At Forum Music Festivals, we’re  thrilled to be welcoming students and directors back for in-person performances! We welcomed hundreds of students in 2022 and look forward to more great music this year! Thousands of student performers of every age and ability have participated with us for almost 3 decades.

Founded by music educators, our focus is to support directors, encourage young musicians, and promote music standards.

Professional adjudicators offer constructive advice  to enrich your students’ musical education and reinforce your classroom teaching.

Forum Festivals offers an exceptional quality at an excellent value to both all-in-one-day and overnight student groups.

Your time is valuable.  We know that you have many choices. We want your experience with Forum Festivals to exceed your expectations.  Discover Forum Music Festivals.  We’re dedicated to creating an amazing performing experience for your ensemble.

Here’s to another wonderful year of music!

Our one-day festival packages are budget-friendly, so all schools and ensembles can participate in an area festival.

Every One-Day Forum Festival includes:

• Performance in concert-quality theatre
• Recorded & written comments by leading adjudicators
• Motivating, fun awards ceremony at the venue
• Rated, non-competitive or “comments only” performance
• Customized plaque for each ensemble
• Recognition for student/section from each ensemble
• Admission to major theme parks & attractions
• Meal vouchers add-on option
• Complimentary theme park ticket for each director
• Complimentary recording of group’s performance
• Flexible payment policy
• Scholarship program for returning schools or directors
• Travel protection may be added for your group for a small additional fee

Festival dates and prices are posted on our website at www.forummusicfestivals.com.  Visit our Festival Registration page or call us directly at 1-888-76-FORUM to register for a one-day package.

Our custom overnight packages are designed to reflect your tour goals and interests. We are committed to setting up an unforgettable trip for you!

Every Overnight Package includes:

All performance options included in one-day package plus

• Lodging at a quality hotel near the festival or attractions
• Breakfast at the hotel included in every package
• Attraction or theme park of your choice
• Complimentary theme park & lodging for each director
• 24-hour phone support during travel
• Your Trip Assistant automated text messaging system
• Travel protection provided for all participants

Customize a package just for your group!

Special activities to make the most of your experience.

• Additional hotel nights
• Attractions and cultural events
• Group meals
• Concerts & Shows
• Sightseeing & touring opportunities

Contact us today by phone or website for a no-obligation proposal before registering.  To register, visit our Festival Registration page or call us directly at 1-888-76-FORUM.

Below are several useful forms and resources that you may need as a festival participant.
Please contact office@forummusicfestivals.com with any questions.

• Participant Release Form
• Stage Set-up Form (Complete by Hand)
• Stage Set-up Form (Digital version for instrumental groups)
• Judges' Invitational Stage Set-up Form
• Director Comments Form
• 2023 Director's Guide
• Quick FAQ
• Disney Performing Arts Application (online)

Our one-day and overnight packages can be fully customized.  Select from these activities, or we can suggest other options. Contact us for pricing and availability.

Anaheim/Los Angeles Area:

• Disneyland Resort
• Knott's Berry Farm
• Universal Studios
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Medieval Times or Pirates Dinner Adventure
• Museums, Presidential Libraries & Science Centers
• Symphony or music theatre tickets

San Francisco Area:

• California's Great America
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
• Museums & Science Centers including Exploratorium
• Golden Gate Park
• Bay Cruises or Alcatraz
• San Francisco Symphony or musical theatre tickets
• Step-on guides for personalized city tour

San Diego Area:

• SeaWorld San Diego
• San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park
• USS Midway or Hornblower Cruise of the Bay
• Museums & Science Centers
• Historic Old Town San Diego
• San Diego Symphony or musical theatre tickets

YES! We have many different suggestions for groups to perform outside of the Festival, including theme park performances and workshops as well as public performances in well-trafficked venues.  Contact us directly to explore ideas!

You’ll find the latest information on our website.  Festival dates, one-day pricing, and answers to the most commonly asked questions can be found at forummusicfestivals.com. 

Request a Quote for an overnight trip on our website.  And you’ll also find the forms you need to download including the stage set-up form, participant release forms, an electronic Director’s Guide, and the Disney Imagination Campus application.

Of course, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone (1-888-763-6786) or email office@forummusicfestivals.com at anytime.

We'd love to keep you posted on everything happening with Forum Music Festivals! Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter on our website, our mailing list, and follow us on Facebook.

