Category Archives: Articles

Articles

Student Travel Tour to NYC Introduces Foreign Exchange Students to American Culture

Leave a comment

by Howard Clemens

Recently, Tim Dougherty, Director of Admissions at Cathedral Preparatory School and Villa Maria Academy, took his international and foreign exchange students on a tour of New York City.

The tour was included as part of a package designed to encourage international students to enroll in both schools. It was also an attempt to introduce students to American culture, by exposing them to historical American landmarks like the Empire State Building and the United Nations.

With the help of his student travel company, Dougherty worked out a tour that turned out to be a great success, and a wonderful way for his students to make the transition into the United States. I interviewed him about his experience recently, and he went over some of the details of the trip.

Q. What is your official position at Cathedral Prep?

A.  My title is Director of Admissions at Cathedral Preparatory School and Villa Maria Academy.  Cathedral Prep is an all-male school of approximately 600 students and Villa is an all-female school of over 300 students.  We have one common administration, one curriculum, one school calendar, but we have two campuses…one for boys and one for girls.  Both Cathedral Prep and Villa belong to the Catholic Diocese of Erie in Pennsylvania.

Q. When you planned this student trip to New York City, what was your vision? How does the trip tie into studies?

A.  The trip was purely for entertainment and sightseeing for the students, many who had never been to New York City.  We were not covering New York City in the classroom, and it was not tied into any educational program we have.  When planning the trip I envisioned seeing all the famous sights in the city and allowing the students to have a real “New York” experience.

Q. Many of the students traveling were foreign exchange students. Can you explain how this came about? Give me some background on your school and families and their relationship to foreign exchange students.

A.  We have recently initiated an international program (consisting of mostly Chinese students) at Prep and Villa.  The students are exceptional in the classroom and pay top-dollar to study in the USA, so in order to entice them to enroll at our schools we included a yearly trip to New York City as part of the tuition package.  All of the 28 students on the trip were international students, mostly from China.  We had one student from Denmark and one other from Slovakia.

Q. The Empire State Building was on your itinerary. Why did you think it was important to bring the group here? What was their experience like?

A. The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable images of New York City, and in America.  All of our international students were familiar with it—they’d seen it on television and in movies.  When we told the students we would not only be visiting the building, but would also be going to the top of it, they were more than thrilled.  I thought it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for them to visit the building that has been a symbol of NYC for so long. It allowed for several awesome photo opportunities, and an excellent view of the entire city.  We went at night, and the view was breathtaking!  The students, many of whom live in large cities in China, agreed that it was one of the most beautiful city landscapes they’ve ever seen.  The fact that we saw the city lit up at night made it extra special.

Q. The United Nations Audio Tour must have been interesting.  Was this narrated on a mobile device?  If so, how did it enhance the tour? Did students get to see people in the UN at work? I imagine UN sessions are closed to the public, but please describe what you saw and learned in detail.

A. The United Nations tour was interesting, and the students and chaperones were both moved by what they saw.  The work that the UN does in order to provide children and the under-privileged with school and medical supplies is amazing, and unknown to many people.  Many of the students and chaperones were teary-eyed at the end of the tour when they saw the images of the people in need, and how grateful they were for the hard work of the UN.  The fact that the tour was given with the assistance of an audio device was immensely helpful considering that the international students were able to listen in their native language. Unfortunately there were no ambassadors working and nothing in session during our visit.  But we were able to visit the main room in the UN that everyone always sees on television.

Q. How did students like the visit to Central Park?

A. Our trip to Central Park was brief, but a lot of fun. There were still a lot of leaves on the trees, and the weather was comfortable considering the time of year. We stopped at the Alice in Wonderland statute, and got some group photos.  There was a woman playing the guitar and singing beautifully while we were there, which added to the ambiance.

Q. The 911 Memorial is a site most student groups visit.  Why was it important to you to bring the group to this site? Also, what were their reactions?

A. The students were anxious to visit the 911 Memorial because they are all familiar with the importance of that day to Americans.  On 9/11 the entire world was impacted, so the memorial is special for everyone around the globe.  The students were very impressed with the beautiful memorial, and took time to reflect on the tragedy that changed America and the rest of the world forever.  For the most part, the students were reverent and respectful during the visit, and asked the chaperones several questions, which showed they were sincerely interested in learning more about what they were witnessing.

Q. Did you give any post trip writing or oral presentations projects to students?

A. The students were not given any assignments to do for this trip.  They’re very scholarly and have plenty of other homework to do, so we did not require them to do anything on this trip.  Most of them used their free time at the hotel to catch up on the work they were missing while they were out of school.

