1. The national Department of Education and the nine provincial education departments, in conjunction with First National Bank, will again organise the Tirisano Schools Choral Eisteddfod for primary and secondary schools in 2003.
2. The eisteddfod has been divided into the following sections:
  1. Grades R - 2
  2. Grades R - 4
  3. Grades 5 - 7
  4. Grades 8 and 9
  5. Grades 10 - 12
3. The eisteddfod makes provision for prescribed solos, duets, trios and quintets, as well as unison and part choral works. The National Steering Committee, a sub-committee of HEDCOM, has prescribed music for the senior primary, junior secondary and senior secondary school choral ensembles and soloists. Choirs that do not wish to participate in the prescribed music categories may perform their own choice of songs.
4. EMDC elimination rounds will be held during the months of April and May. The best- performing choirs and soloists will be invited to take part in the provincial finals held from 29 May to 1 June 2003.
5. The best-performing choirs and soloists of each province will be invited to represent their respective provinces at the national finals in Johannesburg from 10 to 13 July 2003.
6. All school choirs are invited to participate in this eisteddfod. The rules for participation and the prescribed music are available at your EMDC.
7. Participation in the eisteddfod is free, schools are not required to pay any registration or affiliation fees. However, schools will have to pay for their travelling costs to the EMDC elimination rounds. The WCED may subsidise the travelling costs to the provincial finals. The national Department of Education will pay all travelling and accommodation costs of choirs invited to the national eisteddfod.
8. It would be appreciated if the contents of this circular could be brought to the attention of all concerned.

SIGNED: P.A. VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2003:03:13