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U.S.A Music Educational Travel
U.S.A
America boasts some of the most wonderful venues in the world! Some destinations to consider include California, New York City, Boston and the East Coast, Washington, D.C., Historic Williamsburg, New Orleans or Florida, or Hawaii. Tours are uniquely suited to your choir or instrumental group, based on your interests, budget and repertoire.
One of the most popular band performance destinations is Orlando. Every year thousands of students are able to perform at Disney World, Universal Studios, Hard Rock Cafe, or at several other venues.
In addition to the performing destinations already mentioned, numerous band, choir, dance, and cheerleading festivals and competitions are held around the country. Branson, Missouri, and many other sites combine the excitement of the festival and competition along with the popular local attractions. These festivals tend to be held in the springtime each year and are growing in popularity.
Some of these band festivals actually offer student groups the opportunity to actually perform before a live audience ahead of the scheduled entertainment. This type of performance tends to be very exciting and gives the students an educational experience they will never forget!
WEST COAST FESTIVALS
ANAHEIM
When to travel: March / April / May / JuneCome to Anaheim in Sunny Southern California – where you will discover that life in this extraordinary city seems to thrive somewhere between reality to fantasy. And the Anaheim Music Festival is no exception. Anaheim Disneyland… the happiest place on earth for the young and the young at heart. Wonders abound as you visit the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion or take a Star Tour of the Moon of Endor, Space mountain, the Matterhorn, or Big Thunder! Enjoy a variety of parades, stage shows, Disneyland is a kaleidoscope and fun – an unforgettable day in an unforgettable place.
• Anaheim Disneyland
-- The largest music festival in Anaheim. The only awards program with a fireworks show in Disneyland.• Universal Studios Hollywood • Knott’s Berry Farm
• Medieval Times • Six Flags Magic Mountain
SAN FRANCISCO
When to travel: March / April / MayFrom exciting neighborhoods rich in ethnic diversity to scenic wonders that enrich the senses and enliven the soul, San Francisco beckons to all who enjoy eclectic culture, history, and the performing arts. “The City by the Bay” sits on the edge of the Pacific with cable cars that transport visitors from around the world to Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf, Alcatraz, and many other unique attractions. Just south of the city, Paramount’s Great America Theme Park host of the gala awards ceremony, cookout and dance.
• Paramount’s Great America • Fisherman’s Wharf
• Alcatraz Island • Live Theater Productions • Chinatown
MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL
When to travel: 3rd Weekend in SeptemberIt began as a dream for Jimmy Lyons in 1958 a dream of a “Sylvan setting with the best jazz people in the whole world playing on the same stage, having a whole weekend of jazz”.
In addition to major artists from the world of jazz and the best of regional jazz talent, The Monterey Jazz Festival traditionally features jazz conversations, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, clinics, and an international array of food, shopping and festivities spread throughout the 20 acre Monterey Fairgrounds.
High Schools wishing to be considered for playing in the annual Jazz festival High School section need to submit press kit and recordings as early as October the previous year.
SAN DIEGO
When to travel: March / April / MayLet the jewel of the Southern California be your host for its annual festival. The package includes Sea World and a private performance of the Shamu Show ( America’s favorite killer whale), as well as a western cookout, awards ceremony, and dance. Visit the famous San Diego Zoo, or Wild Animal Park, and be sure to find some beach time to make your stop to this sunny spot complete. Fun, sun and activities are endless in San Diego.
• San Diego Sea World • San Diego Zoo • Wild Animal Park
SEATTLE
When to travel: April / MayHere in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a great option for participating in a music festival and enjoying one of the west’s best cities. Surrounded by the sparkling water of Puget Sound and snow-capped Mount Rainier, you soon know why Seattle is known as “The Emerald City” Seattle’s delights can be found throughout the city, from its impressive downtown to its surprising neighborhoods. Classic Seattle attractions like the Space Needle and Washington State Ferries are joined by lesser-known gems – Experience Music project, underground Seattle, the Omnidome Theater, and the Pacific Science Center. Tillicum village hosts the conclusion of this western adventure with a Native American Indian baked salmon dinner, dance and Gala Awards Ceremony.