Don't forget to tag us using @forummusicfestivals and #2023FMF and post your favorite Festival photos directly to our page!

Fun and valuable promotions are offered via our e-newsletter and Facebook posts—don’t miss out on the latest promo for your trip.

Your day starts with a warm welcome at the check-in desk. Turn in your original conductor’s scores for the adjudicators. A runner will guide your group to the warm-up room, then onstage for performance. The stage is pre-set according to your instructions.

Our announcer will introduce your group. Plan 2-3 pieces of 12 to 15 minutes of music.

Two adjudicators will assess your ensemble’s performance and provide recorded and written feedback. Part of the benefit of the festival is learning from other ensembles. Your students are encouraged to enjoy & support other festival performers.

Topping off the festival is an exciting Awards Ceremony held at the venue. Your students won’t want to miss it!

Before you leave the festival, stop by the front desk for your scores, the judges’ written comments, and theme park tickets. Judges’ recordings will be air-dropped or emailed to you. You’ll also receive a recording of your festival performance.

Performing in a suitable venue enhances your performance. Festivals are held at well-equipped venues with lighting & sound systems - many are  college theatres or recital halls.

Informal attire is fine since groups enjoy an activity after the festival. Many groups wear concert attire, but it’s not a factor in judging. No dressing rooms are provided at the venue.

No, but please select literature that showcases your ensemble’s strengths. Adjudicators cite the most common error is music that’s too challenging for the group.  Performing difficult music poorly doesn’t impress judges.

Yes, bring original scores for the judges. Copied scores are unacceptable unless accompanied by a publisher’s letter.

Choral ensembles have 20 minutes; instrumental groups have 25 minutes. This includes taking the stage, introductions, pausing between selections, and exiting.

Plan on 12 to 15 minutes of music, typically about 2 to 3 pieces per ensemble.

We provide the following equipment at our festivals (Other equipment may be available at individual venues. Please ask if you need anything other than what is listed below. No snares, cymbals, drum sets, or bass amps are available.):

• Tympani
• Bass Drum
• Chimes
• Xylophone
• Grand Piano
• Choral Risers
• Recorded accompaniment playback
• PA System – up to 6 microphones

A stage set up form is emailed with your schedule. Return the completed form to us before the festival. Our stage crew will position your set-up for the performance!

Performances are scheduled approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to the festival.  Directors receive their performance schedule by email.

Directors must inform Forum Festivals 60 days prior of any transportation limits or other concerns that have an effect on your arrival at the festival .  A cancellation fee will be assessed for any performing ensemble pulled from the festival after the schedule is distributed.

Forum Music Festivals’ non-competitive, rated format means that directors choose to perform for either a rating (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, Merit) OR a “comments only” non-rated award—Excellence in Performance.  All groups receive a plaque at the Awards Ceremony as well as adjudicators comments. Groups are not ranked.

Because our adjudicators hear many groups throughout the year, you may evaluate your group’s rating with groups of similar grade levels from across the country. Gold-rated bands, orchestras, and choirs are invited the following year for the Judges’ Invitational, an annual “best of the best” competition.

Your students deserve a great awards ceremony! Our Award Ceremony celebrates your students' hard work and supports other performers. Awards typically last 15 minutes.  Each ensemble receives a plaque plus a musicianship plaque to one student or section from each ensemble.

Awards are held at the festival venue. It’s fun, positive, and motivational. Your group may enjoy the balance of the day with no interruption of your afternoon or evening.

One-day participants receive theme park tickets at the front desk of the festival, not at the theme park.  Directors may add or subtract tickets as needed.  Extra tickets issued to the director are billed after the festival. No tickets are accepted by mail after the festival.

Finalize your participant count 3 weeks in advance.  Student tickets may be returned to the festival, but a credit or refund is only permitted for the ticket cost itself.  No refunds for the festival portion when changes are made at the festival.

Theme park tickets for family members may be purchased with cash at the front desk, (other than Disney).   Family members may watch performances at no fee.  For groups going to the Disneyland Resort, your tickets were pre-ordered & aren’t eligible for refund, per Disney policy.

Overnight directors receive all tickets in a packet shipped one week prior to the festival.  Tickets, maps, the latest itinerary, rooming list and other information are included. Please mail the confirmation form before the trip so tickets will be activated.

