2024 MEMBER INFORMATION
Welcome to the 37th season of the National Orchestral Institute & Festival! The dates for this year’s festival are May 29 - July 11, including an exciting tour to Ravinia from July 7-11. For travel information and FAQs, see below. Stay tuned to this page for updates as we get closer to the festival.
- Arrival / Departure / Travel
- Housing / Meals
- FAQs
- Off Campus Housing Options
- Dress Code
- Public Computers
- Where do I find help?
- Fitness Center
- Laundry
- Campus Busses
- Parts Assignments & Music
- Instrument Lockers
- Provided in dorms
- Weather
- Area Hotels
- Repertoire for masterclasses
- Parking Permits
- Internet Access
- Tickets
Click here to see a list of 2024 NOI+F Orchestra members.
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ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE/TRAVEL
Where is the festival located?
The festival is located on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. All rehearsals, masterclasses and concerts are held in The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center unless specified. Complete visitor info about the University of Maryland, including local hotels and transportation information, can be found on the Conferences & Visitors Services website.
Arrival and departure
All NOI+F participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the University of Maryland. You should plan to arrive on campus between 10am and 3PM on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024. Directions to campus (plane, train, and car information) can be found below.
This year, we will be checking out of the dorms on July 7th to depart for the Ravinia tour. At this time, you should have your room completely cleared out - nothing should be left in the dorms. We will fly back to BWI airport from Chicago on the morning of Thursday, July 11th, at which time you will be dismissed from the festival. Please book your return flights home from BWI after 12:30PM on July 11th. (Those who have driven to campus will be able to come back to UMD to pick up their belongings before departing campus.)
Travel to/from nearby airports
Taxicabs & Rideshare
The approximate cost of taxi service from our area airports are as follows:
Reagan National Airport (DCA): $50 (See also Metrorail service from DCA below.)
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI): $70 (See also Metrobus and Metrorail service from BWI below.)
Dulles International Airport (IAD): $90 (See also Metrobus and Metrorail service from IAD below.)
Another less expensive option are rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft.
SuperShuttle
SuperShuttle is a convenient, and often less expensive, option for traveling to campus. The approximate cost of SuperShuttle Shared-Ride service from the airports are as follows:
Reagan National Airport (DCA): $35 for the first passenger and $10 for each additional guest
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI): $30 for the first passenger and $10 for each additional guest
Dulles International Airport (IAD): $40 for the first passenger and $10 for each additional guest
Metrorail service from Reagan National Airport
Note: When planning your trip, check Metrorail’s track work schedule. For current operating status, view weekday and weekend track work service adjustments.
Public transit (DC Metrorail) is available to travel from DCA and IAD to the University of Maryland—College Park metro station. The cost is between $3.85-5.20 one-way varying based on time of day. This is a great option if you are traveling without too much luggage or large instruments. Please plan to change trains from the Yellow line to the Green line trains at Mt. Vernon Square.
Once you arrive at the College Park station, you should board the Shuttle-UM bus, Route 104, which will drop you at the Regents Drive Garage (M-F, 6am - 11:30pm). Road closures this summer will impact travel so please allow extra time for bus travel. The Clarice Smith Center is just a short (10 minute) walk from the garage. Once off the bus, walk onto Fieldhouse Drive and walk past the baseball stadium, student union, and football field until you have reached the Clarice Performing Arts Center. Download the transit app and check back upon arrival for an updated schedule.
Moovit is a great resource that combines information from public transit operators and authorities with live information from the user community, Moovit offers travelers a real-time picture, including the best route for the journey.
More information is available here:
Washington Metro Area Transit Authority
What to do when you arrive?
Upon arrival, if you are staying on campus or have on campus parking you should check-in at Annapolis Hall where you will receive the keys to your residence and/or parking pass. You will receive a parking permit for your car if you purchased one in advance. After this, proceed to the NOI+F Headquarters table just inside the main entrance of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (across from the traffic circle). It is important to arrive on campus by 3PM so that you have time to complete all of the required check-in activities. If you are staying off campus and have not purchased campus parking, please proceed directly to The Clarice and visit the NOI+F HQ desk.
Campus map:
Here are the locations that are important during your stay at NOI:
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center: Building #386
Annapolis Hall (housing check-in): #008
Allegany Hall: #024
Stamp Student Union (food court and bookstore): Building #163
Stadium Drive Parking Garage: Building #218
Mowatt Lane Parking Garage: Building #404
Eppley Recreation Center: Building #68
Travel to and from Ravinia
This year, we have the exciting opportunity to perform at the Ravinia festival in Chicago with Marin Alsop! During this trip, we will play side-by-side with musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and with National Seminario Ravinia, a collaboration of El Sistema style organizations from across the world. NOI+F musicians will serve as mentors for the students in the El Sistema National Seminario. For more information on this concert please visit their website.
