Faq

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When I Apply

1. May I request my performance time?: Performance times are scheduled in the order in which we receive your application. The Program Director for your location will contact you to schedule your performance time from the time slots available.

2. If I have 24 students, will I still receive one free chaperone package?: No, we give one free chaperone for every 25 participating students.

3. How exact do my numbers have to be when I apply?: When you register, the number on your application helps us determine the largest performing group so enough equipment will be provided at the site. Indicate your largest anticipated attendance (your grade/attendance book would be a good starting point). You will have the opportunity to increase or decrease your numbers closer to the festival date.

4. Do the prices listed in the brochure include transportation?: Prices listed do not include transportation. The staff of EPN Travel Services would be happy to assist you in securing air or ground transportation.

5. How many performing groups can I bring to the festival?: You may bring 3 instrumental, 3 vocal and 1 parade group per application.


6. If a student is in more than one ensemble, do they have to pay twice?: Absolutely not, we encourage students to be well-rounded and involved in several performing groups. Your invoice will reflect the total number of students and total number of adults attending the festival.

7. If I have five performing groups (concert band, jazz ensemble, orchestra, choir and marching) will all of the directors travel free?: For each application, you will receive 1 free concert or jazz band director, 1 free orchestra director and 1 free choral director (as applies to your performing groups). Any additional directors may be considered as a free chaperone using the ratio 1 free chaperone for every 25 participating students.

8. What is the cost if small children travel with us?: Music In The Parks only has access to adult park tickets. Any non-performing students or children may purchase a Plan 1 or Plan 2 Adult Package. For smaller children you may wish to contact the park directly for children's ticket age and height requirements.

9. Do all members of my group have to take the picnic meal?: You must choose the same package plan for the entire group. Either the entire group receives the meal, or no one does.

10. Is there a discount if I use my season pass?: Season pass holders qualify for an individual reduced rate. Groups that select a package that includes a meal in the park will not be able to purchase meals for the season pass holder without purchasing an additional park ticket.

11. Is there a Registration Fee to sign up for this festival?: No, there is no Registration Fee to sign up for the Music In The Parks programs. There is a late Registration Fee of $200 for groups signing up less than 30 days before the festival.

12. Can I still register for a festival 2 weeks out?: Yes, as long as performance space is available. Full payment must be received before performance times can be confirmed. Within 2 weeks of festival, groups can only perform for "Rating Only". Your group will still be recognized at the awards ceremony, but your trophy may not be available at the ceremony because of your late entry.

About The Park & Awards Ceremony

1. Can the park store our trophies after the Awards Ceremony?: Unfortunately, the parks do not have the resources to store trophies. You may want to have the bus driver or one of your chaperones available immediately after the awards ceremony to take the trophies to your bus.

2. How much cash should a student bring?: We would suggest bringing approximately $25.00 per student for any souvenirs or food purchased at the park or the performance facility.

3. What is the phone number/website for the park?: All phone numbers and websites are available on the links section of our website.

4. What happens if it rains?: In the event of rain, amusement parks as a rule, will not close. Some of the rides may close for safety reasons. The Awards Ceremony will take place at its scheduled time and location. For the well being of your students, Regional Coordinators have the right to cancel the trophy presentation and distribute trophies and score sheets to the director. Many parks date tickets for one day only. If you decide not to visit the park, you will not receive a refund.

5. Are seats reserved for each school at the Awards Ceremony?: There are no reserved seats, you are free to sit wherever you wish.

6. Do we really need to attend the Awards Ceremony?: Yes, we highly recommend that you attend. As part of the total educational experience we feel your students should have the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements by their peers. If you do not attend the awards ceremony, we will not ship trophies to your school.

7. Can we attend the Awards Ceremony without going to the park?: Due to the Awards Ceremony taking place in the park, it is necessary for each person to purchase a park ticket.
8. Do we need to pay for bus parking at the park?: Please check with the park directly regarding motorcoach parking fees. All phone numbers and websites can be found by visiting the links section of our website.

9. Do I need to order a park ticket for my bus driver?: In some cases parks allow the bus driver free admission upon showing their commercial driver's license(CDL). Please contact your Program Director for policies on a specific park.

