TRAVEL + PERFORMANCE - NASHVILLE - 2019-20 RESOURCE GUIDE - Director's Choice
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2019-20 RESOURCE GUIDE
TRAVEL + PERFORMANCE
THE SECRETS OF NAVIGATING THE ROSE THE FESTIVAL
SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL PARADE TO AVOID THE EXPERIENCE: IT’S ALL
PLANNING THORNS ABOUT YOU
Featured Destination
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T R AV E L + L E A R N + P E R F O R M
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travel RESOURCE a word from JON
TRAVEL SAFETY AND ADVOCACY
for Texas Performing Arts Programs
We consider Director’s Choice an industry in the public education system. A great
leader. That means we are constantly component of that growth is the ability of
innovating to bring fine arts educators performing students to travel inside and
not only the best options in travel and outside of the state. I want our network
performance for their students, but the of Texas fine arts educators and pro-
safest ones as well. Unfortunately, not all grams to have the security of knowing
travel suppliers who work with students that their Texas-based tour operators
are vigilant about safety standards and are held to a higher standard in order to
JON LOCKE ethical business practices. This not only protect students, fine art programs and
Owner & CEO hurts the student youth travel industry, schools.
but impacts students, fine arts programs,
and educators. The purpose of the TSTOA is to support
best business practices of Texas owned
As a long time member of the Student & tour operators engaged in promoting and
Youth Travel Association (SYTA), Direc- providing travel experiences for Texas
tor’s Choice believes in the develop- students and youth to enhance their
ment, promotion, and advocacy for safe, social, cultural, and educational growth.
professional, student group travel across The Association creates and maintains
all sectors. That’s why I am donating my systems which proactively provide
time and energy by serving on the Board oversight of potential problems affecting
of Directors of SYTA. As a former educa- youth travel in Texas. In addition, TSTOA’s
tor, I have seen first hand the life-chang- educational resources are developed to
ing impact of performance travel on a empower group travel leaders, educa-
student. I want to preserve and enable tors, school administrators, and district
the youth travel industry to continue business officers to ask the right ques-
to offer our students safe and valuable tions of bidding vendors to ensure that
experiences to travel, learn and perform their traveling students and funds will
across the globe. While SYTA has been a remain protected.
tremendous advocate on a global scale
for safe and impactful youth travel, I want
to bring these safe travel standards and
advocacy to Texas.
Earlier this year, Director’s Choice sup-
ported the creation of the Texas Student
Tour Operators Association (TSTOA). Our
company’s foundation is based on the
strength of Texas’ fine arts programs
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 1
table of CONTENTS
A Word from Jon.......................................................................................................................... 1
Performance Event Schedule.................................................................................................... 3 AFFILIATIONS
Performance Products............................................................................................................... 4
It’s Scientifically Proven that Student Travel Matters.......................................................... 6
EXPLORE TEXAS
San Antonio................................................................................................................................. 8
Dallas/Ft. Worth........................................................................................................................ 14
The Festival Experience: It’s All About You........................................................................... 18
Houston/Galveston................................................................................................................... 20
South Padre Island................................................................................................................... 22
Austin......................................................................................................................................... 23
El Paso........................................................................................................................................ 23
TOP TRAVEL PICKS
Central Florida........................................................................................................................... 24
Disney Youth Programs........................................................................................................... 26
Travel Safe Certification.......................................................................................................... 27
Hawaii......................................................................................................................................... 28
New York.................................................................................................................................... 30
Dance Travel Q&A..................................................................................................................... 32
Value of a Tour Director.......................................................................................................... 33
Five Burroughs: A Different New York Experience.............................................................. 34
Gibney Group Study - Customizable Contemporary Dance Opportunities......................35
FEATURED DESTINATION: NASHVILLE................................................................................ 37
The Secrets of Successful Travel Planning............................................................................ 40
EXPLORE THE SOUTH
Memphis.................................................................................................................................... 44
How Motorcoach Monitoring and Enforcement Impacts Your Itinerary.......................... 45
Branson...................................................................................................................................... 46
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.......................................................................................................... 48
Be a Teacher, Not a Bill Collector with Director’s Choice Individual Billing....................49
New Orleans.............................................................................................................................. 50
EXPLORE THE WEST
Colorado Springs...................................................................................................................... 52
Seattle......................................................................................................................................... 53
Parades & Special Events......................................................................................................... 54
Navigating the Rose Parade and Avoiding the Thorns........................................................ 55
Southern California................................................................................................................... 56
Parallel Trips for Non-Chaperoning Parents........................................................................ 58
San Diego................................................................................................................................... 59
EXPLORE THE MIDWEST
Chicago....................................................................................................................................... 60
The Midwest Clinic................................................................................................................... 63
Proud Supporter of
St. Louis...................................................................................................................................... 64
Indianapolis............................................................................................................................... 64
Do-It-Yourself - The Music Program Fixer Upper.................................................................. 66
EXPLORE THE EAST COAST
Boston........................................................................................................................................ 68
Destination Leadership: Add a Leadership Component to Your Itinerary.......................69
Washington DC.......................................................................................................................... 70
European Performing Arts Tours............................................................................................ 72 directorschoice.travel
TRAVEL ABROAD
Italy............................................................................................................................................. 73 Find Us On
United Kingdom........................................................................................................................ 74
Ireland........................................................................................................................................ 75
Montreal/Quebec...................................................................................................................... 76
2020 Performance event schedule*
March April April April May May May
27-28 3-4 17-18 24-25 1-2 8-9 15-16
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
San Antonio, TX
South Padre Island, TX
Colorado Springs, CO
Corpus Christi, TX
Houston, TX
New Orleans, LA
New York, NY March 9 Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at
Carnegie Hall
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX May 1
Richardson High School
May 8
Corpus Christi, TX April 28 TAMU - Corpus Christi
Anzaldúa Mariachi Festival
Jan 31/Feb 1, 2020 - Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX
Percussion Ensemble Festival
Feb 28/29, 2020 - Oak Ridge High School, Conroe, TX
Pre-UIL Choral Festival
Feb 28/29, 2020 - Dallas, Houston & San Antonio, TX. Performance Venues: TBD
Children's Chorus: Festival Musicalé
June 4-7, 2020 - Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, TX
Clinician: Dr. Susan Brumfield, Texas Tech University
FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULES ARE ONLINE AT DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
RESERVE YOUR PERFORMANCE TIME ONLINE TODAY!
