Program Dates
Overview
Bring your band, orchestra, or choir to the Pigeon Forge Heritage Festival for an inspiring adjudication experience in the Smoky Mountains. Students will perform for experienced clinicians, receive valuable feedback, and celebrate their achievements alongside ensembles from across the country. Beyond the stage, enjoy memorable group experiences including Dollywood and a lively dinner show designed to make the trip unforgettable.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Pigeon Forge, TN
Optional
AIM Experience Masterclass
Kick off the weekend with a customized masterclass through the AIM Experience. Spend 60-90 minutes working with a professional clinician to refine your festival performance, strengthen your skills, and reinforce classroom learning.
Dinner at Guy Fieri's Downtown Flavortown
Day 2
First day of festival performances
Each ensemble will warm up in a private rehearsal room before taking the stage for a 30-35 minute performance. A panel of three adjudicators will provide written and recorded feedback, followed by an on-stage mini-clinic with a selected clinician. Students gain valuable guidance and reinforcement that supports classroom learning while creating meaningful opportunities for growth as developing musicians. Groups will also have the chance to watch and learn from peer performances.
Titanic Museum
Step aboard history in one of the most powerful and immersive experiences in Pigeon Forge aboard this half-scale replica of the RMS Titanic.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Set sail for swashbuckling adventure at this spectacular pirate show featuring acrobatics, diving, live animals, and epic battles, all paired with a delicious feast.
Day 3
Festival performances continue
Performances continue throughout the day, with your ensemble’s performance time shared in advance so you can plan your day accordingly.
Dollywood Theme Park visit
Experience thrilling rides, award-winning entertainment, Southern cuisine, and Appalachian charm at Dollywood with your included park admission.
Exclusive Awards Ceremony
Celebrate with fellow festival groups during an exclusive awards ceremony inside Dollywood and an included picnic dinner in the park as your outstanding performances and achievements are recognized.
Day 4
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already Included
Performance in a national festival
Adjudication by a panel of three renowned music professionals
Hotel accommodations
Onstage clinic
Meals and activities (details in itinerary)
Exclusive awards ceremony
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Pigeon Forge Heritage Festival
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.