THE BEST ADVOCACY TOOL FOR YOUR MUSIC PROGRAM

Experienced Each Year By MORE STUDENTS…

Selected By MORE TEACHERS Than Any Other Festival Company.

CHOOSE YOUR FESTIVAL AND PARK LOCATION

General Information, Schedules And Important Deadlines Are All Available Online.

Wild Waves

Oaks Park

Frontier City

Silverwood Theme Park

Elitch Gardens

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Adventuredome

California’s Great America

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Universal Studios Hollywood

Disneyland® Resort Theme Parks

Knott’s Berry Farm

Sea WorldSan Diego

Lagoon

Six Flags Over Texas Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Silver Dollar City

Worlds of Fun

Six Flags St. Louis

Valleyfair!

Six Flags Great America

To reserve space go to our website www.musicintheparks.com

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MUSIC IN THE PARKS IS ONE

OF THE BEST ADVOCACY TOOLS

FOR YOUR MUSIC PROGRAM

A Music In The Parks festival provides a year-end assessment by an outside panel and reinforces music skills that have been presented by your faculty.

Experienced instrumental and vocal teachers will offer suggestions on how to improve your student’s performance. Our master teachers evaluate hundreds of ensembles throughout the course of a festival season. This affords them a unique perspective that an individual teacher may not provide. Frequently, our teachers comment that when a nationally known adjudicator reinforces the same concepts they’ve has been pointing out all year, it has a major impact on their students.

A festival performance increases the visibility of music in the community by representing your school at a national event.

Ensembles from all over the United States and Canada participate in Music In The Parks. Your school and hometown will be announced at the awards ceremony at the park.

Bringing home a trophy is like winning a sporting event. It helps increase awareness of the arts and reflects that the school has a balanced curriculum. Every performing group receives a trophy at Music in the Parks.

Preparing for Music In The Parks helps student motivation and retention.

An evaluated performance at the end of the school year offers a goal after the spring concert. Teachers are able to encourage musical growth even into the last weeks of school. An annual trip is a motivational reward that helps recruitment and student retention in these programs.

Universal Orlando Resort®

Dollywood

Six Flags Over Georgia

Busch GardensTampa

Kings Island

Cedar Point

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Six Flags America

Six Flags Great Adventure

Morey’s Piers

Kings Dominion

Dorney Park

Lake Compounce

Six Flags New England

Kennywood

Darien Lake

The Great Escape

Hersheypark

Carowinds

Performances do not take place at the park, but at area schools and churches.

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Package PlansAll groups registered to attend a Music in the Parks festival must select from one of the following package plans:

• Festival Adjudication, One Day Admission to Park

• Festival Adjudication, One Day Admission to Park, Meal in Park

Complimentary PackagesFree Director Package: Directors will receive one complimentary Park admission (and meal when applicable) based on the following policy. Free Director Packages are awarded based on participating ensembles: One for Concert Band/Jazz Ensemble, One for Orchestra, and One for Choir.

Free Chaperone Package: One Free Chaperone is awarded for every 25 performing students purchasing park tickets from Music in the Parks. Non-performing students and students utilizing season passes are not counted in this total.

Payment ScheduleIf you are working with an outside travel planner, please refer to their information for payment guidelines.

PAYMENTS ARE DIVIDED INTO 2 INSTALLMENTS:

• A $100 per ensemble refundable deposit* is due 90 days before your event.

*All payments are refundable until 30 days before your event. See the Cancellation and Refund policy for complete information.

• Your final installment is due 30 days before your festival. You will receive reminder emails when these invoices are due.

Any account that has not made any payments by the final payment deadline will be canceled, and their groups will be removed from the performance schedule.

Payment MethodsMusic in the Parks will accept the following forms of payment:

• Check

• Money Order

• Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

We DO NOT consider Purchase Orders a form of payment.

All payments must be made in US Currency.

Returned ChecksThere is a $20.00 penalty for all returned checks.

If a personal check issued by a parent affiliated with your organization is returned for any reason, your group will be held responsible for the $20.00 fee.

“The judge’s comments were VERY helpful. I really appreciated the fact that they were both critical and constructive!! I always feel comfortable coming from Music In The Parks because I know that the judges are critical and comprehensive, but also understand the importance (and helpfulness) of positive comments too!”

—Katie B., Aviara Oaks Middle School, Carlsbad, CA

ACCOUNT AND FINANCE GUIDELINES

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Music In The Parks offers the following festival package options:

• Festival Performance Only

• Festival with One Day Park Admission*

• Festival with One Day Park Admission & Meal*

*At Disneyland and Universal Orlando you can upgrade your park and/or meal tickets to multi-day passes.

