rules and procedures

International Wind Band Contest “City of Valencia” 2026

I. INTRODUCTION
I.I.   OBJECT AND PURPOSE OF THE CONTEST
I.II.  ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
I.III. APPLICABLE LEGAL REGULATIONS

II. RULES
1.PARTICIPATION
1.1Venue and dates of the CIBM
1.2Conditions of participation
1.3Contest divisions
1.3.1Amateur divisions
1.3.2Free division
1.4Composition of the divisions
1.5Number of musicians per division
1.6Changes to participating musicians or artists
1.7Unjustified absence
1.8Sound and image rights
2.CIBM CALENDAR
2.1Registration
2.2Documentation to provide upon registration
2.3Compulsory pieces
2.4Draw
3.ORGANIZATION OF THE CIBM
3.1Documentation to be provided by participating bands
3.2Performances
3.2.1Order of performance of pieces
3.2.2Duration of free-choice pieces
4.COPYRIGHT
5.MONITORING OF BAND MEMBERS
5.1Supervision system
5.2Daily supervision report
5.3Band attendance
6.FACILITIES AND MANDATORY INSTRUMENTS FOR PERFORMANCES
6.1Stage and facilities
6.2Mandatory instruments
6.3Instrument technical test
7.ASSESSMENT BODY
7.1Jury
7.2Scoring system
8.PRIZES
8.1Prize breakdown
8.2Monetary value of the prizes
8.3Instruction and resolution
9.PAYMENTS TO PARTICIPATING BANDS
10.RESOURCES FOR AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE WIND BAND CULTURAL MOVEMENT
11.HONORARY AWARDS
12.ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES
13.DATA PROTECTION
14.BUDGETARY PROVISION
15.PUBLICATION OF THE CONTEST NOTICE

APPENDIX I: LIST OF INSTRUMENTS

APPENDIX II: ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE JURY OF THE INTERNATIONAL WIND BAND CONTEST “CITY OF VALENCIA”. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND TRANSPARENCY FOR SAID JURY MEMBERS

APPENDIX III: ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WIND BANDS TAKING PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL WIND BAND CONTEST “CITY OF VALENCIA”. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT FOR SAID BANDS




I. INTRODUCTION

Valencia City Council has been holding the International Wind Band Contest “City of Valencia”, hereinafter the CIBM, the most important such contest in the world, since the late nineteenth century.


I.I OBJECT AND PURPOSE OF THE CONTEST

The purpose of this edition of the CIBM is to promote and encourage musical activity as a fundamental part of our cultural heritage, so maintaining this tradition, and to give Valencians access to a rich, diverse program of musical activities.

It is within this framework that Valencia City Council establishes the rules which will govern the 138th edition of the CIBM in 2026, on a competitive basis and in accordance with the stipulations of section 17 of Spanish Law 38/2003 of 17 November, the General Subsidies Law.


I.II ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

The Organizing Committee will be appointed by the Local Government Board of Valencia City Council. The President of the Organizing Committee will be the Councilor for Cultural Action, Heritage and Cultural Resources of Valencia City Council. The Committee will have 8 members who will be: the Commissioner for València Music City (Director General), the Service Manager of the Banda Sinfónica Municipal de València, 3 civil servants from Valencia City Council whose work is connected to the CIBM 2026, the Director of the Palau de la Música de València, the Deputy Director of the Banda Sinfónica Municipal de València and the Director General of the Institut Valencià de Cultura. The Committee will also have 5 technical advisors: a representative of the Federación de Sociedades Musicales de la Comunitat Valenciana (hereinafter the FSMCV), a representative of the Coordinadora de Sociedades Musicales de la Ciudad de València (hereinafter the COSOMUVAL), a conductor, a composer and a renowned musician.
The Organizing Committee is the CIBM’s governing body, responsible for planning, organizing, executing and coordinating specific tasks to develop the CIBM. It may be supported by third-party technicians and consultants.
The Organizing Committee is responsible for the technical and artistic direction of the CIBM as well as the secretariat, coordination of internal and external relationships, logistics and producing the event.
The Organizing Committee is responsible for the interpretation of the rules set out in this document, as well as resolving any dispute which may arise during the CIBM.
The Organizing Committee will take all steps necessary to ensure that the CIBM takes place as planned, reserving the right to modify the dates and/or venues listed in these rules due to technical or security reasons or as a result of other events in the city. Should a performance have to be postponed or interrupted (by just cause only), the Organizing Committee will arrange a performance at a later date or cancel the performance. Said justified postponement or cancellation will not grant any participating bands the right to make a claim or demand compensation.
In the event of the President’s absence or illness, they will appoint the person who is to take over their organizational responsibilities.


I.III APPLICABLE LEGAL REGULATIONS

a) This edition of the CIBM will be regulated by the stipulations of: Spanish Law 38/2003 of 17 November, the General Subsidies Law; Spanish Royal Decree 887/2006 of 21 July, which governs the Regulation of the General Subsidies Law; and the Second Additional Provision of the General Subsidies Ordinance of Valencia City Council and its Public Bodies, as well as the contents of this rules document.

b) The CIBM prizes will be compatible with other subsidies, grants or income for the same purpose, issued by any public administration or public or private bodies, whether national, based in the European Union, or international.

c) The Independent Municipal Body, O.A.M. Palau de la Música, Congresos y Orquesta de València, will be the co-organizer of the 138th edition of the CIBM in 2026 together with Valencia City Council and will make the Palau de la Música y Congresos de València building available for the celebration of the CIBM 2026 and provide the material and human resources agreed between the two parties.



