Written by Eric Rath

When I took over the Soaring Pride Band at Canyon High School in the fall of 2020, we had 126 students. This fall, we’ll be approaching 200—in a school of just over 1,000. In a school that size, a healthy band program usually makes up about 10% of a school’s population. We’re closing in on 20%.

That’s a good problem to have. It’s also a real one. Growth like that can dilute the culture you’ve worked hard to build. A program of 126 can feel like a family almost by default: Everyone knows everyone, and a director can keep a mental note on most of the kids who need extra attention. Once we surpassed 150 members, nothing was automatic anymore—not culture, not announcements, not bus lists, not getting in line to eat Chick-fil-A… 

There’s a reason for that, and it’s not just a band-hall phenomenon. Malcolm Gladwell writes about it in The Tipping Point, citing the anthropologist Robin Dunbar: somewhere around 150 people, a group stops being able to function on relationships alone. Below that number, people can self-organize informally, and trust travels naturally through the group. Cross that line, and the group needs real structure, or it starts to fray.

Students want to belong somewhere, and they want to know they won’t get lost in a hallway that keeps growing every year. So two years ago, we built something to make sure they wouldn’t have to wonder.

The Squad System

Every member of our Leadership Team now has a “squad” made of six to eight students in their immediate care who play the same instrument. Squad Leaders communicate rehearsal plans, check in on practice assignments, ask about other classes, and make sure their squad has someone to sit with at lunch.

We coach students to go to their Squad Leader first, whether the need is a missing piece of music or help with an Algebra assignment. The Squad Leader is the first line of support, not the director’s office.

It started out of necessity. We couldn’t keep up with the individual check-ins that a smaller program allowed. But it’s become one of the most important things we do, and not because it solved a logistics problem. It solved a belonging problem, by breaking 200 kids back down into something closer to the size a person can actually hold in their head and heart at once.

What I didn’t anticipate when I designed it was how much bridge-building it would do—work that directors can’t do on their own. A Squad Leader, perhaps from a stable home, is now checking in daily on a freshman from a hard situation at home. A student in the top ten of their class is the first point of contact for a kid who’s struggling to keep up. Our senior Drum Major walks a reluctant freshman to the cafeteria so he doesn’t eat alone on the first day of school.

None of that happens by accident. We train our Squad Leaders to lead with empathy and remember what it felt like to be the new kid. The payoff is a program where the diversity of our student body isn’t something we manage from the podium—it’s something the students celebrate, squad by squad, every day.

The Weekly Email

The second piece is simpler, but it pairs with the first in a way that makes both work better. Every Sunday, I send a single email covering the week ahead: rehearsal schedules, deadlines, uniform notes, and whatever else stakeholders need to walk into Monday with no surprises. Because everyone knows it’s coming, it also cuts down on the day-to-day questions I’d otherwise field one at a time.

The trust it builds has been the most gratifying part. More than one parent has told me that other teachers and coaches at the school should learn from us how to better communicate, because with the band, they always know what’s going on. That kind of trust doesn’t happen on its own. It’s built one consistent Sunday at a time, until parents stop expecting to be surprised.

When the Culture Takes Over

Both systems have a life of their own now. Veteran band parents orient incoming freshman families the same way our Squad Leaders orient new students: This weekly email is your lifeline—if you have a question, it’s probably already been answered on Sunday. We never asked them to preach this part of our culture, but they’ve bought in so strongly that our parents pass this on reflexively. When the culture becomes automatic, you can feel a sense of accomplishment.

I still think about the rehearsal where I watched this happen in real time. A freshman started walking toward me with a question. His Squad Leader overheard him mention it to another student, and cut him off before he ever reached me.

“Bro,” he said, “do you even read the weekly email?”

It was a small moment, but it illustrated just how big the concepts had become.

Planning for group travel has many benefits including improved recruitment & retention, better pricing, more opportunities for fundraising, and better participation. Programs can further benefit by planning destinations in a Four-Year Travel Plan to avoid reduced participation due to financial obstacles. By establishing this long-term framework, directors can ensure that the educational goals of the program are met while maintaining a sustainable financial model for all participating families.