Q. What was your overall impression of the tour guide and your experience of traveling with your particular tour guides?

A. Our tour guide was excellent!  She knew the city very well and took great care of us during the entire trip. She always had a good attitude, and when we had to make slight changes to our itinerary, she did an outstanding job of getting us all set.  Not only was she knowledgeable about the landmarks and sightseeing hotspots, but very helpful with guiding us through the best traffic routes. Our travel company definitely had the best itinerary, services, and overall plan for our trip to New York City.  Every detail was planned and taken care of.  It was reassuring, and each night at the hotel I slept a little better knowing we had the support of the night time security worker that had been arranged. I can honestly say that I’m thrilled with our experience, and that we plan on taking more trips in the future.

Student travel can help facilitate innovative and imaginative ways to incorporate students into American culture. Itineraries may be designed to accommodate a variety of backgrounds and educational goals, and are by no means limited to American students alone. With a little ingenuity and planning, teachers can create travel tours that can open doors for students and help ease their transition into exciting new academic environments that will open doors for them.

Request a Quote for a student trip to NYC or other locations in the U.S. Canada, Puerto Rico and other locations.

Articles

Student Trip to NYC Opens Up New Horizons for a School Group from Texas

Leave a comment

By Howard Clemens

Students from Byron Nelson High School in Texas pose in front of the NYC skyline.

Lori Imrecke, a popular teacher whose approach to her profession is innovative and fun, is an Economics instructor at Byron Nelson High School in Texas. She’s also a sponsor of the school’s Snow, Ski, and Snowboard Club, and an avid proponent and organizer of student travel.

Students Travel From Different Schools

Recently, she took her students on a tour of New York City. “I like to take the kids on trips that expose them to things they wouldn’t normally see,” Imrecke says. “They leave suburban Texas and enter into a whole new world.” This particular excursion was unique because students from other area schools were involved. Imrecke put the word out about the trip, and got a great response from other teachers who wanted their students to be involved. “A lot of the kids didn’t really know each other, so they made a lot of new friends on this trip,” Imrecke says. “There was a lot of great conversation and sharing of individual experiences.”

Students explore the vivid street life in NYC.

Visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC

The group’s objective as a whole was to see as many sites in NYC as possible. “We visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” says Imrecke. “I had gone before, but seeing it through the students’ eyes made it a whole new experience for me.” Many of the exhibits correlated with the students’ particular fields of study or interest. “Some of the kids were studying photography,” Imrecke says, “So they were interested in those displays. Others wanted to see the Egyptian exhibit. One student was in a state of culture shock everywhere he went. Everything we saw was amazing to him!”

A Visit to the 911 Memorial

One of the most important visits the group made was to the 9/11 Memorial. “For the kids, it was eye-opening,” Imrecke says. “They all remembered 9/11 happening, but they were too young at the time to really grasp the significance of it. The visit to the site made it real for them.” The tour guide, who had lived in the city at the time, also shared her stories with the group. “One of the students took a photo of the memorial, and it was entered into a contest to be displayed at the Capitol,” Imrecke says.  “It didn’t ultimately make it in to the exhibit, but it was a very powerful experience for her.”

Wall Street, the Federal Reserve Bank and the Statue of Liberty

The group also visited Wall Street, and took the boat over to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. This segment was of particular interest to the American History students. “The cool thing about Ellis Island was that they already had a background knowledge of it,” says Imrecke. “They were in awe of the statue, and seeing it really brought it to life. It was a perfect day.” The group toured NYC’s financial district and the Federal Reserve Bank. “I wanted the students to get some insights on the Federal Reserve and how it works,” says Imrecke. The students had a lot of questions for the tour guide, and appeared to be learning from other students’ questions. “They took us down into the vaults,” says Imrecke. “Getting to see all that gold in one room was astonishing to them.”

Visits to Other Sites of Interest to Student Groups in NYC

The itinerary had a lot of cultural variety. “We spent time in places like Chinatown, and went to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The museum was a blast! The kids loved it because they could be goofy and take pictures of the wax celebrities. It fed right into their views on pop culture.” The tour also featured a Broadway musical, The Lion King, which was thrilling for the music students in the group. “They found it so fascinating,” Imrecke says. “This was really the number one iconic New York experience I wanted them to have. In fact, it was so great that we’re in the process of working out the logistics of another trip to NYC.”

Imrecke loved watching the students’ faces as they experienced Times Square and other NYC landmarks for the first time. “I wanted the kids to get as comprehensive an idea of NYC as possible, to experience the hustle and bustle of New York,” she said, “and I really feel that was accomplished. It’s a lot of work to organize a tour, but it’s so worth it. I would recommend it to every teacher.”

