Vendors & Suppliers — Apply

Videographers: cover each school performance (around 10 minutes) in full from start to finish; multi-camera (at least one wide locked-off shot of the whole group plus close-ups); clean, balanced audio fed from the desk or dedicated mics; steady shots on tripods/gimbals; never cut, shorten, re-order or alter a performance – judges score the recording, so fairness depends on it; brand-safe, respectful framing; label files by school and performance; keep two backups until NISMCAA confirms receipt; deliver files only to NISMCAA by the agreed deadline.

Photographers: official moments only; respectful framing; no retouching that changes a performance or a child's appearance beyond basic color/exposure; deliver all images only to NISMCAA; keep backups until receipt is confirmed.

Live streaming / broadcast: test the link before doors open; stream only what NISMCAA approves; cut away from any child NISMCAA says must not be shown; no private recordings; have a backup connection.

Drone operators: hold any permit required by law; fly only where and when NISMCAA approves; never over children's heads; no close-ups of individual children.

Video editors: work only on files supplied by NISMCAA; no edits inside a performance (no cuts, pitch correction, effects or audio replacement); keep files secure and delete your copies when NISMCAA confirms delivery.

Sound / PA, Lighting, LED / projection: set up and sound-check before the call time; same sound and lighting conditions for every school (fairness); tape down cables; safe rigging; one technician on desk at all times.

Stage & event setup, Instrument / backline hire, Power / generators: safe, inspected equipment; backup power; tidy cable runs; finish setup before children arrive.

Venue, decorators, catering & drinks (no alcohol), security, first aid / medical, cleaning, ushers, transport: follow the NISMCAA run sheet; staff wear identification; first aid and security staff hold relevant qualifications; drivers hold valid licenses and roadworthy vehicles; food hygiene and allergy labeling for catering.

Printing, trophies / plaques / medals, merchandise, graphic design: use only the corrected NISMCAA logos and approved wording; send proofs for sign-off before production; check spelling of every name; deliver on time.

Internet / Wi-Fi, tablet / laptop hire for digital scoring, web / IT support: reliable, tested connections and fully charged devices; devices wiped and secured; never view, copy or share judges' scores or voting data.

NISMCAA is the National Inter-School Music Competition and Academic Award. We run a school music competition, the Academic Awards, and the NISMCAA Music Academy (academy.nismcaa.com). Our aim is simple: a place where young talent can grow. Every vendor is part of a child's big moment, so quality, fairness and safety come first.

Performances are judged digitally by a panel of judges using the recorded performance, and public votes form part of the final result. The judges' decision is final. It can be reviewed only by the Review Committee, and only in the case of irregularities. Anything that changes how a performance looks or sounds can change a result. So: never cut, speed up, re-order, auto-tune, pitch-correct or replace audio in a performance; never add effects to a performance; record every performance in full. Results and judges' scores are confidential until NISMCAA publishes them.

• Never be alone with a child. Always work where staff can see you.
• No personal contact with children: no phone numbers, messages, gifts or social-media follows.
• Only film or photograph children during official coverage, and only children whose consent NISMCAA has confirmed. If staff say a child must not be filmed, keep them out of shot.
• Never post, share or keep footage or photos of children. All material belongs to NISMCAA under the vendor contract and goes only to NISMCAA.
• Frame respectfully: no close-ups of bodies, no changing areas, toilets or backstage dressing spaces.
• If you see or hear something worrying, tell the NISMCAA safeguarding lead straight away. Do not investigate yourself.

Follow the category guidance on this page (Step 2). For all vendors: arrive on time for your call time, report to the NISMCAA coordinator, wear plain smart clothing with your vendor badge, keep cables and kit safe and tidy, and follow staff instructions.

No alcohol, smoking, vaping or drugs at any NISMCAA site or event. Quote accurately and in full; no hidden extras. Insure and look after your own equipment. Declare any link with a competing school (family, staff role, paid work) before you are engaged; you may be given a different assignment. Keep results, scores and private information confidential.

Applications are reviewed by NISMCAA management. Shortlisted vendors are invited to an interview, then a written contract. We do not ask for referees; your tick-box agreement, test result and interview are what count.