Students with annual passes should double check for any possible “black-out days.”  A “festival only” fee is charged for those students, who may then use their passes for admission to the park. Other exceptions may apply depending on the theme park.

Calculating trip costs includes lodging, meals, transportation, & activities. If you have a specific budget, let us know right away. We’ll sketch out an itinerary to fit your group’s interests & budget.

• Plan early. Students need time to meet fundraising goals. This yields a higher ratio of involvement. Start with a realistic number to avoid returning to students for additional funds. Building in a buffer gives you options — refund money, or plan a
  special meal or extra outing.
• Create a timeline for collecting funds. Consider holiday breaks and payment processing time. Give specific due dates for payments to coordinate with our payment schedule.
• Transportation is a large part of the travel budget. Determine these costs before giving a per person cost to students. Base these expenses on a realistic number of travelers, so if there’s a drop, your bus expense is covered. Other charges may apply— driver’s rooms, parking or toll fees. We’ll make it all clear to you from the get-go!

Breakfast is included on all Forum Music Festival overnight trips. Theme park or restaurant meal vouchers may be added as well as group meals at student-friendly restaurants.

Many groups recruit chaperones based on a 1 per 10 ratio. Check your district guidelines to verify requirements for chaperones, i.e. background checks, fingerprinting, etc.  Be specific about your expectations before the trip. Although the trip is enjoyable, their job is to supervise students. Responsibilities can include bus counts, room checks, managing equipment, supervising behavior, or enforcing curfews. Chaperones often manage a preset student group.

Our itineraries are so thorough, you won’t need a tour escort. However, a tour escort may ensure a seamless and worry-free trip for you! A tour escort can meet your group to handle itinerary details, as your budget allows.  Let us know if you would like to build in the cost of a tour escort.

Your Trip Assistant is a convenient and completely customized alert system for directors of overnight groups! This complimentary automated text messaging system allows Forum Festivals to text reminders to you throughout your trip.  No need for an onsite tour escort - receive reminders via text before your first warm-up time, prompting upcoming bus loading,  theatre or concert start times, restaurant reservations and addresses, and more!

Director must opt in to Your Trip Assistant. Text messages apply only to your trip. Standard text messaging rates may apply – contact your carrier for details.

YES! Forum Music Festivals offers one student scholarship for returning schools or directors for each consecutive year of participation up to five years or 10% off total student balance, whichever is less. Scholarships apply to one-day and overnight packages (hotel, festival, breakfast, theme park) and are available to school groups that book directly with Forum Music Festivals, not through outside tour operators or travel planners.

YES! Hotel accommodations are reserved at hotels near your activities. When selecting a hotel for your group, safety and security are of the highest importance. Groups are only lodged at quality hotels with interior corridors.  Rooms are requested on the second floor or higher.  We do not book student groups in rooms with outdoor access.

Our relationship with hotels helps keep your trip within budget.  Any specific requests you provide to us is shared with the hotel.

Students usually stay 4 or 5 to a room.  Chaperones usually stay 2 to a room. Packages include a complimentary room for each director.

Pricing listed on your itinerary is a per person price based on quad (4/room) or quint (5/suite), triple, double, or single occupancy package with lodging, breakfast, & activities.

Your group’s room block is based on your rooming list. Chaperone rooms are blocked between student rooms. Directors often request boys’ and girls’ rooms be on different floors. We’ll communicate your requests to the hotel.

After registering, you’ll receive an email giving you access to our online rooming list form with your due date indicated. Complete the form for all travelers (students, adults, drivers).

We need your rooming list at least 75 days prior to your trip. Certain hotels require earlier due dates, but our staff will advise you if this applies to your trip.

Changes occur in student travel, so we’re as flexible as possible. Additions are allowed through Forum, based on hotel availability. After submitting your rooming list, you may change the rooming list one time at no additional fee. After that, a charge for each subsequent revision applies. No changes to the rooming list is allowed after the 30-day deadline. Please see our cancellation policy for more details.

Absolutely! We arrange everything from theatre, symphony tickets to bowling parties, museums, sightseeing tours, clinics, workshops, and everything in between.

Our relationship with reputable bus companies yields competitive rates and you save money! Upon request, we’ll provide a no-obligation quote based on your itinerary. Here’s a couple of tips:

· Let’s order buses as soon as you have a confirmed date. We’ll get a clear picture of costs upfront so you have an accurate quote.  A deposit will be required to hold your bus.

