Rome Travel Tips

One of our band parents, Mrs. Tara Elgass, spent her junior year of college studying Architecture and Urban Planning in Rome.  During that time she fell in love with the city, and it still holds a very special place in her heart.

Mrs. Elgass was kind enough to share with us some 'travel tips' that are helpful when visiting Rome.  Her time living in the heart of central Rome gives her a unique perspective that we are pleased to share.  We strongly encourage all student participants to read this document thoroughly this weekend.

Click here to access Rome Travel Tips.

Thank you Mrs. Elgass for taking the time to share this information with the group!

Packing/Baggage Updates & Reminders

Are you packed?  If not, it's time to get started!  Here are some important reminders about bags, restrictions, and things you need to know about how to pack your bags.

• Students and chaperones are restricted to ONE suitcase or duffle bag (50 lbs. & 62” limit) and ONE carry-on
bag (45” limit), plus instrument.  Please refer to the Packing List that was distributed in February for further information.  You may see that document on line by clicking HERE.  *** It's very important that you weigh your bag, and you are certain it is 50 lbs. or less before arriving at DGS on June 13th for departure.  

• Each bag/instrument should be tagged with one of our official orange D99 Travel Tag.  These were passed out last February.  Important! If your instrument is being provided for you in Germany (percussion, tubas, bari sax, some bass clarinets) and you do not need the 3rd Travel Tag you were given, please bring it to rehearsal on Monday and give it to Mr. Teague.  We are short a few tags, and we could use those for some of our equipment bags.

• Small instruments (flutes, clarinets, oboes, some trumpet cases) can be carried onboard as a carry-on piece.  (If you can fit a flute/oboe/clarinet inside your other carry on, please do that.) Other instruments will be checked under the plane.  Make sure you use extra t-shirts as padding in your case as you pack the instruments.  

• You need to be very careful about how you pack liquids in your carry-on bag.  Travelers must adhere to the TSA's "3-1-1" guidelines.  Read about these regulation by clicking on THIS LINK.  

Hey Band - we're going to Rome........

As travel preparations continue in our home this weekend, two ruminations continue to come to the fore of my thoughts.

First, and foremost, I am traveling with 75 young adults that are amazing people and musicians.  I fully believe that I could not aspire to travel with a more remarkable group of students, and, I'm proud in advance of how they will represent our schools, our community and our nation during the course of our travels.

Frankly, going to Rome is beyond my wildest dreams up to this point in my life.  Being able to walk in the footprints of historically significant figures like Julius Caesar and the Apostle Paul causes me to both giggle with excitement and tremble with fear and humility all at once.

I'm honored to travel with this group of young adults, and, I'm thrilled to be a part of a process that expands their classroom in such a singularly unique manner.

As a very wise person once reminded me, all roads lead to Rome.........

PS - both groups have made remarkable progress during our week of intense rehearsals.  Be certain to hear the send-off concert on Monday night - you won't be disappointed.

Final Itinerary Posted / What Not To Wear

On the right hand side of this blog, under 'Tour Resources', you will find a link to our itinerary.  That link has just been updated with our final itinerary. We encourage all students (and their families) to read this updated document carefully.

We have added a section about attire for each day of the tour, and we believe reading this information in advance will allow our entire group to be successful in packing the needed clothing.

Included in this document are some updated guidelines about what you may wear on the plane (and 'What Not To Wear" on the plane), and reminders about what you must wear in certain parts of Rome.  We will hit 'highlights' at our final meetings on Monday, but we strongly encourage each student to take the time to read through this itinerary carefully prior to Monday.

Here is a direct link to the Final Itinerary.

Team Blogger!

As we near departure, you will begin to see our tour blog gradually pivot from an 'announcements & logistics' communication tool, to a more dynamic journal of the group's travel experiences.  The goal of our faculty is to turn over primary responsibility of documenting this adventure to the wonderful and very capable students of the District 99 Honors Band.

