Overnight Trip FAQ

Q: I paid the deposit, but I decided I don't like marching band and I plan on quitting. Can I still go on the trip?

A: No, you must successfully complete the entire fall season to attend the trip.

Q: Can I get my money back?

A: No. Deposits are non-refundable. Other trip payments are refundable only if you find someone to take your seat on the bus.

Q: This is pretty expensive. How can I offset the out-of-pocket cost?

A: Participate in fundraisers! Most contribute money toward an account in your name, and that money is set aside specifically for your use. For example, for every lottery calendar you sell, $2 of the profits is yours to put toward the trip. Or, each time your parent works the concession stand, they get a cut of concession profits. If you and your parent work enough, you could pay your entire trip out of your marching band account!! :)

Q: How do you decide rooming situations?

A: Students are housed in same-gender groups of 4 students. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the marching band bulletin board a month or so before the trip; it would be wise to figure out who you want to room with and get your entire group together ahead of time.

Q: What if I get sick of my roommates and don't want to hang out with them and our chaperone?

A: You may ask another chaperone to take charge of you, and if they say yes, then let your assigned chaperone know who you'll be hanging with.

Q: Can I go off on my own?

A: You must stay with a chaperone at all times (Cleveland, Boston, NYC, etc). It's not you we don't trust, it's all the crazies in the world.

Q: What situations would cause me to be sent home?

A: Intentionally leaving the area you are told are to be in, drug or alcohol use, physical violence... pretty much anything serious that's found in the UDA student handbook. Keep in mind, in these situations, you will be sent home at your parents' expense.

Q: As an adult, can I attend the trip and not be a chaperone?

A: No. Any adult on the trip will be considered to be a chaperone.

Q: What are my duties as a chaperone?

A: Please see this page.

Q: Why wasn't I assigned to the group that my child is in?

A: Chances are the students in that group had more than one parent on the trip, and one of those parents is chaperoning them. Chaperone assignments are pretty intentional; I really do think about the safest and most effective way to cover the kids. If you want to know why you're with a certain group, ask.

Q: I'm chaperoning, and my student has money in their marching band account. Can I use that to cover my payment?

A: Yes, as long as they have no other outstanding balances (missing bingo tickets, past-due trip payments, etc).

Q: Do I have to get clearances to chaperone?

A: YES. This is a school district policy; no adult will be permitted to attend without having clearances on file in the district office and having been approved as a band volunteer at a school board meeting. Please visit this page to find out more.

Q: If there are seats left on the bus, can I bring one of my other children?

A: Yes, seats will be released as soon as we know for sure how many band students plan on attending. We'd rather fill the bus than have empty seats.

Q: How much money should I send with my student?

A: It depends. If it's been a good fundraising year, it's possible the Boosters will cover most to all of the meals. We'll let you know via email how many meals to budget for as the trip approaches - plan for all, and we'll save you money if we can. Otherwise, all they'll need is souvenir money.