*Dates subject to change REVS. 2/6/19
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 3
FESTIVAL &
PERFORMANCE
PRODUCTS TO
FIT ANY NEED
Our foundation is in music
education. We provide you
and your students quality
performance options that Non-Competitive Competitive Event with Ratings
educate and inspire. Whether and Rankings
Amusement Park or
you are looking for a park Family Entertainment Venue State-of-the-art Venue
performance, a competitive
festival, a premier Performance Review Professional Recording
performance venue
Participation Award 3-Adjudicator Panel
experience or simply a high
quality recording, Director’s Informal Performance Performance Review
Choice has an option to meet Atmosphere
your needs. Up to 35 Minutes including
Outstanding Section Student Review
Awards
Award Ceremony
Amusement Park
Custom performance Premier Awards
opportunities
available.
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Houston Dallas/Ft. Worth
RESERVE YOUR
PERFORMANCE TIME San Antonio San Antonio
ONLINE South Padre Island
Austin
directorschoice.travel Lubbock
Competitive Event with Ratings Non-Competitive Non-Competitive
and Rankings
Premier Recording Venue World Class Concert Venue
State-of-the-art Venue
Professional Recording Engineer Professional Archival Recording
Professional Recording
1 Hour on Stage
Premier Participation Award
3-Adjudicator Panel
Concert Program
Performance Review 3 hour honor concert or
Sound Check 40 minutes stage time
Up to 35 Minutes including
Review Professional Guidance from Concert Program
Recording Engineer and
Premier Awards Site Coordinator Performance Poster
New York
Houston
Chicago
Corpus Christi
Dallas/Ft. Worth Seattle
Colorado Springs
Corpus Christi Boston
New Orleans
Philadelphia
El Paso
Los Angeles
travel RESOURCE
IT’S SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN
that Student Travel Matters
Student travel is transformational, and TRAVEL TRANSFORMS STUDENTS TRAVEL IMPACTS TEACHERS AND
we can prove it. A recent study by the Research findings also tell us student SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) travel prompts a transformation through Students are not the only ones benefiting
gathered quantitative data from a repre- which students grow their ambitions to from school trips. For as many as 78% of
sentative sample of U.S. teachers for a re- know, learn and explore. Respondents teachers, satisfaction comes in the form
liable measurement of the social impact of all types confirm that students who of their students’ happiness. The survey
of domestic and international trips. travel are more motivated to seek fur- shows that 29% receive no financial com-
The findings tell us the travel experience ther education, progress in their social pensation at all. These factors demon-
of students triggers a process of acceler- competences and improvement of a wide strate their motivation to organize school
ated personal development, contributes array of abilities. Additionally, traveling trips is altruistic in nature.
to better academic performance and im- students show improved intellectual mo-
proves social interaction between young tivation and curiosity as well as increased Source: Student & Youth Travel Digest:
people. tolerance and respectfulness of other Part 1: Social Impact of Student Travel on
68 %
cultures. Students and Teachers
Student travel provides practical learn-
ing about other cultures. The majority Student & Youth Travel Association
of teachers in this SYTA study organize
“The trip I received has (SYTA) is the nonprofit, professional trade
student trips because they want their stu- changed my life forever.” association that promotes student and
dents to become more culturally aware. youth group travel. It seeks to foster
Proportion of students experiencing such impact,
Even more, student travel is reported integrity and professionalism among stu-
as reported by teachers.
to be significantly more effective than dent and youth travel service providers.
computer-based learning and classroom Travel experiences stay with students SYTA members play an important role in
instruction alone. for the rest of their lives. Do you re- facilitating both domestic mobility and
member that high school band trip to international incoming and outgoing mo-
Disney World or your middle school choir bility, worldwide. As the voice of student
trip to Six Flags? Educators agree that and youth travel, SYTA represents U.S.,
travel is contagious, and 60% noticed an Canadian and international tour opera-
increased desire for more travel experi- tors, group travel leaders, travel agencies,
ences in the future. destinations and other student travel
suppliers.
The research shows travel is not only a
standard teaching resource, but is also Director’s Choice has met the rigorous
significantly more effective than tradition- standards of safety, solvency and ethical
al forms of education. When asked about practices as a SYTA Travel Operator.
the relation to pursuing further studies,
37% of respondents claimed travel is
STEPHANIE FOX
extremely effective in preparing students
Director of Marketing
for college. Director’s Choice
6 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide
get inspired
in San Antonio.