We've assembled a terrific team of six student Bloggers: three from North - three from South - three men - three women ... who are all excited to serve as your eyes and ears while the D99 Honors Band travels through Europe.

Introducing 'Team Blogger' ...

• Marjorie Fera, DGS French Horn/Trumpet (Senior) 
• Stephanie Gillen, DGN Flute (Graduate)
• Cameron Nichols, DGN French Horn (Junior) 
• Dan Reeter, DGS Clarinet (Senior)
• John Shimanek, DGS Trumpet (Junior)
• Joe Vitti, DGN Tuba/Trombone (Senior)

Passports & Airport Procedures

When students report to South High School at 4:45 PM on the day of departure, they will first meet with their designated chaperone.  At that time, chaperones will check to make sure that each student has their Passport, and then hand them a Passport wallet (provided by our travel agent).  Students will then put this around their necks, and tuck it under their tour shirt.  

Following a group picture, we will load motor coaches and depart for O'Hare.  Students will keep their passports with them, around their neck, through check-in, and security.

‘Chaperones groups’ will check-in together at the airport. After the entire group has moved through security, the chaperone will collect the boarding passes for each student.  Boarding passes will be handed back to the student just prior to boarding.  

Once students are seated on the aircraft, faculty will collect passports, and be responsible for them until they are needed again in Rome, as the group moves through Customs.  Following customs, passports will again be collected and held by chaperones.  

Students are encouraged to use the passport wallet, tucked into their shirts, to carry cash during the tour. 

Press Photos

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.

Euro Cup 2012 - What You Need To Know

Second only to the World Cup (for Europeans), the Euro Cup is a really big deal in the countries that sponsor participating national teams.  Germany is, of course, one of those nations and you will hear your host families talking about the tournament while you are there.

Do a little study about the tournament before we leave, so that you can appreciate their excitement and understand a little bit about how the tournament is configured.

Here's a link to a nice Wikipedia article that summarizes the 2012 Euro Cup, and gives you all the 'need to know information.'

Here's a link to the official UEFA site, for you more serious football/soccer fans!

Airline Seat Assignments

We typically begin getting questions, about a week before departure, about airline seats and how they will be assigned.  The first thing you need to know is that we (D99 faculty) have no control over who is assigned to which seat on the aircraft.  When a group like ours initially purchases tickets, the airline assigns each passenger a 'locator number.'  When we check in at the airport for our flights, the airline will then tell us which number (passenger) has been assigned to which seat.  We have frequently seen airlines assign these to us alphabetically by last name throughout the block of seats we have been allocated.  Again, District 99 has no control over these assignments.  

All passengers must be in these assigned seats for departure.  There will be no exceptions for students.  The only potential changes prior to take-off will be for D99 staff who - in working in consort with the airlines - may need to reposition themselves for supervision and access.  These changes (if needed) will be coordinated by the flight attendants and your group chaperones.  If you are asked by a staff member or flight attendant to switch seats, please do so politely. 

Later in the flight, once the aircraft is at a cruising altitude and the captain has given passengers permission to move in the cabin, minor adjustments to seating for students may take place.  However, if this is desired, it should be done quietly, slowly, without disruption to others, and in a staggered fashion.  In other words, everyone can't just stand up and start changing seats.  Think of it like a slow chess game ... one move at a time.   

In the end, you might just find that it's okay to be sitting next to someone in the band you don't already know very well.  A great opportunity to get to know someone new!


Remember we have four flights together during this tour.  This information applies to each of the four flights.  

We Have 'An App For That'

Do you use a 'Smart Phone'?  You can now use your iPhone or Android phone to quickly access our Germany 2012 Tour Blog in an easy-to-use App.  It's a very handy way to quickly check-in on the most recent posts and information about the band's tour, follow our Twitter feed, or view short YouTube videos we will post while on tour. Parents, this may be your fastest and easiest way to "follow" the band from home.