All Music In The Parks packages include the Festival Performance Only items listed below:

• Festival Performance Fees for each student

• Souvenir Pin for each performing student and ensemble director

• Trophy for every performing group

• Commemorative Directors Gift for Ensemble Conductor

Park Admission PackagesMost participants elect a package that includes park admission. When you take advantage of our discounted theme park tickets, you also receive:

• ONE FREE ADULT CHAPERONE ADMISSION for every 25 Students performing in the festival and purchasing a park ticket (Festival Performance Only students do not apply)

• ONE FREE DIRECTOR FOR BAND, ONE FOR CHOIR AND ONE FOR ORCHESTRA as applicable to your performing ensembles.

MealsBased on the theme park you have chosen either a Meal Coupon or Picnic will be offered. Check with a festival director for more detail.

• MEAL COUPON: At select locations participants will receive a meal coupon that is redeemable at various locations throughout the park.

• PICNIC MEAL: Some parks offer a buffet style picnic meal. Because performances can run as late as 3:00 PM, the picnic may be scheduled later in the day. Ask a festival director for schedule information.

You will also receive the free chaperone & director tickets outlined above on meals.

“Everyone in the Music In The Parks organization that we worked with were so accommodating. The ease of updating or changing details during the entire planning process was wonderful. Your attempts to make the process as smooth and easy as possible resulted in a wonderful experience for us on Festival day!”

—Vicki F., The Fourth Presbyterian School, Potomac, MD

FESTIVAL PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

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Performance ClassificationsListed below is a breakdown of the performance classifications available for your group.

Instrumental ClassificationsCBI - Concert Band

CBII - Second Concert Band (for schools entering more than one Concert Band)

JE - Jazz Ensemble

OR - Full Orchestra

SOI - String Orchestra

SOII - Second String Orchestra (for schools entering more than one String Orchestra)

GE - Guitar Ensemble

PE - Concert Percussion Ensemble

PD - Parade

Choral ClassificationsJS - Jazz Choir

ME - Men’s Choir

MCI - Mixed Choir

MCII - Second Mixed Choir (for schools entering more than one Mixed Choir).

RC – Renaissance Choir (performing appropriate Renaissance literature).

SC – Show Choir (performance includes choreography. Please note that performances take place in the same area as all other choirs. Standard Choral Risers are provided. Platform risers are not available and use of props is not recommended).

TC - Treble Choir (mixed ensemble performing SA or SSA literature. Must have both girls and boys with unchanged voices).

WC - Women’s Choir (all girl ensemble performing SA, SSA or SSAA literature).

All ensembles will be further classified under the following categories:HIGH SCHOOL – Grades 9-12

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL – Grades 7-9

MIDDLE SCHOOL – Grades 6-8

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Grades K-6

CLASS A – accredited school enrollment less than 750 students

CLASS AA – accredited school enrollment 750 or higher

CLASS AAA – school age community ensembles and non-accredited schools only

R – Each organization for rating only will receive a trophy with the appropriate rating of superior, excellent, good, fair, or poor.

C – Each organization for competition will receive one of the listed ratings, and in addition, will be ranked within their classification.

“I particularly appreciated the adjudicators’ comments and the supportive and encouraging way in which they made their points. Since this was my first festival, I was apprehensive about how our limited choral program would measure up to other schools who have comprehensive programs, but the adjudicators’ positive approach made us feel just as qualified to be there.”

—Joanne H., Newark Junior High School, Newark, CA

FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES

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There are no music selection requirements. Music selection is at the discretion of the Director.

YOUR PERFORMANCE – Instrumental ensembles are allotted TWENTY-FIVE minutes. Choral ensembles are allotted TWENTY minutes. Each ensemble must complete the following in that time period.

• Set-Up

• Perform an optional warm-up - not to exceed three (3) minutes in length

• Perform two selections of the director’s choice for adjudication

• Clear the stage

An organization’s stage time begins when the first member of the group enters the stage. Total time on/off stage cannot exceed the given time allotment. There can be no more than a three (3) minute warm-up, which is optional. Two adjudicated selections are not to exceed the time limit, taking into consideration the logistics of set-up and exiting the stage.

