The OVF Experience
Participants and directors have, over the years, commented on how positive the experience of performing is at OVF. This is because choirs perform in an atmosphere of collegiality and sharing. Our clinicians make a lasting impression on all members of the choir. In addition, listening to the various groups at the festival is both fun and educational.
Arrival
When you arrive at OVF you should check in at the registration desk. There, you will receive a package that contains information and forms that you will need for each of your groups. You will be asked to report (with all choir members) back to the registration desk thirty-five minutes before your performance time. You will meet your student guide who will take you through the warm-up, performance and clinic. You will need to prepare a brief bio of your group, along with your program selections, so that the MC can introduce your group. At this time, directors may choose to award an OVF leadership award to a deserving choir member. The award is presented to the student during the clinic by your clinician.
Warm-up
When you meet your student guide, they will take you to your warm-up room. You will have about 25 minutes to warm-up. The student guide will return to take you to the performance hall. At the same time, they will collect 2 copies of each of your pieces (for the clinicians) and your group bio.
Performance
You will have a total of 20 minutes to perform your program. A grand piano is provided for the accompanist. If you need extra stands and chairs for instrumentalists, please let the stage manager know just before going into the hall.
While you are performing, 2 clinicians will be listening and commenting. One will be providing live-recorded comments, while the other will provide written comments. You will receive the following recordings of your performance:
Online recording with clinician comments
Online recording (performance only)
Online video recording
Just prior to the start of your performance, a group photo will be taken in the hall. Digital copies of this photo, as well as some candid shots from your performance will be included in an online file.
Clinic
Following your performance, your student guide will take you to a clinic room where you will spend 30 minutes working with one of our distinguished clinicians. Because of the high quality of our clinicians, this is a most positive and educational experience. Your clinic will be recorded and included in your online file. At this time your clinician will present the leadership award (optional).
Wrap-up
Your music, clinician-written comments, and links to your online files will be delivered to the registration desk shortly after your performance. Please make sure you have everything before you leave the festival. If your package is not at the registration desk, an OVF representative will find it for you. Check with your choir to ensure that everyone has all of their personal belongings. While the OVF performance/clinic experience takes a total of only 80 minutes, there is more to enjoy at the festival. Plan on attending the noon-hour feature concert, and take in as many groups as you can. If there is a questionnaire in your package, please take a moment and fill it out. If you finish it before you leave, please submit it to the registration desk. We look forward to your input.