• Experience Music Project
-- A unique music museum that combines traditional exhibits with mulitmedia and hand-on musical activities, Experience Music Project is the brainchild of Microsoft executive Paul Allen and its holdings include Allen's personal collection of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia, along with over 80,000 other artifacts of the rock music era, including the earliest electric guitars, costumes and hand-written lyrics sheets.
• Seattle Space Needle/Seattle Center • Pacific Science Centre
• Omnidome Theater • Seattle Aquarium • Underground Seattle
EAST COAST FESTIVALS
NEW YORK CITY
When to travel: March / April / MayWelcome to the “Big Apple”- home to a Mecca of musical expression and inspiration and the site of the New York City Heritage city there are opportunities to experience live Broadway musicals, dozens of museums and art galleries, and thousands of shops and famous restaurants. No trip to New York is complete without time to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, and Time Square. The tremendous ethnic and cultural diversity of New York make it an unforgettable destination.
• Perform or Compete in Famous Venues
-- Carnegie Hall and other famous performing arts centers have programs for all types of groups including bands, dancers, choral groups and more.• See a Broadway Show with your Group
-- Nothing shows your performing group a glimpse into the world of professional live theater like a good broadway show. Theater tours are available for extra educational impact.• Visit Museums & Other Famous Sites
-- Famous buildings and the most respected museums in the world add fun and learning to your trip.
WASHINGTON D.C
When to travel: March / April / MayHistory and music come together to make an outstanding festival music experience. Home to historic landmarks, monuments, impressive government buildings and significant museums, the District of Columbia offers endless opportunities to learn about the nation’s history. From the shores of Potomac to Embassy Row, Washington D.C. is heralded as a classic city delicately balanced with politics, world class architecture, and famous landmarks. From the White House, to the Washington Memorial, to Arlington Cemetery – this historic district is an invaluable enhancement to the annual Washington D.C. Music Festival.
• Tour the Center of the U.S. Government
-- Your group can visit the White House, Capitol Building, Chambers of Congress, the Treasury Department, FBI and other important American institutions.• Famous Museums that Students love
-- Your students will love touring the many buildings of The Smithsonian Institute. Exhibits of every subject important to US history are on display at this fascinating facility. The National Gallery of Art is one of the most important art museums in the world, and availble for your students to tour.• Perform or Compete in the Nation's Capital
-- Compete in one of several excellent festivals. Famous performing arts certers in the Wahington area also offer performance opportunities for all types of groups including bands, dancers, choral groups and orchestras.• See all the Famous Monuments
-- Your group can visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Memorial, and the Iwo Jima Statue.
BOSTON
When to travel: April / MayExplore the roots of America and experience some of the nation’s finest music in the historical city of Boston. Established long ago for its excellence in music education, Boston is the ideal setting for this celebrated Music festival. Enjoy an evening with the Boston Pops or Boston Symphony, hike along The Freedom Trail, see the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), and go back in time with a tour of the Tea Party Ship. Take a step into the past as you musically step ahead by participating in the Boston Music Festival.
• Boston Symphony or Boston Pops • Harbor Cruise
• JFK Library and Museum • New England Aquarium
JAZZ VERMONT
When to travel: 3rd Weekend in July70% of the Jazz Vermont participants return each year! Join the fun and LIVE YOUR DREAM! Live the life of a musician and nothing else for 5 ½ days.
At Jazz Vermont, Band Camp for Grownups (16 and over), you will be joining one of six bands. If you join one of the four big bands, you will be playing in a section with other players, playing the music of Basie, McConnell and more. If you join one of the smaller bands, the octet or the nonet, you will being more great charts by the masters and originals by Tony Lada and Frank Vardaros. The Bands rehearse every day for 2 ½ hours. You will also be participating in section rehersals every afternoon for about an hour.
WILLIAMSBURG
When to travel: April / MayPerhaps nowhere else does the exciting story of America’s past come to life more vividly than in Colonial Williamsburg. As the world’s premier living history site, this entire town has been restored to the days when Williamsburg was political and economic center of the Virginia Colony. Yet Colonial Williamsburg isn’t just a museum of restored buildings and artifacts. It’s a living community where merchants sell their wares, craftspeople ply their trades, and brave patriots whisper plans for revolution. Nearby, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Virginia Beach offers their own version of history and entertainment to complement this favorite east coast festival.
