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...
Orchestra and choir on stage for Disney's Candlelight Processional
Wide shot image of entire stage performance of Disney's Candlelight processional featuring a mass choir and orchestra

Carmel HS Choir and Terre Haute North Vigo HS Choir Take the Stage at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional

In late December 2025, two Indiana choirs stepped into one of Walt Disney World’s most meaningful holiday traditions: EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. Carmel High School Choir, directed by Katie Kouns, performed Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, followed by Terre Haute North Vigo Choir, directed by Michelle Azar, on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Both groups performed once, but the experience carried the weight of a career highlight. Candlelight is not a typical theme park performance. It is a full-scale concert presentation of the Christmas...

First-Ever Show Choir Performs in Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade has never featured a show choir - until this year. So when Todd Marcocci contacted Pendleton Heights HS (IN) Choir Director Erin Archer with the opportunity, it was too important to pass up. Pendleton Heights delivered a magical performance on national television, proving that show choirs deserve a lasting place in the lineup. Preparation for parade day began months in advance, beginning at the choir's July summer camp. "We learned the vocals and most of the...

4,000 Miles – Kenai Central Band’s Historic Journey to BOA Grand Nationals

In November, the Kenai Central Band from Kenai, Alaska, stepped onto the field of one of the biggest events in marching band: the Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Championships. Many in the stadium had been following their travels from Alaska to Indianapolis: Kenai was the second band from Alaska in BOA history to ever make the trek. For the director, students and parents, this moment was a dream long in the making. For the first step of...
MTC Appreciation Reception Logo

Meet Music Travel Consultants at The Midwest Clinic 2025

Every December, music educators and industry leaders head to Chicago for The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference, the world’s largest instrumental music education conference. With more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and over 40 countries, it’s an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, discover new music and explore the latest trends in our field. In 2025, the 79th Midwest Clinic will be held December 17 - 19, 2025 (Wednesday - Friday) at McCormick Place West...
Overhead view of bands lined up on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium before Grand National Championships finals awards

Behind the Scenes at Bands of America Grand National Championships

In November, over 100 bands competed at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, many of which are long-standing clients of the Music Travel Consultants family of brands. This recap highlights the event and the role our team plays in supporting their experience. Bentonville HS (AR) What Is Bands of America Grand Nationals? Each November, high school marching bands from across the country converge on Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for Music for All’s Bands of America Grand National Championships,...