Tour and Travel

1. How do I find transportation?: EPN Travel Services (our preferred travel planner) is very resourceful and would be happy to arrange your transportation for your group.

2. How much will it cost if I take my spouse along on the trip?: Your spouse will need to pay the regular Adult Package Price or they could be counted as one of your free chaperones.

3. Can I visit the park on a different day than in the package?: Since many of the park tickets are dated, they are only good the day of the Awards. If you want to enter the park on another day, plus attend the Awards Ceremony, you will need to purchase a two day park ticket. Please contact your Program Director if you would like to visit the park on a different/additional day.

4. Do we need bus transportation from the adjudication site to the park?: Yes, most performance facilities are within a half-hour driving distance from the amusement park that you are attending. If you need transportation assistance, contact EPN Travel Services

5. How can I get directions to the adjudication site?: Directions will be included in your adjudication schedule that is posted on our website. You will receive a postcard and an email informing you that your schedule is available for download.

6. I would like to do some sightseeing the day after our festival. Can Music In The Parks take care of this?: At Music in the Parks our focus is on the festival itself. We have had the opportunity to work with many excellent organzations in the past. If you are interested in working with a travel operator the following website is a great resource:

Student Youth Travel Association - www.syta.org

Facilities

1. I know you do not provide changing facilities, but we really can't wear these outfits to the park. What can we do?: Your best option would be for students to wear shorts and a shirt under their concert attire so they can quickly change on the bus. Restrooms are available, but might not be useable for changing purposes.

2. Do I need to bring: music stands, chairs, concert bass drum, choral risers, trap set, guitar amp, electric piano, sound system, CD player, tape player & microphones?: Music In The Parks provides the following in the performance area: Instrumental Groups - 4 tympani, bass drum, xylophone, chimes, orchestra bells, 1 solo microphone, chairs and stands. Choral Groups - piano, choral risers and 1 solo microphone. Music In The Parks does not provide the following: Trap sets, amplifiers, platform risers, tape or CD players, multiple microphones, extension cords, marimba or vibes.

3. Do we need to wear uniforms?: Uniforms are not required. Many schools wear a school t-shirt or polo shirt and shorts. We understand you will be visiting the park so we encourage casual dress: you will not be penalized for this.

4. Will there be food available at the festival site?: This varies at each location. Please check with your Program Director one month prior to your festival date.

5. Should I send you a copy of my seating chart?: It is not necessary to send us a seating chart of your group in advance. We do recommend that you bring a copy with you to the festival, so your students will have access to this information as they are setting the stage for your performance.

Adjudication (Performance)

1. Can I change from "rating only" to "competition" or vice versa?: Yes, you can change the status of your performance at anytime up until one (1) month prior to your festival date. We suggest you do this in writing via email or fax.

2. Will we have the opportunity to listen to other groups perform?: Yes, based on the performance schedule and the seating capacity of the facility, we encourage students to listen to other performing groups.

3. Can the choral director accompany the choir?: Yes. In the event that an adult accompanies the choir there is no penalty. However, the Outstanding Accompanist Award will be presented only to a student. Your choir is still eligible for competition.

4. Can I photocopy music and/or scores?: Photocopying is illegal. Please check our link page for more information

5. I have a small ensemble with uneven instrumentation. Will I be penalized if I rewrite the parts or an adult fills in?: As music educators we realize it is often difficult to have ideal instrumentation within your ensemble. You will not be penalized for passages played by other instruments. Adults are allowed to perform in your ensemble with one condition - this ensemble must perform for Rating Only and may not compete. This does not apply to choral groups with an adult accompanist.

6. Do I need a score for my warm-up piece?: No, scores are only required for adjudicated selections.

7. Can I use taped accompaniment?: Yes, only if there are no vocal parts on this taped accompaniment. Equipment may not be available at your performance site, so we recommend that you bring your own portable CD or tape player.

8. Can my group receive a clinic after their performance?: Clinics are not available for Music In The Parks. You may want to consider one of our Festivals of Music programs if clinics are an important aspect of your trip.

9. How many scores do I need to bring?: There will be two judges adjudicating your performance. You will need to bring two original scores for each adjudicated selection. Measures must be numbered on each score for the adjudicator. Scores are not required for parade groups.

