Music Tour FAQ's
What are some of the advantages of letting American Classic plan our tour?
We are a music group. Can American Classic arrange for performances or entry in a Music Festival?
Does American Classic make all the transportation arrangements?
Can American Classic send me samples of tours to the destination of my choice?
Can American Classic create a customized tour for me rather than using a "canned" itinerary?
If we are a performing group and choose a performance tour, what about audiences?
Does American Classic send someone with us to help manage the details of the tour?
What does American Classic need to know in order to get a proposal to me?
Can you provide me with references from other groups that have used your tour services?
How much time do I need to plan an International Tour?
How do I get started?

Music Festival FAQ's
Are American Classic festival events suitable for groups at all stages of musical development?
Do private Schools participate in American Classic festivals?
Is it ever necessary to perform music from a required music list?
Are uniforms required for performances?
Is a professional recording provided?
Who does American Classic utilize for adjudicators?
What type of performing halls does American Classic use for your festivals?
How much time do we have on stage and in the warm-up room?
How many selections should we perform?
Is sight-reading required at American Classic festivals?
What equipment is provided on Stage and in the Warm-up Room?
Are trophies and awards given for the various ratings?
Does American Classic arrange hotels, transportation, meals etc.?
Can we make our own arrangements?

Music Tour FAQ's

What are some of the advantages of letting American Classic plan our tour?

American Classic Tours and Music Festivals is run by former educators who have been providing exceptional value-driven student group tours since 1989. We have the experience and the first hand knowledge of destinations around the U.S., as well as Europe, Asia, Australia-New Zealand, and South America.

Our U.S and International network of professional working partners allows us to provide band, choir, orchestra, theatre arts, language, history, government and fine arts groups, a tour that exactly fits their needs. Your itinerary is personalized to your specifications.

Because we have multiple relationships with wholesale air suppliers, we are able to offer exceptionally competitive group airfares.

In short, our years of experience, expertise, many professional contacts around the world, commitment to service excellence, and a long list of happy clients make a strong statement for choosing American Classic to provide for your group travel needs.

We are a music group. Can American Classic arrange for performances or entry in a Music Festival?

Yes. We offer you the option of any available festivals in your destination city during the dates of your travel including available international festivals. If a festival is not available, or you prefer a non-festival performance, we can make all those arrangements for you. We will work with you to secure a performance opportunity that meets your specific needs.

Does American Classic make all the transportation arrangements?

We certainly can. Our excellent transportation suppliers for both ground and air keep us very competitive in price. We are also happy to provide all services except transportation for groups that wish to make their own transportation arrangements. We want you to have what is best for you and your students.

Can American Classic send me samples of tours to the destination of my choice?

Absolutely. We can furnish you with sample itineraries of our many standard U.S. and International destinations.

Can American Classic create a customized tour for me rather than using a "canned" itinerary?

All our tours are personalized to meet the specific requirements of each teacher/director. You can have exactly what you want in the content of the tour, length of tour and the order in which things occur.

If we are a performing group and choose a performance tour, what about audiences?

For tour destinations in the U.S. we can offer you a variety of possibilities for performances. They may range from a public performance in front of or in a major local landmark such as a performance hall, monument, museum or an area with high pedestrian traffic. These types of performances are developed in consultation with each group.

When traveling abroad, we work with our network of contacts who specialize in finding unique performance opportunities such as world famous jazz festivals, public areas in foreign cities, joint performances with a local group, or performances in beautiful churches or performance halls. The primary aim is to find a venue that best features your group and offers them the best possibility for an audience.

Does American Classic send someone with us to help manage the details of the tour?

If your tour is to a destination in the U.S., we can arrange for an American Classic Tour Manager to handle all the details of your trip and be with you 100% of the time.

We can also arrange for a local guide to meet and assist you only while in your destination city.

Either way, you have access 24/7 to a tour support person in our office to assist you in any way needed.

For domestic tours, the choice is yours. We will provide you with as much or as little on-site tour management as you wish. We want you to be completely comfortable at all times.

If your tour is to an international destination you will always have an experienced Tour Manager with you. The Tour Manager is there to see to the daily details so you can focus on enjoying your tour experience. In locales where language is an issue, a multi-lingual guide will be with you at all times.

What does American Classic need to know in order to get a proposal to me?

First, we need to know what your destination of choice is. If you wish to travel by air we need know the closest major airport. Next we would need to know the dates you plan to travel, how many students & adults you plan to take, and any particulars about trip activities that are important to you.

Also, we need to know what type of group you have (music, theater arts, language etc). Any special requests for particular hotels, special meals, or other considerations that are important to you would be helpful.

If you don't know all this information now, that's O.K. Your American Classic Tour Consultant will help you develop these details. Simply fill in our information request form.

Can you provide me with references from other groups that have used your tour services?

Yes, we will be happy to provide you with references.

How much time do I need to plan an International Tour?

A quality international tour can be planned and reserved in as little as 15 days. The length of time necessary for individual groups to accomplish their fund raising can vary widely depending on resources and the trip chosen. Most groups allow from 6 to 24 months for this process.

How do I get started?

Fill in our Information Request Form or give us a call at (800) 733-8384 to begin your American Classic tour experience. Based upon the information you provide, we will prepare a no-obligation tour quote with sample itinerary.

