TRIP PROPOSAL 2018:CHICAGO, IL

Includes performances and educational sight-seeing in and around our nation’s third largest

city

May 9, 2023

Dear Beal City Band Family,

Exciting times are at hand in the Beal City Bands! In the process of investigating possible tour options for Spring 2018, we have decided to take our trip to Chicago! This opportunity will include many outstanding educational possibilities through performance and participation events.

I’d like to review the order of priorities that the Beal City Bands travels:

1. Educational Performance: We will be travelling with our instruments to perform and/or receive a clinic for a national audience/adjudicator/professional. Otherwise, we are taking a vacation which parents can be better at accomplishing with your family!

2. Educational Opportunity: We travel to see parts of the world that we as a group have not already seen. If you have traveled to our destination before, I hope you see it through new eyes, discover something new or build upon previous experiences!

3. Social Bonding: I have found traveling away from school with a group of committed students enhances our program by the way they interact with each other upon return. I remember many of the fantastic places I’ve been fortunate to travel with bands in which I participated, but I remember who traveled with me just as much!

With that knowledge, I have contacted Educational Tours, Inc, an extremely reputable touring company in Holt who specializes in trips for performing ensembles. The outstanding service representatives of ETI are working to bring together the most comprehensive touring package for our students. Please find enclosed a copy of that sample itinerary in this packet. Our current proposal includes a festival performance for the Concert and Jazz Band at Six Flags: Great America.

You must understand that pricing is based on participation: 46 students represent around 90% participation from our enrollment in our Concert and Jazz Bands. This would almost ensure appropriate instrumentation, which has a significant impact on our participation as well. We cannot

have a good performance with all high-voiced instruments and no low-voiced instruments; it’s like having a football team with no offensive line. Every person is important in the success of this event.

Additionally, we will need to have five parent chaperones accompany us on this trip. Parents, your job will be extremely important as we move through one of the busiest and most important cities in the world. Our tour will be filled to capacity with our performance, sight-seeing and movement between events. Coordination will be crucial in this and your help will be invaluable!

We are meeting in advance so families can determine financial capabilities. You will notice that through previous fundraisers, the TEMPO Club is available to coordinate fundraising opportunities. It will be nearly impossible to fund the entire amount through fund raising effort alone. Some financial commitment will need to be borne by families. I hope one year of advance notice is ample time to budget for this incredible experience.

I hope everyone is as excited as I am about this unique experience for our band program! Please see the remainder of this information packet about trip particulars that can be passed along at this time. I look forward to having an enthusiastic group in Chicago in the Spring of 2018

Respectfully,

Mary Claire ReynoldsDirector, Beal City Bands

BEAL CITY HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT & JAZZ BAND

TRIP TO CHICAGO – May 3rd-6th

$680.00 per person

Thursday, May 3, 2018

6:00 AM: One motorcoach arrives at Beal City High School for loading.

NOTE: In keeping with Educational Tours, Inc.’s commitment to safety and security, we prepare each itinerary in accordance with the DOT rules and regulations, giving drivers a minimum of 9 hours off each night and a maximum of 15 hours on duty during any 24-hour period. We reserve the right to revise the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances such as traffic, road closures, site closures, weather, etc. Your Tour Manager will consult with the Group Leader and drivers on any changes.

7:00 AM: Depart from Beal City High School on a first class, air-conditioned DVD equipped MOTORCOACH. (4.5 hours have been allotted for the drive plus half hour for rest stop on your own enroute. Minus one hour for the time change)

CENTRAL TIME- In the event of a delay, please call your tour manager with your estimated arrival time.

11:00 AM: Arrive in Chicago; meet your TOUR MANAGER at THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY – Featuring over 800 exhibits and 2,000 interactive units with buttons to push, cranks to turn, levers to lift, and computers to operate.

Lunch on your own

Explore Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze: Patterns are everywhere…if you know where to look! The exhibit's centerpiece is the 1,800-square-foot mirror maze, where you'll find yourself in a sea of equilateral triangle chambers that repeat in a dizzying array of mirrors. Can you navigate the maze to find the secrets within?

The museum also features the OMNIMAX THEATER – A domed screen five-stories high wraps around the audience. You'll feel like you're in the movie!

