May 16, 2025
Music in the Parks is the music department's annual trip to an adjudicated festival.
Sample Schedule
5:30am - Report to HBW in Concert Attire
7:45am - Arrive at Performance Sites
8:00am - 10:30pm - Ensemble Performances
10:30pm - 11:15pm - Lunch / Change into theme park clothing
12:00pm - 5:15pm - Free time at theme park
5:15pm - Award Ceremony
6:00pm - Depart theme park
7:45pm - Arrive back to school
Parent Chaperones
Chaperones will be responsible for supervising student-formed groups at the theme park.
In the morning parent chaperones can ride along with students on the bus or drive separately to the performance sites and the park. HBW staff members will supervise students on the buses and at the performance sites, so chaperones usually come along for support and to enjoy the performances.
Student Groups
Students walk around the theme park in student-formed groups.
5/6th grade groups: 1 chaperone for every 4 students.
7/8th grade groups: 1 chaperone for every 8 students.
Students must remain with their groups AT ALL TIMES. Groups may travel together, however, students may not switch from one group to another. Any student(s) found outside of their group will spend the remainder of the day in the infirmary with an HBW staff member.
Clothing
Concert Attire
Plain, White Button Down Dress Shirt/Blouse
Black Dress Pants/Long Black Skirt
Black Socks
Black Dress Shoes
Theme Park Clothes
HBW Music in the Parks T-Shirt
Shorts/jeans, hat, sneakers, sunblock, etc.
Clothing must adhere to the HBW dress code.
Other Information
Food
Students are able to purchase food at the theme park, but be advised that it is expensive. We suggest that everyone pack some food/snacks for the bus ride. Theme parks usually forbid outside food to be brought into the park.
Weather
Please keep track of the weather for the day and pack appropriate clothes. Students should also be prepared with any rain gear that they will need. The schedule does not change in the event of rain.
Infirmary
Chaperones should take note of where the infirmary is located at the park. A nurse will be accompanying us on the trip in the event of an emergency. There are also park EMTs in case of an emergency. Please note that due to allergies and school laws, no chaperone should administer any medication (even Advil, Tylenol, etc.)
Contact Info
An emergency contact number will be handed out prior to the trip. It will be activated for that day, and will allow parents to communicate with an HBW staff member and/or the nurse.
Parking at HBW
Parents should not park or drop their students off in the “U” in front of the school. We will need that space for our charter buses. Please park on side streets where allowed and carpool as much as possible! In the past police have suspended the metered parking in the lot behind Terry’s.
FAQ
*CAN MY CHILD COME HOME WITH ME OR ANOTHER PARENT FROM THE PARK?
Yes. A music teacher must receive a signed note or email from the child’s parent by 3pm two days before the trip explaining who will be responsible after the buses leave.
*CAN MY CHILD COME HOME WITH ME AFTER THE PERFORMANCES?
Yes. Students can participate in the musical performances and then leave with a responsible adult. A music teacher must receive a signed note or email from the child’s parent before the day of the trip explaining who will be responsible and when the child will be leaving.
*CAN I DRIVE TO THE PARK AND SKIP THE PERFORMANCES?
Yes. Chaperones must meet students at the buses in the theme park parking lot and accompany them in the theme park. Prior to that you may do as you see fit.
*CAN I TAKE THE BUS SO I DON’T HAVE TO DRIVE?
Yes. Please let us know on the chaperone form so we will save a seat for you.
*CAN I USE MY SEASON PASSES TO THE THEME PARK?
Yes. There is a discounted price for those who have season passes. Please mark on the permission slip that you or your child will be using them.
*CAN I JUST COME ALONG FOR THE DAY AND NOT BE A CHAPERONE?
Yes. We have lots of parents who join us for the day to support our young musicians and spend time in the park. As long as there is a chaperone responsible for each student other parents can come to tag along for fun as they see fit. We cannot procure theme park tickets for those who are not chaperoning.
*IS THERE A MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE FOR THE PARK?
No. Students can be in groups of any size provided there is 1 chaperone for every 4 students in 5-6th grade, and 1 chaperone for every 8 students in 7-8th grade. If an older student wants to be in a group with younger students the 4:1 ratio will be followed.
*SHOULD MY CHILD BRING EXTRA MONEY ON THE TRIP?
It is up to you if you would like to give your child extra money for food or souvenirs at the theme park. In general we do not encourage students to bring valuables on the trip that may be lost or broken.