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 […]

As the daily news reports come out, I snuggle deeper into my couch knowing I’ll be here for a while. I’ve already searched new recipes, scoured Facebook for fun things to do and binged my favorite shows. If you’re like me, you’re probably looking for something else to keep you occupied so you don’t dwell […]

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 […]

The school year is now on fast forward. You have a curriculum to cover, testing to complete, and a million tasks waiting on your desk. Oh- and it’s time to think about the class trip! Relax… we’ve got you covered with five easy tips to get you started. Here are 5 helpful tips to plan […]

Everyone wants to know where their favorite stuff comes from and how it’s made. That’s why factory and museum tours are so much fun! These are our picks for the 5 best factory and museum tours for students in some great student destinations. World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, GA If your group is going to […]

My daughter is obsessed with Kara and Nate. She follows them everywhere and wants to do everything they do. This seems like pretty typical 7th-grade behavior, right? Sure, until you realize that Kara and Nate are travel bloggers with a wildly popular YouTube channel, not friends from school. My daughter is consumed with the idea […]