San Antonio is alive with history and culture. Today, we have daily reminders of our
storied past, including 18th century missions—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—just
waiting to be explored. The story and origins of San Antonio continue to be celebrated
through modern attractions. From world-class museums and the Tobin Center for
the Performing Arts, to the River Walk, SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio, and
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, young scholars have an opportunity to experience one of the
United States’ most unique destinations.
Get inspired at VisitSanAntonio.com
©2018 Visit San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO
explore TEXAS
San Antonio captures the
spirit of Texas. It’s a modern
city whose heritage, culture,
tradition, and natural beauty
combine into a unique blend
that attracts extraordinary
adventures.
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
YOUTH
CHORUS The Alamo
SeaWorld® San Antonio
8 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource GuideRESTAURANTS
Alamo Cafe
Café Olé
Dave & Buster’s
Gristmill River Restaurant
Hard Rock Cafe
Joe’s Crab Shack
Lone Star Cafe
Los Barrios
Magic Time Machine
Margaritaville
Michelino’s
Magnolia Pancake House
Rainforest Cafe
Spaghetti Warehouse
EXPLORE
Double Decker Bus City Tour
Guinness World Record Museums
Natural Bridge Caverns
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
San Antonio Riverboat Cruise
San Antonio Zoo
Tejas Rodeo
The Amazing Mirror Maze
Tower of The Americas
Observation Deck
The Alamo
Wax Works
The River Walk
LEARN
Battle for Texas
San Antonio Missions National
Historical Park
San Antonio Symphony
The Buckhorn Museum Tour
PERFORM
Tobin Center for the Performing
Arts
Lila Cockrell Theatre
Main Event
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
The Tobin Center for Performing Arts
+ many more!
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 9SAN ANTONIO
BE A SUPERHERO!
CONTACT YOUR DIRECTOR’S CHOICE REPRESENTATIVE FOR SPECIAL RATES!
SIXFLAGS.COM/SCHOOLS2
JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s18)is pleased to present
A YOUTH CHORUS EVENT in SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
June 4-7, 2020
Join Youth Conductor and Artistic Director Dr. Susan Brumfield for
the inaugural Director’s Choice Youth Choral Festival. Held in
downtown San Antonio, Texas, Festival Musicalé will offer two
days of clinic/rehearsal for your youth choral organization, culmi-
nating on the third day with our feature choir and mass chorus
gala concert in the beautiful Tobin Center.
Conductor & Artistic Director
Dr. Susan Brumfield
Dr. Susan Brumfield, Director’s Choice Youth Choral Festival Conductor and Artistic Director
will be leading the 250-voice Festival Musicale and Choral Workshop sessions. Dr. Brumfield is
Professor of Music Education at Texas Tech University and holds a Ph.D. in Music Education
from the University of Oklahoma. She is widely known throughout the United States and the
United Kingdom as a clinician, consultant, author, composer, arranger, and conductor of
children's choirs, and is an internationally recognized Kodaly educator.
Directors Choice Youth Choral Festival 2019 is open to boy choirs, girl choirs,
mixed treble choirs, and young women’s choirs ages 9 -18.
YOUTH 2019 877-328-2583
CHORUS directorschoice.travel
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directorschoice.travelDALLAS + FT. WORTH Dallas offers a unique blend
of experiences. Southwestern
warmth pairs with cosmopolitan
flair. Old West charm meets
modern sophistication. Also,
education and entertainment go
hand-in-hand. Thrill-seekers can
conquer Six Flags Over Texas
and then take a breather in one
of the area’s many museums.
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Medieval Times
14 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guideexplore TEXAS
RESTAURANTS
Buca di Beppo
Campisi’s Restaurant
Hard Rock Cafe
Joe’s Crab Shack
Six Flags Over Texas
Rainforest Cafe
Spaghetti Warehouse
EXPLORE
Cowboys Stadium Tour
Dallas Arboretum
Dallas Arts District
Dallas Galleria
Medieval Times
Reunion Tower Observation Deck
Six Flags Over Texas
SpeedZone
Texas Rangers Game
PinStack Bowl
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
LEARN
Dallas Aquarium
Dallas Museum of Art
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Meyerson Symphony Center Tour
Perot Museum of Nature & Science
The Sixth Floor Museum
Ft. Worth Zoo
PERFORM
The Eisemann Center
MCL Grand Theater
Mesquite Arts Center
Meyerson Symphony Center
St. Andrews UMC
UNT Murchison PAC
iT’Z Family Food and Fun
Director’s Choice Award Ceremony Six Flags Over Texas
+ many more!
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 15STRIKE THE RIGHT CHORD WITH
SOUND .
Bites .
Dallas is a city with many sides. That’s what makes it such a great
place to visit. Admire towering beasts and the Giant Gems of the
Smithsonian in the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Then
explore history at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and
Museum, or take in panoramic views from the GeO-Deck at the
top of Reunion Tower. Finally, catch an unforgettable show at the
AT&T Performing Arts Center, home to concerts, musicals, dance
and more. Whether you’re discovering history or watching as it’s
made on stage, Dallas always strikes the right chord.
PICTURED: CASTRO
LOCATION: PEROT MUSEUM
OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
APPLAUSE-WORTHY EVENTS
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PINSTACK offers a fun and unique space for your next event. With 28 state-of-the-art bowling lanes,
two-level laser tag arena, indoor rock climbing wall, high-ropes course and video games,
PINSTACK will be your group’s favorite destination. PINSTACK also features chef-prepared menu
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THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE: IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU
from this experience and the one I have your group’s chart specifications so you
MADISON CHESTER now as an employee, I am constantly and your group can focus on getting in
Marketing Assistant
Director’s Choice trying to articulate what sets us apart performance mode.
from other companies. The answer I’ve
come up with is this: from the moment PERFORMANCE VENUE
you roll up to the venue, it’s all about
you! To give you a look into how we
accomplish this, I want to walk through
the Director’s Choice festival process.
