Ensemble Types & Classifications

Typical Ensemble Types

Concert Bands
Concert Choirs (mixed, women & men’s)
Full & String orchestras
Show Choirs
Pop/Jazz Choirs
Jazz Bands & Orchestras
Percussion ensembles
Drumlines & Color Guards
Dance & Drill teams
Piano ensembles
Guitar ensembles

Ensemble Classifications

Each performing ensemble will be classified based on its ensemble type, total school enrollment, and ensemble level.  If there is a unique classification for an ensemble (for example a 6-12th grade all school band), we will create an appropriate classification.  Ensembles will be classified to complete (if desired), with similar type and level ensembles.

Timeline for Ensemble Decisions

When a group registers for the festival:

• the Registration Form will be completed with the ensemble types and levels selected to perform in Winter Park.
• In December, when a director completes their December Questionnaire, they can edit their ensemble information, and input the “name” of each ensemble, and input the director(s) name of each ensemble.
• On or before the Final Payment Due Date, each director(s) needs to complete the information relating to their ensemble, including music to be performed, composer/arranger, equipment needed on stage, and approximate number of chairs and stands for instrumental ensembles.
• Performance scheduling will be created by the festival prior to the Final Payment Due Date, and directors can view their performance scheduling on their Trip Info report.

Performance Site & Arrival/Departure

General Performance Information

Performance Site

Musical performances are held within the public high school serving the Winter Park area, in nearby Granby, CO, about 20 miles from the Winter Park Resort, 18 miles from the town of Winter Park, and 6 miles from Snow Mountain Ranch.

A link to a MAP showing the performance site is included within the WPSMF Ski Locker page main page.  Signs at the performance site will direct you to the appropriate group unloading area.  USE OUR MAP, and not a bus driver’s GPS!  Other routes have steeper hills difficult to climb in a bus or motor coach, and impossible to climb if snow covered!

When traveling from Winter Park to the performance site- please allow a minimum of 30 minutes travel time.  When traveling from Snow Mountain Ranch- please allow a minimum of 15 minutes travel time.  Please plan on arriving at your performance site a minimum of 15 minutes prior to your scheduled warm-up time.

Performance Date and Time 

Your group’s performance site, address, date and time(s) will be listed within your group’s  TRIP INFO.  Definitely bring a copy to Winter Park for reference! 

Arrival at the Performance Site

All groups need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their assigned warm–up time.

A festival representative or site host will meet you at the unloading area and will guide you to an assigned holding/storage area.  Buses will be directed to park after unloading students, equipment and/or instruments.  It is recommended for performers’ personal belongings and extra clothing be left on the bus. Concert Bands, Orchestras and Instrumental Jazz Ensembles have the option to bring or not bring instrument cases into the performance site’s storage area.  Typically, cold or snowy weather is present, and removing instruments in this environment is undesirable, and not preferred by groups due to instrument sensitivity.

Late Arrivals to the Performance Site

A group’s late arrival will be accommodated as best as the festival staff can provide, if the subsequent performing groups’ schedules are not altered, and the schedule constraints as contracted with the performance site, and adjudicators, are not jeopardized.

In the event your performing group arrives late to the performance site:

• You will be permitted to enter the warm-up if there is enough time for warm-up prior to being escorted to the performance stage to begin at your scheduled performance start time. Your warm-up time would obviously be shortened to meet your scheduled performance start time.
• If your performing group’s scheduled start time has passed upon your arrival and scheduled performance time has not expired- a group may go directly to the stage and perform within the remaining amount of time. The late arrived performing group will stop performance when scheduled stage time has expired.
• If arriving after your scheduled performance time slot- a time slot will be assigned that is available. However- some performance site schedules are full and may not allow for another ensemble to perform.

• Please plan for worst case scenarios when constructing your trip itinerary, especially surrounding your travel to the performance site!

• If you are unexpectedly running late on the day of your performance- please call any of the festival staff members to inform, so we can see what options may be available for you. (cell numbers listed on Emergency Contacts web page within WPSMF Ski Locker topics.

Performances are open to the public and other music groups.

Your group is welcome to listen to any performances of other performing groups within the festival.  However, directors should be aware of the amount of time remaining before their group’s scheduled warm-up time.  Entrance and exit of the performance area audience is not allowed during a group’s performance, even between musical selections.  Consider the distraction to another group’s performance and adjudicators if your entire group must exit between musical pieces to gather for your scheduled warm-up.

