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Spooky, Strange, Eerie, and Mysterious Music

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 Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky.  Adapted from a Russian folktale, the music paints the picture of a witches’ gathering on Bald Mountain on St. John’s Eve.  Used to effect in Disney’s Fantasia, the fiery percussion and eerie strings help create the frightful atmosphere of the piece.  Mussorgsky was only a teenager when he […]

Keep Calm and Recruit Boys for Choir

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For over 20 years, Forum Music Festivals has welcomed a 90-voice boys’ choir to perform at festival.  Are they pledges to the Vienna Boys Choir?  Nope, they are from a public middle school where their teacher made singing a very cool thing to do.  At this school, singing in the Boys’ Choir is a tradition.  […]

Clarifying Knott’s Chaperone Policy

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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 […]

The Finish Line is Near!

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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 […]

8 Lesser Known (But Fabulous) So Cal Excursions

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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.  […]

Last Minute Planning in a Pandemic Year

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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 […]

Making Practice Fun!

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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 […]

Best Lines from 27 Years of Festivals

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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 […]

Thrilling Adventures…Close to Home

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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 […]

Disney Imagination Campus Update

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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 […]