All posts by Howard Clemens

Student tour company providing trips to thousands of students over the past 33 years.
Blog, Washington D.C.

Eddie Boggs, Washington D.C. Tour Guide, Educator, Leader on Student Trips

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When Eddie Boggs was a guidance counselor for Timberstone Junior High School in Sylvania, Ohio, he organized combined student trips to Washington D.C. with McCord Junior High School. Fifteen years ago, he started bringing this large group of 200 students to Washington D.C. with Educational Travel Consultants.

A Lifelong Educator Becomes a Tour Guide with ETC
Today, Eddie Boggs is a licensed Washington D.C. tour guide and he works for Educational Travel Consultants. For Boggs, a former English and Social Studies teacher, the educational student trip is the perfect tool to help engage students in the study of the history of the United States and our government. “I know that most of the students who take the trip to Washington D.C. are going because their friends are attending,” says Boggs, “but if I can educate them in the process, it’s icing on the cake.”

Boggs has been a career educator, with a strong commitment to his community and his schools. He says, “Parents are sending their kids on these trips now because they went with me to Washington D.C. in 8th grade. The parents are the best ambassadors for the student trip.” Though Boggs jokes, “”I’ll probably quit when I get the fourth generation of students,” he admits he loves his job so much because he is a performer and he loves to make people happy.

Boggs says he loves to entertain. He plays guitar and sings folk music, and is still an active performer in the genre. He reflected, “I have traveled all over the country singing and had the opportunity to meet people. I’m a solo-performing artist and I play with the New Christian Minstrels — a folk group from the 1960s.”

Touring in the Spring with Student Travel Groups
Boggs is retired from his position as Guidance Counselor at Timberstone Junior High School, but he still has a full schedule of spring touring with Educational Travel Consultants. Boggs also teaches college in the fall at the University of Toledo. He teaches counseling methods to teachers there. For him, teaching, performing, and being a tour guide all tap the same skill sets.

Reflecting upon the past 15 years of bringing student groups on tour of Washington D.C. with Educational Travel Consultants, Boggs is certain that he has chosen the right company to work alongside. And, now he is proud to represent the same company on educational tours.

Ohio Students Attend a Washington D.C. Student Trip Every June
Boggs still brings the school trip to Washington D.C. each June. “It’s a nice big group of students. We used to go in the spring but we didn’t know how to dress because the temperatures are so variable. In the summer it’s so much easier to just pack some shorts, shirts, and sandals. Since we have almost 200 people going it’s a challenge to manage all of that luggage. We try to keep luggage as light as possible to prevent extra fees.”

The Economics of Partnering With Educational Travel Consultants on Student Trips
Economy and service are two of the main reasons Boggs has worked so well with Educational Travel Consultants over the years. Boggs says, “The Clemens family is honest and they have integrity. Their staff has the same kind disposition as them. I have worked with, and for, an honest sincere company that tries to keep the cost of student trips down as low as possible.”

Other Student Travel Companies are More Expensive
Over the years, Boggs has listened to parents’ stories about the cost of other student trips with other schools and student travel organizations. “There are other families around here going on student trips with other companies and they are paying twice as much,” he acknowledges.” I know parents are getting ripped off and I hate that. I try to keep the cost low so as many students can go as possible.”

Despite hard economic times and uncertain fuel costs, Educational Travel Consultants has maintained the same economical per student cost and always allowed a proportionate number of chaperones to travel for free. This incredible deal has been maintained during the worst of times — and it means a great deal to parents, students, and teachers on a tight budget.

For more information on scheduling a tour, or to request Eddie Boggs as a tour guide for a student trip to Washington D.C. contact an Educational Travel Consultant, or fill out the short questionnaire to request a quote.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Performance Tour Venues in Washington D.C.