II. RULES

I. PARTICIPATION

I.I. Venue and dates of the CIBM


a) The CIBM will take place on 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 July 2026, in the Palau de la Música in the city of Valencia. 

b) Each of the different divisions taking part in this edition of the CIBM will perform on the following days:

•Free Division: Wednesday 15 July 2026
•Division Three: Thursday 16 July 2026
•Division Two: Friday 17 July 2026
•Division One: Saturday 18 July 2026
•Honorary Division: Sunday 19 July 2026


I.II. Conditions of participation


Wind bands which may take part in the CIBM are those which are mostly made up of wind instruments (wood and brass) and percussion instruments, with contributions from bowed string instruments, in accordance with the rules for each division of the CIBM stipulated in point 1.5 of said rules. 
Participating wind bands, in accordance with rule 3.1.a, must sign and accept the obligations listed in Appendix III of these rules, drawn up by the Fundación Étnor, which detail the fundamental ethical principles and shared responsibilities which every person taking part, either directly or indirectly, in the CIBM must accept and assume.


I.III. Contest divisions

Wind bands may take part in the CIBM by registering in one of the following divisions:

•Honorary Division: the maximum number of participating bands will be five (5). 
•Division One: the maximum number of participating bands will be five (5). 
•Division Two: the maximum number of participating bands will be six (6).
•Division Three: the maximum number of participating bands will be six (6).
•Free Division: the maximum number of participating bands will be five (5).


I.III.I  Amateur divisions

a) Amateur wind bands may take part in Divisions 1, 2, 3, and the Honorary Division of the CIBM.

Consequently, wind bands, instrumental groups or artistic groups belonging to professional conservatories or music schools cannot take part in the aforementioned Divisions (1, 2, 3, and Honorary). Also barred from entry are wind bands formed solely to take part in the CIBM and those composed of a selection of musicians from a particular municipality, region or area. Moreover, youth wind bands are also unable to take part.

Upon the Organizing Committee’s request, bands will have to supply evidence of their amateur status by means of a sworn declaration signed by the wind band’s representative.

b) In accordance with the stipulations of section 13 of Spanish Law 38/2003 of 17 November, wind bands which comply with the specific participation requirements detailed in these rules cannot receive any of the CIBM prizes if any of the reasons for exclusion listed in the aforementioned legislation apply to them.



I.III.II  Free division

a) Wind bands belonging to legally-constituted organizations, Spanish or foreign, may take part in the Free Division if they cannot enter any of the other four divisions of the CIBM Valencia (Divisions 1, 2, 3, and the Honorary) because they are composed of a selection of musicians from a particular municipality, region or area, or they belong to a wind band federation or confederation, or to a conservatory or university. Wind bands formed solely to take part in the CIBM may not participate in the Free Division.


b) The musical performance of the wind bands participating in this division will consist of the performance of a program made up of two free-choice pieces which will last between 22 and 30 minutes.


c) No cash prizes will be awarded in the Free Division. The non-cash prizes will be awarded based on the marks given by the jury as detailed in section 8.1 of these rules. The prize-winning bands will receive a certificate which accredits their achievement.



I.IV.  Composition of the divisions

a) To constitute a division there must be at least two (2) bands competing in it; registration alone will not suffice. 
Should only one (1) band register in a division within the registration period stipulated in these rules, this band will be encouraged to participate in either the preceding or subsequent division. If there is only one (1) band in a division due to the withdrawal of the others, the division will be cancelled for competition purposes and the remaining band can withdraw from the CIBM without penalty or perform outside the competition.

b) In both Division Three and Division Two, three (3) places will be reserved for foreign bands or Spanish bands from outside the Autonomous Region of Valencia, and three (3) places will be reserved for bands from the Autonomous Region of Valencia. 
In Division One and the Honorary Division, one (1) place will be reserved for a foreign band, another one (1) for a Spanish band from outside of the Autonomous Region of Valencia, and three (3) places for bands from the Autonomous Region of Valencia. 
Unfilled places which were reserved for foreign bands, or Spanish bands from outside the Autonomous Region of Valencia, will be occupied by bands from the Autonomous Region of Valencia. Likewise, places reserved for bands from the Autonomous Region of Valencia which are not filled will be occupied by foreign bands and Spanish bands from outside the Autonomous Region of Valencia.

c) In the Honorary Division, when deciding which bands will be allowed to participate in the CIBM, priority will be given to the registered bands which have taken part in the CIBM Honorary Division the greatest number of times during the last 25 editions of the CIBM, as well as their results during said appearances.

d) In the event of there being a free place in the division next to that in which bands have registered, the Organizing Committee (before the participation draw for the division in which the bands have registered takes place) can encourage the bands registered in this division to take part in the next division. If various bands accept the offer, there will be a draw to decide which of them is given the free place. The draw will be announced in advance and take place at a public meeting held in a municipal office, in accordance with the stipulations of section 2.4 of these rules
.


