Based on 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

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).

AT THE REGISTRATION AREA YOU WILL…

• Turn in your two (2) Adjudicator’s Packets*
• Remit payment for any last-minute balance due on your Music in the Parks account (balance due cannot exceed $500 at time of Festival Event)
• Pick up, count and sign for your Amusement Park tickets & Music In The Parks student/director souvenir

* Adjudicator Packets

The Director must furnish two (2) judge’s packets consisting of original scores for each adjudicated composition with the measures numbered, and Announcer Sheet/Adjudicator Performance Detail (which can be found here). The Director must also furnish a third copy of the Adjudicator Performance Detail sheet for the announcer.

After completing registration, 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 host representative will lead your students to 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 waiting 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 time.

Uniforms & Changing Rooms

Music In The Parks does not require ensembles to wear uniforms or special performance attire, and changing rooms are not available at our performance venues. We recommend dressing comfortably with a day at the park in mind. some groups choose to wear matching T-Shirts as an easy way to identify one another in the park, and customizable Music In The Parks T-Shirts are available to order here, if desired. Please note that our logo is a protected image and its likeness cannot be used for T-Shirts purchased from another entity. Attire IS NOT taken into consideration by our adjudicators.

Instrument Cases

All instrument cases should remain on the bus. Please DO NOT take instrument cases into the warm-up or performance areas. In the event of inclement weather, instruments may be brought into the building cased, but empty cases should immediately be returned to the bus. Every case should be labeled with the student’s and the school’s name.

Warm-Up

A warm-up area is 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.

After Your Performance

Return to the Registration Area to pick up your Conductor's Scores, and Written Comment Sheets. Score Sheets, Recorded Adjudicator Comments and Recaps will be posted on our website after the Awards Ceremony.  Only the ensemble director has access to their ensemble's Score Sheet and Recorded Comments.

If you are not planning on attending the Awards Ceremony you must make prior arrangements with the 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.

Music in the Parks will provide digital recordings of the Adjudicators' verbal comments. All recordings will be uploaded to FestivalsEdge after the Awards Ceremony. Recordings will be available by noon on Monday following your festival.