· The Department of Transportation determines rules about off-duty hours for drivers. Safety is top priority. Drive time limits are key when planning your return trip.

· Traffic jams, bathroom breaks, & surprises happen. Our itineraries provide drivers with precise destinations. We confirm it all so you don’t have to!

Yes, festivals are about 20 minutes from the hotel or park. Ask about hotel shuttles & more options. Our resources keep costs down.

Yes, we’ll book a hotel room for your drivers whether or not we have arranged your charter bus transportation.  Driver’s rooms must be on the rooming list. Most charter bus companies require a paid day sleeping room for each driver if the group requires transportation at night. Charges for bus driver’s rooms vary.  This information will be listed on your itinerary - no surprises!

• While uninterrupted travel during the late night and early morning is not prohibited by law, we recognize that night-time driving can contribute to drowsiness in the driver. We strongly encourage groups to plan alternate itineraries to avoid a late evening departure. For that reason, trips will no longer be booked by Forum Music Festivals that require drivers to drive between the hours of 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Drivers must be off the clock during these middle of the night hours.
• Seat belts will be requested and provided unless otherwise notified.
• Please know California law now requires seat belts be worn in buses equipped with them.
• If a district has a list of pre-qualified charter bus companies, we will confer with our client and double check the charter company’s safety record so we may abide by the district’s guidelines.

Federal Regulations mandate that…

• Motorcoach drivers cannot drive more than 10 hours in a 24 hour period.
• Motorcoach drivers may not drive after having been on duty for 15 hours.
• Motorcoach drivers must have at least 8 hours off before their next shift can start (some bus companies may require more).
• Motorcoach drivers may not drive after 60 hours on duty over seven days or after 70 hours on duty over eight days.
• Driver hours are now tracked using electronic logging devices.

Effective July 2018, California State Law SB20 requires that both drivers and passengers wear seat belts. Parents, guardians or chartering companies are being held responsible for making sure children 16 and under are buckled up. ANY charter bus manufactured with seat belts traveling through the state of California, regardless of where they originated, must comply with this law. Directors and chaperones must ensure all students are wearing seatbelts. Fines will be written for offenders.

California regulations mandate that…

• Charter buses and drivers who transport California students must complete SPAB certification. SPAB stands for School Pupil Activity Bus and is certified through the California Highway Patrol (CHP) .

Tickets for all Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure visitors require pre-arrival purchase.

Tickets cannot be added at the festival.

Parents can’t purchase tickets at the Disneyland front gate unless space is available over and above reservations, which is unlikely.

All Disney visitors require theme park reservations.

Purchasing a group ticket order by or before 60 days prior to the festival through Forum Festivals means your group will have a reservation to enjoy the park on a designated date.

All tickets are date specific.

Please notify us of the day (or first day) that you will use your Disneyland Resort tickets. We can’t order your tickets without this information.

For Disney annual passholders in your group:

Students with annual passes are charged a “festival only” fee.

Forum Festivals cannot secure a Disneyland Resort reservation for annual passholders.

Your annual passholder student or chaperone must make their own reservation for the day the group visits the park. If the student fails to do so, plan for the student’s pick-up at the festival.

If your group is doing an Imagination Campus workshop or performance, a group ticket is required. No annual passes will be accepted by Disney for Imagination Campus events.

Payment Schedule Change:

Our One-Day Festival payment schedule allows groups to pay half of the total group participation due 60 days prior to the festival and the final half due 30 days prior to the festival. If Disney is your park choice, that payment schedule no longer applies.

For one-day participants, to ensure reservations for your group, we must receive your ticket order with final count AND 100% payment 60 days prior to the festival date since Disney will not guarantee reservations for orders after this time.

For overnight participants, we will review your payment schedule to ensure that your 90-day payment will cover the cost of your Disneyland Resort ticket as well as other deposits due for your trip. If your payment plan is revised to cover this earlier timeline, we will contact you. Your payment due dates must be met promptly so we may order your tickets.

Plan ahead - adding Disney tickets after the 60-day period will be very difficult, if not impossible.

Refund Details:

Disney tickets are non-refundable. Please do not turn in tickets at the festival.

Any student drops at the festival front desk are not eligible for refund for any portion of the festival package.