I.V.  Number of musicians per division

a) The minimum and maximum number of musicians in each participating band will be, for each of the divisions, as follows:

•Honorary Division:  from 111 to 140 musicians (including 8 guest performers), including up to a maximum of 14 bowed-string instrumentalists.

•Division One: from 81 to 110 musicians (including 7 guest performers), including up to a maximum of 12 bowed-string instrumentalists.

•Division Two: from 61 to 80 musicians (including 6 guest performers), including up to a maximum of 8 bowed-string instrumentalists.

•Division Three: from 40 to 60 musicians (including 6 guest performers), including up to a maximum of 6 bowed-string instrumentalists.

•Free Division: from 40 to 80 musicians (including 6 guest performers), including up to a maximum of 8 bowed-string instrumentalists. 

b) Musicians are not allowed to play in two bands registered in the same division. The standard-bearers and conductors of participating wind bands will not be counted as band members.



I.VI. Changes to participating musicians or artists


Changing the musicians in a band between performances of pieces is not allowed. The same musicians must be on stage from the beginning to the end of a band’s performance. The number of musicians on stage must not exceed the maximum stipulated in point 1.5.a of these rules.

I.VII. Unjustified absence

Once admitted to the CIBM, bands which do not participate in the competition, except in cases where there is a serious and justified reason for their absence which is accepted by the Organizing Committee, will be banned from taking part in the CIBM for a period of three consecutive years following the year in which they were meant to take part.


I.VIII. Sound and image rights

By taking part in the CIBM, participating bands cede all sound and image rights, as well as the rights to any documentation they have provided in accordance with the rules of the CIBM Valencia, with complete indemnity for the Organizing Committee and Valencia City Council.


II. CIBM CALENDAR

II.I. Registration

a) The registration period will be from 20 to 27 October 2025, inclusive. 

b) Each band can only register once. A band cannot register in different divisions of this edition of the CIBM.

c) Registration will be completed through a specific application form which will be available on the Valencia City Council web portal: 

https://sede.valencia.es/sede/registro/procedimiento/CU.AY.80


d) In their application, in addition to the information detailed in section 66 of the LPAC, bands must state their chosen division, the title of their free-choice piece, its length, composer and, where appropriate, the transcriber (only transcriptions of pieces whose use has been authorized by the copyright holder will be admitted), as well as the title of the piece of music they will perform outside the competition.



II.II. Documentation to provide upon registration

Applications must be accompanied by the following documentation:

•A history of the band that focuses on the last 10 years (including details such as participation in competitions or contests, prizes won, recordings made, festivals they have taken part in, etc.).
•Biography of the conductor.
•A recent photograph



II.III. Compusory pieces

During the registration period, the compulsory pieces for each division of the CIBM will be available to all bands at the Servicio Banda Sinfónica Municipal de Valencia located at C/Aben al Abbar, 7, 1ª planta, 46021 València.


II.IV. Participation draw

a) Registered bands which meet the participation criteria will be informed of the date and venue of the participation draw. Bands which are not admitted to the draw will be informed of the reasons for their exclusion.

b) In the event that the number of qualifying bands registered in any division exceeds the quota detailed in these rules, participating bands will be chosen by draw.

c) After the first draw, the order in which the participating bands will perform in each division will be decided by a second draw. 

d) Bands not drawn to take part may participate in the following year’s edition of the CIBM by reserving a place in the appropriate division. Should more than one band be excluded from the same division, the band which receives the place will be chosen by draw.

e) During the same meeting the compulsory-piece scores will also be given to participating bands



III. ORGANIZATION OF THE CIBM

III.I Documentation to be provided by participating bands

The Organizing Committee will adopt appropriate measures to provide information, and send and receive the equipment of both the Spanish and foreign bands taking part in the CIBM.
Participating bands must submit the following documentation:

a) Before 16 December 2025:
•“Solicitud de Alta y Mantenimiento en el fichero de personas acreedoras, cesionarias, terceras y personal propio” (“Application to create or update a record for creditors, assignees, third parties and staff members”) form via the Valencia City Council web portal:


•A history of the band and biography of its conductor, in digital format (Word document), a maximum of 300 words each, to  cibm@valencia.es

•Agreement signed by the President of the participating band, recognizing and committing to upholding the fundamental ethical principles and shared responsibilities detailed in Appendix III of the CIBM 2026 rules, using the model found in said Appendix.


b) Before 6 February 2026, sent to the Servicio de Banda Sinfónica Municipal de València:

•For all divisions: one copy of the score or script of the piece to be performed outside the competition.
•For Divisions Two and Three: four original copies of the score of the band’s free-choice piece.
•For the Free Division: four original copies of the score of the band’s free-choice piece.
•For Division One and the Honorary Division: six original copies of the score of the band’s free-choice piece.
•If any of the pieces is a transcription it must be accompanied by written permission for the band to use the piece from the holder of the copyright of the original work.
•Any band which wants to change its free-choice piece can only do so with the permission of the CIBM Organizing Committee. Said permission will only be given if the band has asked for permission in writing by emailing  cibm@valencia.es giving sufficient prior notice.

c) Before 19 June 2026:

