FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Tickets Do I Need to Buy?
For the ultimate experience, including skipping all concert lines, access to all classes and concerts and more, purchase a VIP Pass.
You can buy individual tickets (a la carte) to events. But attendees can save big by purchasing a Full Weekend Pass.
Students at any age, Seniors age 65 and older, Music Educators and FCPS employees can save even more by purchasing a Discount Weekend Pass.
If you plan to purchase 10 or more tickets at once, you can also save by purchasing the Discount Weekend Pass.
If you are a competitor in either ACA-Idol or the HS Competition, you must purchase a Discount Weekend Pass, VIP Pass, Full Weekend Pass or a ClassPass. Remember that a ClassPass will give you access to compete and access to all classes, but it won't give you access to see any of the concerts. Ticket terms are here. If you are coming from out of town, you may also need to book a hotel.
Can I Buy Tickets At the Door?
We often have a limited number of tickets available for purchase at the door, but this is riskier than purchasing in advance on line, especially when our acts are well-known to the general public. Also, you must use cash or credit for purchases made at the door. Unfortunately, checks are not accepted.
Saturday Night Has Two Evening Concerts. (7PM and 9:30PM) Are they Different from Each Other?
Yes! Each concert on Saturday is different from all the others, with all or almost all different groups performing! Most attendees go to BOTH shows! On rare occasions, we will schedule one of our many headliners to appear in both shows. But even in this case, the headliner will perform a different set.
Will Sat and Sun Concerts Be Different from Each Other?
Yes! Except for a favorite song or two, groups that perform Saturday usually perform an entirely different set on Sunday.
Is Parking Free at SingStrong?
Yes! There is free parking at all SingStrong concerts and classes!
Is Parking Free at the Hotel?
Yes! The Hotel, site of the afterglows, has free parking!
Is Transportation Free between the Hotel and the Concerts and Classes?
Yes! The Hotel provides a free shuttle for guests!
Is Transportation between Dulles International Airport (IAD) and the Hotel Free for Guests of the Hotel?
Yes! The Hotel provides a free shuttle between IAD and the hotel, for guests.
Where Do Guests from Out-of-Town Stay?
Guests from out-of-town stay at the this Hotel. This is the site of all the afterglows. The hotel offers SingStrong attendees special low rates. The hotel has many amenities including free parking, and a free shuttle service to Dulles International Airport and all SingStrong events.
What Airport Should Attendees Fly Into?
All attendees should fly into Dulles International Airport (IAD). The airport is 15 minutes from all SingStrong events. The Hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from Dulles International Airport. Even if this IAD ticket costs slightly more than one to Baltimore Washington International (BWI), the cost of a taxi (approx $140USD each way) both from and to the airport (over 1 hour away) makes this a more expensive choice in the long run. Go with IAD. You'll be so much happier!
Is It Convenient to Take Public Transportation from Union Station in D.C.?
It's not convenient, but it is possible. For those who want to take trains and buses, check out the information here. Remember that train and bus schedules vary daily. South Lakes Dr and Seahawks Dr is the intersection where the South Lakes HS Arts Center is located and where all concerts and classes occur. The bus stop at South Lakes Dr and Soapstone Dr is 3 blocks West of this location. A taxi from Union Station to Reston, VA will cost approximately this much and take approximately 1 hour. Time and cost estimates will vary greatly in heavy traffic.
Is There a Map of the Event?
Coming soon! (We made a few changes so we have to replace our old map!)
Are There Simple Driving Directions?
Yes. Here are simple driving directions.
My Group Wants to Perform as Much as Possible! What Performance Opportunities Are There for Us?
Whether your group is HS, collegiate, semi-pro or pro, there are more performance opportunities at SingStrong than practically any other contemporary a cappella festival! Check them out here and apply now!
What Do People Have to Say About SingStrong?
Well, mostly, they say this.
What Performers Will Be There This Year?
We announce our performers here on our home page about two months before the event. We also put them on the schedule. We get the hottest, breaking artists in a cappella, and that sometimes means our contracts demand somewhat delayed announcements.
What Performers Have Performed at SingStrong in the Past?
