativity is encouraged. Nevertheless, movements should not exceed and overwhelm the articulation of the song by the contestants. Miming and prompting is not allowed.

3.7 Props: Props should be minimal.

3.8 Costume: Participants should wear appropriate costumes in line with the characters they portray.

3.9 Music:
3.9.1 Use of recorded music is allowed (only minus-one music).
3.9.2 Use of musical instruments is allowed. However, musicians must sing and perform together with the team members during presentation.
3.9.3 The performance must be a continuous medley of songs without any obvious gaps or breaks.

3.10 Judges: The competition shall be judged by a panel of 3 or 5 judges.

3.11 Decisions:
3.11.1 A panel of at least 3 or 5 judges will be appointed for all the rounds at all levels. The competition at the national level will be judged by a panel of 5 judges, appointed by the Division of Co-curriculum and Arts, Ministry of Education.
3.11.2 Points will be awarded according to the scoresheet.
3.11.3 The team with the majority of votes will be declared the winner.
3.11.4 The decision of the judges is final.
3.11.5 Individual team marks will not be disclosed.
4.0 Prizes:
4.1 Plaques and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the winning teams.

4.2 Certificates of participation will be awarded to all participating teams.

Note:
• The winning teams from the previous year may participate in the current year but the text and presentation must not be an exact replica.

• This concept paper is valid until further notification or revision from the Ministry of Education and can be used at all levels for competitions organized by the Ministry.


Division of Co-curriculum and Arts
Ministry of Education, Malaysia