ARRIVAL
The staff who run our music festivals
include both retired and current music
educators coupled with students from
a local music program. Because of their Director’s Choice has the best venues
first-hand experience as music educators, in the business because we want your
they know what you need and expect students to experience performing at a
from your festival experience. When state of the art concert venue. Aesthetics
you arrive at the festival venue, you are important – you and your students
It’s Performance Day! Whether you are are greeted at the bus and escorted should be wowed when you step on
a first-year teacher, 10-year veteran by the site coordinator to the check-in. stage. Additionally, we want you to
or a performing student, performance Once you are checked in, greeters will sound your very best, so an evaluation
day brings with it a rush of emotions show your group to the holding area to of a venue’s acoustics is critical. During
for everyone. Excitement, nerves, and uncase instruments and change clothes your performance, a cutting-edge
expectations are high. if necessary. When everyone is ready archival recording is made. To ensure
to go, you will move to the warm-up your performance maintains its original
That is why for more than 20 years room. In order to get the most out of warm, organic sound both live and on
Director’s Choice has rolled out the red your warm up, the room will be set up to your recording, the acoustics must be
carpet for our festival customers and balanced.
students. We place your experience
above all else when you perform at one ADJUDICATION
of our festivals: Showcase of Music, Your performance
Scholastic Music Festival, and Music will be adjudicated
Across Texas. by experienced,
qualified educators.
I should know. As a choir and band We have a stringent
student, I had the opportunity to travel adjudicator
on 12 Director’s Choice trips and attend selection process
nine Director’s Choice festivals. Drawing and training to
18 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guidetravel RESOURCE
be sure our judges give constructive celebrations in theme parks and help end
but positive feedback to you and your the trip on a really high note.
students. After your performance, one
of these adjudicators will come on stage You may not realize that Director’s Choice
and give a performance review. When was started as a festival company. Our
the adjudicator finishes speaking with owner (and my dad) developed Director’s
your students, you and your group will be Choice because he wanted more for
escorted off stage and helped back to the his students than the festival options
holding room to pack up and change out available to them at that time. That’s why
of your performance clothes. the festival experience from the student
perspective is so important to us and is
foundational in the development of our
performance products.
My Director’s Choice experiences gave
me memories that will last a lifetime. I am
grateful that my directors “Never Settled”
and took me and my peers each year to a
Director’s Choice festival.
AWARDS
At the conclusion of each performance,
every group receives a trophy. The
awards ceremony setting is dependent
on the festival you attend. Our Scholastic
Music Festival ceremonies run parallel
to the festival itself because of the
competitive, academic nature. Each
group receives their premier awards at
a private, mini-ceremony. Our Showcase
of Music is more than just a festival, it
is an experience. True to this spirit, the
Showcase ceremonies are high-energy
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 19explore TEXAS
HOUSTON+GALVESTON
Nicknamed “Space City,” Houston
is truly out of this world. One of
the largest cities in the US, Houston
offers an array of activities from
the beaches of Galveston, to
museums and galleries.
RESTAURANTS
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Buca di Beppo
Hard Rock Cafe
Landry’s Seafood House
Lighthouse Buffet
Rainforest Cafe
Spaghetti Warehouse
EXPLORE
ComedySportz Improv Show
Houston Astros Baseball
Houston Grand Opera
Kemah Boardwalk
Pleasure Pier
LEARN
Downtown Aquarium Space Center Houston
Houston Zoo
Moody Gardens
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Natural Science
Space Center Houston
PERFORM
Moores Opera House
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Lee College PAC
iT’Z Family Food and Fun
+ many more!
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Moody Gardens
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
20 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource GuideCORPUS CHRISTI explore TEXAS
Experience a new standard in
travel along the charming Corpus
Christi coast. Conveniently located
lodging is minutes away from the
action, ensuring you don’t waste
a moment while taking pleasure
in the natural gifts of the coast.
Don’t miss the touch pools of
the Texas State Aquarium or the
Naval Aviation Museum and USS
Lexington.
RESTAURANTS
Joe’s Crab Shack
Landry’s Seafood House
Pier 99
EXPLORE
Corpus Christi Beaches
Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball
Funtracker’s Family Fun
Hurricane Alley Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
LEARN
Texas State Aquarium
USS Lexington
PERFORM
Del Mar College
Texas A&M Corpus Christi PAC
USS Lexington
+ many more!
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
USS Lexington
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 21SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
explore TEXAS
Sun, fun, and music all go together
at South Padre Island. With its warm
tropical temperatures, white beaches,
and the emerald waters, South Padre
is THE premier resort destination in
Texas. Located on the southern tip of
Texas, it is surrounded by the Gulf of
Mexico & Laguna Madre Bay.
RESTAURANTS
BBQ Dinner Cruise
Blackbeard’s
Louie’s Backyard
Padre Style Luau and Cruise
EXPLORE
Amphibious Vehicle Land
and Sea Tour
Beach Activities
Black Dragon Pirate Cruise
Dolphin Watching Cruise
Gladys Porter Zoo
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
LEARN
Sandcastle Building Lesson
Sea Turtle Inc.
PERFORM
Harlingen Municipal Auditorium
Texas Southmost College -
The Arts Center
+ many more!