A comprehensive multi-year approach allows organizers to strategically rotate destinations, balancing higher-cost international or marquee domestic trips with more affordable local options. This long-term visibility enables families to budget effectively over a four-year cycle, ensuring that every student can participate in at least one or two major travel experiences during their program tenure. Additionally, this cycle allows students to experience a diverse range of cultural and performance environments, from the historic stages of the numerous venues to the vibrant workshops of major theme parks.

Furthermore, establishing a consistent schedule facilitates stronger relationships with travel providers which can lead to more predictable logistical arrangements and potentially better group rates. Recent travel coordination efforts highlight the importance of these relationships, with significant group bookings documented for many destinations, allowing for greater flexibility and specialized support during the planning phase.

One example of a balanced Four-Year Travel Plan:

• Year 1: A four day/three night Orlando trip including a workshop at Disney combined with park days at the various Disney parks and Universal Studios. This trip focuses on professional development through high-level performance workshops.
• Year 2: A four day/three night Branson trip enjoying the numerous high-quality shows, meals, and lots of informal performance opportunities to choose from. Branson provides a cost-effective yet rich performance environment for growing ensembles.
• Year 3: A four day/three night New York City trip with Broadway shows, student friendly museums, and a performance at Director’s Choice’s Premier Performance Invitational in Carnegie Hall. This serves as the marquee domestic experience, offering world-class performance venues.
• Year 4: A four day/three night trip to Corpus Christi choosing from several excursions including the Texas State Aquarium, Tour of the USS Lexington, an informal performance on the USS Lexington, and lots of beach time outside of the condominium housing. This trip balances performance with relaxation and local history.

Using this example, group leaders are encouraged to substitute destinations and length of stay to align with the program needs. Director’s Choice suggests rotating trips to Branson, New York City, Orlando, Dallas, San Antonio, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Chicago, Hawai’i, and Europe. By announcing itineraries years in advance, programs also maximize the window for coordinated fundraising efforts, significantly lowering the out-of-pocket burden for individual participants and encouraging 100% participation across the ensemble.

Strategic planning also accounts for complex logistical needs such as managing large group airfare, coordinating multi-leg itineraries, and creating an itinerary with multiple options each day. This level of detailed foresight, supported by a multi-year roadmap, provides the stability necessary for program growth and student engagement, allowing the director to focus on the educational and musical aspects of the tour rather than last-minute logistics.

Contact us today for more information!

Written by Melissa Withaeger

For the past three years, I have served as the Booster Board Travel Coordinator for the Braswell High School Band in Aubrey, TX, under the direction of Aaron Snipes III. In this role, I have coordinated 19 trips from initial planning through execution, including day trips, in-state overnights, and out-of-state travel. Five of these trips were organized through Director’s Choice (The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, New York, Jazz Education Network, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and Hawaii).

A common misconception is that using a travel company eliminates the need for director involvement during the planning process. In reality, successful trips rely on consistent communication and collaboration between the director and the travel provider. That is where I come in: I serve as the liaison between the director and the travel provider, ensuring that communication remains clear, details are accurate, and plans are executed smoothly.

I manage the logistical details from initial planning through implementation while keeping Mr. Snipes in control of all major decisions. For out-of-state travel, our band regularly partners with Director’s Choice due to our strong working relationship with Jon and his team. Once a destination is selected, I provide Director’s Choice with projected travel participant counts, a targeted trip budget, and destination priorities; then, maintain ongoing communication to ensure the trip aligns with the director’s vision. When participation counts fluctuate, I update rosters and relay those adjustments to the travel provider.  

Throughout the process, I prioritize consistent communication with our families. After district approval of the trip, Mr. Snipes creates a trip page in the Band App for all trip communications, which I maintain throughout the process. This platform serves as the central hub for all information related to the trip including timelines, FAQs, rooming and transportation sign-ups, and payment reminders. I also track participation and payments, providing updates to Mr. Snipes when follow-up is needed. To minimize payment delays by the families, I post payment reminders one week prior to and on the due date for each payment. I utilize tools such as Signup Genius and Google Forms for room and bus assignments, flight manifest data gathering, meal selections, and apparel orders. Any of this information can then be easily provided to Director’s Choice.