•“A certified list of participating musicians as referenced in section 5.1, point c and d of these rules”. A copy of this document in Excel format must be sent to cibm@valencia.es, and a copy in pdf format, certified by the secretary of the band, with the approval of the band’s president, must be submitted via the Valencia City Council web portal using the general submission form issued for this purpose:





III.II Performances

III.II.I Order of performance of pieces

a) Outside the competition:

1. A warm-up piece outside the official competition which will be approximately 5 minutes in duration.

b) Within the official competition:

2. Compulsory piece or pieces in each division.

3. Free-choice piece. The Free Division will perform two free-choice pieces in the order agreed with the CIBM Organizing Committee.
The CIBM requires participating bands to comply with current legislation regarding intellectual property. The CIBM Organizers will not be liable for any extrajudicial or judicial claim regarding intellectual property rights made by authors, artists, musicians, performers or conductors which may arise as a result of the performance of a free-choice piece by participating bands in any division of the CIBM. 


III.II.II Duration of free-choice pieces

a) The duration of the free-choice pieces will be as follows:

•Honorary Division: from 18 to 27 minutes.
•Division One: from 14 to 22 minutes.
•Division Two: from 11 to 18 minutes.
•Division Three: from 9 to 15 minutes.
•Free Division: from 22 to 30 minutes.

b) Exceeding the maximum times or falling short of the minimum times detailed above may be penalized by the jury by the deduction of four (4) points per minute or fraction of a minute from a band’s final score.

c) When calculating any excess time in the performance of the free-choice piece, any pauses between movements (if there are any) will not be taken into account, nor will any interruptions by audience applause or any occurrence external to the band and its performance. 



IV. COPYRIGHT

By taking part in the CIBM, participating bands assign to Valencia City Council all recording, copying, public communication and distribution rights as well as the rights to use their image and name. Equally, participating bands accept that their performances may be recorded in any audio or video format, broadcast over the internet or any other media, on radio and/or television either live or after the event, or released in an audio or video format on any magnetic, visual or electronic hardware to be sold or archived. Both sets of rights are understood to be granted for the maximum period detailed in Spanish Royal Decree Law 1/1996 of 12 April which approved the Amended Text of the Spanish Intellectual Property Law and other relevant legislation.


V. MONITORING OF BAND MEMBERS

El control de los músicos actuantes será ejercido por una comisión de vigilancia, integrada por componentes de la FSMCV, siendo de aplicación el Reglamento sobre certámenes de dicha federación.

V.I Supervision system

The system to supervise musicians performing in the CIBM will be applied in accordance with the following criteria:

a) A Supervision Committee will be set up that will be composed of members appointed by the FSMCV and one delegate from each participating band.
The Supervision Committee will be the body in charge of overseeing and supervising the members of the participating bands. For this purpose, the Supervision Committee will be empowered to adopt all measures necessary in order to carry out investigation, supervision, and monitoring activities, and to request and obtain any documents they deem necessary from the participating bands.

b) In divisions of the CIBM in which only bands which belong to the FSMCV are taking part, current FSMCV Regulations regarding membership criteria will be applied, and there will be no need for bands to submit a list of federated musicians. The musicians belonging to federated music societies from the Autonomous Region of Valencia who can take part in the CIBM are all those who are registered in the FSMCV database (VELNEO) on 19 June 2026.

c) In divisions in which there are participating bands which are not FSMCV members, both those from regions of Spain outside Valencia and from overseas, verification of the bands’ members will be based on the certified list of musicians issued by the secretary of the band with the approval of their president, which must be send to the CIBM organizers by 19 June 2026. Said list must detail the name, place of birth, Spanish ID card number or passport number of each musician, and their musical instrument. Depending on the division in which they are performing, said list must contain a maximum number of musicians as follows:

•Division Three: a maximum of 66 musicians on the list.
•Division Two: a maximum of 88 musicians on the list.
•Division One: a maximum of 121 musicians on the list.
•Honorary Division: a maximum of 154 musicians on the list.
•Free Division: a maximum of 88 musicians on the list.

d) In all cases described in sections 5.1.b and 5.1.c, musicians not performing with the band (as referenced in section 1.5 of these rules) are not required to appear on the certified list of band members.

e) Musicians will be identified by presenting the original copy of their Spanish ID card or other official photo identification document
.


V.II Daily supervision report

The FSMCV will provide the Organizing Committee with a report concerning the status of the participating bands and any incidents involving them which may occur. 


V.II Band attendance

All bands must arrive in Valencia and appear in the designated place on the day of their performance in good time, and at least one hour in advance of their performance, in accordance with the Organizer’s schedule.
Bands that are not in the CIBM venue at the time of their performance will be automatically eliminated from the competition and will be penalized as described in section 1.7 of these rules.



VI. FACILITIES AND MANDATORY INSTRUMENTS FOR PERFORMANCES

VI.I Stage and facilities

The stage on and facilities in which the CIBM will take place will be the same for all bands participating in the same division. 
The facilities will be the sole responsibility of the Organizing Committee and no changes may be made to them by anyone other than the Committee.