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
22 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guidetravel RESOURCE
AUSTIN
Known as the “live music capital of the
world,” Austin’s vibrant entertainment
and cultural landscape makes it one of
the most inspiring cities to visit. From
food, to arts and music, Austin is a
premier destination for anyone and
everyone.
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
EL PASO
El Paso is located at the western tip of
Texas, where Texas, New Mexico and Old
Mexico meet. It is the largest international
metroplex in the world and seamlessly
blends cultures and traditions. Experience
everything from the historic Old West to
the colors of Mexico, and discover the
heritage of Native Americans set against
the beauty of the desert sunset.
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 23CENTRAL FLORIDA
Whether you are looking for a magical
performance, seeking the thrill of the
theme park, or both, Central Florida
is a great travel choice! Check out all
the options to perform and play in the
Florida sunshine.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
©Disney
Kennedy Space Center
24 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guidetop travel PICKS
RESTAURANTS
Beach Barbecue at Cocoa Beach
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Buca di Beppo
Hard Rock Cafe
Medieval Times
Planet Hollywood
T-Rex Cafe
EXPLORE
Blue Man Group
Cocoa Beach
Disney Springs®
Walt Disney World® Resort
I-Drive 360
SeaWorld
Universal CityWalk
The Hub Kissimmee
Universal Studios & Islands of
Adventure
LEARN
Disney Youth Education Series
Programs
Kennedy Space Center
Universal Studios Florida
PERFORM
Festival Disney
Disney Performing Arts
Performances
Disney Performing Arts Workshops
Stars Performance Program
+ many more!
Epcot®
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 25DISNEY YOUTH PROGRAMS
As a Recognized Youth Travel Planner, Director’s Choice has partnered with Disney Youth Programs to offer unique and inspiring
opportunities for our performing groups. Below is a sampling of the most popular performance and workshop offerings for instru-
mental, vocal and dance groups to Disney World, Florida, or Disneyland, California.
Disney Performing Arts Performances Vocal or Instrumental Soundtrack Session
• Instrumental, Vocal, Dance • 90-minute workshop
• Perform on a Disney stage in front of • Perform and record a varied
an international audience repertoire of Disney music
©Disney ©Disney ©Disney
INSTRUMENTAL VOCAL DANCE
Festival Disney Disney Sings Dance 101 & Dance 201
• Adjudicated performance • 2 ½-hour workshop to learn the • 90-minute, high-energy workshop
music and basic choreography from
opportunity for middle and high gives dancers the opportunity to
a real Disney production number
school instrumental groups shine as they learn choreography
• Learn vocal techniques to improve
adapted from a Disney production
diction and produce unified vowel
You’re Instrumental number exclusively for Disney
sounds using 3- and 4-part music
• 2 ½-hour workshop ending in a very Performing Arts!
special finale Disney’s Broadway Magic • Led by professional Disney show
• Examine the skills, attitudes, and • 2 ½-hour workshop blends Disney directors and choreographers,
priorities essential to musical magic with the glitz of live musical each ensemble receives a valuable
excellence theater critique and learns the importance
• A Disney teaching artist will take of the individual’s contribution to the
Jazz It Up your group through the same overall success of the group
• Enter the world of a professional jazz rehearsal process used for Disney
musician through this intensive Broadway musicals Dance Audition Workshop
2 ½-hour workshop • 90-minute session follows in the
Show Choir
• Rehearse and record jazzy renditions footsteps of Disneyland Resort
• 90-minute workshop uses Disney
of several Disney songs under the performers as dancers go through
show material to usher students
direction of a Disney teaching artist the process of a simulated audition
through the rehearsal phase all the
• Work together to learn
way to a final performance that is
recorded and screened for review choreography from an actual Disney
• Explore the challenges of learning production and gain valuable insight
and performing a full production from a Disney teaching artist on how
number during this high-energy to make your audition shine!
course
26 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource GuideTRAVEL SAFE CERTIFICATION
SAFE
Is Your Student Travel Company Certified? C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Keeping students safe is our number Whether or not you travel with Direc- BUSINESS PROTECTION CERTIFICATIONS
one priority. That’s why Director’s tor’s Choice, we believe all student Setting the standard in the student travel industry for trans-
Choice has taken the initiative and travel operators and suppliers should parency, ethics and fiscal responsibility is foundational for
formally adopted safe industry stan- be held to similar safety standards. Director’s Choice. We honor the trust that districts, group
dards as well as developing our own leaders, and parents have placed in us to deliver a valuable
rigorous TRAVEL SAFE certifications. EMERGENCY RESPONSE CERTIFICATIONS product and service as promised and expected.
While we hope to never encounter • Proof of business efficacy
Our TRAVEL SAFE Certification pro- an emergency with our traveling • Business license & mailing address
gram includes: groups, we want to be prepared to • Organization insurance
• Clearly scripted policies and ensure cool heads and steady hands • Consumer protection guarantee
procedures should unexpected in order to manage appropriately and • Laws, regulations & licensing
issues arise. minimize risk. • Industry code of ethics
• Thoroughly vetted supplier safety • 24/7 On-call protocol
expectations and practices for all • Emergency response plan SAFE BEHAVIOR CERTIFICATIONS
contracted vendors. • First aid, CPR and AED training Working with students means we must take extra precau-
• Transparent and ethical business • Active shooter training tions with everyone they may come into contact with while
practices. • Lost traveler procedure on a Director’s Choice trip. That not only includes our staff
• Incident reporting but all contract employees and suppliers.