Audiences are expected to follow proper concert etiquette, to not distract the audience and performers.  Some common concert etiquette “rules” include:

• Be in your seat before the music starts. Then, stay there until the performance has ended.  
• Don’t talk, even at a whisper.
• Keep cell phones silenced, screens off, and put away.
• No snacks.
• If you have students who might have trouble staying still/quiet, consider having them be placed next to an adult, that can monitor their possible interruptions.
• Applaud only at the “right” times: when an ensemble is being introduced, after a musical selection, and after the performance.  Remind your group members that some pieces have parts, and a conductor’s baton still raised indicates the performance continues, and has not ended.
• Shouts, hoots, or other verbal outburst are not common etiquette for concert bands, orchestras, or choirs.  Only applause.  More expressive appreciation, but still appropriate, can be exhibited for instrumental jazz ensembles, show/pop choirs, and drumlines/color guards/dance teams performing in the gymnasium.  
• Avoid unnecessary fidgeting, coughing, and anything else that makes noise. 

Storage for Cases & Belongings

Again- it is recommended that a performer’s personal belongings and extra clothing be left on the bus for security purposes.  However- there will be a storage area at the performance site to store these items if needed.  This storage area is being used by all other groups, and potentially vulnerable to security issues.  Each director should assign an adult to monitor the security of their group’s stored items while the group is in warm-up, performance, or anytime unattended by the group.  Instrument cases, clothing articles, music folders or personal belongings (not left in the storage area) cannot be left in the warm area since this space will be occupied by the following scheduled ensemble. If extra items are not left on the bus or in the storage area- performers should expect to carry them into both warm-up, and on the performance stage.

Performance Attire & Changing Areas

Winter Park Ski- Music Festival recognizes that most groups performing at the festival contest have traveled various distances prior to their arrival and will be skiing immediately before or after the group’s performances.  The festival further understands the inconvenience of traveling with concert uniforms, and the necessity to perhaps change clothes before and/or after performances.  

Therefore- the type of group attire is not an adjudicated component of any ensemble’s performance!  Winter Park Ski-Music Festival adjudicators are specifically instructed on this topic prior to all festival weeks.  More importantly, stage presence, stage discipline, group vitality and performer posture & attentiveness are judged as the overall “presentation” of any group.   Historically, about a third of performing ensembles have chosen to perform in concert attire, while half have chosen a more casual, but uniform performance attire. Ensembles have even performed in their ski clothing.  An ensemble’s performance attire is at the personal discretion of the director.

There are clothes changing areas provided at the performance site for groups wishing to change clothes before or after their performance times.

These changing areas are two male/female sets of larger rest room facilities located in the main foyer and possibly another male/female set of restrooms in the gym. We recommend that you inform your accompanying adults to monitor the entrances if you want adult supervision of these areas for your students.

Adjudication Options

Compete vs Non-compete

Adjudication Options

Three adjudicators will provide written comments (and voice recorded comments for instrumental ensembles) of your ensemble’s performance with constructive criticism and suggestions. All groups have two options for adjudication:

 Compete:   This typical option is to perform and compete with similar school sized and school level ensembles.  Divisional ratings and an ensemble’s ranking within their classification are determined by the judges.  All competing ensembles will receive divisional trophies. Trophies will also be awarded to the Best in Class and Runner up in Class for each performance type within their school enrollment classification.  Overall Grand Champion Trophies will be presented each festival week: Overall Outstanding Concert Band, Concert Choir, Orchestra, Show/Jazz Choir, and Instrumental Jazz Ensemble.

Second level (non- varsity) or third level performing ensembles will compete in their own classification if greater than two are entered.

If there are less than two second or third level ensembles entered in a classification, the second level or third level ensembles may be assigned to compete in a smaller school size classification.

Non-Compete: The second adjudication option is to perform for comments only.  This option is for those ensembles seeking a non-competitive experience and working towards strengthening their performance skills.  No divisional ratings or trophies will be awarded with this adjudication option.

Adjudicator critiques/ratings sheets will be returned to the director at the Director’s Reception following the presentation of awards at the Award Ceremony. Special arrangements will be made for groups NOT attending the Award Ceremony to receive these items and awarded trophies (if determinable at that time) prior to their departure from Winter Park. It may be necessary to mail awarded trophies after the festival conclusion, at the expense of the music group.

