65–69
Developing
A performance demonstrating an awareness of technical skills, requiring more consistency and artistry.
Music & Speech & Drama
Understanding your mark.
Every performance is an opportunity to learn, grow in confidence and enjoy sharing your talents. Find out what the Festival's marking bands mean and why adjudicators' feedback matters.
Perform · Educate · Inspire
More than a number.
Don Valley Festival uses a marking scheme aligned with the British & International Federation of Festivals (BIFF). It recognises technical and artistic achievement, with an emphasis on written and verbal feedback to encourage performers and help them develop.
Your performance is at the heart of the Festival.
The adjudicator's comments are there to celebrate what went well and offer constructive guidance for future performances.
The seven achievement bands
What does each mark mean?
These are the performance descriptions from the 2027 Festival syllabus. The marks help explain the standard achieved in the performance.
70–74
Progressing
A performance showing development of technique and/or communication and commitment.
75–79
Merit
A competent performance, showing some artistic awareness and/or technical ability.
80–84
Commended
A convincing performance technically and artistically, with increasing stylistic and communication skills.
85–89
Honours
An excellent performance, demonstrating fluent technical and artistic skills with emerging individuality.
90–94
Outstanding
An impressive performance technically and artistically, displaying spontaneity and clear individuality.
95+
Exceptional
A superlative performance, displaying exceptional artistic individuality.
These descriptions apply to the Festival's Music and Speech & Drama marking scheme. Awards and trophies are governed by the relevant class rules, not automatically by a particular mark.
What matters most
Take something positive from every performance.
Our adjudicators aim to provide constructive guidance that helps performers build confidence and develop their skills. Whether it's your first Festival or one of many, the experience and feedback are valuable in their own right.
Find your place
Ready to take part?
Explore the Music and Speech & Drama classes, and read the Festival Regulations for the full entry and performance guidance.