About the Festival
The Charleston Music Festival was founded in 2013 by music educators whose goal was to provide a rewarding and educational experience for middle and high school ensembles. Groups will perform a typical CPA-type program for three adjudicators who will provide ratings and recorded feedback. Immediately following the stage performance, one of the adjudicators will give a playing/singing clinic to the group.
Charleston was chosen for its prestige as a historic city with so many opportunities for student group fun and exploration. Beyond the musical experience the festival provides, groups gain knowledge and experience through educational activities like the SC Aquarium, various tours and harbor cruises, visiting historic markers and buildings, and even going to the beach. Some groups make it a day trip, while others stay for two or three days. The Charleston Music Festival staff can help make arrangements for lodging, food, and any activities available.
Band and Orchestra
The Charleston Music Festival will be held in one of Charleston County Schools’ performing arts centers. In addition to performing in a fine music hall, your band or orchestra will receive a beautiful wall plaque and rating trophy, recorded comments, and a full 30-minute playing clinic from one of our nation's top adjudicators and clinicians.
Pool of Adjudicators
Optional Leadership Workshop
Bobby Lambert, nationally recognized Student Leadership Clinician, will conduct an optional Leadership Workshop that will be catered to your leaders' ages and ensemble type. This workshop will be open to any group, regardless if they have an ensemble performing during the day.
- Student Leadership Workshop Fee is $30.00 per student
Registration Information
The Registration Fee of $75 is due by November 15. The fee increases to $100 after November 15. There is no guarantee of performance times after November 15. Priority scheduling is based on postmark of the received registration and deposit.
Performance Fee
- Participation in Festival
- Private Clinic Following Performance
- Written and Taped Comments Provided on Flash Drive
- Participation Plaque
- Awards
- Directors and Chaperones FREE
Hotels, meals, and sightseeing activities are available upon request. Sightseeing activities include historic and ghost tours, harbor cruises, private BBQ dinner cruise, aquarium, museums, sporting events, local theater and ballet companies, beautiful beaches, and many wonderful restaurants that cater to large groups. Premium downtown or beach front hotels are also available. Call us at (803) 239-6595 for additional information.