Published Music & Copyright Laws

Concert instrumental and concert choral ensembles performing published music are required to provide 3 original print scores for the adjudicators.

Photocopied scores are not allowed unless accompanied by a letter from the publisher stating that the music is no longer in print or not available.  Please contact the festival office with any questions regarding this topic prior to traveling to Winter Park!

Judges prefer that the scores’ measures be numbered for easier reference to music critique.

Instrumental jazz ensembles, show choirs, jazz choirs, and percussion ensembles do not need to provide original scores.

Here’s an online article on copyrighted material, if you need additional details:  https://nafme.org/my-classroom/copyright/copyright-law-what-music-teachers-need-to-know/  

Equipment Provided by the Festival

If a music group, or performing ensemble needs to use any equipment potentially provided by the festival, the director must request the use of the equipment online by the Final Payment due date. A director must request all equipment needed for EACH ensemble scheduled to perform.  If equipment is not requested, it might not be available for a group’s use!  If needed equipment is not listed for request online, it will not be provided.  All equipment being provided, is only being provided on the auditorium stage, or another performance area, and NOT within the warm-up area.    If a director has any questions surrounding the festival’s equipment, those questions should be asked weeks (at a minimum) before attending the festival.

Equipment for Concert Bands, Orchestras and Instrumental Jazz Ensembles that can be requested to use on stage: 

• Podium, chairs and music stands
• Orchestra Bells w/stand
• Xylophone
• Vibes
• Marimba
• Chimes
• Bass Drum w/stand
• 4 Timpani (without tuner gauges)
• Gong w/stand
• Pair of congas w/stand
• Piano
• Drum trap set (kick drum w/ pedal, snare drum, 2 mounted toms, 1 floor tom, high hat, crash cymbal and ride cymbal) (we suggest bringing your own quality cymbals)
• Guitar amp (provide your own patch cable)
• Bass guitar amp (provide your own patch cable)
• 6 wired microphones being amplified for stage/monitor playback
• Risers (4’x8’x8” and 4’x8’x16”) for jazz ensembles only

*Winter Park Ski-Music Music Festival only has the above listed equipment!  We do NOT have a concert snare drum, crash or suspended cymbals, cymbal stands, sticks/mallets/beaters, utility percussion, electronic keyboards, instruments, mouthpieces, bows, tuners, etc.  The festival does NOT provide equipment for Drum Line/Percussion Ensembles unless prior arrangements have been made.

For more specific information- contact the festival office for details prior to the festival.

 Items for Choirs that can be requested for use on stage

• Acoustic Sound Shell
• 3 step Choral Standing Risers for performance
• Platform Risers for show choirs (4’x8’x 8”, 4’x8’x16”, and 4’x8’x24”)
• Piano (and warm-up)
• 6 wired microphones being amplified for stage/monitor playback.
• 1/8” headphone input for music playback sourcing from your phone, tablet, or laptop.  We may not have an adapter to plug into every type of electronic device! You can count on us having a 1/8″ headphone input only.  
• Drum set and other percussion if requested

 Winter Guard, Color Guard, Dance Teams and Drill Teams (in gym)

• 1/8” headphone input for music playback sourcing from your phone, tablet, or laptop.  We may not have an adapter to plug into every type of electronic device! You can count on us having a 1/8″ headphone input only.

Concert Bands & Orchestras

Music Selections.  Concert Bands & Orchestras may perform any music you consider suitable for adjudication. Choose from 1- 4 pieces, containing some variety of music styles, if you can.  Choose music selections benefiting your ensemble(s) and will also perhaps serve you well in the festival competition.  We hope you will consider selecting music from your state’s approved music list, or music appropriate for your ensemble’s classification. Whatever published music you choose to perform, remember copyright compliance, and provide three original musical scores for the adjudicators. 

