29Sep
28Sep
Meet MTC Tour Director John “The Big Smoothie” Hilmer
John Hilmer is not only a committed Music Travel Consultants Tour Director and student music educator, but he has brought much more to Music Travel Consultants. John's former students Andrew Moran and of course, his son, Ben Hilmer are all part of the Music Travel Consultants family. John's relationship with Music Travel Consultants started when John was a Music Director himself. Mark Harting took his band and orchestra...
17Jul
Being a Part of Music Travel Consultants
On April 1st of 2014, four Music Travel Consultants employees were faced with a big decision. Mark Harting, Jef Furr, Ryan Morris and Rick Campbell stepped up to the plate and became owners and leaders of Music Travel Consultants. Changes had to be made quickly, in almost every way imaginable. But the most important thing that did not change was that ALL staff, tour directors, and clients remained “on board.” All are still here, three years later. Why? Because everyone who...
17Jul
Motor Coach Travel Advice for Performing Groups
If you are a Music Director looking to offer your students inexpensive travel to that once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity, motor coach travel is much cheaper than flying. Getting there might take a bit longer, but your group can save money and enjoy new scenery. Coach trips are longer than those by air, of course, so it's important to make oneself as comfortable as possible. The better you are prepared, the better time you'll have. Don't forget to bring your sense of...
31May
Tips for getting your marching band through airport security
During your marching band trip, you will make an impression on lots of people - parents, judges, school administrators, teachers, competitors, and more. You always want your first impression to be great! A very important time to make that great impression is when you go through an airport security checkpoint. Here are some tips for getting your marching band through airport security smoothly and efficiently. Start by leaving your school's skunk mascot at home! Be polite and attentive...and cut the...
19May
Bands of America Grand National Championships Experience
A Bands of America travel experience is like no other. Being a part of the Bands of America travel experience is an adrenaline rush – intense and exhilarating! This educational experience can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time competitors. Multiple factors like the method of travel, hotel, supplies, meals, timing, safety, communication, and more must be dealt with and planned for to make a band’s Grand Nationals performance successful. To aid and assist everyone’s planning, Music Travel Consultants and the...
10May
Meet MTC Tour Director Chuck Kubly
Meet Music Travel Consultants Tour Director Chuck Kubly, one of our professional Tour Directors, who uses his commitments to excellence and experience to make sure a music director’s trip is successful. Rest assured, if the unpredictable happens, your MTC Tour Director is at your side, ready to take on the unpredictable and get your trip back on the road. With over 40 years of experience teaching music and understanding what directors need on trips, Chuck Kubly is ready to tour direct...
09May
The Importance of Being a Student & Youth Travel Association Member
SYTA (Student & Youth Travel Association) was founded in 1997 to protect travelers younger than 26 years of age. It is the non-profit, professional trade association that promotes student and youth travel, and it seeks to foster integrity and professionalism among all travel service providers that handle student and youth travel. As a charter Student & Youth Travel Association member, Music Travel Consultants fully endorses and complies with SYTA's strict code of ethics. In addition, Music Travel meets SYTA's requirement...
20Apr
Ideas for High School Marching Band Trips
With the world full of fascinating music performance destinations, ideas for high school marching band trips are everywhere but sometimes overwhelming. Choosing the right destination for your students can present quite a challenge. That’s why Music Travel Consultants orchestrated a list of ideas for high school marching band trips that are our most successful and most frequently visited destinations. We hope these recommendations can help you in selecting your ultimate music performance trip: New York City Performance Venues The “Big Apple” moniker for...
20Apr