Park Hopper Policy:

If your group orders a Park Hopper ticket, please be aware of the Disneyland Resort policy:

Guests must enter their “first park” if arriving PRIOR to 11 AM. You will not be able to “hop” until after 11 AM.

The “first park” will be Disneyland Park unless you notify us of your preference before the tickets are ordered or if Disney requires that California Adventure is your “first park” due to reservation availability or Imagination Campus scheduling.

If the group arrives AFTER 11 AM, you may enter either park first.

Additional Disney Requirements:

Additional safety policies and requirements may be added at any point – we will attempt to inform you of these changes as they happen.

Directors are responsible for understanding and abiding by current Disneyland Resort safety and security standards.

What is the payment schedule?

Forum Music Festivals will reserve a spot in the performance schedule based on receipt of registration fees. All fees must be paid in full before the festival. Delinquent schools will be removed from schedule. Pay by credit card on our website or submit a check to Forum Music Festivals.

One-Day Packages Payment Schedule:

Payments after the registration fee are divided into two due dates: 60 days prior to festival and 30 days prior to festival.

Directors should update student and chaperone numbers no later than 10 days prior to the festival. New invoices will not be issued after that time.

*Please see Disneyland Resort Ticket Policy for packages that include Disney tickets

Overnight Packages Payment Schedule:

Payment schedules can be customized to meet the needs of your fundraising activities.

• 30 Days after Registration –
• Registration fee & hotel deposit due.
• Motor coach deposit, if applicable.
• 90 Days before First Date of Travel –
• 1/3rd estimated balance due.
• 60 Days before First Date of Travel –
• 1/3rd estimated balance due.
• 30 Days before First Date of Travel –
• Final balance based on final Rooming List.

Final motor coach balance due. Scholarships and discounts deducted from this invoice

Additional Financial Details

Registration after 90 days: Late registrations after 90 days prior to your festival are welcome, space permitting. All payment due dates will be adjusted accordingly.

Payment Details: The registration fee does not apply toward trip balances. Invoices will be emailed to the director prior to each due date.  Notify Forum Music Festivals of changes in student numbers, travel date, or rooming list changes. Forum Music Festivals accepts district purchase orders, but all fees must be paid in full prior to the trip. Students with theme park passes are charged a “festival only” fee for performing in the festival.

*Please note the separate requirements for packages that include Disneyland Resort tickets.

Additional Overnight Details

Schools must submit an accurate rooming list 75 days before the festival date so we can forward a final invoice to you at 60 days, payment due 30 days before the trip.  Most hotels require a room list 30-60 days before the travel date or the reservation may be dropped. Some hotels have earlier due dates, but we will advise the director, as needed.

Directors may make one change at no charge after the rooming list is submitted. After that, a fee is charged for added changes. Rooming list changes are not accepted within 30 days prior to the trip. Pricing is subject to hotel availability at the time the group approves the trip which may affect per person pricing from the initial proposal.

Registering your group is easy!

You may…

• Register at our website: www.forummusicfestivals.com. Our website walks you through the registration process. Create a new online account or access your current account.

• Give us a call (1-888-763-6786).

We’ll answer your questions and register your group over the phone.

Remember—registration is confirmed once registration fees are paid.

Complete your registration and your ensemble has a tentative spot in the festival line-up. A $100 non-refundable registration fee confirms the date for one or two performing groups. Entries are scheduled on a first come basis upon receipt of the registration fee. Additional ensembles over two from the same director are registered on a space-available basis at a $100 registration fee for each ensemble.

Schools attending on two different dates are required to register for each date and the registration fee is required for both dates. At the time of registration, please note any information that will affect your arrival at the festival.

Registration fees are non-refundable. Theatre tickets are non-refundable. Bus, hotel deposits, and some activities or meal vouchers may not be refundable. Please contact FMF directly for nonrefundable specifics of your package.

Cancellation requests, signed by a school official, must be emailed or mailed to our office. The postmarked date and time reflected on the email will be used as the cancellation date. Please allow 30 days after the festival for refunds.

Festival registration fees for both one-day and overnight packages are considered non-refundable and do not apply towards festival balances.

Cancelled one-day packages are subject to the following refund policy:

For packages cancelled 45 days or less prior to the festival date, a time slot has been reserved for your ensemble in the schedule and no refunds will be processed after that time.