Collaboration with the travel provider is ongoing throughout the entire planning process. Communication with Director’s Choice is frequent, often involving multiple emails each week as details are refined. Mr. Snipes is included on all correspondence, and I highlight items requiring his input, while also providing regular updates during monthly Executive Board meetings. When an initial itinerary is provided by Jon and his team, I immediately flag it for Mr. Snipes’ review so that he can let me know of any itinerary adjustments he would like, which I then provide to Jon. Prior to departure, I work with Mr. Snipes to pre-assign chaperones to student rooms and assign one student per room as the room captain. Mr. Snipes’ hotel preferences (male and female rooms on separate floors, chaperone room placements, etc.) are provided by me to the travel agent for submission to the hotel.

In the weeks leading up to departure, I prepare a comprehensive trip packet for the families, which is reviewed and approved by Mr. Snipes prior to publishing. The packet includes behavior expectations, travel requirements (including TSA Real ID and airline baggage policies), procedures for submitting medications/allergy information, optional expenses, a detailed packing list, chaperone contact information, the itinerary, and rooming and transportation assignments. I also organize and lead a mandatory pre-trip meeting to review the trip packet and expectations, and distribute the provided luggage tags and trip shirts.

For the trip itself, I prepare a detailed trip binder for the lead chaperone with all essential documentation, including rosters, itineraries, medical information, and travel confirmations. On departure day, I support logistics at the school or airport, allowing Mr. Snipes to focus on students and program needs.

Serving as Travel Coordinator for the Braswell Band has been a truly meaningful and rewarding experience. With my senior graduating at the end of May, my time in this role will soon come to an end. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support our students and directors while helping to create well-organized and memorable travel experiences.

If you’d like to reach out with any questions, I’m happy to help—my email address is [email protected].

Photo courtesy of Melissa Withaeger.

Director’s Choice Individual Billing (IB) System offers a secure, cloud-based platform for groups needing to collect payments from individual members. This online solution streamlines participant registration, fund collection, and progress tracking for fees, dues, or charges related to trips, organizations, or programs.

Key Functions:

• Customization: The group leader determines the payment amounts and due dates.
• Simple Setup: Participants receive easy-to-follow, personalized sign-up instructions.
• Account Access: Individuals create their own account linked to the group.
• Convenient Payment: Users log in to initiate payments as scheduled.

System Benefits:

• Registration Assistance: Utilizing the IB System allows a group to complete the initial registration for a group trip or project.
• Automatic Reminders: Each participant receives two email reminders before each payment due date.
• Payment Options: Individuals can conveniently make payments using a personal credit card, debit card, or check.
• Security: Credit card information is 100% PCI Compliant and is neither stored nor accessed by Director’s Choice or the group leader.

Benefits of Individual Billing:

• Simplified Payment and Credit: Each payment is automatically applied to your group’s Director’s Choice trip or tour registration.
• Maximum Convenience: This method offers exceptional convenience by allowing participants to register and manage their payments independently.

Considerations:

• Digital Cash Register: The Individual Billing (IB) System offers a clear and straightforward payment collection method. It operates independently and is not connected to a travel package or any other unrelated expenses.
• Handling Fee: A 4% convenience fee is applied to the payment schedule for this service.
• Group Leader Responsibility: While Director’s Choice processes the funds, the group leader (or a designee) is still encouraged to monitor participant accounts to ensure all payments are completed on time and in full.

Additional Information:

• Visit https://www.directorschoice.com/why-directors-choice/ for more information

Selecting the perfect itinerary for your group can be challenging, especially without experience in group travel specifics. Based on my 29 years as a travel planner and 12 years as a public-school educator, I offer the following suggestions to maximize your group’s travel experience. While I would be honored if you chose Director’s Choice for your next group trip, these tips are designed to help you get the most out of your journey regardless of your chosen travel partner.

Why Take Your Group On A Trip?

• Organized group travel offers deep benefits beyond the performance or destination. It significantly enhances daily classroom instruction by providing real-world application, cultural immersion, and opportunities to solidify concepts, cultivate critical thinking, and foster an appreciation for the arts and global perspectives.
• A well-organized trip is a powerful tool for organizational growth. It’s a proven strategy for recruiting new members, as exciting and memorable travel attracts prospective students and their families. These shared experiences also aid in member retention, such as collaborative goals, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments strengthen bonds and ensure continued engagement.
• Years after graduation, the memories from a group trip consistently stand out as a highlight of a student’s educational experience. These excursions are life-shaping milestones that create lasting impacts, encourage personal development, and forge lifelong associations. Investing in high-quality group travel is an investment in your program’s legacy and the personal and intellectual development of every student involved.

