Spring Trip
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 2009 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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