Education is not what it used to be. No longer does learning need to be confined solely to the classroom. Supplemental curriculum like student travel can open up new horizons and introduce students to a brand new world of interactive learning. When they can experience the world hands-on, their knowledge of subject matter is enriched and expanded.

Request a quote for a student trip to New York City.

Articles

Student Trip to NYC Includes a Visit to Cleveland and Niagara Falls

Leave a comment

Mike Davis is a Guidance Counselor at Gallatin High School in Warsaw, Kentucky. This spring, he took his students on a tour that encompassed a range of iconic landmarks, from Niagara Falls to the Statue of Liberty to the 9/11 Memorial. It was a trip that exposed students to a wealth of cultural, natural, and contemporary highlights of the American landscape and its history.

Since the group comprised both music and business students, Davis planned an itinerary that would be of interest to both study groups. He planned visits to sites such as the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame and Radio City Music Hall and took the group on a walking tour of the NYC financial district. I recently had a chance to interview Mike about what he and his students had found most memorable about the visit.

Q. What is your official title at the high school?

A. Guidance Counselor

Q. What is the theme of your tour, and how does it tie into the subject(s) you teach?

A. I teach a beginning piano class here at school and the trip evolved from that class. It was a dual tour, partly my piano class and partly the Future Business Leaders of America, which is a club in the school supervised by Angela Baker, who was also a chaperone on our trip. The trip was my idea. I brought Angela along because I thought business kids would enjoy going to NYC. The trip included a walking tour of NYC’s financial district. We took 33 students all together, with two teachers and three parents.

Q. I noticed some unique tour stops. For example, you visited the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, which must have been great for the music class.  Why did you select these sites?

A. Yes, it’s the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  The students were caught off-guard, as they were expecting it to be more musical.  They figured they’d be hearing lots of musical hits. There are stations where you can stop and listen to music being featured in the museum. They saw a lot of famous outfits that had been worn on stage, Elvis’s car, and more. Most of the material was memorabilia. Then there’s also the place where you can see who has been inducted into the hall, which was really exciting for them.

Q. You visited NBC Studios. Did the group get a live look at the set in action? What was their response to this site?

A. It was great. We got to see the ‘Saturday Night Live’ set and the set for Brian Williams, Rock Center.  Our tour was in the morning, and the sets were empty.  We saw NBC Coast to Coast, and observed how different material was developed for the East and West Coasts.  We also observed how NBC had changed since being acquired by Universal.

Q. What did the group see and experience in their visit to Radio City Music Hall?

A. That was an exceptionally good tour! They took us inside, outside, up and down. We got to meet one of the Rockettes. She spoke to the group and they got to take pictures with her. There was a lot of walking—I don’t think the students realized how big the facility was, but they really enjoyed themselves.

Q. The student travel group visited Times Square, did a Manhattan Tour and visited the site of the Twin Towers (911 Memorial). Why was it important to you to include these sites?

A. We had a whirlwind tour, and saw about as much as we possibly could see. It was important because I don’t think any of the kids had been to NYC, so we wanted them to get the full impact of all those places. We also visited Chinatown, and had dinner in Little Italy one evening.

Q. Visiting Niagara Falls must have been a spectacular treat for the group. Describe some reactions to seeing it for the first time.

A. It was! They felt and saw the power of the falls and learned about the amount of water that flows through it. We saw the American and Canadian sides.  I surprised the kids with Niagara Falls, since Cleveland is only three hours away. We got there during the day and took pictures.  Afterwards, we were able to get pretty close to NYC by that evening.

Q.What is the Sony Wonder Lab?  What did your group do there?

A. The Wonder Lab was the suggestion of Ms. Baker. It’s a multi story building, with interactive exhibits (digital images and broadcast booths). It was popular and crowded, and they loved it.

Q. Your students saw two Broadway Plays: “Wicked” and “Phantom of the Opera”.  Why was it important to you to get two plays in? What influenced your selection of plays?

A. We’re fairly close to Cincinnati, and they have Broadway shows here. It is just so much different to be able to say you actually saw a play on Broadway.  I thought these were both very different musicals. “Phantom” is a traditional opera show, and “Wicked” is an upbeat modern musical. The kids loved both shows.

Q. Please comment on any post trip writing or speaking you required your students to perform.

A. We played a little game on the way home. I got on the bus microphone and asked them different questions about the trip. And they would answer these trip trivia questions.  For example, I would ask, “How many seats were in the Radio City Music Hall?” and they would answer if they knew it. Everyone had a fantastic time.  The tour company was very good, and great to work with. They didn’t deter me from any of the sites I wanted to visit. I had in my mind what I wanted to do, rather than a pre-packaged deal. We were coming from so far away, we needed to get as much in as possible, which we did. We hope to do it again in another year or two.

