Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the band going?
    The band is going to New York City for a master class and
    workshop and a performance at Lincoln Center.
When will the trip take place?
    The trip will be March 31, 2004 (6:00 PM) to April 4, 2004     (3:00 PM).
What is included in the cost?
    The cost covers lodging (quad occupancy) at the hotel, all     transportation, guided sightseeing tours (midtown Manhatten,     downtown Manhatten, Empire State building, World Trade     Center (Ground Zero), Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Ferry,     Lincoln Center, and more), 2 Broadway plays, 2 breakfasts at     the Hilton, dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, lunch at John's     Pizzeria in Times Square, dinner at Jeckyll and Hyde's, and a     meal coupon to eat at the South Street Seaport.
When is the band leaving to go to New York?
    The band will leave at 6 PM on Wednesday night (March 31),     sleep on the bus, and arrive in New York at approx. 10:00 AM     Thursday morning.
When will the band get back to Shades Valley?
    The band will board the bus late Saturday night, drive all night,     and is scheduled to return to Shades Valley Sunday afternoon     around 3 PM.
When will the bands be performing?
    They will perform at the Lincoln Center Plaza on Friday morning     at 10:00 AM.
How should I dress to go to the theater?
    Please make sure your child has dress clothes to wear at night.     No T-shirts and jeans for the theater.
What about the weather in New York?
    We do not know what kind of weather they will have so be sure     that your child takes clothing that can be layered. Make sure     your child has adequate warm clothing in case it turns cold.     Your child should carry at least one pair of comfortable shoes     (not just flip flops and sandals). We will be walking a great     deal.
What should I do if there is an emergency at home and I    need to get in touch with my child.
   Call Mark Heaton, our Tour Director, at (407) 491-9153.
How will parents be notified if anything happens in New     York?
    You will receive a phone call from Mr. Allinder via "Calling     Post". Please let Mr. Allinder know if you are not receiving     band  reminders so that he can add your number to the calling     list.
How much money should my child take? (See MEALS)
    Your child should take enough money for 5 meals (2 breakfasts     and 3 lunches). Two of the meals will be in New York City     (probably a bit expensive) and three will be on the road     (estimate $7-$15 per meal). Your child will also need souvenir     money and snack money. This trip is fast paced and you need to     send enough money to ensure that your child has adequate     nourishment. Please make sure your child knows exactly what     your expectations are for the money you are sending with them.     Please discuss your souvenir policy with your child before the     trip. Please make sure your child has $2 as a small token for our     bus drivers and tour guide.It would be a good idea to take two     single $1 bills and put them in an envelope.
What does my child need to carry?
    Space is limited so we are requesting that your child limit     luggage to one suitcase and one carry-on (duffel bag or     backpack). The carry-on will be used to carry a change of     clothes and shoes on the days that changing will be necessary.     Since luggage is often similar, please make sure that each piece     of luggage is clearly marked with your child's name. Make sure     your child can carry their own luggage without assistance.
    Please make sure that your child carries:
         a pillow and cover (can be left on the bus)
         sunglasses
         sunscreen
         a rain poncho or light raincoat (no umbrellas)
         a watch
         a photo ID
         musical instrument
     Please make sure that your child does NOT carry:
        alcohol
        tobacco
        drugs (not even over-the-counter ones) Mr. Allinder will              carry first aid supplies and over-the-counter pain              reliever. If your child must take any medication, it must be              turned in to Mr. Allinder for administration.
Who is eligible to go on the trip?
    Students who participated in the band program during the     2003-2004 school year (who have no outstanding band debts).
What about chaperones?
    Chaperones will be assigned a small group of students.
When will the band return?
    The band will board the bus late Saturday night, drive all night,     and is scheduled to return to Shades Valley early on Sunday     (April 4) at about 3:00 PM.
What transportation system will be used?
    The band will travel on luxury buses.
How long will the trip take?
    The trip will take approximately 16 hours.

There will be BEYOND Zero Tolerance for inappropriate possessions or behavior on the trip. Please check and make sure that your child does not carry anything on the trip to wear or to do that would be unacceptable at school (exceptions are personal music devices (with headphones only) and cell phones which they are encouraged to carry.

DEPARTURE for NY
March 31, 2004
6:00 PM
Shades Valley High

ARRIVAL in NY
April 1, 2004
10:00 AM

BACK to B'HAM
April 3, 2004
11:00 PM

ARRIVAL in B'HAM
April 4, 2004
3:00 PM