Performance Information

• All groups need to arrive at the performance at least 15 minutes prior to their assigned warm–up time.  With instruments, we hope you will plan to arrive even earlier.
• Directors should have their instrumental ensemble’s set-up chart, and three original copies of judge’s scores available to be picked up by a festival representative prior or during your scheduled warm-up.  Yes, we asked for each row’s chair and stand counts, and needed percussion equipment online in February, as an initial determination of needs.  But please bring a completed and current set-up chart with you to the performance site.    
• Your scheduled warm up time is the time slot 30 minutes prior to your scheduled performance time. No personal belongings, music, instrument cases or instruments should be left in the warm-up area since it will be occupied by the next ensemble.
• You have a maximum of 25 minutes total on stage for stage entrance, equipment setup, performance, equipment disassembly and stage exit.

Adjudicator critiques/ratings sheets, adjudication critique recordings, musical scores and performance recordings will be returned to the director at the Director’s Reception following the presentation of awards at the Award Ceremony. Special arrangements will be made for groups NOT attending the Award Ceremony to receive these items and awarded trophies (if determinable at that time) prior to their departure from Winter Park. It may be necessary to mail awarded trophies after the festival conclusion.

Concert Choirs

Music Selections.  Concert Choirs may perform any music you consider suitable for adjudication. Choose from 1- 4 pieces, containing some variety of music styles, if you can.  Choose music selections benefiting your choir(s) and will also perhaps serve you well in the festival competition.  We hope you will consider selecting music from your state’s approved music list, or music appropriate for your choir’s classification. Whatever published music you choose to perform, remember copyright compliance, and provide three original musical scores for the adjudicators. 

Performance Information

• All groups need to arrive at the performance at least 15 minutes prior to their assigned warm–up time!  We hope you will plan to arrive even earlier.
• Directors should have their performing choirs’ judge’s scores available to be picked up by a festival representative prior or during your scheduled warm-up.
• Your scheduled warm up time is the time slot 20 minutes prior to your scheduled performance time. No personal belongings, clothing, or costumes should be left in the warm-up area since it will be occupied by the next choir.
• You have a maximum of 18 minutes total on stage for stage entrance, equipment setup, performance, equipment disassembly and stage exit.
• Adjudicator critiques/ratings sheets, adjudication critique recordings, musical scores and performance recordings will be returned to the director at the Director’s Reception following the presentation of awards at the Award Ceremony. Special arrangements will be made for groups NOT attending the Award Ceremony to receive these items and awarded trophies (if determinable at that time) prior to their departure from Winter Park. It may be necessary to mail awarded trophies after the festival conclusion.

Instrumental Jazz Ensembles

Music Selections.  Instrumental Jazz Ensembles (Jazz Bands, Jazz Orchestras, or other non-concert type ensembles) may perform any music you consider suitable for adjudication. Choose music selections benefiting your ensemble’s instruction, enthusiasm, and will also serve you well in the festival competition.  We hope you will consider selecting music with some style variety, for example a swing or rock piece being played along with a contrasting ballad.  Music scores for instrumental jazz ensembles are not required for the adjudicators but may be provided if desired.

Performance Information

• All groups need to arrive at the performance at least 15 minutes prior to their assigned warm–up time!  With instruments, we hope you will plan to arrive even earlier.
• Directors should have their instrumental ensemble’s set-up chart available to be picked up by a festival representative prior or during your scheduled warm-up.  Yes, we asked for each row’s chair and stand counts, and needed rhythm section equipment online in February, as an initial determination of needs.  But please bring a completed and current set-up chart with you to the performance site.   On your set up chart, also indicate microphone placement on stage.  We have up to 6 mics available, but if the same mic can be shared among players, please consider it.  Think about whether you wish for the grand piano to have a microphone.
• Your scheduled warm up time is the time slot 30 minutes prior to your scheduled performance time. No personal belongings, music, instrument cases or instruments should be left in the warm-up area since it will be occupied by the next ensemble.
• Within the warm-up area, there will not be any requested equipment (trap set, amps, mics, risers) available.
• Be sure to read what we equipment we can provide if requested!  We encourage you to bring cymbals you are comfortable with.  Your string players will need to bring their own patch cables with 1/4″ plugs.  We might have some spare mallets or sticks, but not anything you will want to rely upon.
• You have a maximum of 25 minutes total on stage for stage entrance, equipment setup, performance, equipment disassembly and stage exit.  For Jazz Ensembles, chances are very high we will interrupt your warm-up to ask your rhythm section to come to the stage and set-up, if this is approved by the director.
• Please plan for the length of pieces to be played, so you will have adequate time to set up your ensemble and have time for a rhythm section sound check prior to announcements.  The performance site auditorium is smaller in size, and often, too much string instrument amplification can overpower the ensemble!  We encourage each director to step into the audience during your sound check.  Also, a sound check can also allow for adjustment toward soloist mic monitor levels if desired.
• The WPSMF will always give announcements prior to an ensemble’s performance, as a method of introduction to the audience, and for recording purposes.  Directors are welcome to special recognize their ensembles’ various sections (rhythm, woodwind, low brass or high brass), or soloists before or after each song if desired.  Announcing soloist prior to the song, will assist our sound engineer with preparing for the upcoming soloist in each piece.
• Speaking of sound engineers, we are really confident about soloist volumes the judges want to hear.  Our audio control board is located next to the adjudicators for this very reason.  If a director has another director, or person in the audience that wants to have some influence toward sound levels during the performance, have them meet with the sound engineer prior to the performance.
• Adjudicator critiques/ratings sheets, adjudication critique recordings, musical scores and performance recordings will be returned to the director at the Director’s Reception following the presentation of awards at the Award Ceremony. Special arrangements will be made for groups NOT attending the Award Ceremony to receive these items and awarded trophies (if determinable at that time) prior to their departure from Winter Park. It may be necessary to mail awarded trophies after the festival conclusion.