There are a myriad of options available for student travel groups, and they can be tailored to engage every group’s unique focus and interests. Every classroom is different, and with imagination and planning, teachers can work with travel groups to create itineraries that are custom designed to bring out student’s enthusiasm for learning. By incorporating touring into their curriculum, more and more teachers are helping student travel be what it’s supposed to be: both recreational and educational.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Lessons of History and Freedom: Student Trip to Washington, DC is Enlightening and Eye-Opening for Students

Leave a comment

By Howard Clemens

Recently, teacher Brynley Martin, who has taught eighth grade English Literature and history at Oak Hill Jr. High School for twelve years, took her students on a tour of Washington, DC. It’s a trip her classes make every year, and one that new students look forward to and former ones always remember fondly.  When students travel to Washington D.C., they get to immerse themselves in their fields of study in ways that go far beyond requisite classroom discussion and research.

This particular student tour covers a wide range, from cornerstones like the National Archives (in which the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence are housed) to the many exhibits in the Smithsonian, like the American History and Air and Space Museums. This student travel group also visited Mount Vernon, the plantation of George Washington and landmark of the Revolutionary War.  It was important to Martin that the students also take a close look at the Holocaust Museum—an experience many students have described as profound and life-changing.

I recently interviewed Brynley Martin about her most recent class trip from Converse, Indiana to Washington D.C.

Q: What is your official title at Oak Hill Jr. High School?

A: I am an eighth grade English and Literature teacher.

Q: How often do you take your students on tour in Washington D.C.?

A: This will be my seventh year. The tours have been great, and every one of them is different.  Every student group is composed of students who are seeing and assimilating these sites for the first time.

Q: Have you toured other cities in the US?

A: No, just Washington D.C. so far.

Q: Washington is a city that’s critical for an understanding of U.S. History. How does the tour of DC tie into the class you teach? What specific parts of American history are covered?

A:  We dedicate nine weeks in literature class to the study of the Holocaust. We visit The Holocaust Museum to supplement our studies and to understand the real stories of people who suffered and died in it.  This puts a greater emphasis on what we’ve learned. We also study the origins of the U.S., from the Revolutionary up to the Civil War.

Q: The Newseum is a museum dedicated to news and media in American culture. This ties directly into written and spoken language in English, and the ways it’s used to communicate information. Can you comment on student’s reactions to visiting it?

A: On previous trips, we hadn’t had time to really check things out. But the students loved it. There’s so much stuff to see there, something for everyone.

Q: Your class visited the National Archives. What specifically did you want your students to see there?

A: Specifically, the Declaration of Independence, which is sometimes not the easiest thing to see because the lines are so long. It was great for them to be able to see it in detail during this last trip.

Q: How was your trip to the Holocaust Museum?

A: We always request the full tour there. It is very important to our trip, and the kids are moved by it. They get to learn about the Holocaust through more than just books, which always affects them in profound and significant ways.

Q: Describe any post-trip writing or speaking students were required to perform to assimilate their experiences.

A: All students bring a disposable camera on the trip. They use their photos to create a comprehensive and individual project about their own experience. They present this project to the rest of the class, through the lens of their own point of view.

Q: How long have you been doing these tours? What has been your experience with the tour guides and other staff?

A: I think we’ve been traveling for six years now. The tour guides have been awesome! They are very knowledgeable about Washington D.C. and have always worked well with us to solve any problems that might come up. It’s been a great experience, overall.

Diversity of Impressions and Increased Appreciation of History: Something for Every Student Trip

Every student will take something personal away with them from the trip, while also gaining a greater understanding of history and the way language is used to make and change it. Exposing students to places like the Holocaust Museum is instrumental in promoting an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of history. Up close and personal exposure to exhibits housed in the National Archives and the Smithsonian can provide a fresh and vital perspective for learning. All these make for a uniquely visceral experience that serve to broaden and enhance classroom studies in essential and innovative ways. Martin feels that these trips to Washington D.C. positively impact her students, and broaden their appreciation and knowledge of their studies, so she will continue to take groups on tour.

Request a quote for a student tour of Washington D.C.

Articles

The New Orleans, Louisiana French Immersion Tour

Leave a comment

By Howard Clemens

New Orleans is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and its French Cajun history has culminated in one of the most famous and vibrant fusions of multiculturalism in the US. One of the most exciting educational experiences students can embark on is the New Orleans/Louisiana French Immersion tour. The sensory stimuli of “The Big Easy” is an ideal environment for learning. For students, a visit to New Orleans is bound to be as unforgettable as it is fun.

