What is Beyond The Notes Music Festival?
This 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 Are The Festival Dates?
The festival traditionally takes place the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before Memorial Day. Future dates are:
- 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.
What Is The 2021 Wednesday & Thursday Clinic Format?
Each ensemble has a designated homeroom indicated on the schedule. Each group will have 30 minutes in the warm-up room, followed by a 30 minute block to perform. The ensemble will then walk to a clinic room for a 30 minute clinic from a master adjudicator. 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 2021 Band Side-by-Side Friday Format?
Each ensemble has a designated homeroom indicated on the schedule. Each group will have 40 minutes to warm-up in the warm-up room, 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 and Thursday 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 Friday, your ensemble will be led in the side-by-side experience by a guest clinician and 30 music education majors from across the area.
On Friday, your ensemble will be led in the side-by-side experience by a guest clinician and 30 music education majors from across the area.
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.
Is Breakfast Available?
With more groups performing early in the morning and a number of groups staying the night, we have decided to create a breakfast option. The breakfast will be served in the same location as the pizza later in the day. The breakfast will be scrambled eggs with breakfast potatoes and sausage links. Water and orange juice. Cold cereal and milk can be substituted for the eggs if a student is allergic or doesn't like eggs. The price for this buffet is $10 per student. Schools can register for this option on the final registration form.
The Kalahari also has new coffee shops located in the convention center. These shops will have muffins, yogurt, fruit and other smaller breakfast type items available for purchase.
The Kalahari also has new coffee shops located in the convention center. These shops will have muffins, yogurt, fruit and other smaller breakfast type items available for purchase.
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?
$275 registration fee per band – payment for adjudicators, room usage, equipment transportation (Due Early October)
Coming For The Day?
Student Fee - $30 (includes Waterpark/Adventure Park Pass & Pizza)
Staying Overnight?
Hotel Room = $108 (quad occupancy means $27 per student)
Pizza Cost = $9 per student (optional)
Breakfast Cost = $10 per student (optional)
Total = $46 per student with breakfast and lunch/dinner
Other: Security Guard Fee: $120
***Prices are subject to change from year to year…please check most current prices by contacting Chris Gleason.
Coming For The Day?
Student Fee - $30 (includes Waterpark/Adventure Park Pass & Pizza)
Staying Overnight?
Hotel Room = $108 (quad occupancy means $27 per student)
Pizza Cost = $9 per student (optional)
Breakfast Cost = $10 per student (optional)
Total = $46 per student with breakfast and lunch/dinner
Other: Security Guard Fee: $120
***Prices are subject to change from year to year…please check most current prices by contacting Chris Gleason.
Can Our Ensemble Stay Overnight?
YES! Here is the scoop:
How Much Are The Rooms?
The rooms are $108 per room (quad occupancy). You cannot have more than four individuals in a room without a fee being assessed. Four or less is just fine. : ) The resort fee has been waived and no sales tax will be assessed IF you live in Wisconsin. If you are from out-of-state, sales tax will apply.
Are Waterpark Passes Included With The Room?
Yes, waterpark passes are included at no extra charge, however these passes cannot be swapped or exchanged for adventure park passes. Staying overnight does not allow your students to select a waterpark pass versus the Adventure Park pass. However, students can still order an adventure park pass for an additional fee during the registration process. Keep in mind that students can enter the adventure park without a pass and pay for rides and games individually if they wish. The other benefit is that your students can go to the waterpark two days rather than just one day!
When Do We Need To Submit Our Room Lists?
Room lists including student and adult names are due in April along with your other registration materials. However, you will need to let me know your room need estimate by November.
How Will Rooms Be Assigned?
Once I have all of the specific room lists from each school I will work with the Kalahari to create a map of student and adult locations.
Will There Be A Security Guard To Watch Our Rooms?
Yes! I want to make sure that you and your chaperones get some much needed rest. Hiring security guards is not free, however I am willing to front some of the cost to make it cheaper for all of you. Each school should plan to pay $120. (The Kalahari typically charges $40 per hour per guard). My thought is that I would hire one guard per floor and have them start at 10 pm and finish at 6 am. That's eight hours of sleep for you (hopefully!).
How Do Meals Work When Staying Overnight?
Meals are not included in your room cost, however you can register for the pizza lunch or dinner ($9) as well as the new breakfast option ($10). You will be able to register for these options when completing the final registration on April 1. The Kalahari will not allow you to bring food into the convention center, however you are able to have food in your hotel rooms. Keep in mind also, that there are fast food places to eat in the Adventure Park as well as the waterpark. If you are willing to leave the resort you will find Pizza Ranch, Jimmy Johns, Qdoba, MACS, Unos, and Culvers close by.
How Do I Officially Register My Group To Stay Overnight?
In order to officially reserve guest rooms for your ensemble a form will be sent out in November. The form will ask you estimate the total number of hotel rooms you will need. Don't worry if this number changes slightly before April. The goal is to get an estimate to help the Kalahari to prepare.
How Much Are The Rooms?
The rooms are $108 per room (quad occupancy). You cannot have more than four individuals in a room without a fee being assessed. Four or less is just fine. : ) The resort fee has been waived and no sales tax will be assessed IF you live in Wisconsin. If you are from out-of-state, sales tax will apply.
Are Waterpark Passes Included With The Room?
Yes, waterpark passes are included at no extra charge, however these passes cannot be swapped or exchanged for adventure park passes. Staying overnight does not allow your students to select a waterpark pass versus the Adventure Park pass. However, students can still order an adventure park pass for an additional fee during the registration process. Keep in mind that students can enter the adventure park without a pass and pay for rides and games individually if they wish. The other benefit is that your students can go to the waterpark two days rather than just one day!
When Do We Need To Submit Our Room Lists?
Room lists including student and adult names are due in April along with your other registration materials. However, you will need to let me know your room need estimate by November.
How Will Rooms Be Assigned?
Once I have all of the specific room lists from each school I will work with the Kalahari to create a map of student and adult locations.
Will There Be A Security Guard To Watch Our Rooms?
Yes! I want to make sure that you and your chaperones get some much needed rest. Hiring security guards is not free, however I am willing to front some of the cost to make it cheaper for all of you. Each school should plan to pay $120. (The Kalahari typically charges $40 per hour per guard). My thought is that I would hire one guard per floor and have them start at 10 pm and finish at 6 am. That's eight hours of sleep for you (hopefully!).
How Do Meals Work When Staying Overnight?
Meals are not included in your room cost, however you can register for the pizza lunch or dinner ($9) as well as the new breakfast option ($10). You will be able to register for these options when completing the final registration on April 1. The Kalahari will not allow you to bring food into the convention center, however you are able to have food in your hotel rooms. Keep in mind also, that there are fast food places to eat in the Adventure Park as well as the waterpark. If you are willing to leave the resort you will find Pizza Ranch, Jimmy Johns, Qdoba, MACS, Unos, and Culvers close by.
How Do I Officially Register My Group To Stay Overnight?
In order to officially reserve guest rooms for your ensemble a form will be sent out in November. The form will ask you estimate the total number of hotel rooms you will need. Don't worry if this number changes slightly before April. The goal is to get an estimate to help the Kalahari to prepare.
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 8:30 PM on Monday, March 2, 2020
- Performance times will be reserved without the $275.00 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 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