Performers will present their pieces to an adjudicator and receive feedback, allowing them the opportunity to fine-tune their recital before it is marked at the end of the year.

The Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod kicks off today and includes four new categories for drama and music students.

Administration officer Benita Cousins said organisers were hoping to boost participant numbers.

Eisteddfod administrators are allowing filming of the HSC/VCE categories and Mrs Cousins said that would give pupils the opportunity to improve their performances.

Trinity Anglican College students Mary Buckley and Damaris Vesely are hoping the eisteddfod will help them to a successful HSC result.

“I’m really happy we have the opportunity to perform and mostly get comments on how we did,” Miss Vesely said.

“I am able to use it as practice for my HSC assessment.”

She said both positive and negative comments would be beneficial, as she would know what to improve and maintain.

“The categories give us an opportunity to get rid of our nerves,” she said.

Miss Buckley said students could get on the right track before being assessed for their HSC.

Dance sections are first on the eisteddfod program, with music, speech and drama, and debating in the following weeks.

For more information visit awesightandsound.com.au.