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For band directors, music teachers, and those involved with education and musical performance groups, Washington D.C. is a great choice for a performance tour. The city offers a rich array of public performance venues open to student groups. In order to book a successful student performance tour, make sure to partner with a qualified educational travel consultant with experience in booking student travel groups with a performance emphasis. The selected travel company should already have organized and executed performance tours for large groups at major destinations and have qualified staff that specializes in working with musicians.
Select an Educational Travel Company With Experience in Performance Tours
Student performance groups have special requirements when traveling that must be accommodated in order for a tour to run smoothly. For example, many musicians will need to bring their instruments and they must be secure during travel between locations and on the airplane. For the best possible outcome on performance tour, travel with experienced tour guides and bus drivers used to working with performance groups. Some locations in Washington D.C. will not allow chairs, or electricity or sound systems. And, due to security regulations in Washington D.C., bus drivers must know where to park or drop off. Experienced tour personnel are essential.
Choose a Washington D.C. Performance Venue
Scheduling a performance at one of the main venues in Washington D.C. is no easy task, and requires at least three months advance notice. If possible, make sure to give at least 6 months to one year advance notice prior to a performance tour so that a music group or high school band or orchestra can be assured they will perform at their chosen venue.
Here is a short list of possible performance spaces in Washington D.C. that offers great exposure for a musical group: White House Ellipse, U.S Capitol (Upper Senate Park and West Front on Weekends), The Lincoln Memorial, The Jefferson Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. There are two additional venues with special requirements: Old Post Office Pavilion (under 40 performers) and the U.S. Naval Memorial (for bands only).
Planning the Program for the Performance Tour
For the student travel organizer with so many different staging areas to choose from — it may seem overwhelming. Once the logistics are planned and the location selected a public performance in downtown Washington D.C. becomes a reality and students get excited. Groups will need to prepare and rehearse a program that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, depending upon the location chosen.
Suggested Activities for Performance Tours
Performance tours to Washington D.C. also include other fun activities, and may last 3 to 4 days or longer, depending upon the group. Choose from a variety of exciting destinations such as the Kennedy Center to see professionals perform. Or, take a student group to visit the Crime and Punishment Museum that just opened. It features the America’s Most Wanted Studio on the second Floor. Complement these student tour activities with a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner one evening for a glimpse of rock-n-roll history — always a popular choice among student groups but even more popular with a high school band, orchestra, or ensemble. Round out the student trip with some of the most popular destinations in Washington D.C. such as the White House and Capitol or portions of the Smithsonian Museum to complete the educational tour experience.
With so many different destinations to choose from in the Washington D.C. area, it is easy to create a performance tour that is fun, interesting, and educational and includes a chance for the group to perform at a desirable venue.

To book a performance tour to Washington D.C. fill out this short questionnaire, or contact an Educational Travel consultant.

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Educational Student Travel Explores the Study of Nature with Virginia Adventure Eco Tours

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Educational student travel is an excellent way to encourage young people to explore the natural world around them. As issues of environmental preservation and conservation become more visible on the world stage, environmental educational field trips and student travel tours have started to focus on flora, fauna, wildlife, ocean ecosystems, conservation and preservation. In the state of Virginia, not far from Washington D.C., adventure eco tours can be planned to a variety of unforgettable regions off the coast, where people of all ages can learn about the power and wonder of nature.

Educational Group Travel to Assateague Island & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
On Assateague Island visitors will find sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Ranger guided programs make exploring the island simple and fun. Assateague Island National Seashore was created to preserve the natural ecosystem of the Mid-Atlantic coast and encompasses over 48,000 acres of water and land in Virginia and Maryland.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 300 species of birds, wildlife and plants. The legendary wild horses and uniqueness of the barrier island provide endless opportunities for natural heritage and environmental education for all ages.

Student Travel on the Open Sea: Whale Watching and Dolphin Tours
Between the winter months of December and March, humpback whales migrate near the coast of Virginia near Virginia Beach. These ocean mammals are most famous for their large size, visible movements and an advanced form of communication-the whale song. Fin whales, the second largest animal on Earth, also migrate near Virginia Beach and are known for their speed. Educational, group whale watching trips can be organized through private companies and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

Students can watch other marine life, including birds, in their natural habitat and view local historic landmarks such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Bottlenose dolphins also live along the Virginia Beach coast and are visible between May and October each year. These amazing creatures jump, play and love attention from onlookers. Dolphin cruises can be booked for small and large student tours.

Experience the Magic of Science: Plan and Educational Tour of the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is one of the best locations for an environmental, educational field trip. Students and teachers will discover over 300 hands-on exhibits, a nature trail, an outdoor aviary and marshlands. Visitors can also enjoy the 3D IMAX Theater, which features a movie screen 6 stories tall and eight stories wide.

The Bay and Ocean Pavilion takes visitors on a journey through the waters of Virginia and introduces students to native aquatic animals and plants. The Marsh Pavilion is home to snakes, otters and more. The nature trail crosses the marsh and woods. Educational tours of the 30-foot observation tower will guarantee student attention.