**Renaissance Choirs and Show Choirs may perform more than two selections providing their entrance, warm-up, performance, and exit do not exceed the 20 minute limit. Show Choirs are strongly urged to limit props to ensure they do not exceed the time allowed. Any ensemble that goes over their 20 minute limit will be stopped. Each school must supply a set-up crew to rearrange choral risers, music stands or chairs prior to their group’s performance.

AFTER YOUR PERFORMANCE – Return to the Registration Area to pick up your Conductor’s Scores. Score Sheets, Adjudicator Comments and Recaps will be posted on our website after the Awards Ceremony.

If you are not planning on attending the Awards Ceremony you must make prior arrangements with your festival host to pick up your trophies. Groups that have not made prior arrangements, or do not have a representative present at the Awards Ceremony will not receive their trophy.

Equipment ProvidedMusic equipment provided by the festival in the performance area includes:

CHORAL – Step Choral Risers, Acoustic Piano, One (1) Solo Microphone

INSTRUMENTAL – Chairs, stands, four (4) timpani, bass drum, xylophone, chimes, orchestra bells, and one (1) solo microphone. In addition, a piano will be provided for Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra. You are required to provide your own mallets, etc. for all percussion.

Additional percussion equipment is available at some performance locations. Contact your Regional Coordinator (contact information is listed in your Adjudication Schedule) to inquire about any additional equipment.

MUSIC IN THE PARKS DOES NOT PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING: Trap Sets, Amplifiers, Platform Risers, Marimbas, Vibes, Extension Cords, Multiple Microphones, or CD/Cassette Play Back equipment.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

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Based on acoustics, logistics, and proximity to the park, the finest available performance facilities have been acquired. Ensembles will perform in acoustically acceptable performance areas in local schools, churches, colleges, and hotels within an acceptable distance from the park. Performances do not take place in the park.

Warm-Up DescriptionWarm-up areas are provided in order to tune, line up, and prepare for your performance. It is not a rehearsal room. In some instances, the warm-up area may not have chairs and stands. You may not leave backpacks or purses in the warm-up room. Instrumental ensembles will have 25 minutes to warm-up. Choral ensembles will have 20 minutes to warm-up.

Uniform & Changing Room PolicyUniforms are optional for performances. Please be certain your students are dressed for performance before entering the performance facility. Changing facilities are not available at performance sites. We recommend that you designate buses for male and female changing of uniforms or have students wear casual clothes under their uniform.

Instrument CasesAll instrument cases should remain on the bus at all times. Please DO NOT take instrument cases into the warm-up or performance areas. Every case should be labeled with the student’s and the school’s name.

Arrival GuidelinesPlan to arrive at the adjudication site 30 minutes before your scheduled warm-up. When you arrive at the adjudication site, go directly to the Registration Area (Leave your students on the bus preparing for performance).

AT THE REGISTRATION AREA YOU WILL…

• Turn in your adjudicator’s packets (2) and Announcer’s Sheet

• Remit payment for any last minute balance due on your Music in the Parks account (balance due cannot exceed $500 at the festival)

• Pick up your Amusement Park tickets & Music In The Parks student/director souvenir.

• After you have completed this task, your students may enter the building. Please keep in mind that other ensembles are on stage performing while you enter. Encourage your students to show these ensembles the same courtesy and respect they would expect, and be as quiet and orderly as possible.

• A representative will lead your students into the warm-up area. If you have arrived early, you are welcome to enter the performance area and view other ensembles’ performances.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all performance sites will have extra space available to hold students. If you are not planning on watching other ensembles, plan to wait on your buses (Fridays) or outside (Saturdays) until your scheduled warm-up.

Adjudicator PacketsThe Director must furnish two (2) judge’s packets consisting of original scores for each adjudicated composition with the measures numbered and performance selection sheet. The Director must also furnish an extra performance selection sheet for the announcer.

Music in the Parks will provide digital media for your verbal comments. You will be asked to fill in your ensemble information upon check-in at the Registration Table.

FACILITY DESCRIPTION

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If you are utilizing an outside travel planner, please refer to their information for cancellation guidelines.

In the event it is necessary for a school to withdraw from a Music in the Parks festival a full refund will be issued if cancellation notice is received 30 days before the scheduled festival date. Cancellation must be submitted via our web site.

Any group that cancels less than 30 days before the festival, but more than 15 days before will be charged a $100 cancellation penalty. All other payments will be returned to you.

Any group that cancels less than 15 days before the event will forfeit all payments made to Music in the Parks.

If web cancellation is not received according to these deadlines, all applicable cancellation penalties will apply.

