Rhythms is a family run, music festival company from Quebec City, Canada. Founded in 2003 by Michael Leclerc, the President and founder of (R.I.M.F). Michael has been in the travel business since 1975 and started operating music festivals in 1981. Since 2003 we have dedicated all of our efforts and expertise to the educational music world. Enjoying semi-retirement, Michael Sr. has handed Rhythms’ daily operations on to the next generation; Mikey and Vincent Leclerc. Rhythms has long been a go to reference for all things travel and music providing guiding services, festival creation, instrument rentals and much more.

Being a festival company, we select our own venues, judges and clinicians and we have our own rating system which has been conceived by our senior judges who have been in the field for many years. Our system is based on each group’s individual performance and not compared to the other groups at the event. Though we are not a competition we are probably the toughest event you will ever attend. You and your ensemble set your own bar and it is up to your students to attain your goals.

Our concept is based on our many conversations with various music educators across Canada and the United States who voiced their need for a festival where students perform, learn, improve and return feeling good about themselves. An event where there are no rankings of first or last place but rather get a rating based solely on your performance. This is the core belief of Rhythms International and has been our claim-to-fame

Your evaluation by our judges is based on various essential aspects: Age, history, selected materials, appearance, stage presence, responsiveness to comments and suggestions, overall general attitude are but a few of the criteria our adjudicators take into consideration when evaluating a group. These elements are personal to each ensemble and cannot be compared to the next performing group.

As they say, “you have but one chance to make a first impression” and your allotted time is your chance to shine in the spot light. You are directly responsible for the rating you receive.

-We supply the festival, the rest is up to you-

Over the years we have come across some of the best adjudicators who truly believe in our approach. We have solicited their assistance to assure the highest quality of musical experience and education for your group.

Our festival destinations were selected because they offer a great deal of history, culture, charm and a variety of activates. Not only will your students receive the best musical experience available but they will be exposed to fantastic cities, towns, cultures, languages and much more.

We are DEDICATED to assuring that you and your group receive the best overall experience available.

What’s the difference?

There are many music festival companies on the market today. Why Choose Rhythms International? There are many reason but here are some of the most important: Education!

Rhythms is not a competition festival company. It is a participation festival where everyone leaves a winner. The only reason that some of our judges will work exclusively for Rhythms is because we are devoted to musical education. We do not want to discourage the growing musician and have them return home and quit the group.

The judges, upon request, will rate your group but the rating is not one compared to the other groups at the festival but according to the group’s own performance. The main objective of the festival is to assist you in motivating your students to want to continue on music and do the best that they can.

Adjudication & Judges! We all know that the success of our program is the music. Every possible effort is put in selecting the finest adjudicators and judges possible to assure you and your group of the most rewarding session possible. They are carefully selected to meet each group’s individual needs.

Service! Though we operate many groups each year, we do not treat our guests like numbers. Every little detail you can imagine, every little request you may have will be taken care of. Our on-site staff is second to none not to mention our adjudicators, stage-hands and managers.

Reliable! Though we always plan for many groups at each festival, there are some dates where few groups register for a certain festival. WE NEVER CANCEL A FESTIVAL, PERIOD! If your group is the only one registered at a festival we will advise you and you will have the option of travelling or not. If you choose to be the only one present we will operate your group as a private festival. You will receive all the festival inclusions and the festival will be tailor-made for your group. When this occurs we involve local schools.

Extras! When you participate at a Rhythms International festival you will be adjudicated by a fine panel of judges. Since you are travelling to the destination and bringing all your equipment, why not do a public performance? At no extra charge we may arrange a public performance for your group at a local school, a public area, church etc…

Word of Mouth! We can sit and boast all we want but we encourage you to contact ANY of our groups who have been to one of our festivals. They are our best salespeople since we have a 100% return with all our groups who demand the best possible festival on the market! Because of all of the reasons listed above, we are sure that you too will agree that Rhythms International is all that it says it is!

Our Concept: Adjudications, Ratings, Classifications, Team Spirit

Rhythms International is, above and beyond all, devoted to the highest level of musical experience possible. We are a NON-COMPETITIVE company based on group participation. All groups are rated against themselves and not compared to other groups within the festival. The objective of our concept is to motivate each and every participant to want to continue their musical endeavours and improve through our educational process. There is no 1st or 2nd place. Everyone leaves a winner for having participated and done their best.