The OrlandoFest Holiday Leadership Institute & Mass Band Kickoff
Find your voice. Build your confidence.
Kick off the holiday season together.
More than a performance
Come together.
Leave inspired.
Bring your student leaders and musicians to an experience that connects meaningful learning with the excitement of Orlando. Build new friendships, make music together, and help launch the holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort.
Discover your leadership voice
Join Fran Kick for an engaging leadership seminar focused on motivation, teamwork, and the difference students can make together.
Become part of something bigger
Rehearse and perform with student musicians from across the nation in a mass band led by Susan Smith.
Grow in your craft
Develop your skills in specialized master classes for all instrumental sections and color guard.
Bring inspiration back home
Directors gain fresh ideas and practical leadership strategies in an exclusive seminar with Fran Kick.
A holiday kickoff to remember
One extraordinary
shared stage.
Turn rehearsal into a memory your students will bring home.
March into the holiday season
Be part of a parade performance through Universal Studios Florida.
Make a joyful sound together
Perform in the featured mass band at the Music Plaza Courtyard in Universal Studios.
Add a little adventure
Enjoy Universal Orlando Resort, with park options that include Universal Epic Universe.
Music. Memories. A little holiday magic.
Your guides to an unforgettable experience
Learn from people
who inspire.
Two accomplished educators. A shared commitment to helping students grow through leadership and music.
Leadership & director seminarsKick It In® and Take the Lead
Fran Kick
M.A. Educational Psychology · CSP
An author, leadership consultant, and professional speaker, Fran helps people strengthen leadership, become more effective followers, and motivate themselves to contribute.
His work has reached audiences in all 50 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces. With a background in education and clinical psychology, he brings research into practical, interactive learning. He has authored six books and helped design three nationally recognized leadership-development programs.
At OrlandoFest: Fran leads the student leadership program and an exclusive seminar for directors.
Mass band conductorMusical excellence, together
Susan Smith
Music educator · Conductor · Clinician
Susan L. Smith has taught general, choral, and instrumental music from elementary school through college, and has worked across the country as a clinician, conductor, author, and adjudicator.
Her experience includes teaching at Troy University, directing bands at Saint James School, and serving as Associate Conductor of the Alabama Winds. She has presented multiple times at the Midwest Clinic, created the chamber music component of Music for All’s National Concert Band Festival, and co-founded the Mind the Gap webinar and podcast for emerging educators.
At OrlandoFest: Susan brings student musicians together to rehearse and perform as one mass band.
Your November in Orlando
An experience
worth making time for.
Thursday
2027
Arrive & explore
Morning
Groups arrive in Orlando.
Afternoon
Enjoy time at the park.
Evening
Overnight stay.
Friday
2027
Learn & connect
Morning
Leadership program with Fran Kick, student master classes, and director leadership seminar.
Afternoon
Included lunch, followed by mass band rehearsal.
Evening
Park time and overnight stay.
Saturday
2027
Take the stage
Morning
Final rehearsal, parade, and mass band performance.
Afternoon
Celebrate with time at the park.
Evening
Enjoy the park, then depart for home or extend your stay.
Sunday
Optional
2027
Keep the fun going
All day
Extend your stay for an additional day at Universal Orlando Resort.
Plan your trip: lodging, transportation, and meals beyond the included Friday lunch are arranged separately.
Inspiring the next generation of musicians
Your students.
Their next big moment.
Connect with OrlandoFest to plan your group’s Holiday Leadership Institute & Mass Band experience.