How do you do it?  Using the web browser on your smart phone, type in the following URL:

http://wbxapp.com/d99honorsband2012

Alternatively, you can scan the box below with your phone's QR Barcode Reader:

Once you access the page you can either 'Add to Homescreen' (iPhone) or add a Bookmark or Widget (Android).  Then you are good to go.  The latest D99 Honors Band news is only a few clicks away!

Money - Make Sure You Have Some Euro for Departure Day!

This post is a reminder that each student is encouraged to carry a reasonable amount of cash, in Euro, upon departure.

We actually discourage students from taking TOO MUCH cash on the tour.  Special student issued credit or debit cards tied to your bank, are typically the best option for money management during the tour.  And speaking of those cards, make sure you KNOW HOW TO USE the card before departure.  Know if there is a password or PIN number needed, and make sure you have that information at your disposal.  Also, make certain the bank/financial institution has 'activated' the card prior to departure.

But, it is good to have a small amount of cash, in Euro, for our arrival in Rome.  A student may need to grab a snack, or use a public washroom during a tour (yes, frequently you pay for that privilege in Europe!) before there would be a chance to do any kind of withdrawal of cash from a Money Exchange.  $50 US Dollars (40 Euro) would be a good place to start to insure that you have the resources you need on the ground when we land in Italy.

Click here to be redirected to a Feb. 28th post on this Blog about a local currency exchange (in Naperville) that has offered a special rate for members of our band.

Ten Easy Steps To Set Up You iDevice Calendar

Yesterday we reminded you that you can subscribe to the tour Google Calendar / Itinerary on an iDevice (like an iPod Touch, an iPhone or an iPad).  We shared some links, but didn't go into set up detail.  Since then, we've put together a quick guide to help you set it up.

Here are the ten easy steps, spelled out for you:

On your iDevice ...

1. Open up 'Settings'
2. Select 'Mail, Contacts, Calendars'
3. Near the top of the screen, touch 'Add Account ...'
4. You will now see a list of several options.  Touch the last one called 'Other'
5. Touch the last button on the next screen, called 'Add Subscribed Calendar'
6. You will now see a prompt to enter a 'Server' address.  Enter this URL exactly: http://tinyurl.com/6m7r8au
7. Touch 'Next'
8. After it quickly verifies the calendar, you will now see a 'Save' button.  Touch it.
9. Exit back out of the 'Settings' menu with your 'HOME' button.
10. Tap the Calendar App on your iDevice, and voila!  The itinerary now appears on your device.

You will note that all of the events, from June 14th forward, will show up in local European time.  Once your iDevice connects with a WiFi network in Europe, your calendar should automatically read these events in local time, provided you have the "Time Zone Support" turned ON in your Settings.  This can be found in SETTINGS > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Calendars > Time Zone Support.

Fodor's Travel App - Rome

Fodor's is one of the premiere travel information publishers in the world.   If you are going to be traveling with an iDevice of some kind during the tour, it's worth your time to download their FREE Rome Travel Guide.  (Click here to preview it.)  Your parents are used to carrying large/heavy Fodor's Travel Guide books on vacation.  You can carry it all in your pocket!

If you are not using an iDevice of any kind, but would like to do some great research prior to departure, the same information may be found here, in a web app.

10 Day Countdown Begins - Have You Subscribed to our Calendar / Itinerary?

With 10 days to go until departure you should now expect at least one daily update with final reminders and announcements.

Today's post is simply a reminder that we have our first rehearsals with the tour ensembles on Monday, June 4th.  The full band begins at 9 AM (see previous posts about parking, and arriving no later than 8:45 AM), and the jazz band will begin practice after lunch at 1:30 PM.

Remember that you can always check the most recently updated calendar/itinerary on our blog.  You can also subscribe to our Google calendar/itinerary on your portable mobile devices.

