khallum

If you have performed with us in the past, you know that original conductor’s scores are required for the adjudicators.  Following your performance, the scores are immediately returned to you.  As artists and educators, you should know and understand why original music is necessary at festival. Respecting creativity is at the center of copyright law.  […]

Without a doubt, San Francisco is one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting cities. Attractions, food, and student activities flourish in an atmosphere rich in abundant cultures and traditions. Among the most desired cities for student travelers to explore, it’s not difficult to fill your itinerary with interesting and educational pursuits. Discover what each […]

What’s not to love in L.A.?  The weather is fabulous and there is no shortage of student-friendly activities! Educational activities abound in and around Los Angeles!  Incorporate a cross-cultural or cross-discipline activity during your trip and get even more bang for your buck! Cultural and musical events –Los Angeles is home to many options for […]

We were founded by 3 music educators. Our original name was Forum Funtastic Festivals! We started out only offering Anaheim festivals. The scholarship program has been part of our operation since Year 1. Most of our performing halls are on college campuses or community theatres. We opened a San Francisco Bay Area festival in 2000. […]

I admit, I get a little woo-ey this time of the year. As we wrap up and put the cherry on top of on our 2017 festival season, I am reminded of the many fine folks that you, our customer, encounter at festival. Just looking at the sheer numbers of students who share their music […]

Clinics sound so diagnostic and medicinal, don’t they? (Reference: medical students walking around in white lab coats). But music clinics add another valuable tool for earnest music ensembles who want even more feedback and advice. Consider arranging a clinic before the festival.  Why not bring your best performance to the festival?  Before you leave home, […]

Contributed by Don Gunderson Jr. High/Middle School kids need to see the face of the High School director frequently. Visit, guest conduct on a concert, clinic the festival music. Invite the JH/MS director to guest conduct. Make it a “continuous” program where the students expected to “automatically” continue until graduation. It is a 6 year […]

Contributed by Orrin Cross In 1973 I came to a school with no music program, little District money and no parental support. We had some old instruments. I approached this problem by making the music students visible to everyone. I advertised that we would have a marching band and march at football games. The first […]

Contributions by Dr. David Betancourt and Peter Fournier Each year around this time, as we are neck deep in Festivals across the state, we realize that you also are neck deep – in festivals, performances, exams, and prepping for your next school year.  Recruitment is a vital part of your prep each year and programs […]

Not to get too mushy or maudlin, but I just returned from the CASMEC conference in San Jose and I’m currently overflowing with inspiration.  So, what could be inspiring about standing at a booth all day in the exhibit hall?  Plain and simple, it’s just you…the band, orchestra, and choir teacher. “I’m just here to […]