Festival Etiquette

 

(If you haven't already done so, I suggest reading my other two posts on Festival preparation, the one about memorizing music here and the one about nerves here.)

Etiquette. It's such an old-fashioned word, but it's a word I like. The word itself has poise and grace to it. 

   It doesn't change the fact that it's not the most popular word out there today. 

   Nonetheless, we all know that there are formal events at which etiquette is, at the very least, expected. And music festivals, as competitive events, fall into that category! 

   Let's use more approachable terminology, shall we? We'll talk here about the do's and don'ts of performing at festivals. 

   (This is adapted from the Parkland Music Festival Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is part of the Parkland Music Festival Syllabus, which can be read here. I strongly encourage all participants to read it for themselves.)

• Do put a sticky note on the front of your book stating your name and your class name and number. Also flag your pieces. Use an upside-down sticky note to clearly label the piece title and composer. 
• Don't show up in your tie-dye t-shirt and sweats. Casual dressy is the name of the game here, so now's a good time to pull out that outfit you save for special events. Wear the same kind of clothes you would wear to a recital! 
• Do show up 10-15 minutes before your class is supposed to start. Plan ahead to make it a bit early! 
• When you get there, hand your books to the door monitor (seated at the table, right in the foyer). 
• Don't be coming in and out while classes are in session. Wait for the door monitor to tell you you can go in. Then, once you're in, don't leave until your class is completely finished. (If you stay for the full hour, you might win a gift card. To celebrate Parkland Music Festival's 30th anniversary, they're doing draws for gift cards at the close of each hour. But you need to be there to collect your card if you do win.) 
• Don't be chattering during other contestant's performances or during the adjudication. Not only is that extremely impolite, but it could also disqualify you from winning a scholarship! Stay quiet and polite. 
• Do turn your phone and any other devices you might happen to have with you off or on silent. 
• Don't bring food or drink into the church sanctuary. Water is permitted, but no pop or juice or snacks. 
• Parents, you are allowed to video only your own child's performance. But you are not allowed to video the adjudication, due to copyright laws. Also, don't use flash photography. 
• Like at a recital... bow when you're done, clap for others when they're done and for the adjudicator as she works, and don't lose your cool if you make a mistake. :) 
• Parents and students: Don't try to talk to the adjudicator about how well you/your child did! No one, not the teacher, not the parents, and not the students, is allowed to try and influence the adjudicator's decision. This can also disqualify you from a scholarship. If you/your child won a scholarship, the Festival committee will call you and let you know after the festival. If you have a concern or question, take it to the door monitor or secretary, not the adjudicator. 
• Be respectful towards everyone -- the adjudicator, other performers, volunteers, and anyone else you might run into. Parents, you are responsible to make sure your children, whether they're participating or not, are well-behaved.