Frequently Asked Questions

I need to change my piece! What do I do?
If you need to change your piece from the piece you originally submitted please contact Bob Eicher using this page.

Is there a dress code?
For the student performances that will take place at the Pelham Country Club there is a dress code. The Club does not allow jeans or t shirts. Please share this information with your guests too!

What is the required skill level?
All we ask is that for their own benefit, the student is capable of performing the selected piece. There isn’t a required skill or difficulty level.

What about groups or ensembles?
They are very welcome!

I’m planning on playing a piece which requires two pianos. Will two pianos be available?
Two pianos will be available. Please indicate on the registration form that your performance will require two pianos.

How long can my performance be?
Keeping in mind that each performer may only play one piece - - there are no set maximums although we have made certain assumptions for scheduling purposes. We are expecting the average grammar school performance to last no longer than 2 minutes, middle school 3 minutes and high school 5 minutes.

We ask that as a matter of fairness, you respect the one song rule. We all know that a beginner’s instrumental performance can last under a minute. The one song rule is intended to give as many children as possible an opportunity to perform. The expected performance times include an expected average at different skill levels, introduction time, applause time, etc

What if I need accompaniment?
You are responsible for providing your own accompaniment. If you need help please indicate on the registration form. Several local music teachers have volunteered to provide accompaniment if necessary.

What instruments are allowed?
The Festival is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists. We cannot accommodate amplified instruments.

Do I need my own music teacher?
No.

How long will the recitals be?
The performances are going to be organized into a series of 90 minute recitals. No segment of the Festival is expected to last more than 90 minutes.

Will there be time to rehearse at the Pelham Country Club prior to the Festival?
Yes the Pelham Country Club will be available on a day prior to the performance date for limited rehearsals. There is no sign up, just go and play! Date TBD.

Do we only get to attend our own family’s performances?
No, a complete performance schedule is available on the website beforehand. You may attend any performance, subject to seating availability.

How many people will be in the audience?
The Pelham Country Club will be set up to hold about 200 people. Most recital sessions vary from 100 to 200 people in the audience.

When will you mail out the tickets?
We do not mail the tickets out. They will be available at the PCC on the rehearsal days as well as the day of the performance.

Can I buy more tickets to the PMF?
Yes, subject to seating limits, additional tickets will be available with your registration form or on the day of performance for $5 each.

What time will we need to be at the Pelham Country Club?
The performers need to be at the PCC 30 minutes before their assigned recital session begins. Again, we’ll let everyone know exact times in January.

When do I have to pick my song by?
You do not have to pick your piece by December 8th. However, in order to make the program, we’ll need it by January 10th.

What happens if we’re late to the performance?
Because of the complexity around scheduling we urge you to be on time. Guests will not be seated during a performance. If the performers are late, in all likelihood they will miss their performance opportunity. We will not be able to adjust the performance schedule on the day of the Festival.

Do I need to bring a music stand?
No, music stands will be available.

Will there be refreshments available at the PCC?
There will be bottled water provided to the performers. A limited selection of refreshments/snacks will be available for purchase at the PCC.

When will the performers receive their photos and CDs?
Our hope is to have them available immediately after their performance session.

Are additional contributions tax deductible?
Yes. The Pelham Music Festival is a non-profit organization and has been recognized by the IRS. Additional donations will solely be used to enhance the quality of the Festival.