Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application fee?

How accurate does my number of students need to be when I apply?

How many performing groups can I bring?

How many adults can go free?

If a student is in more than one performing group, do they have to pay an additional cost?

When do performances take place?

Can I request a performance time?

When will I find out my performance time?

Do we wear uniforms or concert attire?

Where does the adjudication take place?

Can we listen to other groups perform?

If I can't find an original score, can I photocopy it?

Is there a required music list?

How long should the performance be?

What is the ratings scale?

Do we need to be considered for the competition awards?

When will we find out if we have won a competition award?

What equipment will be available at the performance site?

What is the procedure for changing my number of participants from the original application?

When do I make the final payment?

What is the payment schedule?

When do I need my final numbers for the festival?

How can I find out more information about the amusement park?

Will the Festival be postponed if it rains?

Can I use the park tickets on a different day?

When do I get my park tickets?

Can I add anyone on the day of the festival?

back to topIs there an application fee?
No. There is a $100.00 non-refundable deposit per performing group that will be credited to your final balance.
back to topHow accurate does my number of students need to be when I apply?
When you apply, please provide us with your best guess. You will have opportunities to adjust your number of students after your application is submitted. Your final number must be received no later than 15 days prior to your festival.
back to topHow many performing groups can I bring?
Your deposit of $100.00 entitles you to one performing group. Additional groups will be accepted for additional cost of $100.00 per performing group.
back to topHow many adults can go free?
Six Flags: There is one (1) complimentary ticket for every 15 paid park tickets.
Lake Compounce: There is one (1) complimentary ticket for every 15 paid park tickets.
back to topIf a student is in more than one performing group, do they have to pay an additional cost?
No, your invoice will reflect the total number of students and total number of adults attending the festival.
back to topWhen do performances take place?
Performance Times will be assigned on a first come basis after January 1.
back to topCan I request a performance time?
Many factors are considered at the time assignments are made, such as travel distance, size and number of groups from each school and time of registration. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but please keep in mind that these are just requests.
back to topWhen will I find out my performance time?
The performance time will be released 1-2 months prior to the festival.
back to topDo we wear uniforms or concert attire?
No. The attire of the group is up to the discretion of the director, and will not be factored into the Adjudicator's ratings or comments. Many groups attend dressed for the park. There will be no changing facilities available at the performance sites.
back to topWhere does the adjudication take place?
Performances take place at schools, churches, colleges, or other sites located near the amusement park.
back to topCan we listen to other groups perform?
Schools are welcome to arrive in advance of their performance time to listen to other performing groups. Please confirm this with Fantastic Festivals as some performance sites are more conducive than others to accommodating audiences.
back to topIf I can't find an original score, can I photocopy it?
Photocopied scores are not acceptable without an accompanying letter from the publisher. Adjudicators may refuse adjudication to any group submitting photocopied scores without the written permission of the publisher.
back to topIs there a required music list?
No, there are no required selections. Each group performs music appropriate to their level of development.
back to topHow long should the performance be?
No longer than 13 minutes.
back to topWhat is the ratings scale?
The ratings scale is the following:

        Platinum  92 points - 100 points
        Gold  80 points - 91 points
        Silver  70 points - 79 points
        Bronze  50points - 69 points
back to topDo we need to be considered for the competition awards?
No, you may choose to only perform for a rating.
back to topWhen will we find out if we have won a competition award?
In mid-June, after the completion of all of the Fantastic Festivals dates, all groups will be placed in score order and trophies will be awarded for First, Second, and Third Place in each Division and Level. You will be competing with groups from every Festival Day in your Division and Level.
back to topWhat equipment will be available at the performance site?
Chairs, music stands, piano, and other basic concert band percussion equipment are provided at each performance site. Choral risers are usually available. Schools need to bring electronic equipment and additional percussion equipment. Some sites have extensive equipment available. Please contact Fantastic Festivals for this information.
back to topWhat is the procedure for changing my number of participants from the original application?
You can make the adjustment on your invoice prior to submitting final payment or contact the office via phone or e mail. The last opportunity you have to decrease your number of participants, without penalty, is 15 days prior to your festival.
back to topWhen do I make the final payment?
The final payment is due to Fantastic Festivals office no later than 30 days prior to your festival. Payment for last minute additions may be made on the day of the festival.
back to topWhat is the payment schedule?
Payment is divided into two installments, 60 and 30 days prior to the adjudication date.
back to topWhen do I need my final numbers for the festival?
Final numbers are due 15 days prior to the festival.
back to topHow can I find out more information about the amusement park?
You can obtain more information about the park on the park web site.

Six Flags New England - Visit Website

Lake Compounce - Visit Website
back to topWill the Festival be postponed if it rains?
In the event of rain, amusement parks will not close. The festival will not be postponed or cancelled due to the weather. Many parks issue tickets that are valid only on the day of the festival. If the park is operating on the day of your festival, and you decide not to visit the park, you will not receive a refund.
back to topCan I use the park tickets on a different day?
Most parks issue tickets that are valid only on the day of the festival, however, some parks issue tickets that are valid throughout their operating season. The policy of the individual park can be confirmed by contacting the Fantastic Festivals office.
back to topWhen do I get my park tickets?
You will receive your park tickets at the performance site.
back to topCan I add anyone on the day of the festival?
A limited number of additional tickets may be available for purchase at the festival.