About High Note Festivals

Begin and end your day on a High Note!

Learn About Our Festivals Our Festivals

Our one-day motivational festivals are held in four states.

📍ConnecticutCT
📍New JerseyNJ
📍New YorkNY
📍PennsylvaniaPA

Our Mission

At High Note Festivals, our mission is to provide a motivating, nurturing, and artistically enriching environment where young musicians can truly shine. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to perform in front of experienced, certified adjudicators who offer meaningful, constructive feedback that helps them grow, not just as musicians, but as confident performers. We are committed to celebrating every ensemble's hard work with the recognition, encouragement, and inspiration they deserve.

Our Approach

Every High Note Festival is thoughtfully designed from start to finish. We carefully coordinate each element of the day so that directors, chaperones, and students can focus entirely on what matters, performing their best and having an incredible time. Students receive detailed written critiques and digital recordings of their performances from seasoned music educators, giving them tangible takeaways they can build on. The day builds toward a celebratory awards presentation, where every ensemble is recognized for their dedication and effort, before the festivities continue with an unforgettable afternoon at a world-class theme park. It's a full day of music, pride, and joy that students and directors talk about for years to come.

Our Mission

Meet Our Team

Dr. Alyn Heim

Dr. Alyn Heim

FOUNDER

Starting in 1980, Dr. Heim managed and ran one-day motivational festivals. He is a Past-President of MENC All-Eastern Division and a Past President of the New Jersey Music Educators Association. He had over 50 years of experience as a music educator, administrator, and performer. Dr. Heim is a published author and composer with credits from school ensembles to Off-Broadway.

B.S. from The Juilliard School of Music, M.A. from Teachers' College, Columbia University, and Ed.D. from New York University.

Brian Heim

Brian Heim

PRESIDENT

Following in his father's footsteps, Brian has proudly taken over running one-day motivational festivals. He has been a part of this family business since the late 1980s, and has been managing High Note Festivals since 2002. Growing up in a musical family and being part of the music program himself, he has always had a passion for the arts. Brian worked in the band instrument business for 14 years.

B.A. in Communications from Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Sharon Heim

Sharon Heim

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sharon joined the family business in 1999, bringing over 35 years of experience in administrative roles. Since 2012, she has also worked as a teacher and currently serves as a STEM teacher at a PreK3-8 elementary school. Sharon's enthusiasm, dedication, organizational skills, and compassion make her a valuable member of the team.

Bachelors Degree from Montclair State University.

Kyle Deron

Kyle Deron

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Freshly joined the family business in 2026, bringing a fresh new mind to the company. As a recent grad and former high school band and chorus member, all he wants is for the students to enjoy their very special day.

B.A. in Journalism and Electronic Media from The University of Scranton.

Kyle works on the technical side of High Note, ensuring an enjoyable and easy time with the website, scheduling, and so much more.

Festival Day Experience

Morning

Start your day with electrifying performances before a panel of certified adjudicators. Every ensemble receives a detailed written critique and a digital recording of their performance, invaluable feedback to fuel future growth. The morning wraps up with an exciting Awards Presentation where every group is celebrated and recognized for their hard work and dedication.

Afternoon

After a morning of incredible music-making, it's time to celebrate and have fun! Students and chaperones enjoy a full afternoon at one of the Northeast's premier theme parks, thrilling rides, delicious food, and memories that will last a lifetime. It's the perfect way to end an unforgettable festival day!

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Professional Adjudicators

All judges are certified educators and musicians.

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Recorded Feedback

Digital recordings and detailed written comments.

Personal Service

Our staff supports directors and students at every step.

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Travel Support

We help with travel and logistics so you can focus on music.

Festival Resources & Documents

Download our helpful guides to get prepared for your festival day.

📄 Important Reminders for Festival Day 📋 General Festival Information

Professional Affiliations & Accreditation