How Does a Rhythms International Music Festival Work?

When you register for a Rhythms Festival you will register all of your performing groups and or divisions. Choral groups, choirs, show choirs, colour guards, orchestras, stage bands, senior and senior jazz bands, wind ensemble etc… We will also ask that you forward some information on the performing group itself and the director. When we get your information, Mr. Niermeyer then picks from our fine selection of adjudicators those best suited for each division and schedules the judges for your group. You may register as many groups as you wish who will be travelling with you. We will also forward you information on the adjudicators who will be working with your group prior to arrival.

Adjudication schedules are made according to the final itinerary we receive from your travel operator. They will plan with you to make sure that everything goes just right. We ask that you provide us with the stage set-up you require for your performance. Upon arrival at the destination you will be greeted by a Rhythms International Music Festivals Supervisor who will go over any last minute details for your performance. Adjudications are normally scheduled for the Saturday, Sunday or both depending on your divisions.

The day of your adjudication your escort will get you to the venue. You will normally arrive one hour prior to your performance. The Rhythms International Music Festivals venue hosts will guide your group to the warm-up room which is equipped with a keyboard, conductors music stand, music stands, tables and chairs. Your group will be left alone to prepare for the performance. When the time has come a Rhythms host will escort you to the stage which has been pre-set according to the plan you submitted. The Rhythms International Music Festivals Supervisor will introduce you to the adjudicators for your performance. You will provide the adjudicators with a copy of your scores at this time.

Back on stage, the manager will present your group and signal the beginning of the performance. You are asked to perform for a maximum of 30 minutes. When you are finished two of the three judges present will come on stage and conduct a clinic with you and your group for the rest of your hour. The director may stay with them if you so wish. During this hour we will be video taping your performance and the clinic.

Fun Times at a Rhythms Festival!

When the hour is finished the judges then get together and finish their paperwork on your group while awaiting the arrival of the next group. These documents, tapes, video tape etc… are then put in an envelope which will be handed to you at the Rhythms International Music Festivals Awards Banquet on Sunday night along with your Rhythms International Music Festivals Participation Plaque.

Please note that it is your choice whether your performace is rated or not. If you wish to be rated, a small engraved plaque with your rating will be given to you with the adjudication tapes and notes. It is designed to be placed upon your Rhythms International Music Festivals Participation Plaque shoould you decide to do so.