If you are already a Google Calendar user, here is the Google Calendar ID for our tour:

Calendar ID: 9q8enhftgpnkqn05oq5qdihbas@group.calendar.google.com

If you want to import the calendar/itinerary into other kinds of calendar applications, here is the HTML address:

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=9q8enhftgpnkqn05oq5qdihbas%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Chicago 

Be a Gracious Guest

The host family experience is at the heart of the District 99 exchange program with the Bietigheim-Bissingen Musikschule, and it is important that you are prepared to make a good impression and be an excellent guest.

Behavioral Expectations for Guests

You are representing American youth in a foreign land.  In many ways, the country and family you will live with for a short time will think of all Americans as they think of you.  The impression you leave with your families is crucial to the successful tours now and in the future.  Therefore, it is important to always use proper etiquette and manners.

You should try to relate to your Host Family as you do your own family: confide in them, ask them to help when you need it, let them know how you feel, take an interest in their lives and culture, and show your appreciation for their kindness and hospitality.

Here are some helpful reminders:

1. Before we leave, learn to say "please" (bitte) and "thank-you" (danke) in German.  Use these words frequently.
2. Say "Good Morning" (Guten Morgen) and "Good Night" (Gute Nacht) to your family.  Greet your family each time you see them with a warm smile.  
3. Keep your room clean.  Don't leave your stuff everywhere!
4. Engage in conversation.  Break the ice!  Share things about yourself. Ask questions.
5. Ask FIRST before you use anything.  Never borrow things without asking.
6. Don't assume.  Don't take anything for granted.
7. Don't monopolize the bathroom.  Get in, and get out!
8. Try to wait for the host family to offer their phone, computer or other electronics to you.  When they do offer, feel free to accept the invitation, but keep your time to a minimum - 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb.  If you use the phone, offer to reimburse the family for any charges.  
9. Never take out a cell phone, or other personal electronics, while at the dinner table.  It is very impolite to look away from the conversation (even if you don't understand everything you are hearing!) while participating in a family meal.
10. Relax and enjoy your opportunity to make some new friends!

Gifts for your Host Families

As we mentioned at the meeting last February, you should plan to present your host family with a small gift to show your appreciation for their hospitality.  There is no rule about exactly when to present the gift to the family, but typically it is presented near the end of the stay.  You will want to take something that is small, not breakable, and rather inexpensive (it's the thought that counts) so that it can easily fit into your luggage.  Students often selet items that represent the Chicago area, the communities that we live in, or their families.  Some students even make their gifts.  Here are a few suggestions if you are looking for inspiration:

1. Framed photograph of you and your family back home with a dated note of appreciation back.
2. Small memento from our State of Illinois, or the Chicago area.
3. Christmas ornaments or framed needlepoint decorations.

Facebook & Instagram

We are asking all tour participants that use Facebook (and any parents or family that are interested in following us)  to visit and 'Like' our official D99 Honors Band Tour Facebook page.

This will provide you with another way to keep updated on final pre-tour announcements,

https://www.facebook.com/d99honorsband2012

If you are someone who enjoys using Instagram, we will be documenting various tour events through our 'd g n f i n e a r t s' Instagram feed.  We welcome you as a follower if you use Instagram!

Honors Band Seating Chart

UPDATED: Parking for DGN Rehearsals Next Week / Start Time

UPDATED!

There is a lot of construction at DGN, and there will be even more next week!  The Main Street lot is under construction, and students will not be able to use it next week.

The easiest way to get to and from band rehearsals at DGN next week will be to be dropped off and picked up.  The Forest Street entrance on the south side of the building will be open (there is a circle turn-around here that will make it easy for parents to drop off their children).  Alternatively, students may be dropped off on Grant Street, in front of Gloria Dei church, and then cross Main St. at the light.  (It is illegal to stop and drop directly on Main St.)