Past performers include, Pentatonix, NOTA, Street Corner Symphony, Ten, MAXX Factor, Traces, Afro-Blue and The Vanderbilt Melodores from NBC's TV show, "The Sing-Off"; Grammy Winner, Ben Bram (with Level), American Idol's Blake Lewis, and Nate Tao (with The Funx); Ball in the House from America's Got Talent; viral youtube sensation and Austrian overtone singer, Anna-Maria Hefele; live-loopers, Julia Easterlin from Lollapalooza and Grace McLean; New York City's pop, twisted-broadway quartet, Blue Jupiter (feat. by Nickelodeon, NOKIA, College Humor, and OREO); Harmony Sweepstakes Champions Stiletta, GQ, Traces, Da Capo, Cartoon Johnny, Red No 5, Capri, Breath of Soul and others; Broadway Trio, Apollo Link; the haunting, Eastern European sounds of Slaveya and Zulal; renown overtone singer and Wynton Marsalis collaborator, Alex Glenfield; comedic a cappella legends, The BOBS; international touring acts, The Swingle Singers (England), The Essentials (Canada), The Glue (Switzerland), Fii (Austria), Vocaldente (Germany), VocalLine (Denmark), Ensamble Fenix (Venezuela) ONAIR (Germany) Voco Novo (Taiwan); The Alexandria Harmonizers, barbershop multi-medalists; beatboxers, Mandible (VocaPeople), Masai Electro (feat. on multiple national commercials), Ben Mirin (TED Talks), MC Beats (top ranked female beatboxer), Kaila Mulady (2015 World Champion Beatboxer and Beatrhymer), and dozens more! Count on SingStrong to continue its legacy of cutting edge excellence. You won't be disappointed!
What Classes Are There?
Here is the most recent schedule. We update it all the time as the event approaches! This will always give you a good idea of the kinds and numbers of classes we'll offer each year. The most important thing to know is that our classes are designed with the right amount of seating so you won't have to pre-register to see the classes you want!
What Food Options Are Available At SingStrong?
SingStrong offers snacks such as candy and sometimes fruit, along with sodas, water and fruit drinks. SingStrong also typically offers lunch foods like pizza or tex-mex. Restaurants of every type are nearby (see below).
What Food Options Are Located Within One Mile of SingStrong?
South Lakes Village Shopping Center is located 1 mile away from SingStrong on South Lakes Drive, just off Sunrise Valley Drive, in Reston, Virginia. It's situated on beautiful Lake Thoreau. Though we offer food onsite at SingStrong, this nearby location offers more diverse food options, which is especially useful for those with special food needs. Directions from SingStrong: take a left onto South Lakes Drive. Go one mile and the shopping center will be on your left, just past Lake Thoreau.
What Food Options Are At or Near the Hotel?
The Hotel features a connected restaurant accessible through the lobby. There is also a small concession stand in the lobby. The hotel is nearby to many other choices.
If Tickets Are Sold-Out, What Can I Do to Get In Anyway?
Thankfully, when tickets sell out there is a still a chance that you can get in. This is because there are almost always some last minute cancellations and no-shows. The best advice is for you to arrive about an hour prior to the show and let the Will-Call know that you would like to buy a ticket. They will put you on a waiting list and you'll be first to get in when we get a cancellation. Please bring CASH or credit for in-person ticket purchases. Checks are not accepted.
When Does the Box Office Open on Friday?
The Box Office/Will-Call will be open by 4PM on Friday. It's right by the entrance to the Main Theatre, in the hall across from the SLHS main office.
How Do I Perform in ACA-IDOL?
Follow these instructions to apply.
How Do I Perform in the HS Competition?
Follow these instructions to apply.
My Group Would Like a Free Coaching. How Do We Apply?
Follow these instructions to apply.
I Want to Sing on the MainStage, but My Group Can't Come. Is There a Group I Can Join?
Yes! You can apply to join SingStrong's open group, The Single Singers.
If I Attend the 7PM Saturday Show, Can I Save My Seat or Leave My Belongings for the 9:30PM Show?
Because this would not be fair to those who attend the 9:30PM show, we do not allow saving seats or leaving belongings between shows. (VIP Tickets may be an exception in some areas.)
I Purchased a Weekend Pass, But I Can't Attend All of the Shows. Can I Get a Refund?
No. Weekend Passes are a lot like an all-you-can eat buffet. They allow YOU and you ALONE to enjoy as much as you want. But there aren't any discounts for "food you didn't eat" and you can't pass your "all you can eat" status on to anyone else.