• Jamestown Settlement • Sightseeing in Washington D.C
• Yorktown Victory Center • Nauticus Maritime Center
SOUTHERN FESTIVALS
ATLANTA
When to travel: AprilCome enjoy pure Southern hospitality in the midst of history and progress. Home to the 1996 Olmpic Games and top sports teams, Atlanta offers unlimited activities to wrap around this annual music festival. Six Flags Over Georgia is our host for fun and awards festivities. Then spend time at Stone Mountain Park – a 3,200 acre Park that features the world’s largest relief carving, a skylift, Riverboat, Scenic Railroad, Antebellum Plantatio, and much more.
• World of Coca Cola • Atlanta Zoo
• Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum • CNN Studio Tour
DALLAS
When to travel: AprilDallas, a city that offers a unique blend of Southwestern warmth, Cosmopolitan flair, old west charm, and modern sophistication. In Dallas there is never a shortage of things to see and do with museums spanning artistic tastes and scientific disciplines, historical sites depicting the city’s earliest days, gardens, zoos, and wildlife centers where you can experience the wonders of nature.
• Dallas Symphony • Movie studios at Los Colinas
• JFK Memorial & Sixth Floor Museum • Southfork Ranch
• Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood, Medieval Times
MYRTLE BEACH
When to travel: AprilThis hot beach resort is a wonderful, relaxing, festival location. Besides the beach, there are a variety of activities like the Coney Island-like amusement park Pavilion, extensive shopping at the popular outlet mall. At night, attend one of the many outstanding musical reviews in town.
• Alabama Theater – a southern family tradition for concerts and shows
• Carolina Opry - featuring live music variety shows
• Broadway at the Beach – a 350 acre entertainment complex
GATLINBURG
When to travel: April / MayUp in the mountains, yet down to earth, Gatlinburg serves as the primary Tennessee entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Settles in the late18th Century, Gatlinburg is maintaining the small-town Atmosphere of the Appalachians while offering a variety of activities and diversions. While marveling in the local beauty, find time to visit 342-foot tall Space Needle with observation deck, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial tram, the Aquarium of the Smokies, and the Famous Dollywood. From black bears to Dixie, Gatlinburg is a charming destination for this popular music festival.
ORLANDO , FLORIDA
When to travel: March / April / MayCome to Orlando and make memories of a lifetime in the entertainment capital of the world. Orlando offers a galaxy of fun at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Cypress Gardens, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. Come create your own magic at this favorite Festival in the heart of sunny Florida.
• Walt Disney World Resort
-- including The Magic Kingdom Park Epcot & Disney-MGM Studios. Take part in Disney Magic Music Days or a performance workshop with your group!• Universal Orlando Resort
-- including Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida®. Perform as part of the Lights, Cameras, Music Program.• Sea World of Florida
-- Perform in the land of Shamu and check out the new adventure ride, Journey to Atlantis.• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
-- Perform at the home of Kumba and Serengeti Safari, animal interaction on the Serengeti Plain.• Cypress Gardens
-- Perform in this magical park surrounded by beautiful gardens and flowers.
SAN ANTONIO
When to travel: April / MayFrom its founding in 1691 by Spanish missionaries, San Antonio grew from a Sleepy Texas pueblo into the ninth largest city in the United States. Its rich cultural heritage has yielded a city of exciting contrasts. Downtown, amidst modern office buildings, you will find the Alamo, the Old Spanish Governor’s Palace, and La Villita – Site of the original settlement. Just below the city, southern hospitality comes to life along the famous Riverwalk that overflows with entertainment, art galleries, food, and endless fun.
• Sea World of Texas • The Alamo • Historical Missions
• The River walk • Ripley’s Believe it or Not & Theatre of Wax
• Hard Rock Cafe
PUERTO RICO
When to travel: April / MayAt the Historic Old San Juan Music festival, you and your students will experience the beauty and culture of this Caribbean paradise while receiving a quality music festival. After you perform at the historic El Theatre Tapia and learn from the on-stage mini-clinic by top adjudicators, you can explore San Juan on an historic city tour or relax at your beachfront hotel accommodations. Celebrate your success with an awards ceremony, and dancing at the Revealing Rain Forest or other special location.