• Background checks
• Staff background checks
• Sexual harassment
SUPPLIER CERTIFICATIONS
Our travel suppliers are an extension of our company. We
hold them accountable to the same rigorous standards we
demand of ourselves.
• Verified motorcoach transportation
• Supplier verification certification
PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY CERTIFICATIONS
We do not tolerate shoddy itineraries, poorly planned excur-
sions or insufficient group logistics.
• 10 Point itinerary analysis
• Professional tour directors
PRE-TRAVEL CERTIFICATIONS
Being prepared to travel with a student group not only
requires planning from a tour company, it also requires
preparation and resources for the group leader, chaperones,
and school administrations.
• Package reviews and trip audits
• Self-guided tour resources
• Pre-departure safety briefing
POST-TRAVEL CERTIFICATIONS
We believe in never settling. Client feedback is critical to our
never-ending improvement of safer practices and improved
responsiveness in all situations.
• Client satisfaction survey
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 27top travel PICKS
Take your group to paradise this
year and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s
HAWAII
sandy beaches and sensational
sunsets. Perform at historic Pearl
Harbor, hike to the top of Diamond
Head, and experience a traditional
Hawaiian Luau! Oahu is filled with
fun, adventure, and education
Performance opportunities are varied
and unique.
RESTAURANTS
Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co.
Buca di Beppo
Hard Rock Cafe
Germaine’s Luau
Paradise Cove Luau
EXPLORE
Aloha Stadium Marketplace
Diamond Head State Monument
Grand Ali’i Polynesian Tour
Honolulu Highlights Tour
Kualoa Movie Tour
North Shore Tour
Pearl Harbor & USS Missouri
Snorkeling
Surfing
Waikiki Beach
LEARN
Dole Plantation
Pearl Harbor Tour
Polynesian Cultural Center
PERFORM
Ala Moana Center
USS Bowfin/Pearl Harbor Performance
USS Bowfin/Pearl Harbor
+ many more!
View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
28 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guidetop travel PICKS
Pearl Harbor Memorial
WORKSHOPS,
MASTER CLASSES
& MORE
directorschoice.travel
#ITSJUSTWHATWEDO
CUSTOM TRAVEL + PERFORMANCE PACKAGESNEW YORK
Take a bite out of The Big Apple and
explore the city that never sleeps. From
skyscrapers to sprawling Central Park, the
sites will never disappoint.
5B Itinerary:
• Luna Park and DeKalb Market Hall in
Brooklyn
• Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens
• The Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical
Garden in the Bronx
• The Esplanade & Postcards September 11th
Memorial on Staten Island
• Broadway show and New York style pizza in
Manhattan
Alice in Wonderland - Central Park
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
STERN AUDITORIUM + PERELMAN STAGE at
CARNEGIE HALL
Top of the Rock® Statue of Liberty
30 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guidetop travel PICKS
RESTAURANTS
Apple Metro
Carmine’s
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Hard Rock Cafe
HB Burger
Hornblower Dinner Cruise
John’s Pizzeria
Opry City Stage Restaurant
Planet Hollywood
Puglia in Little Italy
EXPLORE
Blue Man Group
Broadway Shows
City Tours
Empire State Building Deck
Luna Park on Coney Island
Madame Tussauds
Radio City Music Hall Tour
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Staten Island Ferry
Statue Cruises
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
LEARN
American Museum of Natural History
Broadway
Broadway & Dance Group Workshops
Bronx Zoo
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Intrepid Museum
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center Tour
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center
Museum of Modern Art
National Geographic Encounter
National September 11th Memorial
New York City Ballet
New York Philharmonic
One World Observatory
PERFORM National September 11th Memorial
Carnegie Hall
Cathedral of St. John Divine
Intrepid Museum Performance
Performing Arts Festival View sample itineraries online at:
DIRECTORSCHOICE.TRAVEL
The Offstage Group
+ many more!
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 31travel RESOURCE
DANCE TRAVEL STACY DONALSON
Charmers Dance Team Head Director
Questions and Answers Chisholm Trail High School
What is the value of travel for your group? What advice/tips might you share The best advice I can give someone
I love to create unique opportunities for my dancers as with a colleague who is thinking traveling with their students is to
traveling with your team is a once-in-a-lifetime experience about traveling with their students? be over-the-top organized! Another
they may never get to do again. Traveling with your team- great trick is to communicate with
mates creates strong bonds within the members and also your trip group using the Remind App
Making memories that
allows them to see and experience new things in different to keep everyone on the same page
places. I was extended this experience in high school and
last a lifetime is what this with what the plans are and any last
college and loved every moment and I want that opportu- job is all about! I just love minute location or time changes. This
nity for my dancers. seeing them smile and is a great way to keep everyone in the
laugh together! know if you are separated into smaller
Discuss how you choose a destination and why. groups.
I typically gravitate to family-friendly destinations that are
accustomed to large groups and are able to accommodate
us for a fun & safe trip!
How do you incorporate performance into your itinerary?
We are a dance team and would never travel without show-
casing our talent! I have done both circuits…competition
based travel and performance-based travel. I love both!
The competition aspect is fierce competition from all over
the United States and gives my team the opportunity to
see other groups and how diverse each team truly is. The
performance-based trip is extraordinary! Not only do we
get to show off what we can do, but it’s also fun to perform
and stress-free!
Share a favorite memory of traveling with your group.
My favorite memory from traveling with previous groups
is watching them break free from practice & performance
mode and have genuine fun together on our trip excur-
sions. Making memories that last a lifetime is what this
job is all about! I just love seeing them smile and laugh
together!