Selecting the Right Destination and Scope

• Align with Program Goals: Choose a destination that supports your group’s objectives. A high-profile venue, such as a performance at the Director’s Choice Premier Performance Invitational in New York’s Carnegie Hall, might be too expensive or ambitious for your program’s current stage and may be better suited as a long-term goal.
• Suitability and Budget: Ensure the destination and activities included will be enjoyable for the entire group and align with your community’s financial capacity. While Director’s Choice can arrange travel anywhere, the financial viability for your community and individual students should guide your decision.

Understanding Trip Costs and Pricing

• Focus on Total Price: While a per-person price is useful for participant financing comparisons, concentrate on the overall price for the entire trip, as the per-person cost can sometimes distract from the total financial commitment.
• Monitor Charges Closely: Once you commit to a tour operator, continue to supervise all charges. It is common practice for some companies to “bait and switch” the price after a commitment has been made.
• Beware of Estimated Costs: Be aware that some initial trip components, like airfare, are estimated. Airfare, for instance, may not be confirmed until about 11 months before the trip. If an initial airfare estimate of $200.00 per passenger jumps to a confirmed $500.00, the trip cost increases by at least $300.00 per participant. This practice is unfortunately common among many group travel suppliers.
• Not all Tour Operators Are Created Equal: When choosing a travel partner, it’s crucial to select a trustworthy operator. Exercise caution: if an offer seems questionable or too good to be true, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions. Director’s Choice maintains competitive pricing because we ensure transparency; our costs reflect the actual payments made to suppliers, plus a modest travel planner fee that is typically less than a standard restaurant tip.
• Getting Quotes From Multiple Travel Providers: If you are comparing prices between companies, be sure the quotes are ‘apples to apples’. As the group leader, make sure you compare exactly what you want to be on your trip with each company.

Considering A Tour Director

• Evaluate Necessity: A tour director is not always required. Destinations such as Orlando, the DFW area, Branson, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Galveston/Houston often manage fine without one. However, complex destinations like New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. can benefit significantly from a tour escort on the trip to manage logistics.
• Select a Knowledgeable Tour Director: If you are taking a trip to Hawai’i, do you want a non-Hawaiian resident escorting your group or a Kamaʻāina (local) who calls the Hawaiian Islands home permanently? Certain destinations can really benefit from the services of a informed and experienced tour director.

Selecting the Right Tour Company for Your Group

• Understand Company Styles: Tour providers vary significantly in their business approach. Some may frequently initiate conversations, often driven by upselling extra options. Many prioritize their own convenience over the client’s experience. At Director’s Choice, we offer a concierge-level service tailored to the unique needs of each client’s trip.
  • Determine Your Priorities:
    • If price is your main concern, choose a company with clear and transparent pricing structures.
    • If support is crucial, assess the company’s communication methods throughout the planning phase, during the trip, and after its completion.
    • If experience is a necessity, consider how long the company has been operating.
• Inquire About Potential Fees: Ask specific questions to avoid unexpected costs. Does the travel planner charge fees for late payments, changes, or other services at various stages? Director’s Choice only charges fees when they are imposed by a chosen supplier, ensuring no hidden company fees.

Exceptional Concierge Service

• Customer Satisfaction Is Paramount at Director’s Choice: Beyond standard communication channels like email and a corporate phone system, clients are provided with the owner’s mobile phone number. The Director’s Choice team is readily available for requests and questions, offering response times that are unparalleled in the group travel industry.
• Pay Less. Get More.^🄬 Promise: Director’s Choice calculates every quote based on the actual costs paid to each supplier, adding only a modest travel planner fee. This fee is typically less than what customers commonly tip when dining out.

– Jon Locke, Owner, Director’s Choice

Corpus Christi, Texas is seriously a fantastic destination for performance groups to visit.