Eco Educational Student Tours at the Virginia Living Museum
The Virginia Living Museum is dedicated to making Virginia’s natural heritage come to life. Museum exhibits tell the stories of the animals, plants, marine life and land from the Virginia Mountains to the Coastal Plain. Galleries and exhibits include:

–Virginia’s Piedmont and Mountains Gallery
–James River Exhibit
–Virginia’s World of Darkness gallery
–Virginia’s Underground Gallery
–Appalachian Mountain Cover and Cypress Swamp
–Discovery Centers
–Abbitt Observatory
–Planetarium Theater
–Outdoor Boardwalk
–Coastal Plain Aviary
–The Butterfly Garden

Many changing exhibits are also shown annually at the museum.

Adventure Eco Tours: Discover Animals from Abroad at the Virginia Zoo
According to the Virginia Zoo web site there are nearly 400 animals living on the premises including:
–Grants or Plains Zebra
–African Lion
–Masai Giraffe
–Red River Hog
–Meerkat
–Eastern bongo
–White rhino
–Siberian tiger
–Ostrich
–Rock hyrax
–White-throated monitor
–Pancake tortoise
–Mandrill

The Virginia Zoological Park helps visitors learn about the world’s flora and fauna and is dedicated to excellent treatment of the animals that live there. Education, research and conservation are some of the Virginia Zoo’s top priorities.

Student tours of the Virginia Zoo will also explain the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and the preservation of natural resources. School Discovery Programs are also available and were created to assist teachers. Informal science education programs motivate students through live animal presentations, wildlife adventure activities and even Virginia Zoo overnight stays. The Zoo is often seeing reliable volunteers for help with educational programs and special events.

Taking a student group on an eco-tour of Virginia can occur in one of two ways. The tour can be totally focused on ecological studies and issues and include the above-mentioned sites. Or an eco-tour may include a two or three day visit to Washington D.C. Here students can learn about democracy, visit the major historic sites, and partake in a cultural event, in addition to visiting an eco-tour destination.
Continue reading Educational Student Travel Explores the Study of Nature with Virginia Adventure Eco Tours →

Articles, Washington D.C.

Discover the Civil War Era: Educational and Student Travel Tours in Washington D.C.

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by Howard Clemens

In 1861, when the year the Civil War began, approximately 60,000 people lived in Washington DC. It was a time of great turmoil and great change; a time that defined and shaped the United States. Within 90 miles of Washington DC, visitors can explore a myriad of Civil War battlefields, memorial statues, historic buildings and period homes, all of which tell stories of the Civil war era. The Museum of American History, the National Archives and the Library of Congress are all home to Civil War exhibits displaying a wide array of Civil War artifacts. If you are planning a student tour or field trip in Washington DC or you are simply a history buff looking for an intriguing, educational vacation there are many Civil War sites to choose from.

No Student Travel Tour Should Miss Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site and the Peterson Boarding House
According to the National Park Service web site, www.nps.gov, the Civil War began five weeks after Lincoln’s Inauguration in March, 1861. Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered 4 years later on April 9, 1865. On April 14, 1865 Lincoln declared a day of gratitude for the end of the war and made plans to attend a comedy at Ford’s Theater. Lincoln was greeted with a standing ovation from theater attendees, but less than two hours later he would receive a fatal gunshot wound. When doctors reached the presidential box of the theater they decided to bring him to the nearest bed, which was across the street in the Peterson Boarding House. It was here that Lincoln died the next morning. Today both Ford’s Theater and the Peterson Boarding House offer tours and house a number of artifacts related to Lincoln’s assassination. The Peterson House is currently open and Ford’s Theater, which has been closed for renovations this season, will reopen in the Spring of 2009.

Learn About the Civil War and American History: Educational Travel Tours of the Lincoln Cottage
In the summer of 1862 Abraham Lincoln and his family made the first of many trips to what would later be called President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home. In order to escape the heat and pressures of life in Washington DC Lincoln made this cottage his retreat. The Lincoln Cottage Visitor Center is where student tours begin at Lincoln Cottage. The center offers interactive displays and exhibits of Lincoln memorabilia.

Be Creative: Plan a Specialty Student Tour in Washington DC
The National Museum of Health & Medicine
The National Museum of Health and Medicine offers a truly unique look at the Civil War experience. The exhibit, “To Bind up the Nation’s Wounds: Medicine During the Civil War,” includes Civil War photographs and rare artifacts. Students can view some unusual things in this museum such as General Daniel Sickle’s leg bones, which were lost at Gettysburg, and the bullet that killed Lincoln.

