Author: Becky@forummusicfestivals.com
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Clarifying Knott’s Chaperone Policy
August 2023 Dear Forum Festival Friends, In light of recent events, Knott’s Berry Farm has amended their chaperone policy. For the general public, this means that there must be one chaperone for every four minors under the age of 17. For our groups, that ratio will be based on one chaperone for every ten students…
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The Finish Line is Near!
A Year-End Checklist for Music Teachers Reward administration and school staff with a BIG MUSICAL THANK-YOU presented by your students! Invite them to the band or choir room (or MPR) for a mini concert with refreshments! Reward parents and friends who have supported your program with a BIG MUSICAL THANK-YOU at the end of the…
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8 Lesser Known (But Fabulous) So Cal Excursions
Southern California is chock full of tucked away gems that will intrigue students and adults alike– performance groups, STEAM groups, and history groups. Let Forum Music Festivals find clever and unique options to add to your festival trip. Bowers Museum – This little museum boasts amazing exhibitions, an opportunity to perform, and an easy centralized location. …
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Last Minute Planning in a Pandemic Year
As we slowly creep into a new normal, music educators still seek performance options for young musicians. Never fear! There’s still time! Give us a call – With our experience and ideas, you can plan an outstanding experience that includes all the essentials – learning, fun, and performance! After all, we’ve been developing terrific…
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Making Practice Fun!
Learning any new skill is a challenge. Doing it in front of your friends and classmates is extra-challenging. The school music teacher has the work cut out for them. Experienced music teachers know the frustration of unpracticed students in their ensembles. Encouraging at-home practice can be problematic since the teacher is unfamiliar with the student’s…
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Best Lines from 27 Years of Festivals
For 27 years, Forum Music Festivals has hosted thousands of student music ensembles and directors. Over the years, students, judges, and directors have shared some insightful comments at festivals. We’ve chuckled from some and learned from them all! As we launch our 27th year, we extend our appreciation and gratitude to the music students and…
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Thrilling Adventures…Close to Home
Did you know that awesome excursions are right here in your own backyard? Or at least within a days’ travel? Shorter trips still offer the features and feeling of a retreat, while keeping students closer to home. Forum Music Festivals can be combined with a variety of appealing close to home travel for students. Theme…
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Disney Imagination Campus Update
Dear Forum Friends, Applications are now open for Disney Imagination Campus programs. This is the newly re-named program (formerly Disney Performing Arts) for performances in the park and performing arts workshops. They are also offer education workshops as well. To apply, visit https://planears.disney.com to submit an application. To combine a workshop or performance in the…
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COVID-19 Festival Policy
Updated 12/28/21 All destinations and suppliers have their own rules related to COVID-19. For example, you may be required to quarantine upon arrival in some locations. Some locations may require masks or social distancing, or they may require you to provide proof of vaccination or negative testing. While Forum Educational Travel will try to assist…
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San Diego Dates Added to 2022 Season
So much to do. So much to see. Forum Festivals has added San Diego dates to our 2022 festival schedule. Join us in San Diego for a morning festival with the remainder of the day or weekend to enjoy all the sights! Fabulous weather aside, San Diego offers historic, cultural, and fun things to do! Check out…
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Growing Your Program
Rebuilding & Recruiting in School Music Programs It’s time to consider the next steps to grow your program. The world of remote learning was tough on everyone, but particularly on music teachers. Student music programs that, by their very nature, are designed to teach a performance art had to test the boundaries of creativity and…
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Forum Festivals & Disney Imagination Campus!
At Forum Music Festivals, we’re delighted to highlight Disney Imagination Campus. Our friends at Disney have re-imagined their iconic workshops and performance opportunities. These beloved Disney programs mesh perfectly with your Forum Festivals weekend – fun, learning, and enthusiasm! The popular vocal & instrumental Soundtrack Session workshops & performances are back and even better! Young…
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Traveling Green
10 Ideas for Sustainable Student Travel As we wait for a green light to student travel, let’s consider the impact our travel has on our students, the destination, and the planet. Our teens live in a world where reducing their footprint on our planet is incredibly critical. To promote sustainable travel, meet your students’ ideas…
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Just a Note About Appreciation
Well, 2020 is over and there’s probably no one on Planet Earth that wants to re-visit that year. As we dust off those cobwebs, I can’t help but start 2021 with a spark of hope and a bucketful of admiration. Although we missed you in 2020, there’s no doubt that music teachers have really stepped…
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So, What’s Happening with Forum Festivals?
2021 is finally here and it is only natural that questions arise about what is going on with Forum Music Festivals. We are here and we will be ready to go when you are. However, let’s be realistic about the possibility that 2021 might not look like the Forum Festivals of previous years. Right now,…
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Great News from A Friend!
A familiar face (and voice) from Forum Music Festivals shares some very exciting news, particularly for students of Big Band Drumming! Matt Johnson, longtime announcer at Forum, has published a new book. Check out details below – you’ll want to have this important resource in your educational tool box! DRUMMER/MUSIC EDUCATOR MATT JOHNSON ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF BIG…
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Great moments over 22 years…
We’re launching our 22nd season this year. Lot of years, lot of directors, lots of kids, and lots of stories. Middle School students who started with us at age 12 would now be 33 years old. Yikes! Some bring their own ensembles to a festival. It’s a sobering thought, but a very gratifying one. I remember…