If you’re looking for some educational items, we’ve got tons of cool ideas. How about an informal gig on the U.S.S. Lexington, performing at a local music festival, a clinic at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, or a custom event designed just for your educational goals? You get to pick what works best. We’re also happy to brainstorm some totally unique, “outside-the-box” options—just ask!

The beach is definitely the main attraction here for your students. Corpus Christi boasts over 80 miles of Gulf and Bay beaches, with everything from buzzing city spots to quiet, undeveloped areas. Check out popular beaches like Whitecap Beach (super family-friendly) and Padre Balli Park on Padre Island, the stunning Padre Island National Seashore, and the easy-to-get-to North/McGee Beaches downtown.

Student groups absolutely love the freedom of staying in a condo—it gives them plenty of time to soak up the amazing weather. We usually schedule a quick stop at the grocery store on the way into town so students can easily make their own meals in the condo kitchens.

For more educational opportunities, you’ve got several great choices in this lively beach community. One option is a self-guided tour of the U.S.S. Lexington. You can explore five different routes, covering 100,000 square feet and eleven decks. Take your time and learn all about the “LEX.” Go in any order, just make sure you see it all. Each tour is unique and has interactive displays to kick your adventure up a notch.

You absolutely have to see the Texas State Aquarium! It’s been named a top aquarium in North America and is a total winner with its massive, immersive exhibits focusing on marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Think dolphin shows, a massive 400,000-gallon shark exhibit, and fun, interactive touch tanks. It’s a premier, family-friendly attraction that perfectly blends education and conservation, featuring playful otters, flamingos, and rescued animals.

Beyond the beach, make sure to hit up Funtrackers for some extra entertainment. At Funtrackers, your group can race go-karts, bump around in exciting bumper boats, and play a round of mini-golf—all in one awesome place! With a huge arcade and fantastic outdoor attractions, there’s non-stop fun for everyone.

Depending on your visit dates, attending Sandfest is a one-of-a-kind chance to watch seriously talented artists create incredible sand sculptures right on the beach. Plus, taking your group to a Corpus Christi Hooks baseball game is always a trip highlight.

Corpus Christi, often called the “Shimmering City by the Sea,” is a top coastal spot offering beautiful beaches, a rich Tejano culture, and major attractions like the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. Performance groups love it for the Padre Island National Seashore, diverse wildlife, and its charming, budget-friendly, family feel. Start planning your trip with Director’s Choice today!

Spring is one of the most exciting times of year for travel, but with warmer weather comes busier destinations and packed schedules, making smart planning essential for group leaders.

Whether you’re organizing a performance trip, cultural tour, or senior getaway, these five tips will help ensure your spring travels are as smooth and rewarding as possible.

1. Book Early (and Think Flexibly)

Spring is a prime season for travel, not just for students but for families, tour groups, and conferences too. The best hotels, attractions, and transportation options tend to fill up fast. Start planning early to lock in your top choices and secure better group rates.

If your schedule allows, consider traveling just before or after peak spring break weeks. You’ll enjoy smaller crowds, potentially lower prices, and more time to soak in each destination without the rush.

2. Embrace Educational Opportunities

Even when it’s meant to be fun, every student trip has the potential to be transformative. Look for destinations that combine cultural, historical, or scientific learning with hands-on engagement, such as Colonial Williamsburg, Quebec City, or the Kennedy Space Center. Many attractions offer student workshops or guided tours tailored to specific curricula.

Remember: Learning doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. A walking tour, museum scavenger hunt, or Q&A with a local expert can all turn a trip into an unforgettable lesson.

3. Prioritize Safety and Preparation

Before the bus even leaves the school parking lot, set clear expectations and review emergency procedures with your group. Collect emergency contacts and health information ahead of time, and make sure chaperones know their roles and responsibilities.

Check destination requirements, such as updated ID, passports, or travel insurance. A few minutes of preparation can save hours of stress if something unexpected happens.

4. Pack Smart for Unpredictable Weather

Spring weather can be tricky—sunny and warm one minute, chilly or rainy the next. Encourage students to pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Remind everyone to bring any necessary medications, refillable water bottles, and power banks for long days of exploring.

Pro tip: Designate one luggage bin or bag for group essentials like first aid supplies, sunscreen, and snacks.