Show / Jazz / Pop Choirs

Different regions of the nation can title choir types differently than others.   Regardless of what name a choir calls themselves, or what type of choir they call themselves, the Winter Park Ski-Music Festival simply wants to classify choirs correctly for the festival competition.

 For festival purposes, non-concert choirs with most of their performance having choreography, will be classified as a Show Choir.  A Show Choir can have musical segments, or musical pieces with limited, or lacking choreography altogether.  But choirs with significant choreography will compete against the same.

 For festival purposes, non-concert choirs without choreography, or only a small amount of choreography (such as clapping, foot tapping, finger snapping, and/or stage placement movement) will be classified within our Jazz/Pop Choir classification.  These choirs may be A cappella or have live/recorded music accompaniment.  The music styles may be jazz, pop, or another non-concert genre.

 Be sure the festival has classified your choir correctly.  Contact the festival way before your festival trip with any questions concerning choral classifications.

 Music Selections

Show/Jazz/Pop Choirs may perform any music you consider suitable for adjudication. Choose music selections benefiting your ensemble’s instruction, enthusiasm, and will also serve you well in the festival competition.  We hope you will consider selecting music with some variety of style.  Music scores for non-concert choirs are not required for the adjudicators.

Performance Information

• All choirs need to arrive at the performance site at least 15 minutes prior to their assigned warm–up time!  We hope you will plan to arrive even earlier.
• Your scheduled warm up time is the time slot 20 minutes prior to your scheduled performance time. No personal belongings, clothing, or costumes can be left in the warm-up area since it will be occupied by the choir.
• Within the warm-up area, there will not be any previously requested equipment (risers, mics, percussion) other than a piano, and playback of your accompaniment recording from a 1/8″ phone, tablet, or laptop headphone jack.
• You have a maximum of 18 minutes total on stage for stage entrance, equipment setup, sound check, performance, and stage exit.
• Please plan prior to your stage arrival where wired microphones and their stands should be placed, if using microphones.  We have up to 6 wired mics available, but if the same mic can be shared among singers, please consider it.
• If a choir desires to have audio playback as accompaniment on stage, the director will give playback instructions to the sound engineer.  If a director is willing, we would like to have them at the sound console at the back of the auditorium to operate their phone/tablet/laptop and volume adjustments.  It is also possible for the director to be on stage, plug in a 1/8 plug to their phone, tablet/laptop headphone jack, and control all playback from the front row.  Volume levels will be controlled by the sound engineer.
• Please plan for the length of pieces to be played, so you will have adequate time for a sound check prior to announcements.  We encourage each director to step into the audience during your sound check.  Also, a sound check can also allow for adjustment toward soloist mic monitor levels if desired.
• We are confident about accompaniment and soloist volumes the judges want to hear.  Our audio control board is located next to the adjudicators for this very reason.  If a director, or another director, or a person with the group wants to have some influence toward sound levels during the performance, have them meet with the sound engineer prior to the performance.
• Adjudicator critiques/ratings sheets, adjudication critique recordings, musical scores and performance recordings will be returned to the director at the Director’s Reception following the presentation of awards at the Award Ceremony. Special arrangements will be made for groups NOT attending the Award Ceremony to receive these items and awarded trophies (if determinable at that time) prior to their departure from Winter Park. It may be necessary to mail awarded trophies after the festival conclusion.

