Frequently Asked Questions

CONVENTION REGISTRATION:

How do I register?

• There are three ways to register.

o Online at www.tmta.org after March 1 and before May 25
o Using the registration form found in the Convention Brochure
o On-site at the DFW Hyatt during the Convention

• Those who pre-register will find their badges at the registration desk in the Hyatt. Ensemble and Performance Contest participants should arrive early enough to get their badges, which are required for entry into the rooms.

• Those registering before May 7 receive a discounted price!

Who should register?

• Everyone attending the Convention must register. This includes anyone attending ensemble concerts, performance contests, dress rehearsals, awards presentations, etc. The only event not requiring a badge is the Jo Ann Dunn Fargason Concert on Thursday evening which is free and open to the public.

• Participating students are pre-registered by their teachers.

• Parents and guests must register to attend any event their child in which their child is participating.

ACCOMODATIONS AND PARKING:

Where should we stay?

The Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel is the official Convention site. The special TMTA rate is $119 for all rooms reserved before May 31.

What parking is available?

The Hyatt Regency DFW offers free self-parking for hotel guests and meeting attendees. Present your parking ticket at the bell stand for a 16- hour validation stamp or at the front desk for overnight guest validation.

Will I have to pay a toll tag charge to get in the airport?

To avoid these charges do not go through a toll tag lane. Upon entering DFW Airport, go through a public lane and take a parking ticket for the hotel to validate.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

Will there be activities for children?

Kidz Kamp, an interactive area for children to explore music, will be in the Exhibit Hall. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kidz Kamp features music-oriented activities for the younger Convention attendees. Crafts, stories, activities, songs, and presentations of instruments are included. TMTA’s Music Appreciation Online program will also be on display.

Will there be professional photography and videography this year?

There will be a professional photographer at the Convention to take photos of ensembles and award winners. There will also be a professional videographer recording each ensemble program. Photos and video recordings will be available to purchase at Convention.

Will Convention T-shirts be available?

T-shirts with the 2012 Convention logo will be sold outside the Ensemble performance area.

Is there a swimming pool?

Yes, a pool is available at the Hyatt.

Are there reasonably priced places to eat nearly?

Yes, there are various restaurants near the hotel. In addition, the Hyatt Regency DFW offers the following choices: Jacob’s Spring Grille, Jett’s Coffee Bar, ACES Lobby Bar, and Mister G’s.

What about public transportation?

The Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau provides shuttle service at a nominal fee to Grapevine Mills Mall and to Historic Downtown Grapevine. Taxis are also available.

Will there be transportation available from DFW International Airport?

A Hyatt Regency DFW courtesy shuttle is provided to all DFW terminals. Guests should contact hotel via courtesy phones located in baggage claim for complimentary pick-up.

What about transportation from Love Field?

It is sixteen miles from Love Field to the Hyatt Regency DFW. Taxi fare is about $45, and shuttles are about $22/person.

What entertainment is available for families visiting the area?

Information about many area activities and attractions is available at dfwairport.hyatt.com.

My child will receive an award at convention. Do I have to register for convention if that is all we will attend?

Yes, but your convention registration covers nearly everything at convention - you might want to take a few minutes to sample some of the excitement.

My child is participating in a recital or contest at the convention. Is her registration included in her entry fee? How about my child displaying his Convention Project?

When a student registers for an event at Convention the fee is automatically included.

We will arrive shortly before our ensemble is scheduled for dress rehearsal. Do we need a badge for that or can we register after the rehearsal?

Ensemble is one area in which we are particularly concerned for the security of the room, with so many children running around. It is best to pre-register for the discounted tickets, especially if you're on a tight schedule. You will need a ticket to enter almost any event at the Convention, including the Ensemble Dress Rehearsals.