Program Dates
Overview
Your students receive a warm Texas welcome when they perform on a national stage at the San Antonio Heritage Festival! They’ll fine-tune their festival set in a private rehearsal room, showcase their talents and elevate their skills through expert instruction and helpful feedback from adjudicators. This unique opportunity includes optional adventures like visiting the Alamo and exploring the lively Riverwalk. Conclude the event with dancing and celebration at Pedrotti's Ranch, the host for your exclusive Awards Ceremony.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to San Antonio, TX
Hotel check-in after 4PM
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.
The Alamo (optional)
On the east side of Alamo Plaza lies Texas's most famous historic site, where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, during repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Established in 1718 as the city's first mission, Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) features the iconic chapel—one of the most photographed facades in the nation—and the Long Barracks, the only remnants of the original fort.
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.
Rio San Antonio Boat Cruise (optional)
Take a narrated cruise down the Rio River and hear some exciting history of San Antonio. Cruises cover miles of the picturesque San Antonio Riverwalk.
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.
Awards Ceremony and Dinner at Pedrotti's Ranch
Celebrate with your new friends at your exclusive Awards Ceremony. Your night includes dinner, awards, and of course, dancing!
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 Antonio
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.