Wide shot image of entire stage performance of Disney's Candlelight processional featuring a mass choir and orchestra

EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional with Your High School Choir

Every December, one of the most meaningful holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort comes to life at EPCOT's Candlelight Processional. Staged at the America Gardens Theatre during EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, Candlelight is more than a seasonal concert. It is a full-scale presentation of the Christmas story, combining live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narration in a setting that feels both intimate and grand. For student groups, it represents a rare opportunity to...

Disney World Through the Eyes of a Trojan Marching Band Student

Read a first-person account of New Castle HS (IN)'s Walt Disney World adventure, written by band student Teagan Swift. The Trojan Marching Band (TMB) had a great time at Disney. From hanging out in the hotel to exploring the parks, we definitely endured many adventures. And after a long bus ride there, we showed up ready for action in our first park of the week, Animal Kingdom!   Animal Kingdom This park was like stepping into a Safari. The decor and...

Meet Music Travel Consultants Tour Director Cody Groves

Cody Groves brings nearly 20 years of marching arts experience to his role as a tour director with Music Travel Consultants. Groves joined Music Travel Consultants as a tour director in 2024, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the marching arts. A salesperson by day and a passionate marching band instructor and designer by night, Groves has spent close to 20 years shaping programs and supporting students through performance, instruction and design work. Outside of tour directing, he enjoys traveling to...
Jen Shenberger smiling under a blossoming tree

Meet Music Travel Consultants Tour Director Jen Shenberger

A longtime Missouri music educator, Jennifer Shenberger now shares her passion for student travel as a tour director with Music Travel Consultants. Jennifer Shenberger joined Music Travel Consultants as a tour director in 2024 following a distinguished 31-year career in the Missouri public schools. Her teaching experience includes 14 years directing choir and band in the Reeds Spring School District and 17 years as the Brass Specialist for the School District of Clayton. She retired from public education in 2024 and...
Ornate Chinese boat on the water

Expanding Global Opportunities: Exploring Student Travel in China

Educational Destinations (MTC's educational travel division) Travel Designer Mary Godley shares her recent experience exploring exciting student travel opportunities throughout China. Her takeaway? China is the ideal destination for a wide range of student arts, education and performance trips. I had the immense joy and honor to join an eight-night professional tour in China with the Student and Youth Travel Association and the Chinese National Tourist Office of New York. Our mission was to explore student educational tourism....

Embark on an Epic Adventure at Universal’s Newest Theme Park

Universal Epic Universe combines five thrilling fantasy worlds into one must-visit destination. Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe, opened in May 2025. The park is split into five portals, each an immersive experience designed to make visitors feel like they're walking through their favorite movie or video game. Five Worlds How to Train Your Dragon: Step into the Isle of Berk to meet your favorite characters, whether Viking or dragon. Super Nintendo World: See your favorite video game...
Center Grove HS (IN)

BOA 2026: Fall Travel Planning Starts Here

As an official travel partner of Bands of America, Music Travel Consultants supports ensembles preparing for the fall 2026 BOA competitive season. With early-season planning underway, now is the perfect time for us to help you ensure better hotel availability, smoother transportation options and a more predictable budget. For directors, boosters and administrators, the goal is simple: keep the focus on the performers while we handle every detail behind the scenes.   Why Programs Trust Music Travel Consultants When your season involves...

Exploring Black History in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is home to some of the nation’s most important landmarks honoring Black history, culture and leadership. For students, the city offers a powerful look at the people and stories that shaped American history. From the arts and political activism to community spaces and cultural institutions, here are some of our favorite places for groups to experience during Black History Month and throughout the year. U Street: A Historic Black Cultural District Known in its prime as “Black Broadway,” the U...
band marching in Rose Parade

Student Bands Perform on a National Stage at the 2026 Rose Parade

Four bands traveled with Music Travel Consultants (MTC) to march in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Performing in this nationally televised event is a distinction that students and directors alike dream of achieving. From Bandfest to official photos to parade step-off, participation includes a full week of exciting, time-honored traditions. These experiences combine performance excellence with meaningful educational travel. The Bands of America Honor Band A New Year’s Day Tradition The Rose Parade is one of the most iconic...

The Top 5 Destinations for Student Music Travel

Every year, student musicians across the country step beyond their rehearsal rooms to perform, learn and grow through travel. While every program’s goals are different, one thing is clear: some destinations consistently rise to the top. Based on Music Travel Consultants’ 2025 trips, these five destinations stood out as the most popular choices for bands, choirs and orchestras. From cultural hubs to performance-packed cities, here’s our countdown of the Top 5 destinations for student music travel, starting at No. 5...