Tips for Establishing a Song Festival in Your Community

THE CURRENT SONG OF AMERICA PROJECT collaboration between Thomas Hampson and the Library of Congress invites authences to reflect upon the impact of song in the United States over the last two hundred and fifty years. I recently attended one of the many recitals associated with the ongoing project by American baritone Thomas Hampson and Romanian pianist Vlad Iftinca in Los Angeles. After intermission, Hampson took the stage and remarked upon the significance of song as a reflection of our common human condition. "Our experiences are unique, but not solitary," he commented. It is exactly this sentiment that may begin to explain the need for sharing the art of song through a summer music festival in your community. The benefits of a song festival are many. The festival format offers the student of voice an opportunity for focused learning in an environment that one hopes is somewhat insulated from the daily grind of everyday life. It also provides a performance outlet during the summer for high school and college students who may not be singing consistently between semesters. Networking among music professionals in a festival setting is another benefit fostered through frequent rehearsals, classes, concerts, and receptions. These gatherings provide opportunities to share ideas and experiences in the study and performance of our craft. And perhaps the greatest benefit of the song festival is heightened community awareness of the art song genre itself. With increasing curricular and fiscal strain placed on the arts and humanities in our public and private schools, the authence for noncontemporary commercial music has become less acquainted with classical art music. The summer song festival may create a wonderful opportunity for art song exposure to a broader cross-section of the population. Location and Lodging Where will the festival take place? Establishing a festival first requires selection of a site that includes adequate performing facilities and lodging. The location of the festival itself often entices potential participants. Picturesque or resort destinations provide extra incentive for students and authence members who will attend the events. The successes of music festivals in locales like Aspen, Tanglewood, and Ojai are testaments to the power of beautiful areas. However, this is not uniformly required to attract singers or to host an outstanding festival. In additon to the natural beauty of a mountain or seaside resort, places that offer other recreational or cultural activities are also a draw for students. Proximity to a highly populated metropolitan area can be fruitful simply because transportation to and from the festival becomes more manageable from both price and time standpoints. There may also be a greater number of students who might be interested in participating in a summer music festival. The old cliche "location, location, location" with regard to real estate values could certainly apply in the selection of a festival site. The facilities of the festival require particular forethought. Local schools, churches, and/or community performing arts centers can work well. In planning the format of the festival, several types of rooms or spaces will be required for rehearsals, master classes, and concerts. It is a good idea to have a grasp of the number of students and faculty who will need use of the facilities before you finalize the site selection. Consider holding the festival in more than one building if space is at a premium. Careful management and scheduling of these rooms in advance of the festival will help allay potential time conflicts. Unless the festival is held at a college or university, practice rooms equipped with pianos seem always to be a challenge. Solving this issue often requires creativity and collaboration. One possible solution could rest with a piano retailer in the community; it is not uncommon for piano dealers to partner with educational organizations. …