The French Quarter

The French Quarter (old square in French) —is New Orleans’ first neighborhood, established shortly after the city’s inception in 1718. This National Historic Landmark, often credited with being one of the birthplaces of jazz, includes the legendary Bourbon Street (with its shops, restaurants, and beautiful Spanish rule-era architecture), and Jackson Square Park. It’s also home to the Cabildo Museum (site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase), St. Louis Cathedral, and many other attractions students have certainly heard of, and will now be seeing for the first time.

The Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain and the Bayou Swamp Boat Tour

The Mississippi River is part of the continent’s largest river system and subject of Mark Twain’s greatest works.  Along with Lake Pontchartrain, it has been the subject of many celebrated traditional songs and stories of Louisiana and New Orleans. Students will learn about them while enjoying the ambiance of a Bayou Swamp Tour, Cajun style. The tour includes a visit to the Aquarium of the Americas, which houses 530 species, including animals native to the Amazon and Mississippi Rivers. Students will also enjoy an authentic Cajun Creole dinner under the stars, with live Cajun music.

The Garden District

The Garden District, also a National Historical Landmark, is as famous as the French Quarter. Students will stroll through streets seeing magnificent architecture, lush gardens, and the ambiance of the old South. They will also visit the beautiful St. Louis cemetery, in which many historical figures of French and Cajun descent are laid to rest. Walking through the graveyards, which have been featured in many films, is a history lesson in itself. Visits to Loyola and Tulane Universities provide a vivid glimpse of college life.

Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras, a celebration originally brought to Louisiana by its early French settlers, is known all over the world, and every year thousands flock to New Orleans to take part in its merrymaking and parades. At Mardi Gras World, students will tour the factory where Mardi Gras’ famous floats are assembled, and will go behind the scenes for a sneak peek into the many preparations that go into the making of this renowned festival.

French Acadian Village

The French Acadian Village in nearby Lafayette is a must-see for those studying Cajun and French culture. It is a re-creation of a 1800s Cajun community in New Orleans. The Village encompasses 10 acres that are home to many 19th century buildings, including the Civil-War era Billeaud House of the Billeaud Sugar Plantation, the Bernard House, (circa 1800), and the Castille House of 1869.  The village is host to a variety of Cajun festivals every year, and has a blacksmith’s shop and an art gallery.

Immersion in French/Cajun Culture the most exciting way to learn language

Outside of France itself, there is no better place for students to master the French tongue than New Orleans and its surrounding areas.  If learning is best when it involves fun and being exposed to new and exotic cultures, students will undoubtedly find that immersing themselves in the vibrant music, food, and history of Cajun culture fits the bill perfectly.

Request a Quote for the French Immersion Tour of New Orleans.

Articles, Washington D.C.

Student Travel Groups Heading to Washington D.C.: What’s New?

Leave a comment

For teachers seeking to provide their students with an invigorating, immersive, and comprehensive exposure to art, culture, history, and just about anything else, Washington D.C. is the place to be.  A student trip to Washington D.C. is one of the gold standards of educational travel. Student travel groups have a range of famous landmarks at their fingertips, from Ford’s Theater to Arlington National Cemetery to the Library of Congress to the quaint hustle and bustle of Georgetown. There is something for everyone in this great city, and its liveliness makes for a one-of-a-kind experience that makes learning fun, exciting, and revelatory.

For students studying history, the city is nothing short of an invaluable resource.  Seeing everything could take weeks. For student tour groups on limited schedules, a focused itinerary for a three or four day tour works best.

The list of sites to see is growing now that Washington D.C. has added some new war memorials, a site dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a branch of the Smithsonian that focuses on African American History. Students who visit these places will gain a broader understanding of American history.

The World War II Memorial, on 17th Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues, is surrounded by the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and combines beautiful architecture with many moving testaments to those who participated in one of the 20th century’s greatest epochs. At the crossroads of these three great attractions, students will get an acute and unforgettable sense of the nation’s past. Featuring the famous “Rainbow Pool” and an its mingling fountains, the memorial is open from 9 am until 11:45 pm, and the National Park Service provides guided tours every hour, on the hour, from 10 am -11pm. Teachers can search the computerized World War II registry for information, and use the material to prepare students for this trip with advance lessons in the classroom.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, at 1964 Independence Avenue on the National Mall is a special address because the street number refers to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The MLK Memorial is a highly unique structure designed, like all of Washington’s memorials, to draw the spectator into a uniquely “hands-on” historical experience. Students can stroll the grounds, which are flanked by an abundance of cherry blossom trees and crepe myrtles, and read stone-etched inscriptions from the “I Have a Dream” speech.  The statue of Dr King itself, as massive and awe-inspiring as the Lincoln Memorial, is almost Egyptian/Sphinxlike in scope.  Visiting this new memorial to an American dedicated to the advancement of civil rights is a must for any group studying African American history and its historical and contemporary impact on the world we live in.