VI.II Mandatory instruments

When performing their pieces, participating bands will be obliged to use the instruments provided by the CIBM (piano, harp, celesta and percussion instruments such as kettledrums/timpani, xylophone, bass drum, etc.). Appendix I of these rules contains a clear list of each instrument the Organizing Committee will loan to participating bands for the CIBM. Small percussion instruments, drumsticks and any other instruments not listed in Appendix I can be provided and used in competition performances. To this end, each participating wind band will be given a percussion requirements form to complete.
To check and adjust the instruments, before the performances in each division, a technician will carry out said check, adjustment or tuning of all the instruments provided by the Organizing Committee.


VI.III Instrument technical test

Participating bands may request permission from the CIBM organizers to perform a technical test, prior to the CIBM, of the instruments with which they will be supplied for the musicians who must use them. For this purpose, the Organizing Committee will get in touch with participating bands to arrange the aforementioned tests.


VII. ASSESSMENT BODY

VII.I. Jury

Musical performances will be evaluated by an independent jury made up of renowned experts from the music world, Spaniards and/or foreigners, appointed by the President of the Organizing Committee following suggestions from the Organizing Committee and after studying the qualifications and suitability of the candidates. In turn, a president of the jury will be chosen from among its members by the President of the Organizing Committee following suggestions from the Committee. The President of the Jury will moderate and order the voting sessions. The members of the jury will not be able to confer before casting their votes. 
When the members of the jury are chosen, they must sign and accept the clauses of the document which appears in Appendix II of these rules, drawn up by the Fundación Étnor, which detail: the ethical principles and responsibilities members of the jury must adopt to maintain the credibility and prestige of the CIBM, and the conditions of their work, for the sake of professional ethics, transparency and to prevent conflicts of interest. These conditions include a promise that jury members do not direct/have directed nor maintain/have maintained a professional relationship with any of the participating musical societies, nor have they formed part of their respective artistic groups. Moreover, jury members promise not to advise and/or have advised the wind bands taking part in the different divisions, nor collaborate and/or have collaborated with them artistically or professionally for a period of two years after and/or before the CIBM in which they took part as a jury member.
The jury for Divisions Three, Two and the Free Division will have three members. The jury for Division One and the Honorary Division will have five members.
Valencia City Council will pay each of the eight members of the jury the amount of €3,500, withholdings included, for their participation.



VII.II. Scoring system

Each member of the jury will score the performances of the free-choice and compulsory pieces from 0 to 10 points, with half points allowed, for each of the following parameters as detailed in section 18.5 “Artistic Quality” of the Subsidies Ordinance of Valencia City Council:

•Tuning
•Quality of tone and dynamics
•Artistic quality of the interpretation
•Rhythmic accuracy

The total of the points given by each member of the jury for each of the four criteria will not be greater than 40 points for the compulsory piece, and no greater than another 40 points for the free-choice piece. In the Free Division, in the same way, no member of the jury may award more than 40 points for each of the two free-choice pieces performed.
Each jury member will give their scores to the Secretary of the Organizing Committee in a sealed envelope. Subsequently, said scores will be recorded in front of the members of the jury and a notary in order to obtain the final scores.
The final score will be the total of all the scores for each of the pieces performed, both the free-choice and compulsory pieces, and will determine the recipients of the corresponding prizes.
The decision of the jury, which will be certified and not open to appeal, will be made public when all the bands in each division have finished their performances. The final results and details of the votes given by each member of the jury for all the participating bands will be published on the website www.cibm-valencia.com once they have been notarized and sent to the Organizing Committee by the notary who will attend the jury’s scoring meeting.


VIII. PRIZES

VIII.I. Prize breakdown

a) The following prizes will be awarded in Division Three and Two, and in the Free Division:

•First prize/s: to bands which obtain between 200 and 240 points.
•Second prize/s: to bands which obtain between 160 and 199 points. 
•Third prize/s: to bands which obtain between 120 and 159 points. 

b) The following prizes will be awarded in Division One and the Honorary Division:

•First prize/s: to bands which obtain between 334 and 400 points.
•Second prize/s: to bands which obtain between 267 and 333 points. 
•Third prize/s: to bands which obtain between 200 and 266 points.

c) Honorable Mention will be awarded to the wind band which obtains the highest number of points from among those winning the first prizes in the Honorary Division and Divisions One, Two, Three and the Free Division. Consequently, said wind band will win First Prize and Honorable Mention in their corresponding division.
The Honorable Mention cannot be shared. In the event of a tie between two or more bands, who have been awarded a First Prize with the equally highest number of points, the winner of the Honorable Mention will be decided by a secret ballot of the members of the jury. In this case, the wind band which receives the Honorable Mention will be that which obtains the most votes from the jury. The members of the jury cannot abstain from the vote. 