32 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource GuideVALUE OF A TOUR DIRECTOR travel RESOURCE
You have finally decided to take the BIG trip. You’ve done ticular activity and make sure no one experience. That’s why they signed
the planning, the meal selection, chosen your activities, now is either rushed or bored. Navigating a up for this crazy and exciting career.
all that is left to do is enjoy your trip….right? Wrong! How do group of 200 kids through Navy Pier in Sharing a love of travel and new expe-
you check in at the airport? Where do you meet your buses? Chicago takes skill and careful timing. riences is what drives them to do this
Was lunch at Hard Rock on Tuesday or Wednesday? Who is Just calculating the time to get on and year after year.
going to manage the cash backs? All valid questions, and all off the bus for a photo stop can eat up
the reasons why we suggest you consider using a profession- way more time that you anticipated. When you hire a tour director with
al tour director. So having someone who can continu- Director’s Choice, you can be assured
ously make tweaks and adjustments you are never traveling alone and
LICENSED AND PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED to your itinerary so you arrive to your there will be someone there every
Lots of people say they are a tour director, but Director’s destination on time and relaxed is step of the way to make sure this is
Choice has partnered with the International Tour Manager invaluable. a trip of a lifetime for you and your
Institute (ITMI) to hire licensed and professionally trained students.
tour directors for our complex itineraries. Did you know that THEY CARE ABOUT YOUR TRIP
in New York and Washington, D.C. you must have a sight- You will find any great tour director
seeing guide license to guide or direct people to any place at the end of the food line, the front
MARCIE TRUBY
or point of public interest or to describe, explain or lecture of the bus and in the middle of any Director of Operations
about any place or point of public interest to any person in unexpected happenings. It’s their job Director’s Choice
connection with any sightseeing trip or tour within the city? to care about you and your students
All of our guides are professionally licensed, trained and trip and to ensure you have a great
working full time as guides across the United States and
internationally. It’s not just their hobby, it’s their job and they
take your trip very seriously.
ANTICIPATING THE UNEXPECTED
Professional tour directors know that the unexpected is to
be expected when it comes to travel. They never trust drive
times in New York City or that the rain headed your way will
conveniently stop at just the right time. It’s their job to come
up with a snowman building contest when your flight is
canceled, take an impromptu tour of Central Park when your
cruise is delayed or throw an ice cream party at the hotel
when you didn’t have time for dessert before your concert
started. (All true scenarios from Director’s Choice tour direc-
tors.) They have tricks up their sleeves that can save the day
and turn a mishap into the best part of your trip.
TRAINED DESTINATION EXPERTS
ITMI graduates have continuous opportunities to train and
learn more about destinations through continuing educa-
tion courses. A good tour guide is a sponge and has a zest
for learning and travel and they want to pass that along to
your students. And, not only can they tell you the history
of the Hollywood Bowl, they know where the shortest lines
for bathrooms are in Disney World, and can tell you where
to find the best bowl of ramen in New York. Great guides
are licensed, keep up on the latest travel technology, have a
desire to always learn more and have the safety training to
make sure your group has an amazing and trouble free trip.
KEEP YOU ON SCHEDULE
We want our group leaders to enjoy the trip as much as
their students. That’s why having someone else watching the
clock and keeping you on track is invaluable. The best tour
directors can quickly gauge a group’s interest level in a par-
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 33travel RESOURCE
FIVE BURROUGHS:
A Different New York Experience 5B
I’ve been sending students all over the
globe for nearly 15 years in my opera- The 5Bs itinerary includes:
tions role at Director’s Choice. During my • Luna Park and DeKalb Market
years, I, too, have traveled extensively,
Hall in Brooklyn
vetting destinations and attractions for
our student groups. Although there
• Flushing Meadows Corona Park
are so many places that I haven’t had a in Queens
chance to see yet, I can’t help but want • The Bronx Zoo and New York
to revisit my favorites, finding new and
Botanical Garden in the Bronx
different ways to explore a city.
• The Esplanade & Postcards Sep-
New York is a perfect example of a favor- tember 11th Memorial on Staten
Broadway
ite, that no matter how many times I visit,
Island
there is still more to do and see. As one
of our most popular performance desti-
• Broadway show and New York
nations, NYC is visited by many groups style pizza in Manhattan
year after year, so we have created a
unique travel offering for those groups
who want to see a different New York the
next time around. JOHANNA FEMINEAR
Travel Coordinator
Director’s Choice
The Five Boroughs (5Bs) trip is for the
adventurous group who wants to see
and do something different, to get out of
Midtown and off of Manhattan.
September 11th Memorial
I like to get a sense of what it’s like to live
in the places I visit. People watch. See
what other people drive, wear, or buy.
The 5Bs itinerary allows you to take stu-
dents off the beaten path and get a sense
for what life in New York offers outside of
the traditional tourist attractions.
The 5Bs itinerary is available for spring
and summer 2020 travel. Ask your travel
consultant for details and pricing.