3:00 PM: Depart for the park

3:30 PM: Arrive at Millennium Park – An unprecedented center for world-class art, music, architecture and landscape design; Experience interactive public art, gardens, fountains and more

5:00 PM: Depart for dinner

5:30 PM: Arrive for DINNER at HARD ROCK CAFÉ

7:00 PM: Depart for 360

7:30 PM: Arrive at 360 CHICAGO (Formerly the John Hancock Observatory) – Be sure to step outside on the Skywalk, more than 1,000 feet above the street; referred to as “the porch.” (please note visit does not include admission to Tilt)

9:00 PM: Depart for the hotel

10:00 PM: Arrive at SUBURB HOTEL and check-in

PRIVATE NIGHT TIME HOTEL SECURITY

Friday, May 4, 2018

8:00 AM: BREAKFAST at the hotel

9:00 AM: Depart for the zoo

10:00 AM: Arrive at the Lincoln Park Zoo – Enjoy a world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers. Located within a

verdant park just minutes north of Chicago, the zoo has been a natural, free oasis for generations of animal lovers

11:30 AM: Depart for Navy Pier

12:00 PM: Arrive at Navy Pier – Fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions of every kind.

Lunch on your own

2:00 PM: Depart for Shedd’s

2:30 PM: Arrive at JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM – One of the oldest public aquariums in the world! It is the home for more than 6,000 freshwater and marine animals.

Visit the OCEANARIUM EXHIBIT – Housing beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, and a colony of penguins.

Visit the WILD REEF – Get as close as you want to the sharks and explore this award Winning exhibit of underwater gardens, corals, and eels.

5:00 PM: Depart for dinner

5:30 PM: Arrive for DINNER at GINO’S EAST

7:00 PM: Depart for the symphony

7:30 PM: Arrive at the Symphony Center

8:00 PM: Enjoy a PERFORMANCE as the CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Presents Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony Emmanuel Krivine leads the CSO in the shimmering and majestic Organ Symphony. After completing his third and final symphony, Saint-Saëns declared: "I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again." Also on the program is Brahms’ turbulent Tragic Overture and Schumann's heart-wrenching Violin Concerto with Isabelle Faust, an artist of "disarming warmth and sweetness who can unveil hidden strains of lyricism"

10:00 PM: Depart for the hotel

PRIVATE NIGHT TIME HOTEL SECURITY

Saturday, May 5, 2018

7:00 AM: BREAKFAST at the hotel

8:00 AM: Depart for the festival site

9:00 AM: Arrive at the festival site and participate in MUSIC IN THE PARKS FESTIVAL (subject to 2018 schedule)

Beal City High School Concert Band warms-up

Beal City High School Concert Band performs for adjudication

Taped and written comments

Beal City High School Jazz Band warms-up

Beal City High School Jazz Band performs for adjudication

Taped and written comments

After the festival, depart for SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA – Home of unique rides, IMAX films, shops, restaurants, and four theaters.

PICNIC MEAL PROVIDED by the festival company

Meet for the MUSIC IN THE PARKS AWARDS CEREMONY (subject to 2018 schedule)

9:00 PM: At park closing, depart for the hotel

PRIVATE NIGHT TIME HOTEL SECURITY

Sunday, May 6, 2018

7:45 AM: BREAKFAST at the hotel and check-out

8:45 AM: Depart for your tour

9:45 AM: Arrive for the WENDELLA BOAT’S COMBINED LAKE AND RIVER TOUR – Chicago's most comprehensive boat tour. The signature tour of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River includes a trip through the Chicago Lock and a live narration featuring an overview of architecture and history. (10:15am time, subject to availability)

11:45 AM: Depart for Water Tower

12:15 PM: Arrive at Water Tower Place – Occupying a full block, it is the pinnacle of the “Magnificent Mile.” It features over 100 stores and restaurants and a high-urban shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Lunch on your own

Also enjoy “Magnificent Mile” – Enjoy world class shopping at shops and boutiques along a mile stretch of Michigan Avenue.

3:00 PM: Depart for home. (4.5 hours have been allotted for the drive plus one hour for rest stop/dinner on your own enroute. Plus one hour for the time change)

EASTERN TIME- In the event of a delay, please call our 24-hour (1-800-654-4560 then “0”) service to let us know your approximate arrival time.

