The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lyn
Date: 2003-11-20 02:24
Hi - I have a clarinet choir made up of students and adults that I'd like to take abroad either this summer or next. I am not sure how to go about doing this. It would be great to hook up with another choir (or two or three!) in various countries and do combined concerts, exchange concerts, etc. I've been looking at the Scandinavian countries and Belgium, it seems that there seem to be more in those areas than the rest of Europe (at least online!).
I have never organized a trip like this. How would I go about doing it?? We have about 15 members - although once word gets out we want to go, I bet that number will grow LOL.
Any ideas?
Lynn
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-11-20 06:54
I guess you find out about these other choirs you want to work with, set dates, then book plane trips and accomodation around those dates?
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-11-20 13:46
Lynn,
I would first ask someone who has done it before for advice.
Then look at all the constraints, from the most critical to the least critical; e.g.: can everyone you want to go with get the time off from other activities; create a budget to see if your financial resources are adequate; chaperones for the students; etc.
Then find contacts in the countries you wish to visit. Their embassies may be able to help you.
Best wishes,
Hans
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Author: wyatt
Date: 2003-11-20 15:31
check with the ICA and get thier advice.
bob gardner}ÜJ
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-11-20 19:58
There's a wonderful clarinet choir in that beautiful country to the north of you, lyn (at least I'm assuming you're American or at least in the USA). They are in "Upper Canada" (southern Ontario more specifically).
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Author: lyn
Date: 2003-11-21 01:57
I've booked our family many a trip online, including Europe, but I am more concerned about getting all the bases covered. I figured maybe there are some teachers here who have gone on trips - we are taking minors along, so I don't know what all I need to have in order. Which is why I asked here! Was hoping someone here had done this before....there are some organizations that do this, too, aren't there?
Thanks for the Canada idea. Right now I would like my students to see the world. We are in the thick of Amish country, they are very sheltered out here, and they have no idea how other people live. None at all. Upper Canada would be like, well, country. LOL Not much change except there would be no horses & buggies
Budget......ugh.
Lynn
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-11-21 15:09
Lynn,
You've probably thought of these, but here are some essentials that come to mind:
Passports (and visas for some countries)
Airline reservations
Hotel reservations
Inoculations
Travel insurance
Health insurance
IAMAT membership
Hans
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-11-22 14:13
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers.
http://www.iamat.org/
The organization has a very interesting history.
If you are traveling with a group of clarinet students, it wouldn't hurt to join.
Membership costs whatever you choose to donate. I have belonged for over 20 years and find their data on diseases and other health risks for parts of the world I am traveling to very useful; e.g., malaria, schistosomiasis.
Another useful feature is their booklet with names and contact data for doctors in foreign countries who: are familiar with north American physiology (this can be literally a life saver, since standard medications can be deadly for those whose physiology is significantly different); speak English; and charge a rate set in agreement with IAMAT.
Hans
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