Performance Guidelines

Overview

Music Festival Overview

OrlandoFest is firmly committed to providing quality music festivals for elementary, middle school, junior high school and senior high school student musicians and generating positive educational growth through performance. Each educationally-sound OrlandoFest performance will provide these young artists the opportunity to perform in quality venues and receive positive feedback from nationally renowned adjudicators. Your participation in OrlandoFest will continue with a fun and exciting Awards Ceremony at Universal Orlando® Resort on Saturday evenings. All students, directors, chaperones and parents are invited to enjoy this high-energy conclusion to your OrlandoFest experience.

Participation in OrlandoFest is available for either non-competitive or competitive adjudication. OrlandoFest is open to Concert Choirs, Concert Bands, Show Choirs, Parade Bands, Jazz Bands, Orchestras (both Full and String), Chamber and Specialty Choirs, Concert Percussion Ensembles, Marching Percussion and Auxiliary Units.

Music Festival Inclusions

• Non-competitive or competitive Adjudicated performance with digitally recorded and written comments
• Personalized educational clinic conducted by a select adjudicator following performance
• Digital recording of performance on audio CD (concert performances, only)
• Digital recording of adjudicators comments on audio CD
• One on-stage group photo per concert ensemble
• Exclusive OrlandoFest award for each ensemble
• Custom OrlandoFest gift for each participant, director and chaperone
• Spectacular OrlandoFest Awards Ceremony at Universal Orlando® Resort
• 2 or 3-Day admission to Universal Orlando® Resort
• Two (2) Complimentary OrlandoFest director’s packages included per school

General Guidelines

OrlandoFest Guidelines and Performance Information

Concert performances are typically scheduled on both Fridays and Saturdays. Friday performances will begin approximately at 8:00 AM and continue until to 6:00 PM, unless additional performance times are required. Saturday performances will begin approximately at 8:00 am and continue until it becomes necessary to depart and allow all groups to attend the Awards Ceremony. Parade Bands normally march on Friday mornings beginning at 9:00 AM.

Performance times are scheduled based on date of receipt of Registration Forms and Fees, ensemble classification and student cross-over considerations. OrlandoFest schedules will be provided a minimum of four to six (4-6) weeks prior to the Festival. OrlandoFest cannot promise or commit to performance times or days prior to the publication of the Festival Schedule four to six weeks out.

Each Concert ensemble will perform for three (3) adjudicators, and receive written and digitally recorded feedback as well as an on stage post-performance clinic.

• All performances must be performance-ready prior to your arrival.
• You will be provided a warm-up session prior to your performance.
• All performances must begin and end on time.

In the event of inclement weather, performances may be delayed, cancelled, or moved as deemed necessary.

Approximately one (1) month prior to your OrlandoFest participation you will receive a detailed Routing Schedule. This schedule will contain your arrival time, warm up time and performance time. An OrlandoFest team member will escort your group from your arrival at the performance venue to your departure.

Arrival and Transportation Information

ALL groups must provide their own motor coach transportation to and from their performance and award ceremony locations. Motor coaches must remain available to the group during the performance to avoid transportation challenges following the performance. Applicable addresses and parking information will be provided a minimum of one (1) month prior to your music festival dates.

There are no dressing facilities at Universal Orlando® Resort or the various performance locations. Please ensure your students arrive and depart dressed in their performance attire.

Ensemble Guidelines

Choral Guidelines

• Concert performances will take place in select performance arts venues in close proximity to Universal Orlando® Resort, pending availability.
• Any instrument cases should remain on your motorcoach.
• Each choral ensemble is scheduled as follows:
  Concert Choirs, Chamber & Specialty Choirs, Jazz Choirs, and Gospel Choirs will be provided:
  (15 minutes Warm-Up, 10 minutes Transfer & Set-Up, 15 minutes Performance, and 10 minutes On-Stage Clinic)

  Show Choirs will be provided:
  (20 minutes Warm-Up, 10 minutes Transfer & Set-Up, 20 minutes Performance, and 10 minutes On-Stage Clinic)

Any performance time in excess of the allotted time will be deducted from the on-stage, post-performance clinic.