9:30 PM: Arrive at Beal City High School

BEAL CITY HIGH SCHOOL BANDSTRIP TO CHICAGO / MUSIC IN THE PARKS – May 10 – 13, 2018

TRIP # 18-03025

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

* Roundtrip transportation aboard a first class, air-conditioned, DVD equipped motorcoach

* First-class accommodations for three nights in the Chicago area

* Three breakfasts, two dinners, and one festival meal

* Museum of Science & Industry / Omnimax / Millennium Park / 360 Chicago / Lincoln Park Zoo

* John G. Shedd Aquarium / Oceanarium / Wild Reef / Navy Pier

* Performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra / Participation in the Music in the Parks

* Six Flags Great America / Awards Ceremony

* Wendella Boat’s Tour / Water Tower Place / “Magnificent Mile”

* Private night time hotel security

* Group Travel Videos Package for each student and group leader(s)

* All trip planning and arrangements

* $4,000,000 Liability Insurance and SYTA Consumer Protection Plan Coverage

* Post Departure Travel Protection Plan - Includes Accident and Sickness, Trip Interruption, and Travel Delay protection for all participants. This does not include Cancellation Protection.

* Services of our company tour manager for your entire stay in the Chicago area

* All gratuities and fuel surcharges included

* 800-654-4560 Emergency phone service, answered 24 hours, provided for your peace of mind, while the trip is in progress

STUDENT AMBASSADORRULES OF THE ROAD

Below are listed some general rules and tips that we want you to understand. Each of these are based on actual past experiences; learn from the errors of

others! Generally, just use your common sense. If you will feel guilty, or afraid of doing something, or think that an adult will respond negatively, then don’t do it! Any serious discipline problem will result in a call home and a possible early ticket home – also at your expense. It is important for us to show caring, respect and consideration for all members of our group, and others that we may encounter. Remember your behavior reflects on all of us and our community. GET IN THE HABIT OF CARING!

General Behavior

1. RE M E MB E R Y OU R AT TI TU DE AN D BE H AVIO R RE F LE C TS O N O UR E NT I RE GRO U P .2. Watch your body language and gestures. Others may perceive your commonplace conversation as something

else entirely.3. Ignore and walk away from any social advances or potential hassles from strangers. Seek out a chaperone, Ms.

Reynolds, a police officer, or museum official.4. Your appearance tells a lot about your personality and the qualities of our group. Look top notch at all times.

This does not mean formal attire, but somewhere between what you look like at school and what you might wear to a nice dinner or church.

5. Absolutely no smoking, drugs or alcohol on this trip. This is an automatic trip home at your expense. 6. SMILE! Show appreciation and kindness to those you meet. You will be surprised how many you will receive in

return!7. Be respectful of all situations at all times. Remember your attitude and behavior reflects on our entire group.

Bus Travel

1. Be on the bus in your seat on time. Be on time by being early.2. Be accountable for your seat partner and those around you. This will speed departure from sites to get to our

next destination smoothly.3. Please remain silent if given a guided tour on board. You might not be interested, but think of those around you.

Some guides will not compete for your attention and everyone’s time and money is wasted!4. Always be respectful to your driver! He/she is responsible for getting us safely from point A to point B. Thank

him/her when appropriate, especially at the end of each day!5. Think about packing as if you were flying. One limited size carry-on bag and one suitcase. Remember, you will

be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Hotel

1. When arriving, stay seated on the bus. Wait until room leaders have been called for your keys.2. Everyone helps unload luggage. You will load your own.3. Watch your noise and activity level. There are other patrons in the hotel. Remember your attitude and

behavior reflects on our entire group.4. Take no “souvenirs” from the hotel rooms. If the group is charged, you will pay on the spot.5. Do not leave money or other valuables in your hotel room unattended. Better still, leave valuables at home.6. Always keep the door locked. Never open the door without knowing who is on the other side.7. No boys in girls’ rooms; no girls in boys’ rooms.8. No phone calls from hotel room phones. 9. Save yourself extra costs by NOT ORDERING food or drinks to your room. 10. Absolutely NO PAY-PER-VIEW TV usage. 11. Chaperones will conduct evening room checks. Curfew/quiet will be established.12. If problems arise, get a chaperone or Ms. Reynolds.13. When leaving, be sure to open all drawers and closets. Look under beds, dressers and vanities for any potential

articles left behind. Once we are on the road, it is too late.

Restaurants

1. You will not be “McDonaldized” at meals. Eating in a restaurant is dining, not unwrapping, gulping and running. Show patience and enjoy time in some place you have never been!

