29Jun
10Jun
State Fair Band Day Students Miss More Than Funnel Cakes and Shake-Ups
The Indiana State Fair has a long tradition of serving up the most artery-clogging foods, amazing 4-H representatives, seemingly death-defying carnival attractions and above all, some of the finest marching bands in the Hoosierland on Band Day. Last week, the Indiana State Fair Board announced the cancellation of the annual event causing the cancellation of Band Day due to Covid-19 concerns. Since 1947, Band Day has taken place every year. "The impact will certainly be felt for a long time. Teachers...
28Apr
Winter Season Starts Today
With the winter season cut short, it’s time to get back to the drawing board and make decisions for next February. Most winter guards were in the home stretch when the final weekends of the WGI season were canceled due to state shutdowns. Although there may be an opportunity to repurpose costumes or floors and flags, the conceptual adjustments to most programs were complete with just a few weeks remaining to thoroughly clarify all the performance elements of the program....
28Apr
Student Leaders Keep the Band Together
Learning from home, communicating with one another, and keeping the spirit of the band together has been a challenge for all during the pandemic. While weeks rush by without a true understanding of what the summer and fall months will bring, directors and students struggle to make their way through the formidable team building that being together affords. These student leaders have found creative ways to keep the members motivated and looking toward the promise of an upcoming marching band season. Bailey...
28Apr
Shorter Season Calls for Celebrations During Mini Trips
Please Note: The Contest of Champions has been canceled for 2020. The Contest of Champions should return in 2021. Shortened training periods and potentially limited performance opportunities have band directors far and wide searching for alternatives to larger trips with their marching groups. Many groups look for educational adventures within competitive landscapes with an end-of-season celebration wrapped into one package. Larger, regional drawing contests can serve that very purpose. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has been hosting the granddaddy of marching...
27Apr
Zionsville Choirs Light Up Nashville Heart of America Stage
The Zionsville High School (IN) choirs loaded charter buses and headed south to Nashville, TN, for the Heart of America Championship. Not only would they find great success competitively, but they also enjoyed many sights and educational adventures on their trip. Enjoy this iconic Nashville choir trip with Zionsville. Under the direction of Deana Broge and Sam Chenoweth, both Royalaires and Choralaires had prepared since summer for local contests and a weekend on a national stage. They typically travel to a...
22Apr
35 Years in the Student Travel Industry with Greg Moore
As of April 8, Greg Moore has devoted 35 years to the student travel industry, 10 of those with Music Travel Consultants. Congratulations from all of us at MTC! On April 8, 1985, I started my 35 years in the student travel industry. I, along with John Sturm, departed as Great American Band Tours (GABT) Travel Directors, on a 24.5-hour motor coach ride with the Riley High School Band from South Bend, Indiana. We traveled to Central Florida. This was always one...
02Mar
Music Travel Consultants: Coronavirus Statement
Everyone at Music Travel Consultants has always believed that traveler safety is without fail the most important aspect of our procedures and process. We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus situation and are working with individuals and groups to make the best decision for the travelers on our tours. The situation surrounding the Coronavirus, officially titled COVID-19, continues to develop rapidly. Although there are no travel advisories or restrictions currently in the United States, we understand that organizations, schools, and municipalities may...
25Feb
Sing. Dance. Sparkle! Music Travel Consultants Purchases Heart of America
You already know Music Travel Consultants loves musical performing groups. They have always been Music Travel Consultants' focus and drive us to be the best in the industry. Recently, Music Travel Consultants was presented with an opportunity to get even more involved with choral music. Just after the clock struck midnight on a brand-new decade, Music Travel Consultants entered into a partnership with Heart of America, a prestigious, competitive choir event organizer founded in 2015. The 2021 calendar is set and brings...
25Feb