Spring Trip
SPFHS
Music Dept Spring 2009 Evaluation Trip to Orlando, Florida
Wednesday April 29th to Sunday May 3rd
Disney trip - Student Participation
To All Music Parents:
As you know this year we are planning our spring music evaluation to Disney
World, Florida. The trip will be from Wednesday, April 29, through Sunday, May
3. The music boosters and staff have been busy planning the logistics and at
this time it appears to be a very exciting and rewarding trip for all of the
students.
This year Disney has integrated a new phase to their Magic Music Days. They
have initiated a Festival Disney to allow large programs, such as ours an
opportunity to perform and be evaluated by college professors and professional
musicians. As a bonus to the performing ensembles an adjudicator will then come
onto the stage and clinic the students offering constructive feedback.
This year Disney has asked for the Raider Marching Band to march down Main
Street in one of the many parades and the Moonglowers to entertain in the
Starlight Cafe, Tomorrow Land and Magic Kingdom. The ensembles entering the
Festival Disney will include: Concert Choir, Select Choir, Wind Ensemble, and
Symphonic Band. Mr. Brozozwski, Mr. Thomas and I tried to allow every student
who would like to attend, an opportunity to perform with one of ensembles
mentioned above in Disney World. This will guarantee that the students will have
an educational and musical experience in Disney World. In addition this also
allows the students to have free time with their friends and build memories that
will last forever. Many times I have alumni visit after graduating high school
and one trip they constantly talk about is their experience in Disney World. I
am sure your child will have a great time and I assure you the staff and parents
will provide a safe and well chaperoned environment at all times.
Cordially yours,
Vinnie Turturiello
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The Spring Evaluation Trip is open to ALL students participating in the
HS Music Program. For $1095, reduced by fundraising opportunities, this trip
provides 5 days of camaraderie and competition that will create lifelong
memories. Send in the
Sign-up form!
Wednesday: Flights depart to Orlando after school, Check In
Thursday: Transfer to Disney Park, Festival performances, Free Time
Friday: Transfer to Disney Park, Festival performances, Free Time
Saturday: Transfer to Disney Park, Award ceremonies, Free Time
Sunday: Check Out, Transfer to Disney Park, Depart Orlando for Home
First Payment: $350.00, due by Oct 10th ($100.00 is
non-refundable)
Second Payment: $375.00, due by Dec 7th
Final Payment: $370.00, due by Feb 20th
Please Note: Final payment amount subject to potential fuel
surcharge increases
Complete the TRIP
SIGN-UP FORM, and mail or drop off with check made payable to SPFMBA to:
John Ritsko, 2289 Redwood Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076-2115
*** No Cash please, and do not put trip forms/payments in Blue Box ***
Fundraising credits will be applied toward the 2nd and the final
payments. If you’re unable to meet the payment schedule dates, please
contact us to make alternate arrangements prior to the due dates.
Opportunities available to the students to help defray the cost of the
trip:
Should you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thanks…
John Ritsko (908) 889-1881
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In the
Spring (generally April or May), the Music Department attends an evaluation
sponsored by the Festivals of Music. In
the past, SPF students have traveled to Williamsburg, Va.; Boston, Ma.;
Washington, D.C.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and Ocean City, Md. to participate in
this evaluation. This year, students will travel to Boston. The students also
look forward to a trip every fourth year to Walt Disney World in Orlando,
Florida. This trip, was held in the
Spring of 2005 and includes various performances by the band and choral
ensembles, but did not involve evaluation by the Festivals of Music.
The Spring
evaluation trip is 3-4 days long and is usually held around a weekend so
students only miss 1-2 days of school (students are responsible for making up
any school work they miss over those days).
The first day of the trip is spent traveling and some of the musical
groups may compete that first evening. The
students spend almost the entire second day in competition.
The third day is a "fun" day (although one or two ensembles may have
to perform that morning) spent at a local place of interest (e.g. Busch Gardens,
Quincy Market, the 'Mall' in Washington D.C.).
The trip participants also attend the Festivals of Music Awards Ceremony
that afternoon or evening. The last
day is spent traveling, with a stop along the way home for lunch.
Transportation
is provided via coach buses equipped with VCRs.
Most meals (except for a couple of lunches) are also included in the cost
of the trip.
All students
in the Music Department are invited on the trip - this includes all
instrumental students (Marching Band, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Moonglowers,
SPF Jazz, Percussion Ensemble), all vocal students (Sensations Show Choir, Las
Cantadoras, Select Choir, Barbershop Quartet, and Full Choir, both 1st
and 2nd semester students), and Winter Guard.
Adult
Chaperones
Music
Department staff members , a Board of Education Nurse and parent chaperones also
participate in the trip. Chaperones
help to ensure the students' safety and participation throughout the trip,
taking attendance on the buses, making sure all students are in their rooms at "bed check", etc. Chaperones
are available to assist students all day and night.
Student
Conduct & Expectations
Students are
expected to behave responsibly and respectfully - not only at the hotel, but
also at all performances, restaurants and on the buses.
Any damages to hotel rooms, buses, etc. are the responsibility of the
students. A Personal Conduct/Participation form, which details specific
rules of conduct to be followed by every student on the Spring Evaluation Trip, must
be signed/returned in order to participate.
Cost of
the Trip
The cost of the trip must be paid in full prior
to the trip. Student Fundraisers help to
defray the cost of individual students.
Emergency Notification
In addition, an
Emergency Notification form must be completed, notarized and returned before the
trip. This form allows for
emergency medical treatment, if necessary; it also provides important
information on how parents and guardians can be reached during the trip as well
as information on any medical conditions the students may have.
These forms are kept strictly confidential, are managed by a Board of
Education approved nurse who accompanies us on the trip, and are only accessed
in the event of an emergency. It
is VERY important to fill in the form completely!
Medications
As per guidelines set by the State of NJ, students are not allowed to
self-dispense medications except for life threatening illnesses.
If a student requires medication, the Board of Education supplied nurse
will retain and administer the medication as long as appropriate forms have been
completed and signed by student's physician and parent/guardian.
Additional details will be provided in specific Trip-related
correspondence.
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