Cache Valley String Festival

Where: the Fine Arts Center of the Utah State University campus

Cost: $15 per student + a piano fee if you opt to have Annette play with your student (TBD based on the number of students performing, but generally around $20)

# of pieces to prepare: Students in Suzuki book 1 or lower who are not playing Bach Minuets or Gossec Gavotte will be allowed to play up to 2 pieces. Students playing pieces beyond Suzuki book 1 each prepare 1 piece.

Registration Deadline: February 7th,2026 – Please RSVP by January 31st

What to Expect: The festival experience is similar to a studio recital. The performers are grouped by level ranges in 30-minute recital slots. Students need time to tune, warm up, and prepare their scores and adjudication forms before entering the recital room. Arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled recital and plan to stay for the full 30-minute recital.  The festival opens at noon, and recitals begin at 12:30 PM.

Each room (I will communicate your room number and recital time slot as soon as it is confirmed) will have two judges, one of whom will provide feedback and ratings on each performer. Each student will be evaluated on pitch, rhythm, memory, and performance factors (presentation, dynamics, etc.). Students may only receive a superior rating if they perform their piece from memory.

At the end of all of the recitals, prizes will be awarded to the three highest-rated performers in each playing level, divided by instrument. These top-rated students are invited to perform at an honors recital, typically held on the Monday following the festival (on March 9), with two recitals starting at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Typically, the judges finish tabulating the results by 6:00 PM and will notify the teachers of the results. The comments and a certificate of completion will also be returned to teachers, who then distribute the feedback to the applicable students.