I hope you enjoy and glean important ideas from our Fall 2007 Newsletter.   Looking back over many years of preparing for the festival season, since 1968, I have seen many changes.   In considering one overall concept, it is the attention given to the musical and to the social experience.   Which is most important?   Through the years this has changed and each school group should expect a memorable musical as well as social offering.   What are your primary requirements when selecting a Festival Company?   Functional and outstanding sites? ;   Select adjudicators and clinicians?;   Availability of office staff throughout the process?;   Competent and experienced director on site executing the schedule?;   Musical and social needs meeting high standards and expectations?;   Significant sight-seeing opportunities?;   High quality travel arrangements?

Often most festival companies attempt to do both an outstanding festival and at the same time a first rate travel experience.   In most cases this is not possible as expertise from the staff in both areas is not prevalent.   For instance, Festivals of Music and Music In The Parks are strictly festival companies.   The staff is expected to build memorable festival experiences.   Each director has more then fifteen years of festival design background.   The best group travel companies expect the same expertise in travel design from their staff.   Demand the very best from your Festival Company as well as your Travel Company.

Best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable year.

Jim Wells
President

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