May 2009

Dear Directors,

Once again this year we had the privilege of welcoming even more groups to our growing Rhythms Family. Our Veterans welcomed them with open arms into our circle and all enjoyed the advantages and service only Rhythms offers. Next year it will be their turn to welcome yet more groups to our events!

Service! This is the word we kept hearing the most this year. Attention to detail, service, quality are all words which have become synonymous with our company. We will never compromise on the quality of service we offer each and every one of you who participate in one of our festivals. We believe that you have enough to do in getting the trip together and taking care of your students without having to worry about the details once on site. It is for this reason that our attentive staff are ever-present ready to assist at all times. Service is a dying quality. Call me "Old School" but I truly believe that there are many out there who still appreciate it and are willing to pay a few dollars more in order to offer their groups the best experience possible.

Mike Leclerc

The Economy: This is another word we heard of a lot. Many of you are already feeling the blunt of it and 2010 seems to be the same. As we went through the season we met with all our suppliers and vendors and we all agreed that if we want to make it possible for groups to continue making their travels possible through these difficult times we need to sharpen our proverbial pencils and make it possible. I am pleased to announce that we will be maintaining our prices for the entire 2010 season for all who wish to make it to one of our festivals.

At Rhythms we tailor-make 90% of our programs to meet each group's requests. Though we have sample programs, we are one of the only festival companies that puts together exactly what you want to meet your group's needs. As we do this we will always make sure that you get the best value for your hard earned dollar. Our concept of giving back to the school music world was well received by the directors. Our main concept is to find venues within schools who are willing and available to host our events. In return for their services we make substantial donations directly to their music program on your behalf. This in turn assists them in bettering their arts program. We all know how budget cuts affect the music departments and this only helps them maintain a better program for the students in their school.

Our other concepts are interaction and local flavor! At all our festivals we try to bring out the local flavor of the destination by offering activities, meals etc… typical to the destination. We also try to encourage interaction with local musicians, especially at our banquet dinners which are always a total success. Our Live Entertainment is always carefully selected on the basis that they are "SUPERIOR" (rated by our groups) and capable of making our banquets the most memorable event you will ever attend. Anyone who has ever been to a Rhythms International Awards Banquet will agree that the atmosphere is magical to say the least.

There are two new programs for 2010. Due to popular demand we have decided to add a New York City Program. This will follow our usual pattern but since no two groups will want the same inclusions we will tailor-make each itinerary to meet every group's requests. We will be lodging our groups just outside Manhattan in New Jersey (more cost effective) and a short ride into the New York City and access to all it has to offer.

Our second new additional is a festival for all types of vocal groups in Quebec City. Often called "Europe at Your Doorstep" Quebec has a fantastic selection of venues for master classes, clinics, adjudications and mostly performances. This festival will not only offer the usual Rhythms adjudications but will also feature performances for the people of Quebec in a most heart-warming atmosphere. Groups registered at this festival will be put in contact with each other for possible joint performances to encourage the exchange mentioned above. Local "Quebecois" performers will also be invited to make the experience that much more fun for all. This will also be opened to show choirs, swing choirs, dance schools, men's and women's choruses and chamber choirs to name but a few.

You will find within our web-site, our line-up of destinations and dates for 2010. This selection has been made by popular demand and the dates selected according to a general calendar. We know that no two groups work on the same calendar. It is for this reason that we have our "YOU TELL US" form. If you do not see the date or destination that you want, all you have to do is contact us or fill in the form. It will be our pleasure to meet your needs and will be so much easier for us if you tell us exactly what you need and want. You have no idea just how accommodating we can be until you contact us.

Yours In Music,

Michael Leclerc
President