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.
Silverwood
Theme Park
Silver Dollar City
Six Flags St. Louis
Elitch Gardens
Worlds of Fun
Wild Waves
Six Flags
Great America
Valleyfair!
Oaks Park
Adventuredome
Six Flags
Discovery Kingdom
California’s Great America
Santa Cruz
Beach Boardwalk
Six Flags
Magic Mountain
Universal Studios
Hollywood
Disneyland® Resort
Theme Parks
Knott’s Berry Farm
Sea World
San Diego
Lagoon
Frontier City
Six Flags Over Texas
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Six Flags Fiesta
Texas
To reserve space go to our website
www.musicintheparks.com
MUSIC IN THE PARKS IS ONE
OF THE BEST ADVOCACY TOOLS
FOR YOUR MUSIC PROGRAM
Kings Island
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.
Darien Lake
Kennywood
The Great
Escape
Six Flags New England
Cedar
Point
Lake Compounce
Dorney Park
Six Flags Great Adventure
Morey’s Piers
Hersheypark
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.
Six Flags America
Kings Dominion
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Carowinds
Dollywood
Six Flags
Over Georgia
Universal
Orlando Resort®
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.
Busch Gardens
Tampa
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.
Performances do not
take place at the park,
but at area schools and churches.
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ACCOUNT AND
FINANCE GUIDELINES
Package Plans
Payment Methods
All groups registered to attend a Music in the Parks
festival must select from one of the following package
plans:
Music in the Parks will accept the following forms
of payment:
• Festival Adjudication, One Day Admission to Park
• Festival Adjudication, One Day Admission to Park,
Meal in Park
• Check
• Money Order
• Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
We DO NOT consider Purchase Orders a form
of payment.
Complimentary Packages
Free 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 Schedule
If you are working with an outside travel planner,
please refer to their information for payment guidelines.
All payments must be made in US Currency.
Returned Checks
There 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
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.
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FESTIVAL PACKAGE
INCLUSIONS
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
Meals
•Souvenir Pin for each performing student and
ensemble director
Based on the theme park you have chosen either a
Meal Coupon or Picnic will be offered. Check with a
festival director for more detail.
•Trophy for every performing group
•Commemorative Directors Gift for Ensemble
Conductor
Park Admission Packages
Most 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.
•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
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FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE
GUIDELINES
Performance Classifications
Listed below is a breakdown of the performance
classifications available for your group.
All ensembles will be further classified under the
following categories:
HIGH SCHOOL – Grades 9-12
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL – Grades 7-9
Instrumental Classifications
MIDDLE SCHOOL – Grades 6-8
CBI - Concert Band
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Grades K-6
CBII - Second Concert Band (for schools entering more
than one Concert Band)
JE - Jazz Ensemble
CLASS A – accredited school enrollment less than
750 students
OR - Full Orchestra
CLASS AA – accredited school enrollment 750 or higher
SOI - String Orchestra
CLASS AAA – school age community ensembles and
non-accredited schools only
SOII - Second String Orchestra (for schools entering
more than one String Orchestra)
GE - Guitar Ensemble
PE - Concert Percussion Ensemble
PD - Parade
Choral Classifications
JS - 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).
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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
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
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.
Equipment Provided
Music 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.
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.
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FACILITY DESCRIPTION
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.
Arrival Guidelines
Warm-Up Description
AT THE REGISTRATION AREA YOU WILL…
Warm-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 Policy
Uniforms 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 Cases
All 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.
Plan 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).
• 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 Packets
The 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.
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CANCELLATION AND
REFUND POLICY
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.
Number Changes / Final Count Guarantee
All 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.
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.
If no payments have been received by the 30-Day
final payment deadline, your group will be dropped from
the festival.
Refunds
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 Location
All 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.
Refunds 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.
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MEET THE
FESTIVAL DIRECTORS
Taryn
Felmey
Kurt
Hargleroad
Jeff
Micco
Debra
Steranko
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AS TEACHERS OURSELVES,
WE UNDERSTAND
THE CHALLENGES EVERY
MUSIC EDUCATOR FACES.
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.
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 & Students
Remembering 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 Parks
1784 West Schuylkill Road, Douglassville, PA 19518-9100