I'm in High School. Are There Any Events That I Can't Attend?
You can attend all classes, seminars and concerts. But, the Afterglow parties aren't appropriate for unaccompanied or unsupervised high school students. Afterglows take place in a bar-like restaurant setting. SingStrong therefore recommends that no high school students attend afterglows. School or SingStrong personnel do not supervise this event. The Hotel/restaurant alone controls the event, and in the past they have chosen to deny access to underage patrons.
Can I Record Concerts or Classes?
The rules regarding recording are located in the ticket terms. Generally, the answer is no. But even when the answer is yes, you assign all rights to SingStrong Inc.. We do this to protect our artists and our cause!
Is It Ok to Arrive Late for Classes?
Yes. Please try to enter without disrupting the class.
Is It OK to Arrive Late for Concerts?
No! It is risky to arrive late for concerts. If your seat is still available when you arrive, we may reseat you. However, SingStrong is a charity-oriented event. If a weekend pass holder/ticketholder does not show up for a concert in a timely manner, then, in accordance with the ticket terms, SingStrong may resell that seat to someone on the waiting list. (This is much like airline travel.) This allows SingStrong to both keep our ticket prices low, and to raise funds for charity. Thankfully, due to our free, convenient parking, our attendees almost never arrive late, so this hasn't yet presented a problem. But we wanted to give you fair warning. Also, SingStrong personnel may require you to wait until an appropriate moment where your entry will not be disruptive before allowing you late entry to a concert.
How Does Seating Work at Concerts?
SingStrong uses stadium seating for almost all seats. This allows you and your friends to buy tickets separately and still sit together. Doors usually open about 30 minutes prior to concerts, but lines do form earlier for popular concerts. VIP ticket holders may skip to the front of the line and choose any seat they wish.
Where Do I Get My Tickets?
When you enter the SingStrong event site, you will immediately see an area noted as Will-Call. Your tickets and/or passes will be waiting for you here under the name used to purchase the tickets or the name provided to our ticket seller at the time of purchase. You may also see a separate area, near Will-Call, for performers or competitors where their tickets are held separately.
Can I Donate to the Silent Auction?
Yes. Donate here and (generally) write-off donations of money or goods as a deduction! (Sadly, the IRS typically does not allow deductions for the donation of services.) Always consult your accountant or tax preparer for details.
How Does the Silent Auction Work?
100% of the money we raise at auction goes to the fight against Alzheimer's! Throughout the weekend, we will display various items and services. You may enter a bid on any of these at any time before bidding closes on Saturday night at around 9PM. Make sure we have your contact information in case you win! After our Saturday 7pm show ends, and before our 9:30 show begins, we will close the bidding. At this time, bidding often becomes more intense. We will do a count down to indicate the closing of bidding. Most bidders attend the 9:30 show where we announce winners. We will also contact winners using the information you provide. Please pick up your items by the end of the festival on Sunday!
How Does SingStrong Support Charitable Causes?
Here at SingStrongDC A cappella Festival, we are proud of our charitable involvement. The PCA or Parents of the Choral Arts is a booster charity that supports local vocal music right here at our host school, South Lakes HS, in Reston, VA. Profits from tickets and merchandise directly support this wonderful cause, which includes music for students, world-class clinicians, lowered participation fees, and funding for future SingStrong Festivals. But even more than this, 100% of the profits at the silent auction support the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. And of course, SingStrong, Inc. is itself is a New York based Public Charity under 501(c)(3) with a team that donates thousands of volunteer hours to keep our festival first rate.
If I Bid on Something at the Silent Auction, Can I Deduct that on My Taxes?
No. Typically, the person who donated that item takes the deduction. The person who bids gets a great deal, and the satisfaction of helping a great cause! But consult your tax advisor to be sure.
How Many Seats are There?
The house at SLHS Arts Center holds 576 permanent seats. Up to 20 removable seats may be added when demand is high.
What are the Stage Dimensions?
Performers' usable stage dimensions are about 55 feet wide by 20 or more feet deep. The stage's proscenium arch measures 18'6" feet high. From proscenium to the apron is 13'3 ft. Wing space is 14', however SingStrong personnel make extensive use this area. The height from the floor to celing is 23'5".