REMINDER

If no payments have been received by the 30-Day final payment deadline, your group will be dropped from the festival.

PLEASE NOTE: This policy remains in effect regardless of sudden School Board policy changes or world events. Such circumstances do not negate this policy.

Change of Festival Date and/or LocationAll festival location and date changes must be submitted through our website. Simply log in to your account, select the reservation you would like to change, and then follow the steps on your screen.

Number Changes / Final Count GuaranteeAll festival participants must guarantee their minimum ticket count by 10 days before the event. The Invoice Contact will receive an email approximately 15 days before your event reminding you to login and make your changes. *If you are using a travel planner they will be contacted to verify your ticket counts.

At the 10 day deadline we need a breakdown of how many students and adults are participating in your trip. We also need to know how many students will be utilizing a Season pass, rather than purchasing a ticket through Music in the Parks.

It is your responsibility to guarantee your final counts – even if you do not receive the email reminder.

After the 10 day deadline, your tickets totals cannot be lowered for any reason. You will be able to add on tickets if needed at the festival registration table. Payment in full must accompany any extra ticket requests.

RefundsRefunds for any overpayments will be issued within 30 days following your festival date. Refunds are issued to the organization, rather than an individual. If your payment was issued on a Credit Card, your refund will be issued to that card. The only exception is if your refund is greater than the amount paid on the card. In this case, a check will be issued. If you have any questions or a special refund request, please email info@edprog.com.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

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AS TEACHERS OURSELVES, WE UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES EVERY MUSIC EDUCATOR FACES.

MEET THE FESTIVAL DIRECTORS

Taryn Felmey

Kurt Hargleroad

Jeff Micco

Debra Steranko

Taryn began working with the Festivals of Music and Music In The Parks staff in 1999. She has recently returned to her role as festival director after a successful career teaching customer service skills to major corporations. Taryn has been assisting Music In The Parks as a Regional Coordinator for the past nine years. She is a graduate of West Chester University and an active vocal performer in the Philadelphia area. Taryn coordinates both Festivals of Music and Music In The Parks events.

Kurt joined the Music In The Parks and Festivals of Music staff in 1990 after teaching instrumental music for 13 years. With a B.S. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a M.A. in Music Education from West Chester University and an M.Ed. in Administration from Shippensburg University, Kurt has served on the Middle States Evaluation Board and as the Department Chairman for the Shippensburg Area School District. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Student Youth Travel Association. Kurt coordinates Music In The Parks and Festivals of Music events.

Jeff is a graduate of West Chester University with a B.S. in Music Education. Prior to joining the Educational Programs staff in 1991, Jeff taught instrumental and vocal music at the Junior High and High School levels. Jeff coordinates Music In The Parks and Festivals of Music events.

A graduate of Lebanon Valley College - Annville, PA with a B.S. in Music Education, Debbie has been coordinating adjudication festivals since 1991. Her knowledge of many festival locations will guarantee the best possible experience for your group. Debbie coordinates Music In The Parks and Festivals of Music events.

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We’ve created the best possible festival environment that works with you and for you.Groups that perform with Music In The Parks have a unique opportunity to draw on our 30 years of experience listening to our directors and using their input to shape our events.

Our hope for your performing group is not just to win a competition, but to establish an attitude of accomplishment in participants and instill that music is an essential part of every student’s education.

Better Performance Environments for Music Educators & StudentsRemembering the challenges we faced as educators, especially in today’s economic climate, we offer policies that work with you:

FESTIVAL-ONLY PRICING FOR ALL EVENTS

Since we only offer the festival and the attractions used for the awards ceremony, you’re assured the best possible value for your students. You have the freedom to plan the trip on your own or use a travel planner. This allows you to select hotels, meals, and attractions that best fit your budget and educational needs.

RELIABLE ONLINE ACCESS

Update attendance or ensemble information, and pay online with a credit card using our secure, dependable network.

FLEXIBLE REFUND & 30-DAY CANCELLATION POLICIES

We do not require any non-refundable application fees and allow 30-day cancellation before your event.

REAL-TIME SCHEDULING

View your performance time from real-time schedules. Eco-friendly printing gives you the option to print only the information and forms you need.

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For more information and to register on-line visit:

www.musicintheparks.com 800-323-0974

8 AM - 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time, Friday

5 AM - 5 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Thursday 5 AM - 2 PM Pacific Time, Friday

E-mail: info@musicintheparks.com

Educational Programs Network

Music In The Parks1784 West Schuylkill Road, Douglassville, PA 19518-9100