VIII.II. Monetary value of the prizes

a) The total value of the prizes awarded by Valencia City Council is THIRTY-SIX THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED EUROS (€36,500.00), which will be awarded to the bands receiving Honorable Mentions in each section, in accordance with the jury’s scoring, as follows:

                                      Honorable Mention
•Honorary Division€15,000 
•Division One€10,000
•Division Two€6,500
•Division Three€5,000


b) The First, Second and Third place prize(s) in each Division will be non-cash prizes awarded in accordance with the scores of the jury as described in section 8.1 of these rules. The wind bands which win the aforementioned prizes will receive a certificate which accredits the prize they have won.

c) The artistic director and representatives of participating bands are obliged to go up onto the stage to receive any prizes won. The CIBM organizers will convene all the representatives and conductors on stage for the announcement of the results and will give each participating band a certificate recognizing the prize they have won.

d) Prior to receiving their prizes, recipients must be up-to-date with their tax and social security obligations, as well as any Municipal Tax Authority obligations. To this end, by participating in the CIBM, bands give their express consent to allow Valencia City Council to request information electronically from the Social Security and Tax Authorities regarding the status of their contributions.

e) When issuing the prizes, current Spanish legislation regarding income tax for non-residents will be taken into account so any appropriate deductions can be made.

f) Prizes will be paid via bank transfer to the account details provided by the beneficiaries on the “Solicitud de Alta y Mantenimiento en el fichero de personas acreedores, cesionarias, terceras y personal propio” (“Application to create or update a record for creditors, assignees, third parties and staff members”) form, which participating bands can find on the Valencia City Council web portal:


https://sede.valencia.es/sede/registro/procedimiento/AD.AD.20



VIII.III. Instruction and resolution

To proceed to the recognition of the prizes and their payment, the Councilor for Cultural Action, Heritage and Cultural Resources, in view of the jury’s final decisions, will draw up a proposal for the Local Government Board regarding the concession of the prizes. 
The agreement which approves the concession of the prizes by Valencia City Council concludes the administrative proceedings. The agreement which approves the prizes must be published on the CIBM website (www.cibm-valencia.com) and on the Valencia City Council web portal.
An appeal for reconsideration may be lodged against said agreement in the period of one month counted from the day after the receipt of the notification of the resolution. Alternatively, a contentious-administrative appeal can be submitted directly to the Contentious-Administrative Jurisdiction in the period of two months counted from the day after the receipt of the notification of the resolution.


IX. PAYMENTS TO PARTICIPATING BANDS

a) Valencia City Council will pay participating bands the following amounts for their performance: 

•Honorary Division€12,000
•Division One€9,500
•Division Two€8,000
•Division Three€7,000
•Free Division         €3,500

b) When issuing payments to participating bands, current Spanish legislation regarding income tax for non-residents will be taken into account so any appropriate deductions can be made.



X. RESOURCES FOR AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE WIND BAND CULTURAL MOVEMENT

a) The organizers of the CIBM commit to working with the artistic director of the band which receives the Honorable Mention in the Honorary Division, allowing said winning director to take part in the execution of a concert program with the Valencia Municipal Wind Band as a guest director, within the Band’s programming for the 2026/2027 season.

b) The wind bands which receive the Honorable Mention in the Honorary Division and Divisions One, Two and Three of this edition of the CIBM will give a concert, and will be paid to do so. The details of the celebration and features of said concert will be defined two months in advance of the event. It will be held in the Palau de la Música de Valencia, be part of the 2026/2027 season, and take the form and meet the requirements established by the OAM Palau de la Música.

c) The Organizing Committee of the CIBM undertakes to put forward the wind bands taking part in the Honorary Division for cultural events, festivals or other similar events organized by other local authorities and public bodies through the relevant agreements, with the aim of promoting and supporting the wind band movement.



XI. HONORARY AWARDS

Renowned organizations in the world of wind band music in the Autonomous Region of Valencia or, alternatively, the Organizing Committee, in accordance with the stipulations of the specific rules drawn up for the purpose, can propose honorary awards in recognition of participation in the CIBM 2026 and, in particular, for wind band music, for a person or persons who, through their personal commitment and professional career has/have contributed to the dignity and prestige of the CIBM in recent times.


XII. ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES

a) Registering to take part in this edition of the CIBM implies the full acceptance of the rules contained in this document, the decisions made by the Organizing Committee in the execution, development and interpretation of said rules, and of all matters not covered in the same, as well as the irrevocable decisions of the jury.

b) The CIBM organizers reserve the right to modify these rules or make decisions on matters not provided for in the same, for reasons in the public interest which will contribute to the CIBM’s success, and will notify the participating bands of any such changes or decisions.

c) Once they have been proved responsible, bands whose members disturb the proceedings of the CIBM or which do not accept the decisions made by the Organizing Committee may be penalized by the Organizing Committee by being banned from taking part in the CIBM for the subsequent five to ten years. 



XIII. DATA PROTECTION

Data provided by participants will be collected and processed in accordance with Spanish Organic Law 3/2018 of December 5, on the Protection of Personal Data and the guarantee of digital rights.


XIV. BUDGETARY PROVISION

a) The funds for the prizes of this edition of the CIBM, in accordance with the amounts detailed in section 8.2 of this document, will be charged to the budget line BP630 33020 48100 “TRANSF. PREMIOS, BECAS, PENS, ESTUD. INVESTIG.” or equivalent, for a total amount of THIRTY-SIX THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED EUROS (€36,500). 

b) The funds given to the wind bands taking part in the CIBM, the amount of which will be determined when the participation draw is finalized, in accordance with the amounts detailed in section 9 point a of this document, will be charged to the budget line BP630 33020 22609 “ACTIV. CULTURALES Y DEPORTIVAS” or equivalent.

c) The funds given to members of the jury of the CIBM, in accordance with the amounts detailed in section 7.1 of this document, will be charged to the budget line BP630 33020 22609 “ACTIV. CULTURALES Y DEPORTIVAS " or equivalent.



