Austria/Czech Republic INFO

Skyline HS Choir, American Celebration of Music in Austria and the Czech Republic

Trip Proposal, March 29-April 9 (exact dates within that window TBA), 2018

(7 nights / 9 days)

Proposed Tour Cost, $3800/person

We are officially opening up spots for 45 students. All current 9th graders, 10th graders, and 11th graders who plan on being enrolled in choir for 2017-2018 are welcome and encouraged to sign up. If the number of students who sign up exceeds that number, I will do my best to modify plans to allow everyone to go, but may not be able to accommodate everyone because going over the number could push us into a higher price bracket. If decisions that exclude students must be made, priority will be given to students on a first-come basis provided we can maintain a balanced musical ensemble. Those decisions will be made following the December 1 deadline for the deposit and registration forms. I strongly encourage you to sign up ASAP! The sooner I know how many students I should plan for, the sooner I can work with the company on negotiating price and solidifying a musically balanced ensemble.

We will also need at least 6 chaperones. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to provide free or discounted trips for chaperones, as is standard with high school tours of this nature so chaperones will be expected to pay full price. Please contact Mrs. CieChanski if you are interested in chaperoning (Must be 25 to chaperone International Trips) and turn in a registration form along with a deposit in the same manner as the students.

We are able to use Paypal as a method of payment for this trip as I’ve received many requests from families who wish to use a credit card to pay. Detailed instructions can be found of the SFA website skylinearts.org. SFA, a non-profit organization, and Skyline Choir are not able to absorb the fees incurred through use of Paypal, so those wishing to pay via this method are responsible for paying the fees as shown through the adjusted payment schedule above.

Individual cancellation will incur penalties starting after the January 1, 2017 payment due date, details below. It is imperative that payments be made on time!

Cancellation Schedule

10% per person, of total tour costs is non-refundable.……...Penalty Begins: January 15, 2017

25% per person, of total tour costs is non-refundable….……... Penalty Begins: April 15, 2017

50% per person, of total tour costs is non-refundable …..…...… Penalty Begins: July 15, 2017

100% per person, of total tour costs is non-refundable…. Penalty Begins: November 15, 2017

Amount penalized is % of the total tour cost, not % of what has already been paid. For example-at at $3800 trip cost, the 10% that is not refundable after January 15 amounts to $380.

Please see the Trip Insurance Plan for additional information regarding cancellation and Insurance Policies. The Premium Trip Insurance Plan is included for each participant.

Currently, Financial Aid is not available for this trip, as our scholarship funds must be set aside for choir camp and other mandatory choir expenses. However, we do plan on engaging in many fundraising activities (which we’ll need parents to take the lead on!) and all funds raised for Austria/Czech Republic will reduce the overall cost of the trip for all participants. All who commit to the trip are expected to participate in fundraising.

“I understand that the District reserves the right to cancel the trip up until the time of departure and that it is highly recommended that, during these uncertain times, parents take out the insurance policy offered by the travel company.* I understand that any signed contracts are between the travel company, Music Celebrations, and myself.”

*The district requires us to put this statement on our travel forms. The Premium Travel Insurance Plan is already included in the cost of the trip for each participant.

Other Deadlines and Forms:

Registration Form DUE December 1

Music Celebrations International Travel Protection Plan (the cost of the plan is included, but ALL must turn in the form) due December 1

AAPS Permission Slip, Health Form, Non-Prescription Medication Form, Photocopy of passport, Photocopy of health insurance card (Due Sept. 2017), Behavior Contract (Due at final meeting)

Forms from company TBA

As always, please contact me at ciechanL@aaps.k12.mi.us with questions.

I am looking forward to this incredible trip and can’t wait to share it with the Skyline Choir students!