As a band director, you know a tradition of travel is important to your program. It helps with recruiting and retention and gives your students something to look forward to. Normally this means simple in-state trips and the occasional out-of-state trip.
But once every four years we recommend your band program go big- and by that we mean go international. And there’s no bigger international trip… than taking your band to China!
Wait, Why Go International?
You’ve probably noticed this yourself: the more ambitious the destination, the more honor, prestige, and positive attention your program earns. There is nothing wrong with taking your band to Disney World after a grueling band season. But you’re a lot more likely to get on the local news if your band goes to Costa Rica or Austria.
International travel demonstrates competency in your program. It elicits wonder and amazement from your community. And it blows open the minds of your students when they experience the culture of another country. Basically all the benefits of domestic travel, but supercharged.
Ok, So Why China?
China is one of the most ambitious international destinations there is. Therefore, traveling there maximizes all the benefits of an international trip!
Sure, it’s uncommon for bands to go to China, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Quite the opposite in fact. China’s bureau of tourism is so eager for American groups to visit, they brought us to China to learn what it’s like for a band like yours to go as well. Here’s what your band can experience:
- Exotic Performance Opportunities: Imagine not only getting to see the Great Wall Of China, but your band giving the performance of a lifetime there!
- Language Immersion Opportunities: Even a basic introduction to Mandarin can help students build confidence while gaining a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture.
- Robotics & STEM Workshops: Visit a robotics lab where students can experience cutting-edge developments in engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
- Cultural Exchanges: Band groups often participate in cultural exchanges where students interact with local communities, learn traditional customs, experience regional cuisine, perform with a local school, and discover the values that make Chinese culture so unique.
All these experiences encourage curiosity, empathy, and global awareness in a way that only a student group trip to China can!
International Travel Isn’t Crazy. It’s Important!
The most important thing to take from this is that your band could travel to China which means almost every other international destination is just as attainable, if not more. Think Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and the Czech Republic. They’re all viable destinations for your band!
It’s not crazy to think about visiting an international destination like China with your band. In fact, we hope you strongly consider doing so once every four years to maximize the benefits of a healthy tradition of travel for your program.
Now is the time to plan your next band trip! Consider a multitude of other destinations to excite and enrich your performance groups in the upcoming year. Green Light loves to see groups traveling, performing, and reaching their goals, and we’re happy to assist in that process however possible.
Green Light Group Tours is providing this FREE download of tried-and-true tips and suggestions for creating the best travel experience ever! Instant download available HERE. Ready to request a quote for your next band trip? You can do that HERE.
Special thanks to our business partners Green Light Group Tours for this article written by Erik Young. Green Light specializes in exciting and educational travel experiences for your students!
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