Drumline / Percusion Ensembles

Music Selection.  Drum Line and Percussion Ensembles may perform any music you consider suitable for adjudication. Music scores for drumlines and percussion ensembles are not required for the adjudicators.

Performance Information-Drumline /Indoor Percussion

• All groups need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their assigned warm–up time.
• If the performance requires more space than available on stage- all equipment should be padded to protect the flooring within the alternate gym performance space.
• Drumlines have a maximum of 15 minutes total for equipment setup, performance, equipment disassembly and exit.
• Drumline and percussion ensembles will not have recordings of their performance.
• The Winter Park Ski-Music Festival does NOT provide percussion equipment for drumline or percussion ensembles unless prior arrangements have been made.  As with all instrumental ensembles, if equipment is requested, and may only be available for the performance, and not warm-up.  Contact the festival for details. 
• Adjudicator critiques/ratings sheets will be returned to the director at the Director’s Reception following the presentation of awards at the Award Ceremony. Special arrangements will be made for groups NOT attending the Award Ceremony to receive these items and awarded trophies (if determinable at that time) prior to their departure from Winter Park. It may be necessary to mail awarded trophies after the festival conclusion.

Note to Drumline instructors:  Divisional ratings are based on musicianship, and not necessarily the volume level of your performance!  Perhaps some consideration should be given when performing within an indoor gym, compared to an open outdoor space.  Very often, adjudicators comment on the unnecessary, almost intolerable high-volume levels, and probably give divisional ratings accordingly.  If an instructor observes an adjudicator squinting, attempting to cover/plug ears, facing away from drumline, chances are high they are uncomfortable with the volume.

Colorguard / Winterguard / Dance Teams

Music Selection.  Colorguard/Winterguard and Dance/Drill Teams may perform anything suitable for adjudication. Each group is responsible for providing the music being performed with an acceptable media format such as IPod, laptop, MP3 player, or phone with a 1/8” output.

Performance Space.  Typically, the festival will schedule these type of performances within the performance site’s gymnasium.  If any of these type of groups feel they could perform within a smaller auditorium space, let us know, and we will see what we can do to accommodate.  Please contact the festival to discuss.

Performance Notes.  Please note the following stipulations that are unique to Colorgurad/Winterguard/Dance Teams:

• Guards and Dance teams have a maximum of 15 minutes total for performance setup, performance, and exit.
• Guards and Dance teams will not have recordings of their performance.
• The Winter Park Ski-Music Festival does NOT provide guard or dance team equipment.
• Adjudicator critiques/ratings sheets will be returned to the director at the Director’s Reception following the presentation of awards at the Award Ceremony. Special arrangements will be made for groups NOT attending the Award Ceremony to receive these items and awarded trophies (if determinable at that time) prior to their departure from Winter Park. It may be necessary to mail awarded trophies after the festival conclusion.

The performance site gym is also used for other music group’s entrance into the performance site, and storage area for personal belongings and instrument cases.   Please follow the instructions of the site host for how and when to begin warm-up and performance in the gym.

Awards Ceremony & Street Dance

Each festival week concludes with an exciting and high energy outdoor award ceremony/street dance held at the Winter Park Resort Village. Fanfare music, special lighting, smoke effects, and the company of other student musicians- set the tone for an evening to be remembered. Attending groups are welcomed and recognized, followed by all ensembles receiving their divisional rating trophy. Classification runner-up and winner trophies are then awarded for each ensemble type, school size, and ensemble level.

 To conclude the awards portion of the evening- the Overall Grand Champion is awarded to the judges’ choice of best Concert Band, Concert Choir, Orchestra, Instrumental Jazz Ensemble and Show/Pop/Jazz

The WPSMF DJ’d street dance, a festival tradition, will be remembered for a lifetime. Many directors share the awards ceremony and street dance revives an enthusiasm within their music program. Festival alumni claim the WPSMF awards and street dance as the highlight of their entire high school experience.