Luna Park Bronx Zoo
34 | Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource GuideGIBNEY GROUP STUDY travel RESOURCE
Customizable Contemporary Dance Opportunities
ideal for groups from schools looking to learn are offered cover-
SUSAN EPSTEIN about the NYC contemporary dance scene. ing topics such as:
Gibney Producing Director, Residencies are 100% customizable and can Choreographers
Group Study range from one class, to one day, to two days & Auditions; Arts
or longer. & Social Justice;
Living and Work-
Gibney Dance, founded in 1991 by choreog- SAMPLE ACTIVITIES ing in the Arts;
rapher Gina Gibney, is a multi-faceted dance Technique & Repertory Classes Choose from Going to College
organization occupying two locations in New the dozens of technique classes offered daily to Dance, and
York City. Gibney’s Group Study program is a at Gibney, or arrange private master classes. more.
great addition to a dance group’s New York
City travel itinerary. Students in the Group Community Action Master Classes Experience
Study Program workshops which explore movement as a The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries and
learn from Gib- tool for change and empowerment, based on Career Transition for Dancers also offer panels
ney’s renowned Gibney Dance Company’s work with survivors focused on Injury Prevention and Making a
faculty and work- of intimate partner violence and the Artist as Living in Dance.
ing artists during Agents of Change program.
their stay, in a Digital Technology Initiative Workshops
range of contexts: Audition Workshops: Mock auditions with Gibney’s Digital Technology Initiative offers
master classes, working artists allow students to develop the workshops exploring sound design, projec-
panel discus- skills and confidence to audition for college tions, and incorporating digital technology into
sions, workshops programs or find dance work in New York City. artistic practice.
and more. This
experience is Panel Discussions: Private panel discussions Photos Credit: Gibney/Scott Shaw
perform at Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at
on
CARNEGIE March 9
2020
over
100
Director's Choice provides the most
accessible opportunity for student
years
performance groups to cross this
esteemed stage with the Premier
of history Performance Invitational.
JEFF GOLDBERG / ESTO
APPLY ONLINE
today 877-328-2583
#ITSJUSTWHATWEDO directorschoice.travelAT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM Encounter the music and history of the Museum, the classic art of Hatch Show Print, and the celebrated recordings of Historic RCA Studio B. Our tours and programs are fun and educational. Check out these two featured student experiences and visit our website to see all our wide-ranging student offerings. INSIDE TRACKS WITH MEGHAN LINSEY AND TYLER CAIN Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum • Duration: 1 hour A true day in the life of a musician—from songwriting and performing to professionalism in the music industry—this program covers it all. Co-write and produce a song from scratch with Nashville recording artist Meghan Linsey and record producer Tyler Cain, who will help your group compose a beat and write accompanying parts to your original track. STAR FOR A DAY: STUDENT RECORDING PROGRAM Historic RCA Studio B • Duration: 2.5 hours This itinerary begins with a professionally guided tour of RCA Studio B. Students learn about the history of Nashville's recording industry and the progression of recording technology. Following the tour, students work with the Studio engineer in their own private recording session. Then it's off to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to complete the tour experience. Conclude your itinerary with an optional lunch or dinner at the world famous Wildhorse Saloon or Hard Rock Cafe, where your group will hear their newly recorded hit. BOOK YOUR DAY OF MUSIC @CountryMusicHOF • 800.852.6437 CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Visit/Group-Tours
featured DESTINATION
NASHVILLE
Authentic, Accessible, Affordable, and Accommodating
LOUANN HENTON Known as the “Songwriting Capital of the
Senior Tourism Sales Manager
Nashville Convention &
World” and the birthplace of America’s
Visitors Corporation longest running radio show, The Grand
Ole Opry, Nashville’s connection to music
is unequaled. The city’s worldwide repu-
With shining accolades such as “Best
tation as Music City can be found in more
Places to Travel in 2018” by Travelocity
than 180 live music venues and at iconic
and “The World’s Best Cities 2018” by
music attractions like the Country Music
Best Cities, it’s no wonder why Nashville
Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman
was named a 2018 “Top Ten Student Des-
Auditorium and Historic RCA Studio B original. Students can also see where
tination” by Teach & Travel, the official
where groups can record in the footsteps some of the most famous thoroughbred
publication of the Student & Youth Travel
of Elvis. horses, including Seabiscuit and Secretar-
Association (SYTA).
iat, trace their bloodlines at Belle Meade
Students can explore the lives of stu- Plantation.
Music City is authentic, accessible, afford-
dio musicians and learn how to make a
able, and accommodating. Music of all
record inside the Musicians Hall of Fame The new National Museum of African
genres is created in Nashville – whether
and Museum and Grammy Museum American Music is set to open in down-
it’s country, pop, gospel, jazz, bluegrass,
Gallery, or touch, see, feel, and photo- town Nashville in late 2019. Students can
Americana, rock or blues, students can
graph figures of their favorite musicians also visit the new Tennessee State Mu-
experience diverse music 24/7/365.
at Madame Tussauds Nashville. Groups seum, located just north of Bicentennial
often perform for thousands of guests on Capitol Mall State Park.
the plaza of the Grand Ole Opry House
or sit in on a live studio recording session
with Imagine Recording. An unexpected
experience awaits at the Schermerhorn
Symphony Center. Enjoy a performance
by the 13 time GRAMMY award-winning
Nashville Symphony, one of the most re-
corded symphony orchestra’s in America.
RICH HISTORY
Nashville’s rich and diverse history can be
experienced through a variety of edu-
cational offerings. Students will journey
THE MUSIC CITY
through a docent-led tour at the home UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
From its very beginnings, Nashville grew
of America’s seventh President, Andrew Although Nashville is famous for its
from a foundation built on music, which
Jackson’s Hermitage. The centerpiece of music, students will find plenty of oppor-
has been the common thread connecting
Centennial Park is Nashville’s Parthenon, tunities to explore the artistic, cultural,
the life and soul of the city and its people.
the only full-scale replica of the Athenian adventurous, and historical aspects of
Director’s Choice Travel + Performance Resource Guide | 37You can also read
