Thank you for considering the Chicago International Music Festival as your music performance tour in 2011. We know that you are looking for the best performance experience possible for your ensemble, and we strive to provide just that.  Festival activities will include attending a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (season schedule permitting) and group workshops with festival faculty. The festival culminates with ensemble performances at the Chicago Symphony Center.

Chicago International Music Festival
Chicago Symphony Center
March 26 - 30, 2011

ENSEMBLES : High School and College Instrumental & Choral Groups.
DURATION: 5 days
ACCEPTANCE: 2 university and 4 high school ensembles. Entry by Audition Only.

Faculty
Faculty to be announced

DAY ONE: Saturday, March 26, 2011 – ARRIVE INTO CHICAGO!
Morning: Groups arriving at one of the area airports will be met by a World Projects representative who will assist with loading the coaches. Transfer to the Renaissance Chicago Hotel (TBC). Groups arriving before the hotel’s check-in time may choose to take a tour of the city this morning. Groups arriving by coach will be met at the hotel by a World Projects staff member, who will also assist with check-in.  Afternoon: Group arrivals. After checking in, groups will have free time to explore the Chicago area.  Evening: Dinner on your own. The director will be required to attend the Director’s Orientation Meeting in the hotel. The rest of the evening is free!
DAY TWO: Sunday, March 27, 2011 – CHICAGO – Workshops
Morning: Breakfast on your own in the vicinity of the hotel. There are many delis, restaurants, and coffee shops in the area. Enjoy a group workshop with a festival clinician at the hotel or nearby this morning or afternoon.  Afternoon: Lunch is on your own in the area and this afternoon is free to enjoy Chicago. World Projects will be happy to arrange optional sightseeing activities and/or meals for your group (additional costs apply).  Evening: Dinner on your own. You will have free time to enjoy the many attractions that Chicago has to offer!
DAY THREE: Monday, March 28, 2011 – CHICAGO – Attend Symphony Concert
Morning: Breakfast on your own in the vicinity of the hotel. Today is free to enjoy Chicago.  Afternoon: Lunch on your own, and this afternoon is free to enjoy Chicago.  Evening: Dinner is on your own.This evening attend a concert presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Symphony Center (TBC – subject to season scheduling)
DAY FOUR: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 – CHICAGO – Chicago Symphony Center Performance
Morning: Breakfast on your own in the vicinity of the hotel. This morning is free to enjoy Chicago on your own.   Afternoon: Lunch on your own. Meet in the lobby of the hotel in performance attire with instruments. Transfer to the Armour Stage, Chicago Symphony Center for your group sound check. Afternoon Adjudicated Concert at the Chicago Symphony Center.  Evening: Dinner on your own in the area. Return to the Chicago Symphony Center for the Evening Showcase Concert.  Following the concert is the Awards Ceremony. Return to the hotel.
DAY FIVE: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 – CHICAGO → HOME
Morning:    Breakfast on your own in the vicinity of the hotel. Most groups will be leaving Chicago today. If your schedule allows, try to fit in some last minute sightseeing, shopping, or dining. Thank you for participating in the Chicago International Music Festival!

Package Inclusions

• One gratis ground package for your staff for every 20 paid participants (based on double occupancy)
• Four nights accommodation at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel (TBC)
• Hotel taxes and portage
• Airport transfers for group and baggage in Chicago
• One (1) 60 minute ensemble workshop with festival clinician at the hotel or similar
• Festival performance and written critiques at the Armour Stage, Chicago Symphony Center
• One (1) Festival performance CD for director, Chicago Symphony Center house system
• Large percussion as per the Director’s Packet
• Tickets to a concert at the Chicago Symphony Center
• Official Festival t-shirt
• Official Festival souvenir program
• Festival registration fees
• Access to all Festival concerts and events
• Certificate of Participation for each performing artist
• Award plaque
• DVD slide show of your trip for each participant
• Artist pass lanyard
• Director’s Packet

Package Exclusions

• Airfare (available through World Projects—see Air Travel Arrangements)
• Meals
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, room service, Internet connection etc.)
• Additional sightseeing excursions (World Projects can arrange a variety of Chicago sightseeing activities which are presented as Optional Sightseeing Activities in the Director’s Packet)
• Group transfers to non-festival events