• San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal Fortresses
• Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico • Free time at beaches
• Hiking in the El Yunque National Rain Forest
MOUNTAIN FESTIVALS
SALT LAKE CITY
When to travel: July / August (festivals) March – May (Snow)Salt Lake City – host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games – is nestled at the base of the famous Rocky Mountains. There are a variety of activities that will peak everyone’s interest. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors at one of the nation’s famous ski resorts just 30 minutes away (Nov – May) Spend a day snowboarding and skiing true Utah power at Park City, Snowbird, Alta, Deer Valley, or Brighton Ski resorts. This magnificent city is also home to the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Opera Company, Broadway shows, the International Ballet West, and the Utah Jazz basketball team.
COLORADO SPRINGS
When to travel: April - MayColorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region have it all… mild summer weather, incomparable alpine scenic beauty, and over 50 unique attractions. Savor the majestic view from the summit of the 14,100 Pikes Peak – the mountain that Zebulon Pike said man would never conquer! Gaze up at the towering red rock formations of the eerie Cave of the Winds. Visit the U.S Olympic Traning Centre and U.S Air Force Academy. Then get ready to experience good old fashioned western hospitality at the Flying W Ranch – where the Awards Ceremony, dinner, and dance complete this wild west festival weekend.
• Air Force Academy • Seven Falls • US Olympic Training Center
• Pike’s Peak Cog Railway • Garden of the Gods
LAS VEGAS
When to travel: March / April / MayWith an incredible new focus on family fun, Las Vegas does it right! From the Adventure-dome Amusetment Park, to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Red Rock canyon, there is endless fun and recreation to be found. The festival performance are followed by time at Wet’N Wild Water Park and concludes with a cookout and dance. You will stay at the family orientated Circus Circus Hotel and have plenty of time to add your own glitter to this famous desert town.
• Caesar’s Forum Shops • Adventure-dome Theme Park
• Hoover Dam/ Lake Mead • Tournament of Kings • Las Vegas Show
• Stratosphere Tower • Hard Rock Café • Rainforest Cafe
MIDWEST FESTIVALS
BRANSON
When to travel: March / AprilBranson, the hottest music, student, and performance destination!
Enjoy entertainment by some of the best musicians in the country as Branson offers more than 100 Broadway style shows. Spend an exciting day at the Silver Dollar Theme Park and experience the thrill of the “Wildfire,” a multi-looping roller coaster ride with 5 inversions, a 15-story vertical drop, and speeds up to 66mph.
Saturday evening we’ll rock ‘n roll at the Haygoods Concert. The opening act for the concert will be the festivals top performing gold show choir, vocal jazz choir, or jazz band of the weekend’s festival. It’s your time to shine! Awards ceremony hosted by the Haygoods, will be a grand finale to your weekend.
• Over 100 Broadway style shows • Silver Dollar City theme park
• Celebration City theme park • White Water Park – raging river rapids
• Dixie Stampede – dinner & Show • Showboat Branson Belle
• Ride the Ducks • Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
• Hollywood Wax Museum • Ozarks Discovery IMAX Theater
• Roy Roger-Dale Evans Museum • Branson Scenic Railway
• Opportunity for a pre-show performance
CHICAGO
When to travel: March / April / MayFlourishing in the performing arts, Chicago’s cultural community sets the stage for the prestigious Music festival. The city’s multicultural heritage contributes to all the wonders that made “This Windy City” all that it is today. For a bird’s eye view, head to the top of Sears Tower, the tallest building in the world. Anyway you look at it, Chicago’s first-class music and entertainment, world class museums, and art galleries complement this unforgettable event.
• Museum of Science and Industry • Sears Tower Sky-deck
• Shedd Aquarium • Art Instute of Chicago
• Field Museum of Natural History • Six Flags Great America
ST LOUIS
When to travel: April / MayMore than three centuries ago, rivers caved a path for thousands of explorers and settlers to navigate in this rich territory. As you trod in Settlers footsteps through the gateway to the west, you too will carve a path of unique surprise and discoveries to remember for a lifetime. The same spirit of adventure that drove prairie schooners across Missouri’s rolling landscape thrives today in St. Louis – now a leading national metropolis. Today’s attractions are certainly more modern with a Six Flags Theme Park, the St Louis Zoo, and Busch Stadium. No trip to St. Louis is complete without an old fashioned riverboat ride and time to view the Gateway Arch.
• Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch
• Take riverboat cruise along the banks of the Mississippi river
• St Louis Zoo • Busch Stadium • Hard Rock Cafe
