GRADE EXAMS AND MUSICAL THEATRE EXAMS WITH THE IRISH BOARD OF SPEECH AND DRAMA

(you can check exam fees on www.irishboard.ie)

THE EXAM TERM IS FOR EIGHT  WEEKS DURATION STARTING ON WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 13TH MARCH, 2017.  USUAL TERM FEES ARE €65 (JUN/SEN INFANTS) €85  FOR OLDER CLASS -PLUS THE EXAM FEE.  EXAM DATE IS 18TH MAY,2017.

 The purpose of the exams are to encourage the development of confidence in:-

1.   Speaking clearly and fluently.

2.   The use of practical conversation and speaking skills.

MUSICAL THEATRE EXAM SYLLABUS AND FEES – CANDIDATES MAY DO  EXAM

  1. ON THEIR OWN
  2. IN PAIRS OR
  3. IN A  GROUP  OF THREE TO SIX

CANDIDATES ACHIEVING OVER 70% WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE

CANDIDATES ACHIEVING OVER 85%  WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE  AND  AN  ACTING MEDAL.

 

JUNIOR/SENIOR INFANTS

  1. Announce and sing an action nursery rhyme or song from a movie or show and discuss with the examiner what the song is about.

 

1st/2nd/3rd CLASS – JUNIOR 1

  1. Perform a three minute Musical Theatre selection that includes singing, acting and dance.
  2. Engage in a conversation with examiner about the chosen piece.

 

4th/5th  CLASS JUNIOR  2

  1. Perform a three minute Musical Theatre selection that includes singing, acting and dance.
  2. Engage in a conversation with the examiner about the chosen piece and the musical from which it was taken.

 

6th CLASS – GRADE 3

  1. Introduce and perform a three minute Musical Theatre selection that includes singing, acting and dance.
  2. Introduce and perform a two minute piece of Movement to Music choreographed by the candidates.
  3. Engage in a conversation with the examiner about the Musical Theatre piece and the musical from which it was taken.
  4. Carry out simple stage directions.

 

GRADE EXAMS AND FEES

www.irishboard.ie

 

Junior and Senior infants – Preliminary 1 and 2

  • Speak from memory a short poem
  • Answer simple questions about the poem

 

1st Class – Grade 1

  • Speak from memory a short poem and explain the meaning of the words
  • Answer questions about the story/theme of the poem and the meaning of the words
  • Give a one minute informal talk about yourself  or a toy/book that you have brought to the examination (the talk should not to be memorized)

 

2nd Class – Grade 2

Performance

  • Recite a poem
  • Give a short one minute presentation on the poem performed using an illustration (drawing, painting, model or collage) made by you on the  story, character(s) and/or theme of the poem and be able to discuss the poem and illustration with the examiner.

Theory

  • Be able to list the organs of speech, identify their locations and be able to identify the organs of speech used to make common sounds (such as M, P,B,K and L).

 

3rd Class – Grade 3

Performance

  • Recite a poem
  • Read a short extract (10 lines) from a book of your choice and be able to discuss the book with the Examiner.
  • Discuss the book with the examiner.

Theory

  • Give a simple definition of a vowel and a consonant
  • Define a pause and demonstrate your understanding of the breath pause and the sense pause by explaining where and why you took these pauses in either your poem or prose performance.

 

4th Class – Grade 4

Performance

  • Recite a poem.
  • Present  a one minute story mime on subject of your choice.

Theory

  • Definition of mime and explain to Examiner how you prepared your mime.
  • Give a simple description of character mime, occupational mime, story mime, abstract mime and pantomime blanche.
  • Explain the importance of posture/stance in verse speaking and explain why adopting a good posture is important.

 

5th Class – Grade 5

Performance

  • Recite a short poem
  • Announce and perform a solo dramaatic selection using appropriate characterisation and moveent (maximum time permitted 2 minutes)

Theory

  • Explain about the character in your solo and explain how your understanding of the character influenced your solo performance
  • Be able to follow simple stage directions
  • Using a few lines from your poem, explain what it means to speak clearly, naturally and with good diction

 

6th Class – Grade 6

Performance

  • Speak from memory a poem by an Irish poet
  • Announce and perform a solo dramatic selection using appropriate characterisation and movement (maximum time permitted 2 minutes)
  • Read at sight a poem chosen by Examiner

Theory

  • Be able to discuss the meaning and mood of the prepared poem with the Examiner
  • Be able to define and demonstrate pitch and vocal projection.
  • Discuss with the Examiner the technique you used for your sight reading.

 SPEECH  EXAMS  ARE  OPTIONAL  BUT  WE  WOULD  ENCOURAGE  AS  MANY  CHILDREN  AS POSSIBLE  TO  ENTER AS  IT  IS A COMMUNICATION SKILL WHICH  IS  EXTREMELY  HELPFUL TO THEM IN LATER LIFE.