The African American Civil War Museum
Students, teachers, classrooms and schools interested in studying and exploring Black History must make a stop at the African American Civil War Museum. Here visitors will find artifacts, photographs and documents describing the stories of the African American soldiers that served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War. An interactive program even allows students to trace the descendants of USCT soldiers. A memorial lists the more than 200,000 USCT soldiers that served.

Soil Soaked in History: Visit National Civil War Battlefields Near Washington, DC
Approximately one hour to an hour and a half from DC, student tours will find a number of Civil War battlefields to visit and explore. The Antietam National Battlefield was site of the first invasion by the Confederate Army in the North. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park is home to 203 unmarked Civil War gravesites. Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the most visited historic sites in the country. Visitors enjoy walking tours, driving tours, special programs and living history presentations. Student tours can also include the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and the Manassas National Battlefield Park, also known as the place where The Battle of Bull Run was fought. Nearby Alexandria and Arlington are also home to many historic Civil War sites.

For the history or social studies student, studying the civil war is made easier by visits to sites that were historically important during that period. Social studies and history teachers will want to partner with a qualified student tour company to ensure their students have a learning experience that meets their educational expectations.

Atlanta, Blog

Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta Georgia: A Visit to Georgia Aquarium for Student Travel Groups

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Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta is a hub of educational and historical information for student travel groups. It was originally built for the 1996 Centennial Olympics. After the Olympics the park was closed and redesigned for public use. It reopened in 1998. Student travel groups will want to take a walking tour of Centennial Olympic Park. A lush Great Lawn in the center of the park is surrounded by commemorative quilts from the Olympic bombings, the Quilt of Nations, and The Fountain of Rings. If time allows, student groups will also want to visit one of the attractions surrounding it. The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, or CNN Center will be of interest to student travel groups.
The challenge for an educator is to decide which destination is most desirable and educational. The choice will depend upon the student travel group and the curriculum they’re following. With proper scheduling, groups may be able to visit all three. Or, if a custom itinerary requires only one of these venues, a tour of Centennial Olympic Park along with a trip to the Georgia Aquarium may be the best choice.
Some Background on the Georgia Aquarium
In this blog, I will give more details about the Georgia Aquarium. In future blogs I will highlight the World of Coke and CNN Center Tour. Georgia Aquarium is a great choice for an educational group because a visit here engages students by providing a glimpse into marine life. Students who do not live anywhere near a body of water such as an ocean or a bay will gain a great deal from the visit because they can witness aquatic life up close and personal. The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest and most engaging aquarium.
Lesson Plans for Teachers and Aquatic Fact Sheets
Georgia Aquarium has excellent educational programs in place for student travel groups. The organization supplies teachers with Aquatic Fact Sheets that give an overview of information about the Georgia Aquarium and the exhibits. Lesson Plans are also available for grades K-12.
Learning Loop Educational Experience
This student tour is designed to help students to understand aquatic systems and their make-up. An environmental educator, on staff with the Georgia Aquarium, provides students with a tour that describes the exhibits and the animal husbandry and the roles they play in tending the marine life. In order to replicate actual aquatic ecosystems, a great deal of work goes into exhibits for the upkeep of marine life. The Learning Loop Educational Experience is a great way to help students appreciate this work, and understand its importance in the science of marine biology.
Aqua Adventure
For teachers who wish to be the guide on their student tour of the Georgia Aquarium, Aqua Adventures may be the tour to select. An educator may download a teacher guide for the appropriate grade level in advance of the tour. Then the educator takes students on a tour through the main aquarium. There are plenty of interactive activities on Aqua Adventures, as well as age appropriate questions for students to answer. For a small additional fee per student, groups have the option of adding the Titantic Aquatic program (through May 2009). Actual artifacts from the wreck of the Titantic as well as narratives of survivors are incorporated into this exhibit.
Centennial Olympic Park is filled with an assortment of excellent choices in destinations for student travel groups. This overview of the Georgia Aquarium highlights educational aspects and is by no means a complete picture of what it has to offer the public. Visit Georgia Aquarium’s website for more information. If you would like to plan a student travel trip to Atlanta, please fill out a brief questionnaire about your group or contact an ETC student travel specialist at info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Atlanta, Blog

A Sample Itinerary for Student Travel to Atlanta Georgia-Only $369 Per Student

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As part of ETC’s November specials, we’re offering a special price on student travel to Atlanta for a three-day trip. Complete costs for student trips to Atlanta begin at $369 per student. There are numerous ways to tour Atlanta, but one of the most popular ways to take in the city??s historical highlights is to study the places where Martin Luther King Jr. lived, worked and died. King made a huge impact in Atlanta. There are other exciting things for student groups to do in Atlanta, such as visit CNN studios, tour the Atlanta Zoo, see the Atlanta Aquarium, or visit Six Flags Over Georgia.