• Ensembles may not use their own special lighting, microphones or sound system. Confetti, fog, or pyrotechnics are not permitted under any circumstances. Due to space and safety considerations, platform risers are not permitted. Any movement performed on the provided 3-step choral risers should be limited to “hand-ography”. More involved choreography should only be performed on the stage floor.
• Recorded instrumental accompaniments are permitted. OrlandoFest recommends using only professionally recorded audio CD accompaniments. Please provide a back-up disc. The school name and performance selections must be well marked on each disc.
• OrlandoFest will provide professional sound technicians to operate the sound system. Someone from your group may sit near the booth to assist the technician with your specific cues.
• Performers must wear shoes at all times due to safety considerations. Please consider appropriate footwear to avoid challenges.

Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band and Concert Percussion Guidelines

• Concert performances will take place in select Performing Arts Centers in close proximity to the Universal Orlando® Resort, pending availability.
• All instrument cases should remain on your motorcoach.
• Instrumental Ensembles are scheduled according to the following grid:
  Concert Bands and Orchestras will be provided:
  (20 minutes Warm-Up, 10 minutes Set-Up & Transfer, 20 minutes Performance, and 10 minutes On-Stage Clinic)

  Jazz Bands will be provided:
  (15 minutes Warm-Up, 10 minutes Set-Up & Transfer, 15 minutes Performance, and 10 minutes On-Stage Clinic)

  Concert Percussion Ensembles will be provided:
  (10 minutes Warm-Up, 10 minutes Set-Up & Transfer, 10 minutes Performance, and 10 minutes On-Stage Clinic)

  Any performance time in excess of the allotted time will be deducted from the on-stage, post-performance clinic.

• The warm-up room will have a general set-up for your use and will not be specifically arranged to your ensemble’s specifications. Music stands, in the warm-up room, will be available on a limited basis. Concert Percussion instruments will not be provided in the warm-up rooms.
• Please bring your own mallets, sticks and small percussion instruments, including crash cymbals.
• Ensembles may not use their own microphones or special lighting. Risers are not permitted.
• Available Equipment and Instrumentation must be requested a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to your Festival weekend.
• Performers must wear appropriate footwear at all times due to safety considerations.

Parade Band Guidelines

• OrlandoFest will make every effort to provide a performance experience at the Universal Orlando® Resort, however, the main goal of the parade performance is the adjudication and feedback from our adjudicators. The location and scheduling of these performances may be adjusted due to theme park operating hours, special events, weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
• Valid Universal Orlando® Resort ticket media is required for all Parade participants and observers.
• The Parade length is approximately 2/3 miles and 25 minutes.
• Only essential personnel may travel backstage with the band. All non-essential personnel must enter the Theme Park through the Main Entrance. A maximum of 1 chaperone per 20 students (with a maximum of 6) will be allowed backstage will the band. Please have your motorcoach drop off all other parents and chaperones at the Theme Park’s Main Entrance prior to approaching Gate 3.
• Please limit the amount of essential staff marching with the band.
• All student performers, directors and essential personnel will enter Universal Studios Orlando via Gate 3 off Turkey Lake Road. Directions will be provided approximately one (1) month prior to the Festival.
• Rehearsal space is not available. A warm-up area will be provided outside, near, your motorcoach.
• Parade Bands should perform music appropriate for the Universal Orlando® Resort. Specific branded music (Universal Studios branded music, Disney branded music, Harry Potter branded music, etc.) will not be permitted.
• Bands should march a maximum of six (6) across.
• Bands are encouraged to keep percussion cadences brief throughout the parade route.
• Ensembles must maintain forward movement and not stop at any time during the 25-minute march.
• Bands may bring a banner with the school name for their Parade Performance. Elementary School age children may not be utilized as Banner carriers.
• Uniforms and/or costumes are required for all performers
• Shoes, socks and accessories should be uniform in style and color. Performers must wear appropriate shoes at all times. Sandals and flip-flop type shoes will not be permitted on any performance area. Shoes must be closed toe and heel and cover the entire sole of the foot.
• All directors and staff appearing with the ensemble are required to dress in a professional and uniform manner. No T-shirts, shorts, jeans or sandals/flip flops will be permitted. Individuals not appropriately dressed will not be allowed to march with the band.
• Jewelry should be minimal and uniform in appearance.
• Unacceptable attire includes T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, cutoffs, midriff tops, etc.
• Chewing gum, food and drinks are not allowed during your performance.
• OrlandoFest retains the right to prohibit anyone not properly attired from participation in the Festival. No refunds will be made should this occur.
• OrlandoFest and Universal Orlando® Resort reserve the right to cancel or postpone the parade in the case of inclement weather.

