So many of us were looking forward to a spring trip to New York City and a Broadway show. Instead, this vibrant city is focusing its energy on keeping its people well and healthy. While the bright lights of Broadway are momentarily dim, bring Broadway home! The Lion King Experience This is awesome in a […]

I was visiting with my neighbor yesterday (a street between us, of course). She’s a German immigrant who made her home in our small-town following WWII. We chatted about the state of the world and whined about finding toilet paper. She then shrugged her shoulders and said “it could be worse. We could be doing […]

Show choirs, lend me your ears (and voices)! If you’re ready to wow the crowds with vocal virtuosity, we have some great ideas for you. Here are 5 amazing venues for show choirs – each guaranteed to hit your high notes! Southern Star Music Festival Southern Star Music Festival in Atlanta is open to groups […]

You planned an amazing student trip and now you need school board approval to make it happen. The first thing you should know is that EVERY district is different. However, we know a few tips that may simplify the process. Wherever you teach, get your student trip school board approved by following some standard guidelines… […]

  Great band programs don’t just happen. It takes years to build a successful band program. When our son started 5th grade, he joined the band. We rented a saxophone (with insurance of course) and sent him on his way. By the time the holiday program rolled around, we were excited to hear how well […]

Three weeks ago, most of us were probably gearing up for spring baseball, track season or the school play. We were spring shopping, going to band concerts and packing for the school trip. We may have even been wishing the spring schedule would slow just a little to let us catch our collective breath. Well, […]

On Saint Patrick’s Day, we’re all a little bit Irish! It seems only right, then, to celebrate our collective Irish roots in the city that started it all. Lucky bands can march in the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, the oldest and largest in the western hemisphere! How did the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade […]

Between marching season and spring concerts, the school year has flown by. March is the perfect time to think about upcoming performance and learning opportunities. Music festivals are an outstanding way to fine-tune skills and inspire students. Check out these 4 great festivals for MARCHing bands! OrlandoFest March – May 2022 OrlandoFest is a premier, […]

If you’re planning a student trip to Pittsburgh, there’s a ‘whole nother’ list of things to do. Arts, history, technology, sports and more will make your visit a standout. Oh- and you may want to brush up on your “Pittsburghese” before going! Carrie Blast Furnaces You can’t visit Pittsburgh without touching on its steel legacy. […]

Pittsburgh is AWESOME! I’m not just saying that because I’m a homegrown Yinzer – it’s an incredible city! There’s so much to see, do (and eat!) in a place where the people make you feel like family. It is a hub for STEM, performance and athletics, as well as world class universities. If you have […]

Your child (who you are SURE just started kindergarten yesterday) is going on the school trip. You’re certain he’ll never be able to function without you. He’ll lose his money, get lost in the big city, or not get enough rest and end up sick. What’s a parent to do?  Take a deep breath and […]

This past summer, my family and I visited our first Topgolf. It was my husband’s idea and we all rolled our eyes when he suggested it. None of us golf – that’s something Pap does on Thursdays with a bunch of his retired buddies. We didn’t really know what to expect but figured it involved […]