Students who are driving will have to park in the lot on the WEST side of the building (near the North football stadium).  After parking, students will walk across Prince Street and enter the campus at the NORTH-WEST corner of the football stadium.  Students should then walk around the stadium track (inside the stadium), and then enter the building via the doors by the Fine Arts Loading Dock.  This entrance is labeled “22” above the door.  Once you enter the building, the band room is #142, and is just steps away from this entrance.

We need to make great use of every rehearsal minute allocated to our band next week.  Give yourself plenty of time to be in the band room early on Monday morning.  We ask that you aim to arrive no later than 8:45 am so you have time to find your seat and warm up properly before a 9 AM downbeat.  If you are driving and parking, arrive at DGN by 8:30 am so you have time to walk to the band room through the construction.

As a reminder, the June 4th rehears schedule has the full band working from 9 AM - 12 noon, and the jazz band working from 1:30 - 3:30 PM.

Your music faculty is really looking forward to making music with you on Monday!

Concert Attire Requirements

For our formal concert in Bietigheim-Bissingen:

Men – Tuxedo or tuxedo look.  Black dress pants / Black dress socks / Black dress shoes / WHITE long sleeved dress shirt (tucked in with a black belt.  Black Sport Coat/Blazer.  Black bow –tie.   Women – Long Black dress skirt (should be well below the knees when seated) or Black dress pants / Black closed-toe dress shoes /black or neutral color nylons / Black long sleeved dress blouse (at least 3/4 sleeved REQUIRED – no straps, shoulders must be completely covered, conservative cut in front).  A formal black dress with long sleeves is also appropriate. Ladies, please note: any formal blouse/top must completely cover your waist when seated or standing.  You should not have to tug down on your blouse, or up on your pants, to cover your body. Dress pants do not include tight-fitting yoga style pants, or jeans of any kind.  Women must wear closed toe black dress shoes.  Sandals of any kind are inappropriate for any of our concerts on tour.   

Be Conservative – Be Formal – Be PROFESSIONAL!

For our informal concerts including our Jazz Band performances:

Men & Women – Tour Shirt with black crew neck t-shirt under the bowling shirt.  Black dress pants.  Black, closed-toe dress shoes.  Black socks or nylons.  

It's Electrifyin'!

With our tour quickly approaching, we have had some students beginning to ask for clarification about power adapters, phone chargers and all things electronic for use on the tour.  Here, once and for all, is the explanation (hopefully) of what students will need and will NOT need for the trip:

1)  DO NOT BRING A HAIR DRYER!  There is most likely one in your hotel room for your convenient use (we are confirming this, but in our experience this is standard. Your host family will probably have one as well.  You can email them ahead time to ask them!

2)  If you MUST bring a curling or straightening iron (or the hair dryer we just told you not to bring), Bring one that is made for travel and is DUAL VOLTAGE.  From looking at Target and Walmart online, it looks like there are several options.  MAKE SURE IT IS A DUAL VOLTAGE appliance.  When in doubt, ask!  Then, still read the box or instructions a couple times to make sure. There is also the possibility of using a voltage adapter, but despite our best efforts, it seems like students always try to make this work and run into some sort of trouble.  Again, you can ask your hosts if they have what you need.  

3)  If you are bringing small rechargeable electronics such as a cellphone, iPod, iPad, digital camera, etc. all you will probably need is a PLUG ADAPTER (explained below).  Here's how to know for sure.  Take a look at the charging plug for your electronic device.  It will have a bunch of writing on it.  Here is an example of two of my own charging plugs (Click on image to enlarge):

The plug on the left says "Input: AC 120v 60Hz 4W.  120v is what we use here in the US.  The UK and Europe use 240v so I cannot use this power supply in Italy and Germany without a LOW WATTAGE or DUAL WATTAGE VOLTAGE adapter (explained below, I promise!).  The plug on the right, however, says Input: 100-240v 200mz 50-60Hz.  That lets me know that it will work on US voltage AND UK/European voltage. So for that device, all I need is the PLUG ADAPTER!  So, look at your small electronics.  Most likely all you will need is the plug adapter.

