NSMTA Fall Festival
The NSMTA Fall Music Festival provides students of all levels - and all instruments - with an opportunity to perform in a positive and non-competitive environment.
NSMTA Fall Festival Chair:
Heather Atagan, fallfestival@nsmta.org
Committee:
Grace Juang · Heidi Mayer · Anthony Ty
EVENT DATE
Saturday,
November 14, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
LOCATION
New Trier Township High School
Winnetka Campus
385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka, IL 60093
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Sunday,
November 1, 2026
ENTRY FEES
Solo Performance
NSMTA Member: $35
Non-Member: $45
Ensemble Performance
NSMTA Member: $45
Non-Member: $55
About the Fall Festival
This festival is designed to meet the students where they are. Whether it's a beginner who loves Star Wars or a high school student preparing for college auditions. The Fall Festival is meant to motivate, encourage, and inspire!
Students will perform in small groups with appropriate age/levels and receive verbal feedback by a professional adjudicator. They will also receive brief written comments and a certificate of participation.
Fall Festival Rules & Guidelines
Please review the following guidelines before registering. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Fall Festival Committee at fallfestival@nsmta.org
Student Levels
Students will register in one of three general divisions:
Beginner: 0-3 years of study
Intermediate: 3-6 years of study
Advanced: 6 or more years of study
Teachers may use their discretion when selecting the most appropriate division for their student.
Repertoire & Performance Time
Students will perform one piece.
Beginner Division: Maximum performance time of 5 minutes
Intermediate & Advanced Divisions: Maximum performance time of 7 minutes
Teachers will provide the title and composer of the student’s piece during registration.
Memorization is optional but encouraged. Students who perform their pieces memorized will receive a + rating along with their adjudication.
This festival is open to solos, ensembles, other instruments and voice.
Unaccompanied works are permitted. If a soloist requires accompaniment, please provide your own.
Performance Scheduling
The Fall Festival will take place from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. During registration, participants may indicate a preferred performance window:
First Half: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Second Half: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
No Preference
Performance time preferences cannot be guaranteed, but the committee will take requests into consideration and make every effort to accommodate them.
Final performance times will be communicated in the Member Portal after registration closes.
Parent and Teacher Volunteers
The Fall Festival a fun community event. Parents and teachers are encouraged to volunteer. The registration form allows teachers to indicate their availability for one or more of the following shifts:
10:00 AM–12:00 PM · 12:00–2:00 PM · 2:00–4:00 PM
How to Register
Registration for the NSMTA Fall Festival is completed by the student’s teacher through the NSMTA Member Portal. Registration will be open from October 1–November 1, 2026.
NSMTA Members
If you are a current NSMTA member, please log in to the Member Portal to register students.
The registration fee for Solo Performance is $35 per student and $45 for Ensemble Performances.
Not an NSMTA Member?
Non-member teachers are welcome to participate in the Fall Festival. The registration fee is $45 per Solo Performance and $55 for Ensemble Performances.
Please follow the non-member instructions to access to the Member Portal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does my child wear?
Performance-appropriate attire is recommended.
Can grandparents attend the performance?
Absolutely, and they are encouraged to!
Can students play more than one piece?
No.
Can students sign up for more than one instrument?
Yes, but a registration for each performance is required.
My children are both participating. Can they be scheduled close to each other?
We will make every effort to accommodate families.
How early should we be there?
At least 15 minutes early. If you’re in an ensemble, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
What happens if we miss our performance time?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate those who miss their performance time.
Do we need to check in before the performance?
Yes, please stop by the registration desk when you arrive.
Can we watch other performances?
We encourage you to attend the other performances throughout the day!
Do we need to bring music?
Yes. If it is not memorized, please bring an extra copy for the judge.
Does the music have to be memorized?
Memorization is optional and will be acknowledged with a + rating on the evaluation sheet.
Please bring in an extra copy of your music for the judge if you will be using music.
How can we commemorate the performance?
Participants will receive a certificate of achievement and a written evaluation by the judge.
Where do we park?
See attached map.