If it’s possible for the student group itinerary to include an extension of the 3-day trip, many types of activities, including visits to sites just outside of Atlanta, may also be added. Just ask a professional student travel consultant at ETC and we??ll be happy to assist in creating a custom itinerary for a group.

What’s Included in the $369 Student Trip to Atlanta?
Educational Travel Consultants provides a tour escort for the $369 per student price. This price also includes deluxe motor coach from a school group??s hometown, two totally free teacher/chaperones, hotels, admission and entrance fees, two breakfasts and two dinners, coverage under ETC’s Liability Insurance Policy, taxes and tips. The hotels where ETC student groups stay are just outside of the city, with private hallways and 24-hour security.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Atlanta
Atlanta is a fantastic city to discover history and learn about the civil rights movement. For educational groups, a visit to Atlanta needs to include a trip to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Here students will see the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., the church where he worshipped and served, and his grave. Obviously, Atlanta meant a great deal to Martin Luther King, Jr. A student trip to these sites will bring MLK’s character and struggles for social justice in alignment with historical facts they may learn in class about the civil rights movement.

Tour CNN Studios in Atlanta
Many students are aware that CNN??s headquarters are in Atlanta. Student travel groups can visit the studio and take a tour. They will learn about day-to-day operations of the network and technical information about CNN. Student groups will also see a demonstration about weather broadcasts.

Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, and the Atlanta Braves
Get set for a day of excitement when student groups tour Zoo Atlanta. There are several different exhibits, such as the Ford African Rain Forest, Flamingo Plaza, Masai Mara (a replica of East African Plains) and the Ketambe Exhibit, where the rare Sumatran Tigers are housed. Student groups may also plan a part of a day to visit the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest aquarium. As an optional activity, student groups may see an Atlanta Braves game in the evening. For students that have no major league baseball teams near their home, a Brave??s game is an unforgettable experience.


Student Travel Tours: Dining in Atlanta
At ETC we strive to offer complementary activities on student trips that excite and engage students. Student travelers love the Hard Rock Cafe, so it’s the restaurant of choice in many cities, not just Atlanta. Another student favorite in Atlanta is the Picadilly Cafeteria, or a similar style restaurant.

Amusement Parks in and Near Atlanta
Stone Mountain Theme Park and Six Flags Over Georgia are the two main choices for student entertainment on the Atlanta trip. In addition to rides and shows, Stone Mountain has a Laser and Fireworks Show that begins in mid-April and extends through the summer. Six Flags near any destination is a familiar and popular choice for any student group.

The $369 per student price for Atlanta includes admission to both amusement parks. A visit to a theme park is a good way to balance learning activities with fun and relaxation. This overview of the $369 special Atlanta tour is a great deal and will last through the end of 2008. So, don’t delay — book your student group today for a spring trip. Contact an educational travel professional at info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or call 800-247-7969.

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In Search of the Ultimate NYC Cheesecake