Now for the explanations!

Voltage Adapters/Converter

These come in three types - High Wattage (for devices from about 50w to about 1800w), Low Wattage (for devices less than 50w), and Dual Wattage (which can do both kinds of devices by switching a switch). Small electronics will need the Low or Dual Wattage adapter (set on Low).  Using the High Wattage converter with small electronics will cause damage. To use these voltage adapters, you will also need to have the appropriate plug adapters (which are often but not always included).

A quick look on Frys.com turned up the following low wattage adapter for what seems to be a great price (click on top line for link to website):

50 Watt Voltage Converter Transforms 220/240 Volts Into 110/120 Volts - VC-50

Mfr: Black Point   Model: VC-50   FRYS.com #1769524   UPC: 014759030065 $7.95

As of this posting, it is available currently in the store right here in Downers Grove.  Note that this adapter does not come with the plug adapters that you will need to plug this into the wall in your hotel room and with your host family. (plug adapter goes into the wall, then the voltage adapter plugs into that, and then your device plugs into the voltage adapter).

Plug Adapters Even if you do not need a voltage adapter/converter you will still need a plug adapter that will change the shape of your US plug to the European plug type.  Fry's sells a couple sets of plug adapters  for a range of prices.  The adapter you need looks like this: Here are two sets of adapters that look like they will work (click on the top line of each to get the link.  Both are in stock at the Downers Grove Fry's as well.)  Then you are ready for future international adventures! (Note - Despite this first set saying "United Kingdom", it is indeed a set for Europe and the UK) United Kingdom Plug Adapter These 4 Plug Adapters will Convert most Elect. Plugs VC-40  GQ Products: FRYS.com #: 1769513 $8.79 Lenmar: AC5 World Traveler Adapter Plug Set, With Various Adapter Plugs  Power Transformers: FRYS.com #: 4132603 $10.99 I hope this helps!  Please feel free to email Mr. Miller if you still have any questions!

What You Need To Have Ready for the First Rehearsal

Our first rehearsal of the D99 Honors Band is just one week away!  On Monday, June 4^th, we will gather at 9:00 am in the North High Band Room (142) to read all of the literature we hope to perform in Germany.

We are working under the presumption that you have already secured all of your parts (following the instructions provided earlier) and you have been busy preparing your music in anticipation of next week’s ‘boot camp.’ It is really important that you review ALL of the music prior to June 4^th, even if you already feel like you have a general technical/musical grasp on the literature.  Some of the pieces you may not have performed in over 6 months.  Other pieces are new for everyone!  Support the collective musicianship of the team/ensemble by knowing your parts before you show up next Monday.  No member of the band should be sight-reading anything.

Additionally, we will be checking on June 4^th to make sure your music binder is appropriately organized, and labeled with your name.

So here are the items you need to have with you next Monday, June 4^th

1.       Your instrument and all equipment to make great music.  Brass players make certain you have all mutes required of you.  Woodwinds have multiple high-functioning reeds.  Percussionists bring all personal mallets and sticks, making sure that all are labeled with your name. 

2.       Your own pencil.

3.       A plain, black, 3 ring binder.  Your name should appear on the inside of the binder and be easy for someone to locate if your binder is misplaced.  (Please do not affix your name to the outside of the binder.

4.       Enough plastic sleeves to hold all of your concert band music (and jazz, if you are playing in the jazz band).  You can buy these sleeves at Office Depot (or similar).  Remember you can place your music pages back-to-back in the sleeves. 

