Purpose: An opportunity for young musicians to share their music in a non-competitive environment.
Eligibility: Soloists and small ensembles, both instrumental and vocal, are invited to apply.
Ages: 7-20 years of age for both instrumentalists and vocalists.
Application Form Submission Deadline: May 22, 2026
Rehearsals: Individual rehearsal appointments will be scheduled for Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM or Sunday, May 31 from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM. Following application review, we will reach out to applicants individually to schedule their rehearsal date and time. If there is a preferred date or time, please specify that in the notes section of the application. There will be another day for makeups, if needed, on Saturday, June 6 from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM.
Performances: Performances are scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Students will be assigned to one of these concert times following the weekend of rehearsals. Students will be notified of a performance time assignment no later than Tuesday, June 2 following the rehearsals on May 30 & 31. This allows for some time after hearing everyone to organize a cohesive program order. Whether we hold two performances or just one will be depend on how many applications are received. If we hold just one, it will be at 5:00 PM.
Performance Location: The Community Presbyterian Church, 145 Carletondale Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Application Fee: Non-refundable $15 administrative fee payable to Ringwood Friends of Music, which can be processed online at https://donorbox.org/ringwood-friends-of-music or postmarked by May 22, 2026 to PO Box 427, Ringwood, NJ 07456. Mailed checks should include a memo with the student's name & "Youth Performance Festival." If paying online, select "Youth Performance Festival application fee" from the designation drop-down menu.
FESTIVAL GUIDELINES:
1. Application: It is our hope to showcase of a wide range of performance levels, instruments, and musical styles. Only fully completed applications will be considered.
2. The music: It is our hope to showcase of a wide range of performance levels, instruments, and musical styles. We welcome performances in the style of the following genres: classical, folk, jazz, or musical theater. All solos should be memorized. Chamber groups may use printed music. There will be no amplification systems available. If you are planning to perform pieces as a chamber group, each member of the group should submit an application form.
3. Concert attire: Performers are expected to be dressed nicely in semi-formal attire. If you have any questions about appropriate attire, please contact Erin Schwab - RFMyouthfestival@gmail.com .
4. Teacher Recommendation: The teacher’s submission of this separate application form is considered a recommendation. The teacher will be responsible for filling out the student's repertoire selections. Students who wish to play multiple instruments should have both teachers fill out a form.
5. Equipment: There will be a Steinway B piano provided for all entrants who require it. Chairs and music stands will also be available.
6. Accompanied vocal and instrumental solos. Performers must provide their own accompanists. If your student needs an accompanist, please email ringwoodfriendsofmusic@gmail.com for a list of referrals. Students should make their own arrangements with their chosen accompanist to rehearse ahead of time, and should make sure the accompanist is available for all the assigned rehearsal and performance appointments.
7. General Admission: General audience admission to the Youth Performance Festival will be FREE. Ringwood Friends of Music is administered solely by volunteers. We accept free will donations to defray concert costs.
Application for Participants
Application for PARTICIPANT’S Music Teacher
Questions: RFMyouthfestival@gmail.com