Frequently Asked Young Artist Questions

Please reach out to our office at 330-672-2613, or via email at kbm@kent.edu. 

Our mailing address is:
Kent Blossom Music Festival
1325 Theatre Drive
Kent, OH 44242

• Practice rooms are available on the second floor in the Center for the Performing Arts.
• Performing Arts Library access is available for all Young Artists.
• The Health Center and Recreation & Wellness Center. Please find the details for Recreational Services through the following link: www.kent.edu/recservices.

Hall lockers will be available in the Center for the Performing Arts (School of Music). Oversize lockers will also be available for double bass, cello, and French horn. Young Artists need to bring any maintenance tools and accessories if necessary.

Attendance

• All young artists are expected to attend the festival during the 5-weeks. Any request for a temporary absence must be made through the Director and will be decided in consultation with the Faculty.
• All young artists are expected to actively participate in all chamber music sessions (coaching, rehearsals and concerts). 
• All young artists are expected to commit and work on all pieces assigned throughout the festival.
• All young artists are expected to actively participate in all orchestra rehearsals, sectionals and concerts.
• Active participation in all sessions is imperative to the success of the program and the experience of everyone affiliated to it. Young artists should plan to take full advantage of the rehearsals and classes offered and should not schedule other conflicting activities.

Rehearsal etiquette

• Chamber music must be learned and studied prior to your arrival. 
• Young artists are expected to be punctual and maintain professional attitudes toward group members. 
• Be mindful of peers' opinions and work together toward the same goal. 

Payment

• Young artists will be notified when deposits and payments are due.

The festival may arrange a one-time shuttle service from and to the airport (Sunday of registration and Monday of departure) at Noon.

Young artists not taking the shuttle will need to make their own arrangements. Here are three companies that serve the university/community and provide cost-share rates for multiple riders: 

• LTS (Local Travel Solutions) – 800-206-6961 or Res@LTSLimo.com 
• Uber (download the Uber app on your smartphone)
• Lyft (download the Lyft app on your smartphone)

There are two airports close by:

• The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (50 mins away)
• The Akron-Canton Airport (35 mins away)

Kent Blossom Music Festival does not provide a meal plan. Young artists must purchase their own meals either on or off campus. Many choices exist on campus (cafeterias, food court, etc.) and off campus. A list of on-campus and off-campus locations will be given to you upon arrival. Please note that due to the small number of young artists/conference groups on campus during the summer, many campus facilities keep limited hours throughout the five weeks.

Each dorm room will include a microwave/refrigerator combo (2.5 c.f.) for your use. Small appliances are allowed in dorm rooms, including toasters, blenders, mixers and coffee makers (these small appliances are not provided). In addition, full kitchen facilities, including microwave and stove, are located on the third floor of your residence hall in the Bridge Lounge. The common kitchen areas are not equipped with cooking supplies (i.e., pots, pans, utensils) -- you should bring with you any appropriate items like these if you intend to do some personal food preparation.

Most of our Young Artists stay in the a residence hall at Kent State University. Options to stay with local host families are also available. However, Young Artists must provide their own transportation. If a Young Artist lives in the area, he/she is able to commute. However, the Young Artist must be available and present for all activities related to the festival during the five weeks.

In Kent, the summers are warm and partly cloudy. Average temperature is between 55 to 80 F. Daily chance of precipitation is between 30% to 40%. An average total accumulation of rainfall is about 3 inches.

Upon acceptance. Requirements on the health plan and immunization need to be met. Please visit The DeWeese Health Center website at Kent State University for details.

• The DeWeese Health Center: www.kent.edu/deweese
• Immunizations: www.kent.edu/UHS/immunizations

All accepted young artists need to submit their immunization records to the KBMF office.