Tips For Planning Your First Performance Trip

It’s your first time traveling with students. You’re a novice. You want everything to be perfect but have niggling doubts in the back of your mind. Parents all seem to have unsolicited opinions and administration is making sure you understand that this trip had BETTER go well. No pressure at all!

Relax. When planning your first performance trip, there are two rules of thumb:

1. Choose a student-friendly destination with unique performance options
2. Choose your travel partner wisely

That’s not so difficult, right? There are some great destination options for a first trip that aren’t quite as overwhelming as some larger theme-park trips.

Nashville

At its core, Nashville IS the Music City! The sights and sounds of country music are the essence and soul of this town. The Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music, is a must-see. Take in a show or tour and feel the history of the place. The auditorium seats 2,000, and bands and choirs are welcome to perform in this iconic venue!

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum for a nitty gritty exploration of the roots of country music. Sidestep over to the Wildhorse Saloon for outstanding grub AND line dancing lessons! Of course, you can’t visit Nashville without a backstage pass to the famed Grand Ole Opry– you never know who you’ll run into!

Perhaps best of all, you and your students can be stars for a day on the Historic RCA Studio B tour! Walk the iconic halls of the recording studio of Elvis Presley and other music industry giants and spend time in the studio at the legendary microphone with a professional sound engineer. Very cool!

Smoky Mountains

Outdoor adventure, epic entertainment and a backdrop of breathtaking beauty await your student group in the great Smoky Mountains. There are countless opportunities for performances as well. Your group can take the stage at Country Tonite or the Smoky Mountain Opry or wow the crowd at Dollywood. You can also participate in special events like the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade.

Charlotte

Charlotte is truly a dynamic destination for student groups. It’s warm, welcoming and packed with exciting attractions, historical sites, museums, NASCAR racing and sports venues.

If you want the thrill of performing in front of the masses, Carowinds is ready to welcome you! Band, choral and orchestra students have access to unique, on-site venues and nationally known adjudicators when they perform in the Festival of Music. Of course, students will love spending time in the park as well.

Memphis

Memphis is a powerful city with a rich musical and historical heritage. Dripping with southern hospitality, student groups will love its energy and soul. Visit the Stax Museum and explore the roots of soul music. Check out the Rock n Soul Museum for a comprehensive story of music in Memphis. Experience the National Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel, where the Civil Rights movement took hold.

Choral groups and bands will “reign” when they perform at the King of Rock and Roll’s Graceland Estate. Performances are outside and directly across from Elvis’ Memphis home – talk about an inspiring view!

Now that we’ve covered some great destinations sure to please students, parents and administration, Rule #2 is easy… call the experts at Kaleidoscope Adventures! More than 25 years of experience traveling with students, members in good standing with the Student Youth Travel Association, American Bus Association and countless other professional organizations make KA a trusted travel partner. Click here when planning your first performance trip for travel beyond expectations!

Travel Beyond Expectations with Kaleidoscope Adventures