What is Beyond The Notes Music Festival?
This middle school festival focuses on student learning and growth. It treasures the “teachable moment” and provides unparalleled access to expert instruction and feedback in a non-competitive environment. Wind, percussion, string, and vocal clinicians are selected for their specific skill set in working with and inspiring young musicians. Our conducting clinicians offer educators a digital analysis of their conducting and practical tips to improve. The festival schedule allows ensembles time to listen to and support other groups as well as time to enjoy Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark and Tom Foolerys Adventure Park. Profound learning and social experiences through music all at an affordable price.
What Grade Levels Can Participate?
The festival focuses on students at the 8th grade level. Ensembles can include 6th, 7th or even 9th graders, however the focus is the middle school student.
What Are The Festival Dates?
The festival traditionally takes place the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before Memorial Day. Future dates are:
- May 22-24, 2019
- May 20-22, 2020
- May 26-28, 2021
- May 25-27, 2022
- May 24-26, 2023
- May 22-24, 2024
- May 21-23, 2025
- May 20-22, 2026
- May 26-28, 2027
- May 24-26, 2028
- May 23-25, 2029
- May 22-24, 2030
Where Does The Festival Take Place?
The Kalahari Resort and Convention Center is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI. From Madison:
I-90 westbound to exit #92, Hwy 12 (Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells). Turn north (right) at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Hwy 12. At the first stoplight (Meadowview Drive), turn right to Kalahari Drive. Address is 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 or go to Kalahariresorts.com
I-90 westbound to exit #92, Hwy 12 (Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells). Turn north (right) at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Hwy 12. At the first stoplight (Meadowview Drive), turn right to Kalahari Drive. Address is 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 or go to Kalahariresorts.com
What Are The Performance Facilities Like?
The festival takes place in the beautiful ballrooms in the convention center. The Center boasts over 100,000 square feet of flexible space, ranging from the elite executive board room to the 17,000+ square foot ballrooms. Each ensemble is assigned to a separate 1,300 square foot private homeroom area. The performances take place in one of the large ballrooms capable of seating any size ensemble and a large audience. In 2020 the festival will make use of the soon to be completed state-of-the-art convention space. Go to kalahariresorts.com to see pictures!
What Is The 2019 Wednesday Format?
Each band has a designated warm-up/homeroom indicated on the schedule. The afternoon groups will also have “MI” (move-in times designated). Each group will have 30 minutes to warm-up in their homeroom, followed by a 30 minute block to perform. The ensemble will then walk to a clinic room for a 30 minute wind clinic from a master adjudicator. A separate percussion clinic will take place next door. The schedule also indicates preferred times for each group to listen to other groups as well as times to eat pizza/soda. Oh yes, not to mention your students will get to select from an all-day waterpark pass or an all-day indoor themepark pass for a great price!
What Is The 2019 Thursday/Friday Format?
Each ensemble has a designated warm-up/homeroom indicated on the schedule. The afternoon groups will also have “MI” (move-in times designated). Each group will have 40 minutes to warm-up in their homeroom, followed by a 40 minute block to perform one or two selections and then participate in the side-by-side experience. The schedule also indicates preferred times for ensembles to listen to other groups as well as times to eat pizza/soda. Oh yes, not to mention your students will get to select from an all-day waterpark pass or an all-day indoor themepark pass for a great price!
Is The Festival Adjudicated?
On Wednesday the ensembles will be adjudicated however, they do not receive ratings. You will have three adjudicators for your performance. One adjudicator will provide a 30 minute clinic, another will provide you with written comments and a third adjudicator will record verbal comments. The recording will contain two tracks. The first track will be a recording of your ensemble's performance in stereo. The next recording will be an adjudicator’s audio comments (right speaker) and your group's performance (left speaker). The recordings will be available to director’s via Google Drive after the festival. Clinicians are selected not only for their knowledge and experience, but also for their compassion and enthusiasm. Our clinicians understand the importance of making this festival an educational and inspiring experience!
On Thursday and Friday, your ensemble will be led in the side-by-side experience by a guest clinician and 30-35 members of the UWEC and UWW Band Programs.
On Thursday and Friday, your ensemble will be led in the side-by-side experience by a guest clinician and 30-35 members of the UWEC and UWW Band Programs.
Do My Students Get To Choose Between The Waterpark And Indoor Themepark?
Yes! Students will have a choice when registering if they would like a waterpark wristband or a Tom Foolerys Adventure Park pass (allowing students to enjoy the 6-story Ferris wheel, mini golf, go carts, rope climbing, ropes course, rock climbing and laser tag. Arcade games, bowling and golf simulators are not included in the pass). You do not need a pass to enter the indoor theme park, however you do need a wristband to enter the waterpark. So students electing to get the waterpark pass can still do indoor theme park activities; however they will need pay for each activity. To see all of the fantastic options, activities and events go to kalahariresorts.com for more information and pictures! *Schools opting to stay overnight in the hotel will receive waterpark passes with their rooms. These passes cannot be substituted for Adventure Park Passes.