On the same topic, the Smithsonian Museum of African Natural History just had its groundbreaking ceremony in February of 2012, and is scheduled to officially open in 2013. The Museum of African Natural History has exhibits that are presently housed on the second floor of the National Museum of American History. From their current exhibition, “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty” to their upcoming show, ”The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963” (slated to debut in December 2012), the Museum provides a comprehensive and essential overview of African American life down through the generations, from music to sports to arts and politics. Many have been anticipating the opening of this new Smithsonian Museum where African American culture and tradition is highlighted.

Like New York City, Washington D.C. is a city that can be regarded as one of “the crossroads of the world.” There is no end to the varieties of experiences here, whether a student group is touring its many ethnic neighborhoods, dining at a variety of wonderful restaurants, touring the museums, memorials or the Capital and White House, or just steeping themselves in its atmosphere and energy in general. Teachers and student groups have loved the U.S. Capital city for all of its history, government, culture, dining and entertainment and it’s splendid architecture and memorials.

Request a Quote for a Student trip to NYC today.

Articles

High School Orchestra Takes Performance Trip to New York City

Leave a comment

Deb Wesoloski has been the Orchestra Director at Berea High School in Berea, Ohio, for 25 years. As an enthusiastic, popular teacher who is passionate about music and loves to introduce her students to new cities and influences, she has always tried to make travel a part of her curriculum. Wesoloski believes education should be hands-on, interactive, and as multifaceted as possible. So, she takes her student musicians on tour every three years.  In March of 2011, the group traveled to New York City, where they had the privilege and thrill of performing at the United Nations headquarters.

Student Trip Includes United Nations Performance
“The UN was by far the best venue we’ve ever played on a tour,” said Wesoloski. “This has been our favorite destination ever! We performed a variety of selections, from standard classics by Tchaikovsky to contemporary/popular favorites like Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida’” and Green Day’s “21 Guns”. We learned our music in nine weeks, or about one school quarter. The students had the opportunity to see new sights and to perform for an audience outside our district, which always brings out very positive reactions. Students were excited that many audience members videotaped our performance.” The whole experience gave students a feeling of ambition and adventure, and gave them a taste of what life as a professional orchestral musician in the big city could be like.


Student Tour Sites in NYC
The group visited a range of New York’s world-famous landmarks: the Empire State Building, NBC Headquarters, Chinatown, Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They also took a trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and attended a performance of the Broadway musical “Phantom of the Opera”. The legendary lights of Broadway, the hustle of the big city, and the experience of being up close to the performers was unforgettable. New York worked its magic on the group. “We chose these places because they were all diverse and had cultural and historical points of interest all the students could enjoy and learn about,” said Wesoloski. “New York has something for everybody, and I wanted the students to be able to soak it all up and get as much as they could out of it, which they did,” she added.

Post Trip Wrap Up at School
Upon their return, Wesoloski’s students had extended discussions about their trip, comparing impressions and reliving and reevaluating their adventure through the lens of their new knowledge and experience. Their photos and accounts of the trip were posted in school publications, making the whole enterprise into a multimedia project that could be shared with everyone. Many of the students seemed changed by the experience, increasingly compelled to pursue their dreams and their potential as musicians—which, of course, was exactly what Wesoloski hoped the trip to New York City would inspire.


Having a Tour Guide Who Works Well With Musicians
“Our experience was excellent,” Wesoloski said. “Our tour guide was superb and knew the city inside and out, and made sure set-up of the performance went perfectly smoothly.” The guide had answers to every question they asked, and her expertise and enthusiasm made the whole trip an exciting whirlwind and a pleasure. No stone was left unturned. “It was everything we’d hoped it would be,” said Wesoloski.
Visit www.EducationalTravelConsultants.com to request a quote for a student trip.

Articles

Mid-West College Tour Part 1

Leave a comment

By 10th or 11th grade, students preparing for college need to be thinking about what school they will attend.  But it’s difficult to get a good read on a college by looking at a website or a brochure.  For this reason, I have designed college tours divided into geographic sections of the United States. Taking this type of tour allows college prep students to experience the university in person. The student group sees the campus and has the opportunity to speak to students, faculty and staff.

This type of interaction is valuable. It effectively inspires students to make a decision about their college of choice.

Following, I will offer an example of a Mid West College Tour (part 1) where students have the opportunity to visit some of the most distinguished universities in this area of the United States.  This is by no means a comprehensive list of Mid West colleges. I encourage teachers taking students on this type of tour to add or delete colleges they really wish to visit.  In fact, there are so many great schools in the Mid West, there will be a part 2 to this article.

