Meet Music Travel Consultants Tour Director Alyson Holley
Alyson Holley was selected as a Music Travel Consultants Tour Director because of her impeccable attention to detail, passion, knowledge of the industry, and soft skills that make her a great asset to our company and to our valued performance groups. With a warm attitude, creative thinking, and a drive to go beyond the call of duty, Alyson is one of MTC’s rising Tour Directors. Successful and talented in many areas, Alyson is ready to cope with any contingency. When problems arise on a trip, Alyson Holley has a knack for thinking outside the box…and the room. Music Travel Consultants is excited to have such a dedicated Tour Director as part of its team.
Alyson Holley is a native Texan and music education advocate. She grew up in Flower Mound, graduating from Flower Mound High School. Alyson attended college at Texas Christian University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in music education with a percussion emphasis. She continued at TCU as a Graduate Assistant, completing her Master’s degree in 2012. Alyson now works full-time as the Associate Director of Bands at Saginaw High School, in Saginaw, TX.
When Alyson Holley is not teaching, she’s either performing with the Texas Chamber Music Project, spending time with family, training dogs (Dakota and Penny), building in the garage, cooking, or wake surfing on the boat.
Music Travel Consultants ran our popular MTC Tour Director questions by Alyson. Enjoy!
How long have you been a Tour Director for Music Travel Consultants?
Alyson: I have been involved with MTC since March of 2018.
Do you have any background in music/music education?
Alyson: I received my Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Texas Christian University. I am currently the Associate Director of Bands at Saginaw High School (since 2012). I am also the principal percussionist of the Texas Chamber Music Project orchestra.
How did you get started tour directing?
Alyson: I utilized MTC to plan a trip for my band to Disney World. I had such a fantastic experience with Andrew Moran and Paige Carter; they were attentive to details, extremely pleasant to work with, and we hit it off! I love to travel and this job allows me to bring my skills and passions to serve other groups and to provide memorable and positive experiences.
What is the hardest part of being a successful MTC Tour Director?
Alyson: The hardest part I have found so far is being the expert, knowing where to go, how to get there, best stops, and keeping the schedule when it may also be my first experience at the location.
What is the largest group you have tour directed for?
Alyson: So far, a group with approximately 80 students to Bands of America Grand Nationals in Indianapolis, IN.
“Since MTC’s first interaction with Alyson as a client with Saginaw HS, we were instantly impressed by her immediate response time, commitment to accuracy, and incredible thoroughness. These critical skills led us to pursue her as a Tour Director. She constantly displays those skills, as well as her people skills, throughout the course of a trip. Her background as an educator allows her to step inside the mind of our clients and forecast their needs before they recognize them. She works with parents in a variety of situations, and she connects to students in meaningful ways to help foster a collaborative and inclusive trip experience for all.”
Is there something you wish travelers knew before a trip begins?
Alyson: MTC tours are always packed with action to not only provide the group with a phenomenal music experience but a memorable trip full of activities. With that said, the schedule is so important to maintain. When on a trip like these, I would love for each member of the group to know they are part of the group, which may mean less/more time than they may be used to on family vacations.
What’s your proudest moment, or a time when you being there made a difference/impact?
Alyson: My second training trip to BOA Grand Nationals was truly a great experience. There was a moment when the group’s directors and my lead tour director were elsewhere, so the chaperones and students depended on me to take them (successfully) from the stadium to their dinner venue. Talk about a test!
What is your favorite place to travel/visit with and without groups?
Alyson: I’m not sure I have a favorite place…yet! I love to travel and see new places. MTC has allowed me to go to Disney World, Washington DC, Indiana, and Ireland…so far, Ireland was the BEST!
What does it take to be a successful MTC Tour Director?
Alyson: Impeccable organization, communication, positive attitude and an approachable demeanor. MTC tours have multiple layers when leading middle/high school age students, chaperones and directors. Being an enjoyable rock they can depend on to handle the details so they can focus on a successful trip is my goal!
What are the benefits of having an MTC Tour Director at your side?
Alyson: Having the tour director at your side the entire trip is an asset. They are always dependable, knowledgeable and experienced people, ready to take care of the details and coordinate with vendors so the group director/chaperones can focus on their students and the performance. From being a client turned tour director, having an MTC Tour Director by your side makes the trip worry-free!
Any advice or things you want to share with groups considering performance travel?
Alyson: Performance travel is an opportunity for students to travel, perform, and create lasting memories and friendships. The experience from traveling as a student performer opened my eyes to different cities, elevated my level of responsibility and gave me the best friendships and stories. My students look forward to tours, working hard, performing and continuing the positive culture we have at SHS. MTC creates the trip that will fit the group and meet the unique needs/goals each group has.
Do you think you have what it takes to wear the cape and be an MTC Tour Director like Alyson?
Contact Music Travel Consultants to start planning your trip.