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by Howard Clemens

Student travel groups headed to Broadway in NYC’s theater district do not want to miss the opportunity to sample some of New York City’s finest cheesecake after dinner. The cheesecake slices are so gigantic, that it is virtually impossible for one person to consume an entire slice in one sitting. Many students simply save their huge piece of cheesecake for a snack after the theater or eat it slowly over the course of a day or so. A slice of cheesecake is a surefire way to get the real New York City experience, when it comes to food.
Larger Cheesecake Portions in New York City
I’ve noticed over the years that portions of food served in New York are larger than other destinations– much larger. When Educational Travel Consultants conducts student tours of New York City, we always recommend a true, New York City delicatessen experience. For the ultimate cheesecake, I have a few recommendations that seem to please student travel groups immensely. These famous New York City delis are conveniently located right in Midtown Manhattan, in the heart of the theater district.
The Stage Deli: The Classic New York City Cheesecake Experience
The Stage Deli is not only famous for its one pound corned beef sandwich — but also some of the best cheesecake in Manhattan. The price is around $8. Expect the slices to be immense. This piece of cheesecake is really more like ¼ of an entire cake. Students have lots of comments about the Stage Deli cheesecake. “Monstrous mammoth size helpings,” is one comment. “I couldn’t eat it all,” is another common refrain.
The Blackout Cake as an Alternative to Cheesecake
If students are not particularly fond of cheesecake, they may opt for another popular favorite, the Blackout cake. This cake is made of rich chocolate. Pieces are huge, and similar in size to the cheesecake. Like the name implies, there could be some danger of ‘chocolate blackout’ — so proceed with caution. Finding a friend to share a slice of Blackout cake is one solution.
Try Carnegie Deli for a Wide Selection of Cheesecakes
Carnegie Deli is another famous place for New York City cheesecake. Slices of cheesecake here are just as enormous as The Stage Deli. The Carnegie Deli has the widest selection of types of cheesecake available. Visitors can choose pudding, strawberry, blueberry, Oreo cheesecake and more. The wide selection of cheesecakes is part of the appeal of Carnegie Deli that rivals the old Howard Johnson’s in their ice cream selections.
Other Great NYC Delis Where Cheesecake can be found
There are other great delis in New York City that serve some amazing cheesecake and they should not be overlooked. Lindy’s Deli and Junior’s Deli are just as excellent and if they are nearby the theater where the student travel group is due to see a show, these establishments should be considered. I don’t have time to review all of the great cheesecake places in New York City on this blog, but rest assured there are many. I decided to highlight some of my personal favorites that I have enjoyed over the years.
For student travel groups that are on their way to the Big Apple as their destination, don’t forget to include cheesecake and the New York deli experience on the itinerary. The deli dinner works best with a visit to Broadway, but it’s not necessary to include a visit to the theater if there is not sufficient time. Some advice for students that may be unused to the huge portions of food provided in New York: go on a diet before taking the trip. For more information about a travel itinerary for a student group destined for New York City, fill out a brief questionnaire and an educational travel professional will contact you.

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Carnegie Hall: An Unforgettable destination for Educational Student Travel

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Make Music History the Theme of Your Next New York City Student Tour

Opened in 1891, Carnegie Hall has hosted many of the world’s greatest soloists, conductors and ensembles. Premier classical performances, jazz events, historic lectures, educational forums and more have been featured for more than a century. Carnegie Hall actually consists of three separate music halls created specifically for acoustics, audience size and atmosphere. The Isaac Stern Auditorium is the largest hall with seating for 2,804 people. The hall’s design makes the stage the central focal point of five levels of seating and the acoustics are famous across the globe. Isaac Stern, the hall’s current namesake, was once quoted saying, “It has been said that the hall itself is an instrument, it takes what you do and makes it larger than life.” Carnegie Hall is also home to the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Recital Hall, an elegant, intimate space for approximately 268 people, as well as the Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall, which was recently reconstructed and seats 599.

A NYC Field Trip for Music Lovers
Sanford I. Weill, the Chairman of the Board for Carnegie Hall, once said, “For music lovers worldwide, Carnegie Hall is the ultimate musical destination, an international byword for excellence, and an institution whose rich history chronicles the defining moments of so many of the world’s most admired and beloved artists. For the leadership of this institution, this legacy provides an enjoyable yet formidable challenge, as we work each season to devise strategies that build upon the past in imaginative ways and create essential new pathways for growth.” The brilliance, imagination and talent Carnegie Hall nurtured and inspired over the years has changed the face of music and continues to touch audiences of all ages today.

Make Your Student Tour a Success: The 2008-2009 Season at Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall has created an exciting and unforgettable 2008-2009 season featuring over 200 events including:

–Almost 160 orchestral, chamber, and recital performances
–Over 40 pop, jazz, folk, and world music concerts
–Events presented by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute

The season also features 27 world premieres, 6 US premieres, 20 New York premieres and 2 festivals celebrating American music:
–30 events are part of Bernstein: The Best of All Possible Worlds
–Approximately 20 events will be held as part of Honor! A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy

NYC Student Tours Celebrate American Musical Heritage
Bernstein: The Best of All Possible Worlds
Bernstein: The Best of All Possible Worlds brings Michael Tilson Thomas, leading the San Francisco Symphony, and soloists Thomas Hampson, Yo-Yo Ma, and Dawn Upshaw together at Carnegie Hall in an all-Bernstein program. The Bernstein festival is presented in partnership with the New York Philharmonic and celebrates the extraordinary achievements of the late Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein was and still is one of the most important international musicians of the 20th century and was known to be ‘a quintessential New Yorker.’ Student travel and high school musical tours to this festival are encouraged, especially for students studying music.