5.       Your personal copies of the music.  For now, please organize your folder with your music in this order …

Fanfare of Freedom – David Ott
(Leave one blank plastic sheet for the National Anthems, which we will distribute to you on June 4.)
Procession of the Nobles - Rimsky-Korsakov
... Go! - Sam Hazo
The Thunderer – Sousa

After the Thunderer - Ira Hershen

Slava! – Leonard Bernstein
Dreamland - Michael Markowski
Harry Potter Suite – John Williams
                I. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (arr. Lopez)
                II. Harry’s Wondrous World (arr. Brubaker)
Alleluia! Laudemus Te - Alfred Reed
National Game – Sousa/ed. Keith Brion
Stars and Stripes
Beguine for Band – Glenn Osser

Students who are playing in the D99 Honors Jazz Band should also include that music in their binder.  We suggest that, for now, you simply organize those pieces alpha by title.

*** Again, to reinforce expectations, every student is expected to have their very own black binder completely assembled and ready to use at 9:00 am on June 4^th.  Walk into the rehearsal with your materials ready to go, the music learned, and excited to make great music with a very talented group of your peers!

Group Photograph Set For June 6th - 8:30 AM

We will take the publicity/press photograph of the District 99 Honors Band at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, June 6th.  Band members are asked to kindly add this event to their personal calendar.

Students are asked to arrive at North High wearing their full dress 'Concert Black' at 8:20 AM.  This includes 'tuxedo' look with ties for men, and long/covering black clothing for the women.  Appropriate closed-toe black dress shoes required.

Students should set up their instrument in the band room, and then report to the Main Street Lobby of North High School for the picture, which will be taken at 8:30 AM.  If a student is late, they will not be in this photograph, which will be used in press releases, and also framed to hang in our schools.  We will take the photograph at 8:30 AM with the students who are ready to go.  Please plan transportation accordingly, and consider potential traffic delays at train tracks, etc.  The school building will be open by 8:00 AM for anyone who would like to be early.

Following the picture, students will have the opportunity to change into comfortable clothing for the rehearsal, which will begin at 9:00 AM, so don't forget to bring a change of clothes with you!

Departure in ...

Host Family Assignments Updated

We received an updated roster of Host Family Assignments from our friends in Germany.  Many of the missing email addresses of host families have now been filled in.  You may access that list here.

This updated list, and all future updates, may be accessed via the link on the right hand side of this page, marked "Host Family Assignments."  We will always keep the most updated information in this "Tour Resources section of the Blog.

Did you know???

Did you know we are visiting the Roman Colosseum very soon?  Did you know that during the prime time of funcationality, lions would "pop" up out of the floor of the Colosseum to wage battles with gladiators?  Did you know that when you know something about places you are going to visit your experience will be greatly enhanced?

Check out this fabulous article from the Smithsonian Magazine that uncovers previously unknown secrets of the Roman Colosseum..........

Secrets of the Roman Colosseum

Please Review Your Part Assignments

We have created an updated list of all part assignments.  This is a very specific list that should help you know exactly which part you are playing on each piece of literature.  (For example, a clarinet player might be playing 'Clarinet 3' on one piece, but playing 'Clarinet 4' on another.)

Click here to access the Google Doc that shows your part assignments for each individual piece of tour literature.  Note that there are two 'tabs' at the bottom of the spreadsheet.  One is for 'Winds' and one is for 'Percussion.'

Reference Recordings Online!

To help in your preparation for our quickly approaching tour, we have posted reference recordings of most of the concert and jazz literature.  Even if you have performed this literature during the year, hearing these recordings should help you in your practicing.  There are also several pieces in both the concert and jazz band repertoire that NO ONE has played this year! For those tour participants who have not played any of this literature during the year, it is very important for you to start listening and to continue to prepare your music so you can be caught up by the time our rehearsals start in June.

Recordings can be found in the TOUR RESOURCES link on the right side of our blog page.

Host Family Assignments

We have just received the host family assignments!

Click here to see the list, and find your name.

The music faculty at the Musikschule are working to fill in the blanks of missing email addresses.  We will update the list as it is made available to us.

Students will probably start to receive communication from the host family in the next week.  You are also encouraged to 'reach out' to your host, if you would like to say hello!