Do My Students Get Pizza/Soda With Their Registration?
Yes! Pizza will be located in rooms adjacent to the performance hall. Each paying participant will receive a token for a slice of pizza and a soda. Cash will not be accepted in this room. If parents would like to purchase pizza or kids want more food, they should purchase it from the food areas in and around the waterpark and lobby.
Can Parents/Guardians Stay For A Discounted Rate During The Festival?
Yes! Family members can stay at the Kalahari on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday night for a discounted price while rooms are available. Reservations can be made on an individual basis by calling 877-253-5466 at least one month in advance of the festival. Please request the Beyond The Notes Music Festival Room Block
What Is The Cost Of The Festival?
$250 registration fee per band – payment for adjudicators, room usage, equipment transportation (Due Early October)
$30 per student (approx.) – pays for waterpark pass or indoor theme park pass and a slice of pizza and soda. (Due 1 month before festival) ***Prices are subject to change from year to year…please check most current prices by contacting Chris Gleason.
$30 per student (approx.) – pays for waterpark pass or indoor theme park pass and a slice of pizza and soda. (Due 1 month before festival) ***Prices are subject to change from year to year…please check most current prices by contacting Chris Gleason.
Can Our Ensemble Stay Overnight?
Ensembles are welcome to stay over at the Kalahari. A certain number of rooms are reserved and available at a discounted price for this purpose. One benefit of staying at the hotel is that waterpark passes come with each room. Consequently, your students would only need to pay for the pizza lunch/dinner when registering. The hotel does strongly recommend you hire a security guard to watch the halls. This is approx. $30 per hour with 6 hours minimum. So that would be $180. The hotel has a company they work with ....so it is easy to do. My advice would be to call the Kalahari and ask for the "group sales office" they will help you make reservations or answer questions. Call 877-253-5466 ***Prices are subject to change from year to year so be sure to give them a call.
What Happens If I Have A Student Who Cannot Attend?
If a pre-registered child is sick or cannot attend the festival you can return the waterpark wristband or Adventure Park wristband for a voucher good for a future visit (within a few months of date issued). The wristband needs to be turned into the group sales office at the Kalahari on the same day as the group’s performance for a voucher to be issued during working hours. There are no refunds for the pizza ticket. You are encouraged to give it to hungry student!! The wristbands and pizza tokens you receive at the festival are only valid on the days of the event and cannot be used at any further dates/times.
How Do I Register For The Festival?
Entry into the festival is on a first-come, first serve basis beginning at 8 AM on the first Monday in March.
- Performance times will be reserved without the $250.00 ensemble entry fee until October 1st . (send a check made payable to “Beyond The Notes Music Festival”)
- The student fee (approx. $30 ea.) will need to be paid in full one month in advance of the festival. Refunds will not be given after that time.
What Is The Typical Attire For The Students While Performing?
Most ensembles have their students wear their typical performance attire. The facility is air conditioned so temperature is not an issue. While there is no formal dress code for the performance, we do encourage a more formal approach to the performance and save the Hawaiian shirts for later! Students are required to wear shoes and shirts into the Adventure Park.
Do Chaperones, Bus Drivers, And Educators Need To Pay?
Each ensemble will receive two free "observer" passes for the waterpark (if they are not staying overnight). This will allow two adults to enter into the waterpark in street clothes. These passes do not allow you to utilize the waterpark. There is always the option to purchase more “observer” waterpark passes for $10 each at the waterpark desk on the day of the festival. I would recommend not pre-ordering extra observer bands as they are not refundable or eligible for a voucher. The Adventure Park does not required admission to enter. Chaperones, bus drivers and educators will need to purchase passes like the students if they want to use the themeparks. Chaperones, bus drivers and educators can also purchase the pizza lunch/dinner for the same cost as the students. Parents, friends, etc cannot purchase pizza or themepark tickets through this festival if they are not directly involved as a chaperone.
How Many Selections Do Ensembles Usually Perform?
The number of selections varies between ensembles. You are welcome to play as many or as few as you wish within the 30 minute time allotment on Wednesday. Ensembles doing the side-by-side experience will perform one to two on Thursday and Friday.
Will There Be Someone To Help Us On The Day Of The Festival?
Yes! We will have a festival host meet you on your bus when you arrive. The host will give you your packet containing the themepark wristbands and pizza tokens. The host will also talk to your students about the policies and procedures for the festival and themeparks. You will have a person come to get you when your ensemble can enter the performance hall. We will have a stage crew preparing your setup. The Kalahari catering staff will have the pizza and soda ready when your group is ready for lunch/dinner. Finally, I will be attending the festival and can help answer questions at any time.
Who Do We Contact If We Have Questions?
See the "Contact Us" Page