10. When will I find out my performance time?: Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis. Your Program Director will contact you later in the school year to discuss available performance times.

11. What happens if we get lost or we are late for our adjudication time?: Don't panic - when you arrive at the adjudication site our staff will do everything possible to place you in a later available time slot. Groups that are late are not disqualified. Groups arriving late will be moved to the end of the schedule.

12. What happens if we arrive early for our adjudication?: You can listen to other performing groups or wait on the bus.

13. Do you have a required music list?: No, it is at the discretion of the director to select music that they feel is appropriate for their students.

14. Do you have suggestions on resources for festival etiquette?: For suggestions please visit the MENC website by clicking here.

15. Are musical scores necessary for my show choir adjudication?: Musical scores are the preference, however, if you have compiled your show from many pieces, please have something available for the adjudicators to follow.

16. What is the difference betwween a Treble Choir and a Women's Choir?: While both ensembles perform SSA repertoire, the enrollment will be different. Women's Choirs contain only women members, while a Treble Choir is a mixed ensemble that has both girls and boys (boys must have unchanged voices) in the ensemble.

17. What is the difference between a Jazz Swing Choir and a Show Choir?: The most significant difference in these two ensembles is choreography. A Show Choir performance will include detailed choreorgraphy that is inherent to the genre. Show Choirs may also use props. In addition, Show Choir repertoire is of a theatrical and/or popular nature, where Jazz Swing Choirs will perform vocal jazz and close-harmony repertoire.

Financial


1.) How will I know if you received my payment? Also how can I receive a copy of my invoice?: Using your Account Number and Password you will have direct access to your Account On-Line. Here you can see if payments have been received by our office, change numbers until 10 days before your trip and print out an updated invoice. Your account can be accessed from our home page.

2.) We signed up for a meal in the park, can we cancel the meal?: Yes, you may drop the meal no later than 10 days before your festival date. After that time, you are required to take the meal.

3. What if my numbers change from the original application?: You may increase or decrease your number of participants up until 10 days prior for those groups selecting our festival and park admission plans. If you have selected an overnight plan with hotel accommodations, contact your tour operator for deadlines.

4. Can I pay my bill at the Festival?: All payments must be made in full, one month prior to your festival date. Additional park tickets may be purchased at registration the day of the festival.

5. When must I have the final payment to you?: All payments are due one month prior to the festival date.

6. When will we have to pay?: Your first installment of 50% is due 3 months prior to your festival date. The balance is due one month prior.

7. When will I receive my refund?: Refunds should be mailed one month after your festival date.

Last Minute Questions

1. Can we videotape our performance or take pictures during the performance?: Videotaping would be at the discretion of your director. We would encourage you to refrain from taking flash photos during the performance of the two adjudicated selections. Photos may be taken before and during the warm-up selection on stage.

2. When do we drop off our judges packets (audio tapes and music scores)? Where do we pick them up?: Upon arrival, the director will be escorted to the Registration Area, at that time scores and tapes should be given to our staff. Your musical scores and tapes will be available for pick-up at the registration desk after your performance. Please make sure you or a chaperone have picked up your packets and park tickets prior to your departure from the adjudication site.

3. What if there is a medical emergency at the performance site?: It is the responsibility of each school to provide medical assistance for their students. The Music In The Parks on-site staff is available to assist by contacting local emergency personnel.

4. Can I add more students the day of the festival or purchase additional tickets?: Yes, additional park tickets may be purchased at each festival location at the registration desk. Please note that tickets are limited and will not be available for purchase at the park at our discounted rate. In some locations, additional meal tickets are also available. All additional tickets must be paid for at the time of purchase.

5. They just changed our school calendar again, can we change to a different park or date?: As long as space is available, you may change your date or park location at no additional charge.

6. Where will I pick-up my park tickets?: Tickets are to be picked up at the Registration Area at each festival. Groups must pick-up their tickets before departing for the park. It is your responsibility to count and verify that you have enough park tickets for your group. You will not be reimbursed for any tickets purchased at the main gate.

7. When do you need my final numbers for the festival?: Final numbers are due 10 days prior to the date of your festival.

8. Will group photos be available this year?: No.