XV. PUBLICATION OF THE CONTEST NOTICE

Notice of the CIBM will be published in accordance with the stipulations of section 18.6 and the second additional disposition, part 2, of the General Subsidies Ordinance of Valencia City Council and its Public Bodies, in the National Subsidies Database, which will send a summary of the notice to the Official State Gazette, as well as publishing the notice on the Valencia City Council web portal, without prejudice to the publicity which, through communications media and other methods, the Organizing Committee carries out to better publicize the CIBM.


APPENDIX I. LIST OF INSTRUMENTS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE TO BANDS TAKING PART IN THE CIBM.

1 SET OF 5 KETTLEDRUMS/TIMPANI (symphonic model: 20’’, 23’’, 26’’, 29’’, 32’’)
2 CONCERT BASS DRUMS (large and medium suspended symphonic model)
2 GLOCKENSPIELS (one with pedal and one without pedal with stand) 
1 VIBRAPHONE (3 and a half octaves with vibration motor)
1 XYLOPHONE (4 octaves with resonator tubes)
1 MARIMBA (5 octaves)
1 WIND MACHINE 
1 TUBULAR BELLS (with soft and hard hammers)
2 TAM TAMS (with hard and soft mallet) (one 40’’ and one 28’’)
2 GONGS (with hard and soft mallet) (one 32’’ and one 16’’)
1 SET OF TUNED CASTANETS/CROTALES (2 octaves)
10 PERCUSSION TRAYS/TABLE WITH STANDARD FOAM
4 DOUBLE BASS STOOLS (with adjustable height and back support)
1 KETTLEDRUM/TIMPANI STOOL (with adjustable height and back support) 
1 ACOUSTIC PIANO (baby grand)
1 VERTICAL COUNTERWEIGHT DIGITAL PIANO (with amplifier and stool)
1 HARP with 47 strings (with spare strings, tuning key and stool)
1 CELESTA with stool.


APPENDIX II. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE JURY OF THE INTERNATIONAL WIND BAND CONTEST “CITY OF VALENCIA”. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND TRANSPARENCY FOR SAID JURY MEMBERS

Introduction

The International Wind Band Contest “City of Valencia” is a celebration of musical excellence and a cultural meeting point which promotes respect, equity and transparency. 

Members of the jury play a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity and quality of this event, guaranteeing a fair and professional evaluation of the performances. Jury members not only evaluate musical quality, but also represent the values of equity, respect and integrity which define this event. Being a jury member is an honor and significant responsibility. 

This document details the ethical principles and responsibilities which jury members must accept to maintain the credibility and prestige of the contest.


Impartiality and Transparency 

Jury members are responsible for guaranteeing an objective and equitable evaluation based on artistic and technical criteria, ensuring that all participating bands compete under fair conditions.

Jury members undertake to: 
- Evaluate the performance based solely on the criteria established in the contest rules, free of any external influence or personal preference. 
- Declare any possible conflict of interest before the start of the contest. They must inform the contest organizer of any familial, professional or financial connection to any participating person or band. 
- Keep the scores and decisions of the jury confidential. 
- Act with transparency, basing their scores on clear and objective musical criteria. 
- Avoid any interaction with participating bands, their representatives or third parties which could be seen as an attempt to garner favor. 
Any behavior which compromises the impartiality or transparency of the jury will be deemed a serious offense. 


Respect and Professionalism 

Members of the jury must be models of respect and professionalism, contributing to a trusting and harmonious atmosphere during the contest.

Members of the jury undertake to: 
- Treat participating bands, the organizers, the audience and other jury members with respect and consideration. 
- Express their opinions and assessments with technical rigor, refraining from making derogatory or offensive comments. 
- Maintain a constructive approach during assessments, listening to and valuing the opinions of other jury members. 
- Comply with the deadlines and procedures established by the contest organizers for the delivery of scores and results. 
- Use social networks, communications media and public fora responsibly, refraining from making any statements which could harm the image of the contest or its participants. 

Behavior which undermines the dignity of participating individuals, bands or the contest will not be tolerated.


Integrity and Excellence 

The integrity and quality of the jury are essential to maintain the credibility of the contest. Jury members must act with honesty and show commitment to artistic excellence.

The members of the jury undertake: 
- To assess performances impartially and honestly, basing their scores solely on the bands’ artistic and technical merit. 
- To accept responsibility for their decisions, recognizing that these must reflect professional judgement and not personal preferences. 
- To avoid any kind of manipulation, favoritism or behavior which could be interpreted as unfair or unethical. 
- To provide true, accurate information in any declaration or documentation required by the contest organizers. 
- Not to accept any kind of gratuity or favor from any individual or wind band taking part in the contest. 

The contest organizers will not permit any kind of concealment of information, partiality or failure to fulfil the responsibilities assigned to jury members.


Responsible Use of Resources 

Members of the jury must make responsible use of the resources and spaces provided by the contest organizers. 

Members of the jury undertake to: 
- Use the facilities, equipment and material made available to them appropriately and with care. 
- Adhere to the schedule and follow the procedures established for assessment sessions. 
- Use official channels to communicate any concerns or disagreements, abstaining from rumor or making comments which could harm the image of the contest. 