Music Festival FAQ's

Are American Classic festival events suitable for groups at all stages of musical development?

Yes. American Classic music festivals offer options for elementary school, middle school, intermediate school, junior high school, and high school groups from the beginner level to the most competitive. We provide both competitive and non-competitive options.

The American Classic Encore Level is designed to provide an education experience filled with encouragement and which is focused on development. It puts you, the director, in control of the festival experience because the choices are all yours. The choice of music is yours. Uniforms are not required. Musically, this level is geared towards a non-competitive, instructional performance environment. Adjudication is by a minimum of 3 qualified instrumental judges or choral judges . Only Division I (Superior) and Division II (Excellent) Ratings are given and trophies are awarded for each rating. Adjudicator evaluations are given.

The American Classic Premier Level provides continued encouragement with an increased level of challenge for students. This festival experience is one of positive critique and evaluation. Adjudication is by a minimum of 3 qualified instrumental judges or 3 qualified choral judges. This level is more competitive and is measured against an educationally appropriate standard of excellence. There is no required music list. However, it is suggested that groups wishing to compete for .Best in Class., choose music appropriate to their group.s classification since both program difficulty and program execution are factors. While most groups performing in the Premier level dress in uniforms or concert attire, there is no dress requirement. Trophies will be awarded for Divisional Ratings I, II, III. Outstanding Soloist medals may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.

Do private Schools participate in American Classic festivals?

Absolutely. Private schools have the option of participating either in the Encore or Premier Divisions. They may choose from a UIL classification appropriate to school size or enter in the Private school category.

Is it ever necessary to perform music from a required music list?

Music selection is at the discretion of the director and should be designed to match the needs of the group. Music should be appropriate for the performing level and competitive preference selected by the director. (See Performance Options above.)

Are uniforms required for performances?

No. Especially at the Encore Level, casual dress is acceptable. At the Premier Level there is no dress requirement, although most groups performing at this level dress in uniforms or concert attire. At the Premier Level uniforms or concert attire, though not required, is appropriate.

Is a professional recording provided?

All American Classic music festival performances are professionally recorded with a complimentary CD provided to the director afterwards.

Who does American Classic utilize for adjudicators?

Depending to some extent on the Performance Platform Level, adjudicators are selected from middle school/junior high school, high school, or university level ensemble directors. They are carefully chosen for their ability to be positive and helpful in the critiques they provide. Encouragement to ascend to the next level of proficiency is the primary aim of the comments.

What type of performing halls does American Classic use for your festivals?

American Classic music festivals are held in the finest possible acoustic facilities that can be found. Some of our facilities are professional/commercial halls or professional symphony halls. When university, or high school halls are used they are carefully selected for their acoustical quality and for the quality of recordings they will yield. Hall types will vary depending on location, availability and type of festival.

How much time do we have on stage and in the warm-up room?

Instrumental groups (including jazz ensembles) will be allowed twenty-five (25) minutes in the warm-up area and a five (5) minute transit time to the stage. The time on stage is a maximum of thirty (30) minutes - which includes entrance and exit, any warm-up, special tuning, breaks between movements, and time between selections.

Choral performing groups are given fifteen (15) minutes in the warm-up area and a five (5) minute transit time to the stage. The time on stage is a maximum of twenty (20) minutes including entrance and exit of the stage, any warm-up, breaks between movements, and time between selections.

Texas 5A honor band participants may receive forty-five minute slots upon approved application and additional charge. Contact us for more details.

How many selections should we perform?

The number of selections is not critical. Usually groups in the Premier level perform three selections, but due to extended length of larger works fewer movements or pieces may be necessary to meet the time limitations of performance slots.

Is sight-reading required at American Classic festivals?

No.

What equipment is provided on Stage and in the Warm-up Room?

For instrumental groups we provide chairs, music stands (both on stage and in the warm-up areas), director.s podium, acoustic piano, chimes, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, bells, four tympani, and concert bass drum will be available on the stage area only. Directors must assume responsibility for bringing all necessary sticks, mallets, and any other needed equipment not specifically listed above. Tuning machines are not provided. Risers are available only at selected sites.

Jazz Ensembles are provided with music stands, chairs, electrical receptacle, and acoustic piano. One house system microphone will be available on stage.

Choral groups are provided with an acoustic piano, choral risers, warm-up room with piano, one house microphone on stage, director.s podium, and music stands as needed. No special lighting will be provided. Any choral group (show/jazz choir) needing anything other than one microphone must bring their own equipment (tape players, cd players, etc. or complete sound systems are not provided.) Set-up time must be a part of twenty (20) minute stage time.

Are trophies and awards given for the various ratings?

Trophies are awarded in all classifications for all ratings. Outstanding Performance, Best in Class, and Best in Festival trophies may be awarded by the judges. Outstanding Soloist medals may be awarded at the discretion of the judges. See rules and regulations for a more detailed explanation.

Does American Classic arrange hotels, transportation, meals etc.?

American Classic is a .full service. company that provides hotel, transportation, meals, entertainment, and other travel services for all groups. Our job is to take care of these often-complex details, in order to free directors to do what they do best - - teach!

Can we make our own arrangements?

Yes. We believe you will find that letting American Classic handle the trip arrangements for you works best, but if you choose to handle travel, lodging etc., then you certainly can.