University of Cincinnati

Serving over 40,000 students and delivering 308 programs of study, University of Cincinnati is a well-respected urban university.  Forbes magazine ranked it among the most beautiful campuses in the United States.  The campus is a showcase for contemporary architecture.  Known for its accredited Musical Theater Program and its Architecture, Construction & Building Trades Program, UC has a great deal to offer the imaginative student.  UC has a 15/1 student-faculty teaching ratio and over 250 Graduate Programs to choose from.

Xavier University

Also located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Xavier University enrolls approximately 6,700 students each year.  There is a College of Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences, Health & Education, and the Williams College of Business, so students studying in these areas will be most interested in Xavier.  The Musketeers Men’s basketball team, women’s soccer and basketball teams, and other athletic and co-curricular activities make Xavier an exciting campus.

Ohio State University

With an enrollment of nearly 65,000 students, 1,700 acres of land and 457 buildings, Ohio State University has a huge impact on Columbus, Ohio.  Cited among the top 20 national public universities by U.S. News and World Report in 2010, Ohio State University is a top-rated school.  Academic programs range from Medicine to Engineering, Architecture, Arts and Sciences and more. The campus is a mixture of Gothic revival architecture and contemporary building designs, with a 60-acre arboretum and abundant gardens and plazas.

Indiana University

Indiana University (IU) has eight campuses across the state. The main campus is in Bloomington and is scheduled as a stop for this tour.  Indiana University was founded in 1820 and has a rich heritage. The campus retains its historical beginnings in its layout and architecture with Indiana limestone buildings dating to the late 19th Century. Bloomington is a town of about 70,000 people. The inhabitants of Bloomington and the campus community refer to it as “B-town” because of its lively music scene, coffeehouses, farmers markets, international cuisine, and festivals.  IU is known academically for its business, arts, law, technology and journalism programs to name just a few highlights.  With over 32,000 students and a diverse student body, Indiana University is a premiere institution.

Purdue University

Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Purdue is an outstanding University. The main campus is located in West Lafayette Indiana, and is the scheduled destination for this tour. There are also Purdue locations in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Westville and Hammond.  Ranked #1 in Biological and Agricultural Programs, and in the top 10 for Undergraduate Business and Engineering students, Purdue has distinguished programs to offer the student of Science, Technology Engineering and Math.  Purdue is also well known in many areas of research in these fields.  With over 30,000 undergraduate students enrolled and a competitive selection process, Purdue University is certainly a school worth serious consideration.

University of Illinois

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a school that has educated numerous Pulitzer Prize and Nobel winners.  Undergraduate enrollment is over 31,000 students, and there are 17 different colleges and Instructional units to choose from. University of Illinois was established in 1867 and retains a 19th Century flavor in some of its architecture.   Known for the liberal arts and sciences, University of Illinois has a distinguished list of alumnus – scientists and writers recognized for excellence in their field.  The campus tour includes visits to a number of buildings that date to the 19th and early 20th Centuries.

Take student groups on a college tour of selected schools in the Mid West to help them gain a realistic perspective of college life.  In addition to visiting schools, entertainment and dining are part of the itinerary. Students can spend time exploring towns such as Bloomington, West Lafayette and Cincinnati to get a feel for lifestyles, cuisine, geography, climate and more.

Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles

A Band Trip to Los Angeles for Disney Performing Arts Onstage

Leave a comment

by Howard Clemens

Band directors and high school musicians and performers will find Disneyland, California an ideal destination to showcase their talents.  Groups can have a public performance on one of Disney’s stages or participate in a parade. Disneyland California also has Youth Programs where students experience backstage life with real Disney performers.  Including this type of workshop on the trip to Disneyland encourages students to hone their artistic skills and talents. Disney Performing Arts Onstage gives student marching bands, orchestras, ensembles, choirs and more a forum for their work.

Learn more about how a marching band trip to Disneyland would be structured to include performances, active learning and touring different theme parks. This sample itinerary includes three days in Disneyland, a trip to see a Major League Baseball game and dinner at the Hard Rock Café.

Disney Performing Arts Onstage

Organizing a student trip around a performance provides a wonderful opportunity for multifaceted learning.  Student performance groups will rehearse for the big day for months preceding the performance, encouraging them to develop discipline and use teamwork to succeed onstage.

There are several options for marching band trips when it comes to performance venues in Disneyland. Marching bands can perform in a parade, on a Disney stage or to an international audience. Disney actually provides programs for instrumental, vocal and dance groups – not just marching bands. The venue selected by the trip leader will reflect the needs of the group.