We will provide more information in the coming weeks regarding trip logistics!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
What is the housing situation while I'm at NOI+F?
There are two options for housing during the duration of NOI+F. You can elect to arrange your own housing or you can choose one of the NOI+F arranged housing options below for the indicated costs. INFORMATION FOR HOUSING ARRANGED ON YOUR OWN IS BELOW.
- Double Room (Apartment with kitchen): $1375.00
- Single Room (Apartment with kitchen, limited availability): $2368.00
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All rooms are located on the University of Maryland campus in an air-conditioned apartment and include linens (1 pillow w/case,1 blanket, 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 towels, 1 wash cloth). Laundry service is not included.
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2024 housing costs are estimates and are subject to change.
*Single rooms are very limited in number and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. The housing selection and payment form will be sent to you mid-April.
What is the meal situation while I'm at NOI+F?
NOI+F does not provide a traditional meal plan for participants due to the large number of eating establishments located on the University of Maryland campus and surrounding area. Local options include restaurants, campus cafes, campus restaurants, and campus dining halls. UMD-operated locations accept cash and credit card payment. All on campus lodging has access to a shared kitchen within their respective suite. Some participants may wish to do a combination of eating in and going out. There is a brand new Trader Joe's grocery store located just an 8-minute walk from the dormitories which is convenient for grocery shopping and essentials.
OTHER HOUSING OPTIONS (ARRANGED ON YOUR OWN- NOT THROUGH THE NOI+F OFFICE):
University of Maryland Fraternity & Sorority Housing
The University of Maryland owns 21 properties that are leased to Fraternity and Sorority alumni corporations for use by their members. Some of those chapters make their houses available for use during the summer months which is a great option for NOI+F students looking for affordable, group living. Inquiries can be made to Stephanie Patterson, Housing Coordinator in the Department of Fraternity & Sorority Life (301-314-7780) hbiffl@umd.edu or spatter2@umd.edu.
Each house has similarities in terms of layout yet many differences that set them each apart. Here is some other basic information:
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Estimated cost of $185.00 per bed per week. Singles are very limited and are priced at $225 per week.
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Each house has between 28-34 beds, in a mix of singles, doubles and a few triples and quads.
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All Greek Housing summer guests must be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
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Bedrooms are furnished with: XL twin bed(s), desk(s), dresser(s) and chair(s)
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Guests are responsbile for bringing their own bedding and towels.
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Common Areas May Include:
o Living Room with large screen TV and seating
o Basement/ Dining area with tables and chairs
o Study Room with table or desks and chairs
o Laundry facilities
o Day kitchen with refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster oven and ice machine -
Each house has a commercial kitchen that can be used at an additional cost by approved staff or vendors
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Group Bathroom on each floor
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Internet and cable TV
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Central Air Conditioning
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Live-in facility manager
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Housekeeping Services
University of Maryland Off Campus Housing Database
The UMD Off Campus Housing Database has a great filter to search for summer sublets. This is a great first place to look for a convenient and affordable residence during NOI+F. Click "more" and choose the sublets option to search for sublets only.
The housing section on Craigslist might make your parents a bit worried, but you shouldn’t completely rule out this idea. While there are many places listed on this website that are not worth it, you could find the perfect college apartment. In order to search apartments on this website, click the links that lead you to your geographical location and then look for the “housing” section. For example, prospective residents in Columbus, Ohio, have the option to look at either apartments, real estate for sale, parking/storage and much more.
At College Rentals, students can search for apartments in their area while narrowing down the search criteria with factors such as whether or not the apartment allows pets, whether the apartment is furnished, the price of the apartment and the apartment’s distance from campus. They also offer a blog so when you eventually do find the perfect apartment, you can find tips and tricks for off-campus living.
Rent.com has a simple search option and offers many choices regarding apartments with different locations available. The only downside is that the search only allows you to locate apartments in a city, not around a college. While this may not make a difference in smaller places, residents in places such as Columbus may have trouble finding an apartment to fit their needs.
On the housing section of Uloop, students can easily search apartments listed in their university’s area. Uloop offers a search bar so students can choose from over 1,500 college towns. Uloop is a great option because it works closely with students from many different colleges and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Some other possible options:
www.airbnb.com
https://www.homestay.com
https://www.sublet.com/
http://www.roommates.com/
What is the concert dress code for NOI+F Orchestra Fellows?
For 2024, the concert attire is all black with optional solid, gold-colored accents. Please read below:
Black long sleeve buttoned shirt or blouse (blouse sleeves must be elbow length or longer) black full length slacks or black skirt below the knee, black closed toe shoes with socks / stockings. No sandals, flip flops or other open toed shoes. Long ties, socks, hair pieces, scarves as gold-colored accents. Accents should be appropriate performance attire.
You may wish to bring some additional dressy outfits for chamber music concerts, such as black jackets and other colorful dress tops/shirts, khakis, etc.
