Program Dates
Overview
Bring your ensemble to explore the nation’s capital when you perform at the Washington D.C. Heritage Festival. When not on stage, your musicians can look forward to seeing all the can’t-miss spots in D.C., exploring various Smithsonian Institute museums, or taking in a performance at Ford’s Theatre. Celebrate your time in D.C. with a special dinner, awards ceremony, and dance.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Hotel check-in after 4PM
AIM Experience Master Class (optional)
Start the weekend off on the right note with your own customized master class—the AIM Experience. Spend 60-90 minutes with a professional clinician perfecting your festival performance, fine-tuning your skills, and reaffirming your classroom teachings.
Toby's Musical Theatre (optional)
This fun dinner theatre is located in Columbia, MD. Ask your Account Manager about a possible performance prior to the show.
Day 2
First day of festival performances
After arriving at the concert venue, your group will warm up in a private rehearsal room. Each ensemble will have 30-35 minutes on stage. A panel of three adjudicators will provide written and recorded feedback for each performance. Following your performance, a select adjudicator will conduct a mini-clinic on stage with your group, providing valuable feedback and reinforcement for your classroom teachings. Groups will also have the opportunity to participate as an audience for other groups competing—giving your ensemble exposure to their peers.
Guided city tour
Take a tour of all the city has to offer - from sites you see in movies, to monuments and memorials.
Ford's Theatre (optional)
Enjoy a show at this famed site.
Day 3
Continue festival performances
Festival performances will continue throughout the day. Your performance time will be given to you weeks before your event, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Smithsonian Museums (optional)
With tons of options to choose from, explore these famed collections and exhibits before your festival performances.
International Spy Museum (optional)
The first and only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on this all-but-invisible profession.
Gala Awards Ceremony, Dinner & Dance
Dress up and get ready to celebrate at your exclusive Gala Awards Ceremony, dinner, and dance with all your new friends.
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
Onstage clinic
Hotel accommodations
Exclusive awards ceremony
Meals and activities (details in itinerary)
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 Washington, D.C.
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.
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.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need 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.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
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.