International Wind Ensemble Academy & Festival (IWAF) Code of Conduct

At IWAF, we are committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and professional environment for all participants, faculty, staff, and visitors. The following Code of Conduct outlines our expectations and responsibilities to ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in the festival.

1. Respect and Inclusivity

All individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or background, must be treated with respect and dignity.
Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated.
Personal and professional boundaries must be respected at all times.

2. Professionalism

Participants are expected to uphold a high level of professionalism in all interactions, including rehearsals, performances, workshops, and social events.
Timeliness and preparation are essential. Participants must attend all scheduled activities punctually and be prepared for rehearsals and performances.
Inappropriate behavior, such as disrupting rehearsals or performances, will result in disciplinary action.

3. Academic and Artistic Integrity

Participants are expected to maintain integrity in their artistic and academic endeavors. All submitted work, including performances and auditions, must be original and the result of individual effort unless otherwise specified.
Plagiarism, misrepresentation, or falsifying information will result in immediate dismissal from the festival.

4. Health and Safety

IWAF prioritizes the health and safety of all participants. Everyone is responsible for following all safety guidelines, including those related to venue rules, equipment use, and public health protocols.
Any hazardous behavior or disregard for safety measures will be addressed promptly.

5. Substance Use

The use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited during the festival. Alcohol consumption must be done responsibly and in designated areas only, in accordance with local laws.
Participants who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol during rehearsals, performances, or any festival-related activity may be subject to removal from the event.

6. Social Media and Communication

Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, but they must do so responsibly. Any use of social media that involves defaming, disrespecting, or harming others is unacceptable.
Private conversations, confidential information, and internal discussions should not be shared publicly without proper authorization.

7. Property and Equipment

Participants are responsible for the care and proper use of festival equipment, instruments, and facilities.
Any damage to property, whether intentional or through negligence, may result in a financial liability for the responsible party.

8. Disciplinary Action

Violations of the Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary actions, including verbal or written warnings, dismissal from the festival, or other appropriate measures.
Participants who witness or experience any misconduct are encouraged to report it to festival staff or leadership.

9. Commitment to the Festival

Participation in IWAF is a privilege. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to fully commit to the festival schedule and actively engage in all activities.
Withdrawal from the festival without notice or just cause may result in the forfeiture of scholarships, refunds, or future participation opportunities.

10. Collaboration and Community

IWAF is a collaborative space. We encourage open communication, teamwork, and a supportive atmosphere where all participants can grow, learn, and create lasting relationships.

By participating in IWAF, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and help us create a welcoming, enriching environment for all. Thank you for your commitment to upholding IWAF’s values and contributing to its success.

International Wind Ensemble Academy & Festival

(IWAF) Disclaimer

By submitting an application, accepting admission, signing this agreement, or making any payment to IWAF, the participant and/or their legal guardian acknowledges that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. General Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, IWAF, its organizers, partners, sponsors, faculty, staff, and affiliates shall not be responsible for any injury, loss, damage, or expense arising from participation in the festival, except where such loss is caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Participation in IWAF activities is voluntary, and attendees assume all risks associated with festival events and activities.

2. Program Changes

IWAF reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel any part of the festival program, including faculty, performances, venues, and schedules, without prior notice.

In such cases, IWAF will endeavor to notify participants as soon as possible but cannot be held liable for any inconvenience, expenses, losses, or costs incurred due to such changes.

3. Health and Safety

IWAF participants are responsible for their own health and well-being.

Attendees must comply with all health and safety guidelines provided by the festival, local authorities, and venues.

IWAF will not be held accountable for illnesses, injuries, or any health-related incidents occurring before, during, or after the festival.

Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate personal insurance coverage for the entire festival period, including arrival and departure dates.

4. Media and Photography

By participating in IWAF, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded during the festival.

IWAF reserves the right to use these materials for promotional, educational, archival, or other festival-related purposes without compensation.

Any participant or attendee who does not wish to be photographed or recorded must inform IWAF in writing before the festival begins. For participants under the age of 18, such consent is provided by their parent or legal guardian.

5. Audition and Application Fees

All audition and application fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including withdrawal, disqualification, or failure to attend.

IWAF reserves the right to deny participation to any applicant who does not meet the festival’s standards or requirements.

6. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and financial aid are awarded based on artistic merit, qualifications, and available funding.

IWAF reserves the right to adjust, reduce, or revoke scholarships at any time if the recipient fails to meet academic, artistic, attendance, or behavioral expectations.

Acceptance into IWAF does not guarantee any form of financial aid.

7. Non-Profit Operation and Tuition Policy

The International Wind Ensemble Academy & Festival (IWAF) operates as a non-profit cultural and educational project dedicated to promoting international music education, artistic exchange, and youth development.

The festival’s annual operational planning and budget allocation are based on projected income from current-year participant tuition and available project funding.

By submitting tuition payment, participants and their legal guardians acknowledge and agree that they are responsible for all personal arrangements and related expenses necessary for participation in IWAF, including but not limited to:

International and domestic travel arrangements;
Visa application procedures and immigration requirements;
Passport and required travel documentation;
Instrument transportation, shipping, customs clearance, insurance, and related arrangements;
Personal expenses and other individual preparation requirements.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents, travel arrangements, and personal preparations are completed before attending the festival.

Due to the non-profit nature of IWAF and the fact that festival resources, including but not limited to faculty arrangements, venues, accommodation planning, transportation coordination, administrative services, and operational costs, are committed based on confirmed enrollment. Tuition payments are generally non-refundable once submitted because IWAF commits financial resources based on confirmed enrollment, including faculty contracts, venue reservations, accommodation arrangements, transportation planning, administrative preparation, and other operational expenses. Refund requests may only be considered at IWAF’s sole discretion in exceptional circumstances.

If a participant is unable to attend due to personal reasons, travel difficulties, visa issues, failure to obtain required documentation, changes in personal circumstances, or any circumstances beyond IWAF’s control, the paid tuition will not be refunded or reimbursed.

By completing tuition payment, participants and their legal guardians confirm that they have read, understood, and accepted these terms and agree to assume responsibility for their participation arrangements.

8. Travel and Accommodation

All participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and costs unless explicitly stated otherwise.

IWAF does not guarantee refunds or reimbursements for travel disruptions, cancellations, delays, visa issues, or other travel-related circumstances.

Accommodation arrangements made through IWAF are subject to availability, and IWAF is not liable for issues arising from third-party accommodation providers.

Participants are solely responsible for obtaining all required passports, visas, permits, and travel documents. Failure to obtain required documentation, visa denial, or travel restrictions shall not constitute grounds for a tuition refund.

9. Code of Conduct

All participants must adhere to IWAF’s Code of Conduct.

Failure to comply with festival rules and guidelines may result in dismissal from the festival without refund or compensation.

IWAF reserves the right to remove any participant whose behavior is deemed inappropriate, disruptive, unsafe, or harmful to others or to the reputation of the festival.

10. Force Majeure

IWAF shall not be liable for any delay, modification, suspension, or failure in performance resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, war, government regulations, travel restrictions, strikes, and government restrictions affecting international travel, visa issuance, border entry, or public health requirements. or other unforeseen circumstances.

By applying to and participating in IWAF, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

IWAF reserves the right to update these terms for future participants. Any material changes affecting confirmed participants will be communicated in writing. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, United States.