Public performance is an important component to many disciplines, but especially music. Delighting a crowd with musical expertise is something any student in the high school choir, high school orchestra, high school band, or jazz ensemble will find appealing. Special performance tours are designed for this group of young travelers. These tours culminate with a pubic performance – the ultimate learning experience. Music Directors need to balance the needs of administration, teachers and chaperones, and students in order to create a unique learning experience through the performance tour.



Gaining Approval from Administration for Performance Tours

On many occasions, Music Directors must obtain permission to travel from the Board of Education and/or school administration and the superintendent. In order to be approved as an educational tour the trip must meet certain criteria. A performance tour must contain a musical component. Scheduling a performance at the Lincoln Memorial or U.S. Capital is a good example of this. Music Directors are aware that the administration is looking for a performance opportunity at a well-respected venue. An educational travel company with good credentials can help reserve the best possible venue for a student travel group.

Another important educational aspect to the performance tour is incorporating a visit to a world-class musical performance into the tour. Student travel groups may see the Washington Symphony, attend a Musical Dinner Theater, or during certain times of year, watch the U.S. Navy Band or U.S. Marine Band perform while in Washington D.C. Crafting the performance tour in this way makes it very appealing to the administration and Board of Education as an active learning experience.

Destination Matters for Student Travel with Performance

Various destinations offer an assortment of travel experiences that include workshops and performance venues. Orlando, Florida, Washington D.C. and New York City all offer great venues for students on performance tour.

Planning and Itinerary

The planning for a performance tour must be done well in advance, with a qualified educational travel consultant who understands the needs of musicians and/or singers, and knows how to execute a well-coordinated performance. The itinerary for the performance tour must also include other fun and educational destinations for the student travel group to enjoy, such as theme parks, shopping and historical districts, museums, and more.

Expertise of Travel Staff Trained for Performance Tours

The travel coordinator must be able to manage large(r) groups of students and instruments and be familiar with audio equipment such as amplifiers, microphones, and speakers. Chairs and music stands must be provided by the venue, as well. The educational travel staff must work closely with the music director to ensure the performance area is prepared prior to the student travel group's arrival. The travel professional must also have some foundational knowledge of transferring large numbers of musical instruments in light of new FAA rules. A travel coordinator must be familiar enough with an area to be able to direct the bus driver to the best location for unloading equipment and students.

Active Learning on Performance Tour

Performance tours include interaction with the destination in a unique way. Student travel groups can immerse themselves in the culture and community of the area they visit. Sometimes student travel groups are introduced to local performers and other people of interest. This can enrich the performance experience and create even more excitement.

Bring a Musical Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, or Band on Performance Tour

In the music profession, collaboration and bringing work to new audiences is key to success. Students on performance tour have the opportunity to acquire new experiences that will enrich their musical craft. A performance tour can achieve all of this and more for the student whose passion is music.

Performing to Diverse Audiences

Some students rarely have a chance to travel afar and perform in front of diverse audiences. In U.S. cities such as New York, Washington D.C. and Orlando the opportunity to perform in front of an international and diverse crowd is a welcome change from the norm.

Concert Attire

On performance tour to special locations, uniformity in the selection of concert attire is often best. When a student choir, orchestra, band, or jazz ensemble is dressed the same, it presents a more cohesive picture of the group. The public is watching, so it is important to look sharp. Some advance planning about concert dress is recommended.

The Music Director has a great deal to coordinate with a large performance tour. This is why it is essential that the proper educational travel company is selected to plan the tour.