Program Dates
Overview
Bring your ensemble to the San Francisco Heritage Festival for a rewarding performance experience that emphasizes growth, learning, and recognition. Students will benefit from expert adjudication and constructive feedback while performing alongside groups from across the country. Beyond the stage, explore iconic Bay Area attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf before celebrating your accomplishments at an exclusive awards ceremony and picnic dinner at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to San Francisco, CA
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.
Optional
Fisherman's Wharf (optional)
Fishing boats, seafood stalls, steaming crab cauldrons and seafood restaurants…you know you’re at world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Souvenir shops and museums augment the atmosphere.
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.
Optional
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk along this international symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge—an engineering feat, designed to sway 22 feet side-to-side, withstanding high winds and earthquakes. Atop this iconic bridge, you'll have close-up views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Pacific Ocean.
Optional
Group Meal at Far East Café
Enjoy a meal in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown at this historic restaurant, located just steps from the iconic Dragon Gate. Experience traditional Chinese cuisine in a setting that reflects the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage.
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.
California's Great America® Amusement Park
Head over to the park and enjoy yourself. Your package includes a day pass to California's Great America Amusement Park!
Exclusive Awards Ceremony and Picnic Dinner at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Celebrate your students' accomplishments at an exclusive awards ceremony held at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Receive commemorative trophies and awards recognizing your achievements, then enjoy a picnic dinner with your group as you reflect on an unforgettable festival experience.
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 San Francisco
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.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra 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.
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.
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.
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.