This band trip is a unique experience for the student musician. In addition to the performance on a Disney stage or marching band route, trip leaders may also opt to select a backstage workshop taught by an actual Disney performer for the group.

Disney’s California Adventure

Located in the heart of Anaheim, California, this Disney theme park presents classic Disney characters and new stars coming alive in a multimedia and interactive setting.  Exhibits include the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, The Little Mermaid and more.   In 2012, Disney’s California Adventure will add characters from the Pixar movie Cars.  Tow Mater, Lightning McQueen and others from the film are part of Cars Land — and so is the Radiator Springs racer ride.  This interactive Disney park is sure to amaze and delight students.

Major League Baseball Game:  Los Angeles Dodgers or Anaheim Angles

Many students have never seen a Major League Baseball game, but would love the opportunity to do so. A trip to California may be the perfect time to  take a group of student musicians out to the ball game. Trip leaders can reserve tickets to either L.A. Dodgers or Anaheim Angels games.  Students can sit back, relax, have a hot dog and watch the professional baseball game with their friends.

Hard Rock Café

Many student groups enjoy visiting the Hard Rock Café while on tour in just about any large city in the U.S.  An evening dinner at the Hard Rock Café on Hollywood Boulevard just might trump a visit to other locations.  Here students can see Jimi Hendrix’s purple, crushed velvet hat, Jim Morrison’s leather pants and more.  Interactive, touch screen displays are in booths throughout the Hard Rock Café and allow the viewer to experience Rock-n-Roll history.

Students who participate in marching bands are used to travel.  Yet a trip to Disneyland for performance infuses the trip with an added dimension of fun.  Students can explore other parks besides Disney’s California Adventure while they visit. This sample itinerary allows three days for students to explore Disneyland, with time to shop, and dine at international cafes, too.

Request a Quote for a high school band trip to Disneyland California.  Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com to speak directly to an educational travel specialist.

Articles

A High School Band Trip to Orlando FL

Leave a comment

Performance trips are a great way to showcase a marching band, orchestra, ensemble or choir. This type of trip always includes a public appearance of the band at a desirable venue. For Kris Parish, Performing Arts Chair at Santiago High School in Corona California and his co-director, Joe Dudek, historic venues are preferred.  “We played at Pearl Harbor twice and Carnegie Hall,” says Parish. They have been bringing their high school band on a trip each year for many years. “The band has been to Hawaii, Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington D.C.” recalled Parish.

Band Trip to Orlando Florida Includes Performance at Kennedy Center
This past spring, Parish and Dudek brought their band to Orlando, Florida, where they spent six days and five nights exploring the theme parks and sites. This particular band trip included a performance at Kennedy Space Center. Other high school bands have performed in Magic Kingdom or other Disney parks – so there are many options open for student musicians bound for this destination. The band performed at an outdoor stage.  “It was a great location to perform,” said Parish. “Kennedy Space Center enjoyed having us and the crowd was very receptive,” he added.

Students Raise Funds to Travel
Parish and Dudek direct a 210 piece marching band (recently selected to perform in the 2013 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade), three jazz ensembles and three concert bands for Santiago High School.  The marching band prepared for this trip with extra rehearsals.  About 100-130 students attend these performance trips each year.  Students fund their trip a variety of ways.  “They have all kinds of fundraisers: selling candy, entertainment books, and holiday greenery,” said Parish.  And, parents make contributions to the band trip as well.

Disney Performing Arts Workshop a Memorable Part of Student Trip
One of the highlights of the trip was attending a Disney Performing Arts Workshop, “You’re Instrumental.” This interactive learning experience put the band in a real Disney recording studio, where they were asked to sight-read music in preparation for a recording.  A Disney clinician who watched their performance and commented on their skills and attitudes critiqued band members.  Finally, the band was asked to perform music along with a Disney animated feature film. “They got to see the performance DVD playback,” said Parish, who retained a copy of the DVD for the students.

High School Band Performance at Magic Kingdom Rained Out!
There was a minor disappointment for the group. They were slated to play in the “Celebrate a Dream Come Tru” parade in Magic Kingdom, but were rained out.  “The park was absolutely swamped,” said Parish.  The itinerary was packed with plenty of activities that eclipsed this minor disappointment: Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the Kennedy Space Center.  The group also visited Cocoa Beach and had a cookout.

Orlando is an excellent choice for a marching band trip because of the obvious draw of Walt Disney World and Universal Islands of Adventure.  Disney does a great job of incorporating active learning programs alongside the exhibits and invites students to participate in park performances.   Other cities, such as New York City and Washington D.C., also have a great deal to offer in terms of performance venues and entertainment.

To request a quote for a band trip to any city in the U.S. take a moment to fill out the inquiry form.  Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com for more information.