2. We enter and leave restaurants as a group.3. Be mindful of your noise level. There are other patrons at the restaurants. Remember your attitude and

behavior reflects on our entire group.4. Breakfast is a required activity as we will take stock of who is present, what the day holds or if there are any

changes from your itinerary.

Sight-Seeing

1. Stay in groups of 3 or more at all times. 2. Don’t allow one person to enter a public bathroom alone. Most definitely, do not leave someone in a restroom

and wait outside.3. Be very careful of traffic! While city drivers are used to pedestrians, you are not accustomed to city traffic! You

must watch where you are at all times!4. Carry your money on your person. Ladies, if carrying a purse, please put it across your body, under one arm.

Recommend the use of a “fanny pack” as they are hard to remove from a person.5. Budget souvenir money carefully. The most expensive gift may not mean as much in several years as a ticket

stub, button, or other free or inexpensive mementos.6. Pack chargers and batteries for any of your electronics. 7. Keep track of your purchases once made. Nothing is more frustrating than leaving your souvenir behind!8. RE M E MB E R Y OU R AT TI TU DE AN D BE H AVIO R RE F LE C TS O N O UR E NT I RE GRO U P .

Non-Negotiable Travel RulesThe purpose of providing these rules is to ensure that all parent/guardians of students embarking on this trip (as well as

students themselves) understand and agree to the conditions set forth below:

1. No purchase, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or any controlled substances will be

allowed.

2. The Beal City Public Schools’ Student Code of Conduct will be adhered to as well as guidelines set forth in this document.

3. All students will obey all verbal and written directives of the Director and any chaperone.

4. Every student participates to his/her fullest ability in all activities.

5. Local laws broken will result in local law officials being contacted for action.

In the event, a student is in violation of acceptable behavior, the following will take place:

1. Parents will be notified immediately. The incident may be referred to the proper law enforcement agency.

2. The student will be sent home, without chaperone, at the expense of the parents/guardians of the student involved.

3. Upon return from the trip, the student will be referred to Beal City Public Schools’ administration and disciplined according

to the Student Code of Conduct.

In the event it is deemed necessary, the Director has the right to search a student or the student’s possession, if the search is

justified and is reasonably related in scope. Under the normal circumstances, this means that the Director may search a student’s

possessions if there are practical reasons to believe that the student has violated, or has evidence of the violation of, federal, state

or local law or school rules, and the search is reasonably related to the objective of the search, given the circumstances. The

Director will conduct searches in the presence of at least one other adult chaperone. Because of the nature of school-sponsored

trips, the Beal City Bands reserves the right to conduct searches that may include any and all rooms used by students by students on

the trip.

______________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

______________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Director Signature Principal Signature

______________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Superintendent Signature Notary Signature

Date____________________________________

Pay for your student’s trip in installments:

We have worked with our travel agency to accommodate concerns regarding family expenditures surrounding the

holiday season. Please note the payment schedule below.

$80 Monday, June 5

$100 Tuesday, September 5

$100 Thursday, October 5

$100 Sunday, November 5

$100 Tuesday, December 5

$100 Monday, February 5

$100 Monday, March 5

$680 Payment in full

Final payment in full is due to our travel agency by March 26th, 2018. Payments are respectfully requested in amounts

prescribed on the appropriate dates.

Checks should be made to: BEAL CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

With Chi 2018 in memo line

Parent Interest Survey – Chicago, IL

YOUR interest will gauge the ability to go forward. Each family’s financial situation, while not for public discussion, is of utmost importance as we move forward together. Please mark the appropriate blanks to indicate your interest in participating.

____________ YES! I want my student to participate in this travel opportunity to Chicago in Spring of 2018. Please find attached my $80 deposit.

____________ YES! I want my student to participate in this travel opportunity to Chicago in Spring of 2018. I need more time to ascertain my financial situation.

____________ YES! I am interested acting as a chaperone for the Beal City Bands trip to Chicago in Spring of 2018.

____________ YES! I am interested helping coordinate trip activities, fund-raisers and other preparation work before the Beal City Bands trip to Chicago in Spring of 2018.

____________ YES! I am interested developing an activity sheet for the motorcoach ride for the Beal City Bands trip to Chicago in Spring of 2018.

____________ No. I am not interested in having my student participate in the Beal City Bands trip to Chicago in Spring of 2018.

_____________________________________________________________ _______________________Parent Name Date

_____________________________________________________________Student Name