Music Education

Music Travel Consultants is honored to be Music for All’s Official Travel Partner. Music for All is one of the largest and most influential national music education organizations, actively involved in support of active music-making, Music for All uniquely combines national level programming and awareness campaigns, research and advocacy. Bands of America, Orchestra America and BOA Summer Symposium are three of Music for All’s best-known programs. Music Travel Consultants is also honored to be a part of the Indiana State Fair Band Band competition and Music Travel Consultants is also honored to be a charter member of SYTA (Student & Youth Travel Association), founded in 1997 to protect travelers younger than 26 years of age, Music Travel endorses and complies with SYTA’s strict code of ethics. In addition, Music Travel meets SYTA’s requirement that members have tour protection coverage of $200,000 more than that offered by NTA’s Consumer Protection Plan.

Wide shot image of entire stage performance of Disney's Candlelight processional featuring a mass choir and orchestra
26Feb

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...
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Center Grove HS (IN)
12Feb

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...
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14Jan

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...
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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
14Jan

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...
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15Dec

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...
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15Dec

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...
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Overhead view of bands lined up on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium before Grand National Championships finals awards
11Dec

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,...
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08Aug

March in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Band Director’s Guide

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade provides marching bands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a cherished American tradition and leave their mark in history. But how do they get there? Check out the steps it actually takes to find your marching band in Herald Square on Thanksgiving morning. How to Apply to March in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade The application process can be completed entirely online. The form must be completed and submitted by the band director to the selection committee email....
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28Apr

Heart of America 2025 Season Recap

Music Travel Consultants provided travel services to three exciting locations for Heart of America's 10th Anniversary season. HOA Executive Producer Dan Baker reflects on an inspiring year. A massive thank you to everyone who made 2025 unforgettable, and a heartfelt look at why 2026 is shaping up to be very special! As the lights dimmed on our unforgettable 10th Anniversary season, one truth stood out more than ever: the Heart of America choral community is something truly rare, and...
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13Dec

Preparing for Show Choir Competition Day with Pendleton Heights HS

Show choir competition events, like Heart of America, showcase the end product of months of preparation. Pendleton Heights HS (IN) Choral Director Erin Archer shares the dedication and hard work it takes to make it to competition day. The Pendleton Heights HS Show Choir program practices two times a week per varsity group from October through March. We compete seven weekends in a row and have a few community performances. On the morning of a competition, we arrive at...
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