FAQ

Q: What should I bring?

A: You should bring your instrument, anything you need to play (extra reeds, water, straps, etc), and all your double reed friends. Of course, having a bassoon or oboe is not a requirement - you can still observe all the sessions and try out some instruments brought by our vendors.

Q: Who should attend?

A: Bassoonists AND oboists of all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds! We will offer classes for all experience levels and this is an event to celebrate all things double reed!

Q: How do I register?

A: Follow this link here to the registration page. Registration is $40 for MYAC students and $50 for individuals with a discount for groups of 5 or more. To ensure correct t-shirt sizing, please register no later than Sunday, October 17th.

Q: I missed the registration deadline, can I still come?

A: Of course! We will accept late and day-of registrations with an additional $15 cost ($65 total for individuals). In order to avoid the late fee and guarantee a correctly sized t-shirt, please register by Sunday, October 17th.

Q: I am a teacher and am planning on bringing several students. Is there any discount?

A: Yes! Groups of 5+ can register for a discounted rate. Teachers must send a roster of students planning on attending to evanfojtik@mya.org by Sunday, October 13th to receive a group discount.

Q: Do I need to pack a lunch?

A: No! Lunch is included in the cost. Please advise of any allergy restrictions upon registration so we may do our best to accommodate.

Q: I want to play in a master class, how can I?

A: An email will go out to participants a few weeks prior to the festival where students will be able to sign up for master class spaces. Spaces will be on a first come, first served basis, and will not guarantee each student will be heard during a session. Clinicians will do their best to hear as many students as possible. We will also have lists for master classes posted on the day of the event, so come ready to play!

Q: What about reed making?

A: There will be reed adjustment classes for both bassoonists and oboists!!!!!

Q: Who will the clinicians be?

A: See our Clinicians page for more information!

Q: How do I attend a clinic?

A: Clinics will be held in rooms throughout Bennett Gordon Hall. All you have to do is go to the room of the clinic you'd like to attend! And don't forget your instrument if it's a playing class!

Q: How late will Chicago Double Reed Festival go?

A: The last clinics will wrap up around 3:20 pm and there will be a Faculty Recital from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Q: Do I Have to Stay the Whole Day?

A: You do not have to stay the whole day but it is highly encouraged!

Q: Can I attend the 4:00 pm Faculty Recital even if I'm not a registered participant in the festival?

A: Absolutely! Parents and guests are more than welcome to attend the 4:00 pm recital at no cost.

Q: I am in the market for a new bassoon or oboe, do you have any places you recommend?

A: We will have vendors at the festival with booths set up where you can try their instruments, accessories, etc. Check out the front page for more information on who will be there!

Q: Where will the Chicago Double Reed Festival be?

A: The Festival will take place at Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park. See our Directions page for detailed instructions on how to get there!

Q: Can I observe the festival without actively participating in any of the sessions?

A: Yes - on the day of the festival, people who wish to observe (but not participate) in any sessions can pay a $15 Observer Fee. They will not be able to participate in Master Classes or Technique sessions, for example, but they would be able to watch classes and performances.

Q: Do I have to pay for parking?

A: No! Parking is completely free and there is plenty of it!

Q: You still haven't answered my question - Who should I get in touch with?

A: Any additional questions, please email evanfojtik@mya.org or call Midwest Young Artists at 847-926-9898.