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After success with smaller scale tours, it might be time to consider the big step up to international travel. Get students involved in helping decide on a great foreign des- tination. Develop support with parents, booster groups, school administrators and school board members. Determine what kind of per-person cost your students can handle and plan the destination and length of the tour accordingly. Consider if any other of your school groups (foreign lan- guage classes, etc.) already travel to your band’s chosen location. You may want a unique destination in order to make your trip distinct and of greater interest to your students. Make sure that you can secure adequate high quality performance oppor- tunities in a given country before making a final decision.
Building support for an international tour requires great communications with all stakeholders. Let folks know your reasons
for traveling with students outside of the country. Use parent meetings, newsletters and local media to publicize your tour and updates. Don’t forget to share the success stories of previous travel experiences.
Choosing a tour company is of utmost importance to your tour’s success. Talk to colleagues who have toured abroad and get their ideas on your destination and inquire about their tour company experience. From those who have had outstanding tour providers, compile a list. Call repre- sentatives at those companies and share your travel plans and prospective tour dates. Those agents will be able to give you ideas on performance opportunities as well as cultural events and historical sites that will round out your tour. To secure the lowest price per student, col- lect the best ideas from all tour company contacts and assemble a bid packet. Items included in that document should be round trip airfare from your choice of nearby airports (keep in mind that nonstop flights
Launchpad is back and it’s a great chance for you to connect
with students beyond the music classroom! Help them discover their full music potential by supporting this one-of-a-kind music competition for high school students in bands formed outside of school.
from an international hub are the easiest and most cost-effective), nightly accom- modations, motor coaches abroad, daily meals (usually breakfast at the hotel and dinner), admission fees to cultural and historic attractions and tours, a tour guide on each bus, complimentary packages for director(s) and possibly chaperones, fee allotment for checked equipment and instruments, all taxes, gratuities, tour company fees, instrument or equipment rentals and delivery and all performance fees. After receiving all bids, narrow your search based on the per-person cost as well as the ability to work with your selected tour company staff. Interview additional former clients of your top two contend- ers, if necessary, and make a choice. As a courtesy, notify all bidders of your deci- sion. You may need the services of those companies in the future. Check with your administration regarding the signing of tour company contracts before sealing the deal.
Cheer on the Bands!
Four Regional Competitions with up to 15 Bands Competing in Each
• Friday, March 26 – Madison Regional • Friday, April 9 – Green Bay Regional • Friday, April 23 – Eau Claire Regional • Friday, May 7 – Milwaukee Regional
Three Finalists from Each Regional, Plus a “Wild Card” Band,
Advance to One State Finals Competition June 12
Grand Prize:
• Professional Recording Time • Summerfest Appearance in 2010 • Prestigious Les Paul Launchpad Award
Brought to you by:
Wisconsin School Music Association “Celebrating the reach of music education”
Produced by Dennis Graham Associates
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For more information, visit
www.launchpadwisconsin.org.
April 2010
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