5. Build in Balance

While it’s tempting to fill every hour with back-to-back activities, remember that downtime is part of the experience too. Students need time to rest, explore, and reflect. Build in breaks for meals, journaling, or simple fun. That could be a beach picnic, a local park, or an evening of group games.

Balanced itineraries keep energy high and morale even higher, helping everyone return home with great memories instead of travel fatigue.

If you’re looking to travel in the spring—or even next fall—it’s time to start planning now!

While it may seem far off, the schoolyear will fly by and the trip will be here before you know it. No matter how busy you are now, getting the ball rolling will make your life much easier in the future.

The good news is, you don’t have do it alone! Director’s Choice is here to take the bulk of work off your hands (and mind). But 2026 is filling up fast, so here are three reasons to head to https://www.directorschoice.com/get-in-touch/ and fill out the form today!

1. Time to Build the Perfect Itinerary

Starting now gives you the freedom to craft a more thoughtful, balanced trip. You’ll have time to consider different activities, compare experiences, and coordinate logistics—especially important when traveling with a group of students. With the extra lead time, your travel planner can more easily secure hard-to-get reservations, unique performance venues, special tours, or season-specific events that make the trip unforgettable, rather than scrambling for whatever’s left.

2. Better Prices and More Options

Booking early often means locking in lower airfare, hotel rates, and group discounts before prices rise closer to peak season. Flights and accommodations for popular destinations can skyrocket as spring approaches—and the best spots (like charming boutique hotels, guided tours, or limited-capacity attractions) tend to sell out months in advance. Early planners get first pick and better deals.

3. Less Stress, More Excitement

Planning ahead means you can spread out costs, paperwork, and prep instead of cramming it all into the weeks before departure. That’s particularly valuable when you need to coordinate a whole group’s worth of passports, visas, or special permissions. Getting things lined up early turns travel from a last-minute rush into a fun countdown, building anticipation instead of anxiety.

The prospect of preparing a trip can be daunting, but you don’t have to make it all happen at once! Travel is ideally planned low and slow, not in a pressure cooker.

Get started today by reaching out to your Director’s Choice representative or heading to https://www.directorschoice.com/get-in-touch.

Music, memories, and a little Disney magic

Every May, I have the joy of leading a group of wide-eyed, high energy 8th graders (decked out in matching shirts) on an adventure they’ll never forget: performing at Walt Disney World. There’s a special kind of magic in watching them navigate the airport as a team, juggling luggage and laughter, realizing this isn’t just another school trip. This is Walt Disney World. And it’s the trip of a lifetime.

Why Disney?

Taking an orchestra to Disney is both magical and meaningful. The students aren’t just sightseeing, they’re stepping onto professional stages, under bright lights, with world-class sound systems. Performing for Disney audiences, who are diverse, enthusiastic, and genuinely engaged, fills my students with pride, confidence, and joy.

Two Choices, Two Kinds of Magic

Disney gives student ensembles two unforgettable opportunities: the stage performance or the sound track recording session. Most years, I choose the stage performance – a polished, 25-minute show that lets my students experience the thrill of performing live for an international audience.

But some years, when I have a group I know will thrive on the challenge, I add the sound track clinic. In this session, students sight-read and record music for actual Disney film scenes, guided by a Disney musician. It’s fast, exhilarating, and eye-opening—a glimpse into the life of a professional studio player. More orchestra, more Disney magic and it doesn’t get better than that.

The Work Behind the Wonder

Before we ever see Cinderella’s Castle, the preparation begins. Meeting Disney’s professional standards means months of rehearsal – polishing every entrance, shaping every phrase, and learning the stamina it takes to deliver a full program with confidence. That hard work pays off the moment they take the stage and hear the applause.

Seeing Disney Through Their Eyes

Some of my favorite memories aren’t even about the music. For many of my students, this trip is their very first time away from home—and often their very first visit to Disney. I get to watch them experience it all: that first taste of a Dole Whip on a hot afternoon, the triumphant scream after a roller coaster, or the awe in their eyes when they meet a favorite character. In those moments, the stress and worries of middle school seem to disappear, replaced by pure joy and wonder.

Pro Tip From the Podium

When we travel, violins and violas fly with us as carry-ons. The cellos, basses, and harp? They make the road trip to Florida. It’s the best way to ensure every instrument arrives safe, sound, and ready to play. I’ve tried renting before, and let me tell you… don’t waste your money. Nothing beats having your own instruments in top condition.