For our performance at Ravinia, the concert attire is concert black (all black). Summer in Chicago can often be quite warm but not quite as muggy as the DC area, so plan on bringing warm clothes for evenings and warm clothes for the day.
Can I receive mail during NOI+F?
Yes. Please email jhollan6@umd.edu if you are sending anything in advance or any large packages. Please note: USPS, FedEx, and UPS only deliver Monday-Friday to campus. All mail is filtered through the University mail room so you should expect delays, especially when ordering next-day delivery.
Mail should be addressed to:
Your Name
c/o NOI+F
3800 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
8270 Alumni Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-1625
How do I get help at the festival?
NOI staff members will be available at the NOI HQ table located in the Grand Pavilion in front of Dekelboum Concert Hall and just in side the main entrance to The Clarice.
Is there a fitness center?
Yes! The Eppley recreation center (ERC) is available to NOI+F fellows during the festival. This is a full service, state of the art, fitness facility and pool. The cost for a rec center pass is $40 for the duration of the festival (05/31-07/02) or $10 per individual visit. You will need to purchase the pass at the ERC Member Service Desk. To purchase, you should bring with you a photo ID and form of payment (they do not accept cash). You should let the desk staff know that you are a part of the NOI Special Access Group.
Are laundry facilities provided?
Yes, washers/dryers are available in the residence quad. You will not need quarters, but you will need to provide your own detergent.
Will the campus buses be operating during NOI+F?
The Shuttle-UM operates year-round, although the schedule can be limited in the summer. Download the transit app and check back upon arrival for an updated schedule. Shuttle-UM is fare-free and does not require registration. However, some of the routes require passengers to present a university ID to the driver. These routes are marked with “ID” on the bus schedules (you may have to turn this feature on in the setting on the app).
When will I get my part assignments?
Part assignments will be sent to you via email in mid-May. Except for percussionists, part assignments are determined based on your initial entrance audition. Percussionists will complete a seating audition in the first week of the festival.
When will I get my music?
Copies of parts for the first two weeks of the festival will be emailed to you in mid-May. If you have not received your music by then, please contact the NOI+F Principal Librarian Olivia Ren at oren@umd.edu.
Where can I store my instrument, music, and supplies?
All participants will be issued a locker located inside the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Larger instruments such as double basses and tubas will be given larger lockers. You do not need to bring your own locks, as each locker is equipped with a standard combination lock.
What is provided for my stay in the dorm?
For those staying in NOI+F provided on-campus housing, each participant will be provided with 1 pillow w/case,1 blanket, 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 towels, and 1 washcloth. You may wish to bring a mattress pad for your comfort. Some may also prefer an extra blanket since the A/C tends to be cold.
What is the summer weather like in College Park?
Weather in College Park during the summer can vary. Evenings can be cool and quite comfortable, but during the day it will often be very hot and humid. Rain is common, so you may want to bring a rain jacket and/or umbrella for walking around campus. You should also expect some pop-up thunderstorms in the evenings.
What hotels are located in the College Park area?
See the Off-Campus Accommodations page on the Conferences & Visitor Services site.
What repertoire will be used in the masterclasses?
We will forward repertoire information to you via email as we receive it from the NOI faculty members. However, all participants should arrive prepared to play standard solos and/or excerpts for your instrument.
How can I get a parking permit for my car?
Parking permits are available for an additional fee. Please look for an email from the NOI+F office on how to register your car. NOI+F is not responsible for paying parking tickets, so please read all signs carefully!
Is the residence air-conditioned?
Yes!
Does the residence have an internet connection for my computer?
Yes! The University of Maryland participates in the Edu-roam collection. You can use campus Wi-Fi with your UMD affiliate login credentials, or if your home school also participates in Edu-roam, you can use the Wi-Fi for free throughout the campus. Check here for a list of participating Edu-roam schools.
Do NOI+F members receive complimentary tickets for NOI+F concerts?
You may request one comp ticket for friends or family per show and can reserve tickets to any concert in Dekelboum. NOI+F fellows have a reserved seating area for each concert and do not require tickets. We encourage you to reserve comp tickets to a performance at least 24 hours before the concert.
On the evening of performances, our ticket office will be very busy assisting patrons. If you choose to reserve tickets on the evening of a concert, you may experience a wait time. Comps are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. If you’d like to reserve seats next to your friends, please visit the ticket office together and reserve your tickets at the same time.
Many fellows will have more than one person attend a concert, and so will want additional comp tickets.If another fellow gives you permission to use their comp ticket, the ticket office will be able to place this ticket with yours. To do this, both fellows need to go to the ticket office in person and request that one fellow’s ticket transfers to the other. Do not request another fellow’s ticket without that person present.
Ticket Office Hours and Information:
Monday - Saturday: Noon to 8PM
Extended hours as necessary for events.