Once the performance schedule has been released (approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the festival), a $250 cancellation fee will apply when directors remove an individual performing ensemble from the schedule, but do not cancel the group in its entirety.  We are happy to add your additional ensemble as space permits, but directors must inform us when an ensemble will not perform prior to the release of the schedule so other schools may participate.

Cancelled overnight packages (including the hotel deposit) are subject to the following refund policy (applies whether entire group cancels or individual cancellations):

*Please note separate Disneyland Resort Ticketing Policy

A Note on Attrition:

We understand changes occur in student travel. We accommodate changes to your package to the best of our ability.  Pricing is based on current availability, fees & taxes based on the total number of participants (students, chaperones, & educators).  If that number changes, we may re-price your package to adjust prorated costs, etc.  Please note that if the package is re-priced due to attrition, it will likely increase the per person price by just a few dollars

Forum Festivals highly encourages participants to purchase travel insurance. We offer travel protection as a separate add on for individuals to purchase at their discretion through TravMark and battleface.

You will share this Activity Coverage link with your students/parents and they can individually decide whether they want to add protection or not to their trip.  For any questions regarding the policy, please contact battleface toll free at 1-855-434-9387 or email them at activitycoverage@battleface.com. They are available 24/7/365.

Student pricing on Activity Coverage for California residents is competitively priced with available Cancel For Any Reason (when conditions are met, including insuring 100% of all trip costs), please use the Activity Coverage link to confirm pricing.

Participants have until FINAL PAYMENT to add protection to their trip. 

Our cancellation policy may remain in effect but travel insurance will protect your investment at any point.

For your security, we do not have access to your password. Please use your username or email associated with the account and request a new password on the log-in screen in the orange box.  From there, you can create a new password and access your account.

Updated September 16, 2022

All destinations and suppliers have their own rules related to COVID-19. For example, you may be required to quarantine upon arrival in some locations. Some locations may require masks or social distancing, or they may require you to provide proof of vaccination or negative testing. While Forum Music Festivals will try to assist you in understanding these requirements, you are responsible for understanding these requirements and must not rely on any representations made by Forum Music Festivals. Should you be denied entry to any destination or attraction, Forum Music Festivals will not be responsible for any such denial, or any cost associated therewith.

All medical costs associated with a COVID-19 infection during the trip are the responsibility of each individual traveler.

Updated December 28, 2021

All destinations and suppliers have their own rules related to COVID-19. For example, you may be required to quarantine upon arrival in some locations. Some locations may require masks or social distancing, or they may require you to provide proof of vaccination or negative testing. While Forum Music Festivals will try to assist you in understanding these requirements, you are responsible for understanding these requirements and must not rely on any representations made by Forum Music Festivals. Should you be denied entry to any destination or attraction, Forum Music Festivals will not be responsible for any such denial, or any cost associated therewith.

All medical costs associated with a COVID-19 infection during the trip are the responsibility of each individual traveler.

Updated April 22, 2020

As we’ve said goodbye to our 2020 festival season (with barely a chance to say hello), we want to give you an update on what we’re doing and where we go from here.

Like many of you, we are monitoring the status of the Coronavirus and the guidelines from the State of California.  If you were planning on participating with us during the 2020 festival season, we are providing the following details.

1.  All 2020 festivals are now cancelled.  Although we were hoping to re-schedule groups, it just isn’t possible during this spring season.  Above all, the health of our participants and our staff is what matters most.
2. We have suspended our usual cancellation deadlines due to the pandemic.
3. School refunds are nearly complete. We’d like to extend a shout out to our many valued partners (hotels, restaurant, bus companies, etc.) for assisting us to refund so many of our client’s funds.
4. We continue to advocate for our groups with our corporate suppliers to expedite the remainder of funds paid on behalf of schools.  Wherever possible, we are offering partial refunds now so needed monies can be returned to the hands of students and their families.   Once the remainder of the refund comes back to us, we will refund the balance to the school.
5. If you wish to have your 2020 funds carried over for a festival in 2021, please notify us.  We are accepting registrations now for the 2021 festival season - visit Festival Registrations.
6. We are working remotely. The best way to reach us is by email -  office@forummusicfestivals.com.  You may leave a message at our office phone, but it may take longer to retrieve and answer those messages.
7. Hotels, theme parks, charter bus companies, and restaurants are also under lockdown orders.  This may delay refunds and correspondence as they are facing the same situation as many of us.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this difficult time.    We are here to answer any questions you may have.  Most importantly, we encourage you and your school community to adhere to local guidelines for best practices to stay safe and healthy.

