After countless hours of concert preparation, fundraising, and carefully curating repertoire while somehow remembering every student’s name, you’re ready to take your ensemble on a new adventure. Adding a performance trip to your schedule is an exciting way to bring music to life for your students—but where do you begin? One of the most important steps is choosing the type of performance that best fits your group. Here are four simple steps to help you plan your school choir, band, or orchestra trip.
Step 1 - Define your goals. Are you looking to reward your honors or senior groups with a memorable experience? Perhaps your goal is to generate excitement and recruit new students into your music program. Or maybe you want to compete and bring home some shiny hardware for your school’s trophy cabinet.
Step 2 - Select a travel partner. With your packed schedule, you’ll need support. While we may be biased, WorldStrides brings over 55 years of experience in student travel and offers a variety of performing arts tours and events (read on to step 3 for more). A trustworthy partner prepares for the unexpected and manages every detail. Can we take that tuba on the plane? How many chaperones do we need? Whichever travel partner you choose, look for one who aligns with your goals, prioritizes traveler safety, and makes the process simple and stress-free—after all, your time is valuable.
Step 3 - Choose your performance experience. There are many opportunities to take your ensemble beyond the classroom for authentic performances. Consider the following options:
- The classic festival performance - featuring both competitive and non-competitive options for national adjudication, Heritage Festivals are premier events for middle and high school ensembles. Directors appreciate the flexibility of multiple dates and a choice of up to 20 destinations.
- Audition for a prestigious venue - our elite Festival at Carnegie Hall and Festival of Gold programs offer performers the chance to shine in renowned venues while learning from top music professionals. These events deserve a spot on your bucket list.
- Take on the big field - a favorite among marching bands, a college bowl game or national parade performance offers a unique way to showcase your group in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
- Celebrate with a theme park performance - there’s nothing quite like pairing a performance with a few days at a classic theme park. And don’t worry about educational value, favorites like Walt Disney World® or Universal Studios® offer wonderful chances for learning in between roller coasters through their workshop and stage opportunities.
- Tour in iconic cities - with a U.S. Performance Tour, you can introduce your ensemble to cities rich in music (like New Orleans or Nashville), history (such as Washington, D.C.), or arts and culture (think New York and Chicago).
- Take it global - share your talent with international audiences on an International Performance Tour. Expect to pack your days exploring the culture of your host country while performing in historic venues.
Step 4 - Plan your tour. Choosing your destination, travel distance, and itinerary highlights are critical steps. An expert in performing arts travel can help craft an experience that meets your needs, alleviating the burdens of planning so you can focus on the music. A trusted partner like WorldStrides Performing Arts has a comprehensive plan for every stage of the process—from securing administrative approvals to communicating trip details to students and their families, as well as managing payments and musical preparations.
Ready to schedule a consultation with one of our performing arts travel specialists? Let’s get started!