Marching Percussion and Auxiliary Guidelines

• Marching percussion and auxiliary performances will take place outdoors on an appropriate field or paved area or indoors on a gymnasium floor. Specific venue information will be made available to participating ensembles a minimum of one (1) month prior to your selected OrlandoFest dates.
• Marching Percussion and Auxiliary Units are scheduled according to the following grid:
  (20 minutes Warm-Up, 10 minutes Set-Up & Transfer, 10 minutes Performance, and 10 minutes On-Stage Clinic)

• Rehearsal space is not available. A warm up time and location will be scheduled for each participating ensemble.
• Performance time, including set up, must not exceed ten (10) minutes.
• All participating ensembles are required to avoid any unsafe movements that could injure a performer.
• Standard color guard performance sabers and twirling rifle props are allowed.
• All equipment tips on rifles, flagpoles, batons and sabers must be padded or taped.
• Bayonets, knives or fire batons may not be utilized in performance.
• OrlandoFest will provide a sound system with a CD player for your performance. Your CD should be clearly marked with the school and ensemble name. Participant ensembles are encouraged to bring a back-up CD.
• Performers must wear appropriate footwear at all times due to safety considerations. Shoes must be closed toe and heal and cover the entire sole of the foot.
• All directors and staff appearing with the ensemble are required to dress in a professional and uniform manner.
• Baton ensembles must consist of a minimum of three (3) performers.
• Dressing facilities are not available. Please ensure students arrive and depart dressed in their performance attire.
• OrlandoFest reserves the right to cancel or postpone the field show and marching percussion adjudication in the case of inclement weather.

Music Guidelines

Music Guidelines

OrlandoFest does not require specific music selections but encourages each Director to select music that is both appropriate and challenging for their student performers.

Directors must provide three (3) original scores with numbered measures for each selection being performed. Photocopies, of copyrighted music, are not allowed unless accompanied by a permission letter from the publisher and/or composer (emails will suffice). Pre-recorded accompaniment is allowed in CD format.

Provided Equipment

• Eight (8) sets of three-step choral risers
• Five (5) solo microphones
• Appropriate shotgun mics
• Acoustic or Digital Piano
• Appropriate Chairs and Music Stands
• Four (4) tympani
• Five-piece drum set
• Chimes, Xylophone, Orchestra Bells, Vibes, Marimba, & Gong

Costuming and Appearance

• Costumes and/or uniforms are required for all performers.
• Directors and assistants appearing with the ensemble are required to dress in a professional and uniform manner.
• Individuals not appropriately dressed will not be permitted on stage or able to march with their ensemble.
• Shoes, socks and accessories should be uniformed in style and color.
• Jewelry should be minimal and uniform in appearance.
• Unacceptable attire includes T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, cutoffs, midriff tops, etc.
• OrlandoFest retains the right to prohibit anyone not properly attired from participation in the festival. No refunds will be made should this occur.
• Performers must wear appropriate shoes at all times. Sandals and flip-flop type shoes will not be permitted on any performance area.
• Chewing gum, food and drinks are not allowed during your performance.
• Please direct any questions about your ensemble’s costumes or uniforms to the OrlandoFest team well in advance of your tour