CBC Music Class Challenge 2025 spring edition: categories
Find out more about the new categories for this year
The spring edition of the CBC Music Class Challenge presented by MusiCounts has new categories for this year.
Find out more about the changes below.
Core categories
These categories are open to all public schools and non-profit community organizations. They are judged by overall quality of performance, creativity of interpretation and level of participation.
Category 1: Elementary Instrumental (grades 4-6)
Category 2: Junior Instrumental (grades 7-9)
Category 3: Senior Instrumental (grades 10-12)
Category 4: Elementary Vocal (grades 4-6) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)
Category 5: Junior Vocal (grades 7-9) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)
Category 6: Senior Vocal (grades 10-12) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)
Category 7: Elementary/Junior Contemporary Ensemble (grades 4-9)
This category is for pop/rock ensembles and technology-forward performances.
Category 8: Senior Contemporary Ensemble (grades 10-12)
This category is for pop/rock ensembles and technology-forward performances.
Category 9: Non-Live-Off-the-Floor Performance (all grades)
This category is for fully produced multi-track or mixed music video style performances.
Category 10: Private Schools
Private schools are eligible for plaques only.
Passion Prize categories
Category 11: Primary Passion Prize (kindergarten to grade 3)
Category 12: Passion Prize for performance of 'Yohahí:yo (The Good Road)' with karaoke track (all grades)
Category 13: Culture Passion Prize (all grades)
For performance that showcases non-Western musical instruments and/or celebrates young people's cultural identity through music.
Category 14: Educator Passion Prize
For a submission where the educator's extraordinary effort, vision, planning and passion goes above and beyond.
Passion prize criteria
The passion prize categories (categories 11-14) are open to all public schools and non-profit community organizations.
It is for performances that demonstrate:
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Passion: the performance is compelling and rich with energy, passion and positivity.
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Creativity: there is an innovative approach to performing the selected song.
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Inclusivity: there are efforts to involve all students and celebrate diversity.
Prizes
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Categories 1-9: First place winners will receive $2,500 in music instruments from MusiCounts. First, second and third place will receive plaques.
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Category 10: First, second and third place will receive plaques.
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Categories 11 and 13: First place winners will receive $1,500 in music instruments from MusiCounts. First, second and third place will receive plaques.
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Categories 12 and 14: First place winners will receive $1,500 in music instruments, plus first place plaques.