Departure in ...

Tour Chaperone Assignments

Want to Swim in Rome? Pack a Swim Cap!

Our new hotel has a roof-top pool.  If you want to swim in it, you must pack a swim cap.  This hotel, like many in Italy, require that all swimmers (male and female) wear a swim cap.  No exceptions.  If you don't have one, they will not let you swim.

Hotel in Rome - Change

We were informed today, by our travel agent, that a change has been made regarding our hotel in Rome.

Reason for the change: -  The H10 Hotel recently had a student group stay at the hotel and there was some damage done to the hotel. A decision was made by the hotel management that they will no longer allow student groups and they have cancelled our contract and the contract of another student group scheduled for June.

Our agent has found an outstanding alternate property, and we are already booked.  It is a four star hotel with a roof top pool and Wi-Fi.

All roommate assignments will still be honored at the new hotel.  

The new hotel's website may be accessed by clicking here.

A copy of the tour itinerary, updated with the new hotel information, may be found here or accessed through the navigation links of this blog.

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Calendar Addition: Send Off Concert!

The District 99 Honors Band, and Honors Jazz Band, will present a 'Tour Send Off Concert' featuring musical excerpts from our tour repertoire, on Monday evening, June 11th, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm in the North High School Auditorium.

We hope that family and friends in the community will come out to support our student musicians who will be appreciative of an audience to play for prior to tour departure.

Following the concert there will be a brief (20-30 min.) final parent/participant meeting in the Auditorium.

Thank you for adding this to your calendar.

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Percussion Assignments Now Ready!

We have nine talented percussionists traveling with the District 99 Honors Band, and fourteen pieces of literature to coordinate.  We have done our best to assign students to parts they have already played this year.  In some cases, however, students will be playing new parts that they have not yet learned.  (This includes current Wind Ensemble members at both schools.)

Percussionists should CLICK HERE and print out their part assignments.

Dress Code for Vatican City

Vatican Dress Code

The informational 'Packing List' that we shared at our recent parent meeting did not address needs regarding what we must wear when touring Vatican City.  

A dress code is enforced for entry into St. Peter’s Basilica and Churches in general in Italy. The code is based upon what is considered “modest” and “appropriate” dress for visiting a Catholic church, and visitors are reminded that, although St. Peter’s is an architectural and artistic monument, it is first a place of worship and prayer. The dress code forbids:

• hats for lay men inside the Basilica
• shorts/skirts above the knees
• sleeveless shirts
• shirts exposing the navel
• shirts for women that expose cleavage
• shirts which contain profanity

For the sake of our tour, the travel agency we are working with has advised that we require the following of all student and adult participants:

MEN:

Long pants.  'Dockers' style.  No jeans.  No shorts.  Dress shoes.  Collared shirt (i.e. a short sleeved 'polo' style shirt.

WOMEN:

Long pants, or a skirt that hangs below the knees.  Dark or neutral colors (this is not the time to wear your bright pink Easter dress).  No jeans.  No shorts.  Dress shoes.  Shirt/blouse must have sleeves, and be extremely conservative.  Higher neck line is important.  

We have been told that admittance can sometimes be based on the preference of the guard who is working at the time.  Some guards might allow a visitor with nice jeans to enter, while another might take issue with jeans, and not let the person enter.  For this reason, as a tour group we are going to prohibit jeans completely at the Vatican, to ensure that we do not have an issue.  Wouldn't it be a shame to travel half-way around the world, and then not be able to see the Vatican because you had on jeans?

As our travel agent said to us, " ... best to think of this like you are going to a formal church on Sunday with your grandparents."

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Final Payment - Postmarked by April 6

This is a reminder that the final payment for the tour is due on April 6th.

The final payment is CONFIRMED as $600.00.

Please remit Coupon #6, as per the instructions on the coupon.

80 Days To Departure!