Awards Ceremony Dates

The awards ceremony/street dance will be held on these dates for each festival week:

• March 21-24, 2024 festival week: Saturday March 23
• March 27-31, 2024 festival week: Friday March 29
• April 4-7, 2024 festival week: Saturday April 6
• April 11-14, 2024 festival week: Saturday April 13 

• For your comfort- PLEASE DRESS WARMLY!!!

For groups arriving at the resort via bus or motor coach, prior to the awards ceremony, parking will be at the Vintage Hotel parking lot, above the resort base.  Groups not already at the resort will arrive at the resort base for unloading.  Each group bus will travel to the Vintage Hotel parking area to park. 

Click here  a map showing the location of 2024 awards ceremony at the resort, and where groups can unload and load buses at the resort base. 

Award Ceremony Times

6:45 pm: Pre-awards street dance music begins

7:15 pm: Two members from EACH performing ensemble meets with festival staff

7:30 pm: Awards ceremony begins

8:00-8:15 pm:  Street dance continues, and directors’ reception begins

9:00 pm:  Street dance concludes

9:01 pm groups can begin loading buses and personal vehicles to depart from resort.

Dance music will begin at approximately 6:45 pm each Award Ceremony date with the Awards Ceremony portion beginning promptly at 7:30 pm. After welcoming all attending groups and the singing of our national anthem, all performing groups will be awarded their winning trophies. The street dance will continue after the presentation of awards.  The dance portion will conclude at 9:00 pm.  A group can depart sooner if they desire.

We will ask for two enthusiastic members of each performing ensemble to meet us at 7:15 pm, prior to awards ceremony.  These 2 ensemble members will receive trophies on an elevated stage (with upward walking ramp) on behalf of their ensemble during the awards. Directors should choose these persons ahead of time, for each ensemble.

Street Dance

The WPSMF Street Dance is a high energy DJ’d event that is unique to each festival week. In an effort to be as customized and interactive as possible, we have incorporated the ability for students to directly request their favorite songs with our DJ. This process is done through our social media Instagram account @skimusicfest. Students can send a DM with their request during the entire Street Dance. Requests are screened and edited to insure they are appropriate and relevant to the entire audience. Over the last few years this added interaction has elevated the Street Dance experience to an entirely new and exciting level that is truly unforgettable. 

Street Dance safety is of the utmost importance of the Winter Park Ski-Music Festival.  Any behavior that might put a student and/or other attendees in any harm or discomfort WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  Slam dancing, mashing, sitting on people’s shoulders, passing people overhead, throwing snowballs/any object, and/or communicating/gesturing/implying any disrespectful or hateful words or actions are definitely prohibited. If these or any other dangerous activities are exhibited- the awards and/or dance will be halted until these activities cease, with persons being removed. Attending adults/chaperones should always be present to monitor the presence and behavior of their group’s attendees. Local law enforcement officials are hired during the entire event to further insure such conduct and safety. We want the Awards Ceremony and Street Dance to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Directors Reception

A reception for all directors is held following the Awards Ceremony portion of the evening, while your students enjoy the remainder of the street dance.  The location is at the Winter Park Resort base, just right around the corner from the awards ceremony/street dance area, within the Private Lesson Center building, in front of the Gondola lift.

At the conclusion of each Awards Ceremony, we will announce for directors to meet us at the Private Lesson Center and will point to its location.  Following the awards ceremony, most groups are excited about the awards and trophies they received, and lots of group photographs are being made.  We understand your desire to be a part of your group’s enthusiasm, but also ask each director to please arrive at the Directors’ Reception no later than 10 minutes following the Awards Ceremony conclusion.

Each director is invited to attend.  Hot coffee, hot chocolate, and light desserts will be served, while enjoying fellowship with other attending directors.  This reception also gives the festival staff a moment to speak to all directors regarding the festival week’s final information. During this reception, directors will receive their performing ensembles’ music packet containing musical scores, adjudication sheets and performance/adjudication recordings.

If there is any reason at least one director from each group cannot attend the Director’s Reception, please send an adult representative to attend, picking up music scores, adjudication sheets and recordings.

As mentioned with the Awards Ceremony information, while directors are attending the Director’s Reception, please have all available attending chaperones present to watch over your students during the Street Dance.

See You In Winter Park!  

We will be with you the entire festival