Honor! A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy
Opening in the spring of 2009 and curated by world-renowned soprano Jessye Norman, Carnegie Hall calls Honor! A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy a salute to, “the enduring vitality, influence, and creativity of African American music.” This festival explores gospel, jazz, classical, rhythm and blues and spiritual music and pays tribute to music pioneers in venues throughout New York City. Educational and community programs are also part of the festival. The Carnegie Hall National High School Choral Festival will be presented and a curriculum for middle school students teaches about the connections between African American music and U.S. History. Carnegie Hall’s Rose Museum hosts an exhibition about the captivating history of African American artists and socio-political figures that have appeared at Carnegie Hall over the last 118 years.

Additional New York City Student Tour Opportunities
In addition to this season’s festivals, students will have the chance to see a variety of other important performances and attend a multitude of workshops on an NYC educational travel tour to Carnegie Hall. Acclaimed conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim holds a series of 15 events. Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is showcased in 5 events. Legendary composer Gyorgy Kyrtag visits NYC as part of a two-week celebration of Hungarian music.

If NYC field trips are part of your 2008-2009 school year, see music history first hand on a student tour to Carnegie Hall.

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The Art of the Possible: Explore the Magic of Broadway on a New York City Student Tour

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by Howard Clemens
American history includes many great stories. Every metropolitan city across the country has its own rich history and contributions to society. One of the great cultural contributions made by New York City is the creative tradition of Broadway. Since Broadway’s humble beginnings in 1900 it has been a hotbed for music, humor, art and excitement that inspires and touches the hearts and minds of people across the country. Any school or organization planning a field trip or student travel tour should consider making a visit to New York City for a performance tour of Broadway, an integral piece of America’s artistic and musical past.

Educational Student Tours on Broadway: Experience a Century Old Tradition of American Performance
In the beginning, over one hundred years ago, Broadway consisted of a simple, charming theater district that originated on 13th Street. Theaters like the Star Theater, New York Theater, Madison Square Theater and Broadway Theater provided audiences with music, excitement, romance and sometimes scandal. It was during Broadway’s very start that an emotional connection was made between the theaters and their patrons and this relationship has been passed down through generations. Since the turn of the century Broadway has survived success in the 2000’s, depression in the 30’s,conservatism in the 40’s and 50’s, and wild freedom in the 60’s and 70’s.

Plan a NYC Field Trip to a Modern Cultural Phenomenon
Today, Broadway is a beloved part of any New York City student trip, especially for high school musical tours and performing arts student trips. The musicals and plays found in Broadway theaters attract national and international visitors every year. According to The Stage News during the 2005-2006 seasons over twelve million people purchased Broadway tickets. Broadway has become a cultural phenomenon people of all ages can enjoy.

Add These Broadway Shows to Your New York City Student Tour Itinerary
The Broadway experience requires all theatergoers to make a choice about which show to see. Sometimes the choice is difficult but every musical and play offers the audience its own rewards. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Also consider including a Broadway Classroom workshop during your NYC student tour for student trips highlighting the music, performance, and stage industries.

Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys is a musical based on the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of the few American bands to survive during the 1960’s British Invasion. Showing at the August Wilson Theatre on 245 West 52nd Street, Jersey Boys tells the story of the singers and songwriters responsible for songs like “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.” Directed by Des Manful, Jersey Boys was the third highest ticket selling musical for 2007 in the category of Top New York Theater based on a report by TicketNews.com.

Hairspray
Based on the hilarious John Waters film of the same name released in 1988, Hairspray is the winner of eight Tony Awards including: Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Director and Best Costume Design. Directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, Hairspray is set in Baltimore, Maryland and highlights the universal teen themes of peer pressure, body image, popularity and self-individuation with humor and great music. This musical performance is fun and a wonderful experience for any educational travel tour.