Updated April 1, 2020

In light of the new recommendations from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (read letter here), Forum has made the difficult choice to cancel the rest of our festival season.  We are as heartbroken as our many clients at this unfortunate situation but the health and safety of all our directors, students, families, and staff are at the forefront of our minds.

We are working remotely from home at this time.  Please contact us at office@forummusicfestivals.com for options for funds paid in toward your 2020 festival participation.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your sincere and kind emails during this difficult time.  We consider you all as close as family and will miss seeing you and hearing your students this year.

We excitedly look forward to our 2021 festival season!  Registrations are NOW OPEN so lock in your preferred date today.  Contact us for a no-obligation overnight quote for the lowest rates and best availability. We are hopeful that all public health concerns will be resolved long before our season will commence.

Take care, be well, continue making music and we will see you all in 2021!

Updated March 27, 2020

Our team at Forum is working diligently to process refunds and address this fluid situation on a case-by-case basis.  At this point, we have not cancelled all of our May festivals.  We are waiting for further direction from the CDC and state of California.  If you are registered for a May festival, please contact us at office@forummusicfestivals.com to give us an update on whether your district will be in session or will allow travel in May or June.

Please note that registrations for 2021 open on April 1 and we anxiously look forward to welcoming each and every one of you back to Forum in the new year!  Reserve your spot today and request your custom overnight proposal now for the best availability.

Updated March 20, 2020

Due to the shelter in place orders from the California government, we are no longer actively in the office.  Our staff is monitoring email and phone calls.  Refunds will be processed once we can get back into the office. Please be patient as we work through this together.

Updated March 17, 2020

Forum Music Festivals would like to express a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of our clients and partners who have been so patient and understanding during this unprecedented and uncertain time.

We are currently holding to see if late May or early June festivals may be possible.  Based on current CDC guidelines, we do not feel comfortable planning any events until this situation calms down.  If you are interested in pursuing a later festival date, we ask that you reach out to us in early to mid-April to see what options may be available at that time.  We appreciate your understanding as we wait for a clearer picture of what is to come.

Please note we have had to reduce our office hours due to the governor’s recent suggestions, so our team is working remotely and communicating as best we can to get refunds and changes processed.  We also must wait for our partner organizations (theme parks, hotels, restaurants, etc.) to process refunds before we can move forward.  We are doing everything we can to get these out in a timely manner while also considering the health and safety of our staff.  Thank you in advance for your patience!

Take care and be well!

Updated March 13, 2020

As you may know, the COVID-19 coronavirus has forced the closures and cancellations of many venues and activities throughout the country. In accordance with the recommendations made by the state of California, we have decided to cancel our festivals through the end of March.  We are saddened to make this move but believe it is in the best interest of our music teachers and students.  We are also assessing our April dates and cancelling those as necessary.  If you have an existing registration with us, we will inform you directly if this impacts your trip.

You have several options including:

1. Reschedule at a later date – possibly May or June
2. Request a refund
3. Request the theme park tickets and we will refund the festival portion
4. Roll-over all fees for a 2021 festival date.  Registrations will commence on April 1

Because of these extraordinary circumstances, we are processing many refunds on a case-by-case basis.  We thank you for your patience in getting this information out to you.  We have a high volume of calls at this time, so please email office@forummusicfestivals.com with any questions you may have.

We look forward to working with all of you and your talented students later this year and beyond in 2021 and appreciate your understanding during these difficult times.

Originally posted March 3, 2020

At Forum Music Festivals, our goal is to provide an experience that is not only educational and fun, but also an experience that keeps students well-being at the forefront.

At this time, there are no restrictions on travel anywhere in the United States.  In addition, there’s no indication that travel plans within the United States should be altered for any public health reason.  The CDC and other health organizations have advised that the current health risk to the general public is considered low.  In addition, young people appear to be less susceptible to the Coronavirus.

Specific healthy habits always benefits student travelers – wash hands frequently, cough into your elbow and sneeze into a tissue, and consult your health care provider before traveling when sick.  We also encourage group leaders to check official world and national health resources for the most accurate information.  These include the Centers for Disease Control  and the U.S. Travel Association. Educating ourselves with guidance from legitimate health organizations will allow us to make the best decisions for our student travelers.