Conduct which harms the contest venue or resources will not be tolerated.



STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND TRANSPARENCY AS A MEMBER OF THE JURY OF THE 138TH EDITION OF THE CIBM 2026.

I, Mr/Ms xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, with DNI/identity card no./NIE Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, appointed by the President of the Organizing Committee as a member of the jury of the 138th edition of the “Ciudad de València” wind band contest 2026, hereby accept the invitation and the conditions to participate as a member of the jury, declare my actions to be transparent and express my commitment to the ethical principles and responsibilities listed in Appendix II of the rules of the CIBM 2026 and to the following obligations:

To keep confidential the contents of the meetings held before the CIBM with the contest Organizing Committee.
Not to advise and/or have advised the wind bands taking part in the different contest divisions, nor collaborate and/or have collaborated with them artistically or professionally, for a period of two years after and/or before the edition of the CIBM in which I have participated as a jury member.
Not to maintain, nor have maintained a professional or directorial relationship with any of the participating bands, nor have formed part of their respective Musical Societies.
Not to maintain, nor have maintained a working or commercial relationship with any of the participating bands. 
To inform the Organizing Committee of any interference I experience from representatives, directors and members of the participating bands, as well as third parties, which could undermine the transparency and impartiality of jury deliberations.

In XXXXXXXXX, on XX of XXXXXXXXXXX 2026.

Signed:


APPENDIX III.  ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WIND BANDS TAKING PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL WIND BAND CONTEST “CITY OF VALENCIA”. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT FOR SAID BANDS

Introduction

The International Wind Band Contest “City of Valencia” (hereinafter CIBM) is not only one of the most significant expressions of the musical wealth of our Region, but is also an international meeting point and a space for learning and mutual respect. Beyond the artistic competition, this event is a cultural experience which aims to encourage harmonious coexistence, a strong musical culture and a responsible citizenry.
This document details the fundamental ethical principles and the shared responsibilities the contest organizers expect everyone taking part in the CIBM, directly or indirectly, to adopt. 


Respecting rules and individuals 

The contest rules are not merely technical or administrative requirements but rather constitute a framework which guarantees transparency and equal conditions for all participating bands. The contest is not only a competition, but also a collective celebration of wind band music.

Consequently, all participants must undertake to: 
- Respect the rules of the contest and behave in accordance with the letter and spirit of the same. 
- Treat other participants, the audience, the organizers and the jury fairly and respectfully. 
- Address the organizers, jury, other bands and the audience respectfully. 
- Express artistic opinions based on musical criteria, refraining from making public insults, insinuations or lobbying. 
- Share and raise awareness of the contest rules. 

The organizers will not countenance any type of behavior which is discriminatory, offensive or seeks to denigrate. Any attempt to deliberately breach the contest rules will be deemed a serious offense.


Integrity and artistic excellence 

Ethical behavior is inseparable from artistic excellence. An excellent musical performance loses value if it is accompanied by disrespectful, unfair or offensive behavior. 

Consequently, all contest participants undertake: 
- To behave honestly, respectfully and responsibly, both on and off stage. 
- To act in good faith and to favor musical excellence.
- To accept the decisions of the jury with humility and respect, even when they do not align with personal expectations. 
- Not to undertake any derogatory behavior or gestures, make insinuations of fraud or offensive comments to other individuals, wind bands, the organizers or the jury. 
- To provide true, accurate information when registering for the contest and performing in it. 

The contest organizers will not tolerate any kind of manipulation, concealment of information, impersonation of individuals or covert infringement of the rules. 


Professionalism and responsibility 

Professionalism involves aspiration to technical excellence and a commitment to constant improvement. Making efforts to improve your own abilities and the capacity to recognize your own errors are essential behaviors in music and artistic competition.

Consequently, all participants undertake to:

- Recognize their mistakes and accept critiques in good faith. 
- Foster an environment which encourages mutual support and in which the effort and artistic quality of the other participants is recognized. 
- Use the facilities, equipment, furniture and common spaces appropriately and with care. 
- Use social networks, communications media and public fora respectfully and responsibly. 
- Use official channels to communicate any concerns, abstaining from personal attacks or spreading rumors which could harm the image of the contest. 

Any conduct which damages the surroundings, harms the reputation or seeks to unjustly discredit the contest or the individuals taking part in it will not be tolerated.


Conclusion 

Taking part in the CIBM must be viewed as an honor that comes with certain responsibilities. Participating does not only involve demonstrating musical quality but also acting as role models and a cultural group. True success is not only measured by prizes won but also by the manner in which participants compete, get along with and respect those around them. 

This ethical commitment is the foundation which sustains a benchmark cultural event, and fulfilling this commitment is a prerequisite to preserve the integrity, credibility and quality of this collective celebration of music.



DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT AS A BAND PARTICIPATING IN THE 138TH EDITION OF CIBM 2026

I, Mr/Ms   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, with DNI/identity card no./NIE Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, acting as President of the Association/Wind Band xxxxxxxxxxxxxx taking part in the 138th edition of the CIBM “Ciudad de València” 2026, hereby declare my commitment to the ethical principles and shared responsibilities detailed in Appendix III of the rules of the CIBM 2026.


In XXXXXXXXX, on XX of XXXXXXXXXXX 2025.

Signed: