Participating High School Concert Band Director
“I was moved to tears more than once by the performance of the Orchestra, and I was astonished at the professionalism and expertise with which they handled themselves.”
Director of Honor Orchestra of America Member
“The inclusion of middle school ensembles into the Music for All weekend is a tremendous incentive, providing a new musical challenge without the pressure of trying to achieve a rating.”
Participating Middle School Concert Band Director
Concert Performances: Each ensemble performs a concert before a knowledgeable audience, including the Festival evaluation panel, music educators, and fellow student musicians.
Clinics and Evaluations: Following the performance, each ensemble has a clinic with one of the Festival Clinicians. Ensemble directors receive recorded and written comments from the evaluators.
Conductors of each ensemble receive recorded and written input on their conducting from a revered conductor. Plus, ensemble conductors will receive a one-on-one mentoring session with one of the Festival evaluators or clinicians. This mentoring session affords the conductor the opportunity to engage one-on-one with the evaluator about the program and topics of interest to both the conductor and the mentor.
Scheduled Observation: Concert observation time is scheduled and required for each ensemble, ensuring that all ensembles perform for a knowledgeable, appreciative audience who in turn, enjoy outstanding performances of quality literature.
Master Classes: All students participate in master classes led by top applied faculty and professional musicians. These master classes provide opportunities for interaction with experienced performers whose insight and experience exemplify musical achievement.
Social Events for Students and Directors: The Festival socials give students the chance to relax, have fun, and get to know students from other programs across the country. The director and evaluator receptions and hospitality opportunities offer networking and informal interaction with colleagues, guest artists, and icons of music education.
Gala Awards Banquet: The Festival culminates with a formal banquet for students, directors, parents, staff, and evaluators that exemplifies the Festival’s first-class standards. Guests enjoy a plated dinner and recognition of each ensemble.
World-Class Venues and Facilities: Music for All National Festival ensembles perform in world-class venues. Concert halls and venues that have hosted Festival performances include Clowes Memorial Hall and the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Performing Arts on Butler University’s campus; Hilbert Circle Theatre, home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; the beautiful St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church; the Indiana Historical Society; Warren Performing Arts Center; and the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. 2022 Festival performance halls will be selected from these outstanding venues.
Audio Recording of Concert: Each student and director will receive a professional audio recording of their Festival performance.
Festival Hotels: Festival ensembles stay at outstanding hotels, including the Marriott Place Indianapolis – featuring the JW Marriott plus four premier Marriott hotel properties – and select downtown hotels, surrounded by numerous cultural and recreational attractions.
Ensemble Hosts: Each ensemble will be assigned a host, who will help guide you through the Festival weekend. Hosts are not only familiar with the Festival, but many of them have also had an ensemble perform at the Festival in the past. All hosts are committed to ensuring that you have the best possible experience before and during the Festival.
Virtual Familiarization Sessions: Directors and booster representatives from invited ensembles are required to participate in two virtual familiarization sessions during which Music for All staff and Festival coordinators will convey critical Festival participation information and answer questions. These required sessions will be scheduled in August and in December.