Music Department Spring Trip
Wednesday, April 10 - Saturday, April 13, 2013
We are going to Puerto Rico!
Each year the music department hits the road and explores another city. During the trip we share with others the quality music performances that H-B Woodlawn has to offer, learn about the music of another culture, and take in the important cultural landmarks of cities across our country. This serves as an educational activity and offers a rare opportunity for the students to learn from a different perspective. While we can't mandate that all students attend, it is strongly encouraged so that our ensembles are complete for performance. Every musician is essential and we hope that we can all be together for this great experience.
This year we are excited to announce that we are heading to Puerto Rico! The dates of the trip are Wednesday, April 10 through Saturday, April 13, 2013. Highlights of our trip include a Friendship Concert with a local Puerto Rico high school (they will perform for us, we will perform for them, and then students will come together for dinner.) In addition, our music students will receive an education on the music of Puerto Rico by a professor from the Conservatory of Music. We will also take some time to visit the El Yunque Rain Forest, Old Town San Juan, the Pablo Casals museum, and savor the rich food and culture of Puerto Rico. You can find a more detailed version of the tentative itinerary below.
The cost of the trip this year is more expensive than previous years, mostly due to the cost of airfare. The cost is about $1000 per person, which includes all transportation, lodging, meals and excursions. The exact price will be announced in the next couple of weeks. We realize this a more expensive trip, but we have some additional fundraising initiatives to help lessen the burden for all. We also believe that this trip may be a good opportunity for families to discuss the realities of making this trip happen, and how the student might work to make this hope a reality.
Since this is a more expensive trip, it is essential that we have an accurate count of who is planning on attending the trip. We cannot be in a situation where someone decides to not go at the last minute, and the music department has to still pay for that student (which has happened in the past). Thus, we will have strict payment deadlines, including an early deposit.
If your child is planning on attending this trip, a deposit of $250 is due by September 28th. Those who submit deposits will generate our trip list, and we will proceed in planning this trip with those students in mind only. This deposit is refundable, up until January 4th, 2013, after which no refunds will be issued. In addition to the deposit, the enclosed permission form must also be submitted to the child’s music teacher by September 28th. If the deposit is an issue, but you wish to send your child on the trip, please send a note via e-mail to your child’s music teacher.
Beyond the deposit, please take note of the following payment schedule:
| Payment | Amount Due | Due Date |
| #1 (Deposit) | $250 (non-refundable after 1/4/13) | September 28, 2012 |
| #2 | ½ of your remaining balance due | January 4th, 2013 (after Citrus Sale profits are recorded) |
| #3 (Final) | Total Amount Due | February 22nd, 2013 (after Spring Sale profits are recorded |
It is important to us that all students have equal access to such trips. Scholarships provided by the music department’s operating budget are available to students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program ONLY. If this applies, or if there is a particular exception necessary, please be in touch with a music teacher as soon as possible.
In order for trips such as this to happen safely and appropriately, chaperones are necessary. If you are interested in chaperoning, please let a music teacher know as soon as possible. Chaperones are also financially responsible for the cost of the trip. We promise that chaperoning our trip is easy, and a time well-spent.
Thank you for your support of what promises to be a very meaningful and exciting trip for our music students.