Why I Keep Coming Back

For many students, this trip has been the spark that kept them in music through high school—a reminder of the joy of performance and the bonds built in rehearsal. It inspires them to keep practicing, keep performing, and keep making memories with their friends on future music trips.

For us as directors, that’s the heart of it all. These journeys are the highlight of being in a school ensemble: traveling with your orchestra, band, or choir friends, creating stories that will be retold for years.

Yes, it’s a trip. Yes, it’s a performance. But more than anything, it’s an experience that lives forever in the hearts of the students—and in mine.

…………………………………………………………..

If you need to reach out to Elizabeth, you can email her at [email protected] for anything else. Please let me know if you need more from me.

From VHS tapes to DVDs to a comprehensive travel and photo sharing app, Group Travel Videos has come a long way.

Over 25 years ago, founder Dave Martinson was bringing a photo-to-video montage program to dozens of Walmart stores, called Create A Video. “People would bring in their old family pictures, we would create an emotional, sentimental keepsake video right on the spot in the stores, and put it on a VHS tape.”

In 1997, he bought the company out and opened a retail store in Charlotte, North Carolina next door to a travel agent, which brought about a whole new idea: Group Travel Videos.

“We had this idea from the previous business, but never did anything with it, so I approached them,” Martinson said. “You send out some single-use film cameras with your group, leaders can take pictures, give them to us, we’ll process the film and pictures, make a video out of it for a VHS tape, and then every kid will get a keepsake. They tried it out, and it was a hit.”

With the evolution of technology, the company has consistently kept up with the times. VHS turned to DVDs, then it all changed when apps came on the scene. It was initially just a photo sharing app, but the key was privacy: No email addresses or phone numbers involved at all, just a username and password—and that remains true today.

Now, the app offers:

• Document Sharing, for itineraries, safety protocols, checklists, even assignments for the trip.
• Group Messaging, requiring no private contact information, which also allows for subgroups (i.e. among chaperones).
• Travel Locator, for helping find lost students or coordinating meetups with group members.
• Private Photo Gallery, which are much higher quality and more easily organized than using social media, and they can be shared with not just those on the trips, but parents, grandparents, siblings, school faculty, etc.
• Storytelling Video, the original product, combining photos into a keepsake video that can be streamed or downloaded, remaining on the server for three years. And soon, group members will be able to upload videos as well, which educators can review before they’re shared with the group.

It’s highly affordable, private and intuitive—and it makes for a great recruiting tool.

“If it is a band group, they love it, because they’re all time trying to get people into programs,” Martinson said. “One of the most attractive things about joining a band or an orchestra choir is the travel aspect. So when they’re having these recruiting meetings, they have last year’s video playing, they see people that they know, they see the fun times that they had in Orlando or Nashville or wherever that they went, and it gives them the extra effort to see if they pass the test.

“Everybody really wins from it. The kids have a great keepsake, the parents get some peace of mind during the trip, and of course, the teachers as well.”

Just last year in New York City, a group using the app had an eighth grader run away after a tiff with another student, and they were able to quickly locate and bring her back safely using the locator feature.

If you’re a teacher or director working with Group Travel Videos, you’ll also be in contact with them throughout the process, being educated on how to use all the features well before the trip, with a direct line of contact while traveling as well—you don’t need to bother your tour operator.

The whole experience is heavily guided by feedback from teachers, students and other groups, with more than 2,000,000 travelers working with the company since 1999. In other words: It’s a tried and true product, and there’s a reason groups keep coming back to use it year after year.

Learn more and get started at grouptravelvideos.com.

Testimonial:

“I will be honest, with everything I needed to do to prepare for our trip, the ‘after’ video wasn’t high on my priority list. After the trip was over, and went incredibly well, receiving the video/slide show a few weeks after returning was a great memory of our adventures on the West Coast! The pictures highlighted the amazing places we saw and the awesome times we had! What an incredible compilation of memories for my students to keep for a lifetime! All of this, with very little effort from our end! Thank you for this terrific gift!”

Kate Kallenbach
Fairmont Marching Band (Fairmont, MN)
Aug 21, 2025