Although this is a developing situation, we currently do not foresee a change in our cancellation policy (see below).

Forum Festivals of Music, Inc. (dba Forum Music Festivals), its employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors and assigns (collectively “Forum Music Festivals”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground handlers, food service or entertainment providers, etc.  As a result, Forum Music Festivals is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person, or any other third party not under its control.  Without limiting the foregoing, Forum Music Festivals accepts no responsibility for any risk or injury, delay, inconvenience, damage, or death which results from criminal activity, terrorism or the threat thereof, weather or other acts of God, accidents, disease, epidemics or the threat thereof, illness, the provision of inappropriate or no medical attention, the demands of indoor or outdoor activities, attacks by animals, strikes, political or civil unrest, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, insurrection or revolt, or any other event beyond its direct control.  Participant hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Forum Music Festivals from any financial liability or obligation incurred by that individual participant and from any injury or damage to the person or property of others which that participant causes, or contributes to while participating in a Forum Music Festivals Program.  Forum Music Festivals retains the right to expel any participant from the Program at the participant’s expense (and with no refund) if it believes that person’s continuation in the Program exposes him or herself or others to a risk of harm.

Forum Music Festivals is not responsible for personal injury and/or physical damage arising from acts of negligence of any member of a group attending a Forum Music Festivals event.  If it becomes necessary or adviseable to cancel or alter the schedule of events, Forum Music Festivals may do so in its discretion.  By registering for the festival or program, the School agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Forum Music Festivals from any financial liability or obligation incurred by either the School, or any individual participant, and from any injury or damage to the person or property of others which any participant causes, or contributes to, while participating in a Forum Music Festivals event.  The School, by submitting the application, releases Forum Music Festivals from any and all causes of actions, claims and damages of any kind, or nature, whatsoever, arising from any injury, loss, damage, cost, accident, delay, irregularity, or expense arising out of, or in any way connected with, the performance or operation of a Forum Music Festivals program.  Forum Music Festivals disclaims all liability in actions resulting from the unlawful reproduction of parts and/or entire scores of music.

All destinations and suppliers have their own rules related to COVID-19. For example, you may be required to quarantine upon arrival in some locations. Some locations may require masks or social distancing, or they may require you to provide proof of vaccination or negative testing. While Forum Music Festivals will try to assist you in understanding these requirements, you are responsible for understanding these requirements and must not rely on any representations made by Forum Music Festivals. Should you be denied entry to any destination or attraction, Forum Music Festivals will not be responsible for any such denial, or any cost associated therewith.

All medical costs associated with a COVID-19 infection during the trip are the responsibility of each individual traveler.

ARBITRATION

Any dispute concerning this Agreement, the brochure or any other material concerning the trip or the trip itself must be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in Santa Ana, California pursuant to the current commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association then existent.  In any such arbitration, substantive (but not procedural) California law will apply without regard to the California Arbitration Act.

State of California Registered Seller of Travel:  CST 2098512-40. (Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.)

For California Consumers:Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, where the passenger is not at fault and has not cancelled in violation of any terms and conditions previously disclosed and agreed to by the passenger, all sums paid to the seller of travel for services not provided will be promptly paid to the passenger, unless the passenger advises the seller of travel in writing, after cancellation.  This providision does not apply where the seller of travel has remitted the payment to another registered wholesale seller of travel or a carrier, without obtaining a refund, and where the wholesaler or provider defaults in providing the agreed-upon transportation or service.

This transaction is covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) if the seller of travel was registered and participating in the TCRF at the time of sale and the passenger is located in California at the time of payment.  Eligible passengers may file a claim with TCRF if the passenger is owed a refund of more than $50 for travel services which the seller of travel failed to forward to a proper provider or such money was not refunded to you when required.  A claim must be submitted to the TCRF within 12 mos. after the scheduled completion date of the travel.  A claim must include sufficient documentation to prove your claim and a $35 processing fee.  Claimants must agree to waive their right to other civil remedies against a registered participating seller of travel for matters arising out of a sale for which you file a TCRF claim.  Request a claim form by writing to:  Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation, P.O. Box 6001, Larkspur, CA. 94977-6001.

California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond.  Forum Music Festivals has a trust account.

Forum Music Festivals is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel, Registration No. ST41187.