Mama Mia!
Owen Lieberman of Entertainment Weekly reported that Mamma Mia! is, “Perhaps the single most ecstatic musical to open on Broadway since A Chorus Line. Mamma Mia! Leaves you uplifted, enraptured and feeling like number one!” It’s not surprising since this musical features the upbeat, electrifying songs of ABBA. Directed by Payload Lloyd, written by Catherine Johnson and produced by Judy Cramer and Richard East, Mamma Mia has been called “a global smash hit.” Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the founding members of ABBA are also part of the creative team. The story, a funny tale of a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding, has captured the hearts of millions.

Young Frankenstein
Like Jersey Boys, The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein was one of the top grossing musicals in 2007. Ranked at number seven, Young Frankenstein achieved this success just six weeks after the show’s official opening according to TicketNews.com. Ben Brantley at the New York Times stated, “A high density of talent, the hardest-working supersize ensemble and the largest number of gags per scene.” Directed by Susan Stroman and produced, composed and lyrically written by Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein shows at the Hilton Theatre at 213 West 42nd Street.

For more information about the performance tour, art tour, or standard tour of New York City, follow the links to the page.

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Visit the New National Musuem of American History in Washington D.C.

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Plan an Educational Tour of the National Museum of American History in Washington DC

Student field trips and educational tours to famous, metropolitan cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC are popular these days, but in the fall of 2008 a Washington DC educational student travel destination reopens that everyone will want to visit. On Friday, November 21, 2008 the National Museum of American History opens its doors after over two years and $85 million of architectural renovations. According to a July 30, 2008 press release from the National Museum of American History the center core of the building has been redesigned to improve architectural appeal and modernize the presentation of the museum’s extensive collections. The redesign includes construction of a skylit 5-story atrium, grand staircase and a new Star-Spangled Banner Gallery.

Visit the Museum of American History and Make Your Washington DC Student Travel Tour a Success

An Inspirational and Educational Field Trip: Visit the 200-Year-Old Star Spangled Banner
In the center of Washington DC’s American History Museum the Star-Spangled Banner Gallery was built to inspire visitors through the dramatic and powerful story of the American flag and the national anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner gallery is a state of the art facility made to protect, preserve and display the American flag. Housed behind a 45-foot tall, floor to ceiling glass wall in a special, climate controlled chamber the flag’s wool and cotton fibers are monitored and maintained. Low light levels and the projection of the first stanza of Francis Scott Key’s poem, “The Star Spangled Banner” on the wall above and behind the flag provide excellent visibility for museum visitors. According to the American History Museum’s web site, “The History Channel, a donor through financial contributions and in-kind gifts, will release a new one-hour special touching on the flag’s colorful history, including the specialized conservation treatment undertaken by the museum and the new high-tech flag chamber.” As a part of the ‘Save Our History’ series, the History Channel documentary airs this fall.

Celebrate American History: Take a Class Trip to See the White House Copy of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, given on November 19, 1863, is one of the most well-known and memorable speeches in American history. The manuscript, displayed at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC, is one of five drafts and the last known to have been written in Lincoln’s own hand in March of 1864. This copy of the Gettysburg Address is officially part of a collection kept at the White House in the private quarters of the Lincoln Bedroom. First Lady Laura Bush approved the loan of this copy to the Washington DC American History Museum until January 4, 2009.

Additional Museum Exhibitions Perfect for Student Tour Groups and Student Trips
On the second floor of the National Museum of American History the Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center serves as a landmark and houses historical objects like the Vassar College telescope from 1865. The telescope is situated on the west wing of the first floor to represent science and technology and was used by the first woman astronomer in America. The west wing also includes a hands-on science and invention center called the Lemelson Hall of Invention and Spark!Lab. One of the program highlights planned for the spring of 2009 is the 8,000 square foot ‘On the Water: Stories from Maritime America’ exhibition. In 2009 The Susan and Elihu Rose Gallery will begin to feature rotating exhibits so visitors can encounter varying historic characters every weekend as well as celebrate and learn about various federal holidays.

Make Your Educational Student Tour Unforgettable at Washington DC’s National Museum of American History
The American History Museum renovations also include the construction of the 275-seat Carmichael Auditorium, the Samuel J. and Ethel LaFrak Lobby, new elevators, new restrooms, retail operations, The Constitution Café and the 600-seat Stars and Stripes Café. Historians, families, student travel tours, educational travel services and individuals interested in exploring American history from colonial to modern times can view virtual exhibits and collections online at the National Museum of American History’s web site: americanhistory.si.edu. Museum schedules, special events and educational activities are also available online.

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