SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL Symphonic Band, Orchestra, & Choir / Shadow Tour Michael Boitz, Jonathan Pwu, Andrew Ford Directors

Transcription

1 SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL Symphonic Band, Orchestra, & Choir / Shadow Tour Michael Boitz, Jonathan Pwu, Andrew Ford Directors NETHERLANDS / GERMANY BELGIUM 2017 Including 2017 World Music Contest Kerkrade 2017 WASBE Conference Utrecht Aachen / Kerkrade Bruges Utrecht Amsterdam Tour Produced By: World Projects Corporation Deborah Gibbs, CEO Phillip Hobson, International & Domestic Productions As of March 11, 2016 July 13-26, 2017

2 SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL Symphonic Band, Orchestra, & Choir / Shadow Tour 2017 NETHERLANDS/GERMANY - BELGIUM PERFORMANCE TOUR 2017 World Music Contest Kerkrade / 2017 WASBE Conference Utrecht July 13-26, 2017 As of March 11, 2016 Amsterdam Den Haag Utrecht Kinderdijk Bruges Antwerp Kerkrade Ghent Maastricht Aachen

3 SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL Symphonic Band, Orchestra, & Choir / Shadow Tour 2017 NETHERLANDS/GERMANY - BELGIUM PERFORMANCE TOUR 2017 World Music Contest Kerkrade / 2017 WASBE Conference Utrecht July 13-26, 2017 (itinerary details are subject to change) As of: March 11, 2016 Note: Due to group size, group may be split between several hotels in each location DAY ONE: Thursday, July 13, 2017 SAN FRANCISCO Departure Time TBD Arrive at San Francisco at least 3 hours prior to departure meet your World Projects Tour Managers who will assist with check in and travel with you throughout the tour. After checking in your luggage and instruments, move through security onto the departure gate. Depart for airport TBD (possibly Brussels, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, or Frankfurt) - there may be a change of plane en route. Due to the size of the group, Saratoga HS will be split between several flights and/or several airlines. DAY TWO: Friday, July 14, 2017 Arrive AIRPORT TBD AACHEN (D) Time TBD Arrive into airport TBD (possibly Brussels, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, or Frankfurt)! Pass through immigration, collect your luggage and proceed with customs formalities. You will be met by your local Tour Escorts who will travel with you throughout the tour. Transfer to Aachen, Germany (~1.5-3 hour drive depending on the airport). Afternoon Arrive into Aachen (on the border with The Netherlands, ~20 minutes from Kerkrade site of the World Music Contest). Lunch on own in Aachen (time permitting). Founded as a Roman Spa town ca. 124 AD, Aachen later became the home to German kings and was a favored residence of Charlemagne. Today, this university town is a pleasant mix of historic grandeur and modern sensibilities. Evening Arrive at the hotel(s) in Aachen, Germany - check into the hotel(s) time to settle into your rooms. Welcome dinner as a group then return to the hotel(s). The evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Aachen skyline (Cathedral & Town Hall)

4 DAY THREE: Sat., July 15, 2017 AACHEN / MAASTRICHT / KERKRADE (B) Performances (Orchestra / Choir) 2017 World Music Contest This morning, transfer to the nearby Dutch city of Maastricht (~45 minute drive). The Southern-most city in The Netherlands, Maastricht enjoys a rich and long history. Influenced by Celts, Romans, the Holy Roman Empire, French, and finally the Dutch, Maastricht contains distinct historical sites and cultural riches. Today, the city is well-known as a premier shopping destination as well as its fine cuisine and multi-cultural atmosphere. Afternoon Late Afternoon Enjoy a guided walking tour see sites such as the Vrijthof (Main Square) with its monumental St. Janskerk and the Basilica of St. Servatius, etc. Vrijthof - Maastricht After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Maastricht on own. Lunch on own in Maastricht enjoy time to explore Maastricht on own (in approved groups). SHADOW TOUR Free time to explore Maastricht. Transfer to Roermond (~45 minute drive). CHOIR / ORCHESTRA Transfer to tonight s concert venue (Roermond Cathedral in nearby Roermond). Rehearsal at tonight s concert venue. Late Afternoon SYMPHONIC BAND Transfer to Kerkrade. Attend performances of the World Music Contest in Kerkrade. Transfer to Roermond (~45 minute drive). The World Music Contest Kerkrade in the south east corner of the Netherlands is the world's major international festival for wind music. Every four years more than 18,000 musicians, belonging to more than 250 bands take part in the contests, concerts and other projects. SHS Symphonic Band will be scheduled to attend two (2) concerts of the WMC in addition to the SHS SB performance slot / Choir, Orchestra, & Shadow Tour will also be scheduled to attend one (1) concert of the WMC in addition to the SHS SB performance slot concerts range from marching and show bands at Parkstad Limburg Stadium to brass bands, concert bands, and percussion ensembles at Roda Hall and Parkstad Limburg Theatre. In addition, there are concerts in the Main Square featuring all kinds of bands (pop and rock, jazz, brass bands, small ensembles, etc.) as part of the WMC Fringe Concert. World Music Contest - Kerkrade

5 DAY THREE: Sat., July 15, 2017 AACHEN / MAASTRICHT / KERKRADE (B) Performances (Orchestra / Choir) 2017 World Music Contest CONTINUED Evening EVERYONE Dinner on own. PERFORMANCE (Orchestra / Choir) at Roermond Cathedral (TBC). Seat of the Catholic church in Roermond, the Roermond Cathedral (also known as St. Christopher s Cathedral) plays an important role in the civic life of the city. Built in the 15 th century, the church features a large statue of St. Christopher watching over and protecting the town. Known for its excellent acoustics, the church frequently hosts local and regional choirs and orchestras. After the concert, return to the hotel(s) - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Roermond Cathedral Roermond Cathedral

6 DAY FOUR: Sunday, July 16, 2017 AACHEN / KERKRADE (B) Performance (Band) 2017 World Music Contest Enjoy a guided tour of Aachen see sites such as the old city center, the stunning Cathedral, and the Gothic town hall followed by free time to explore Aachen on own in approved groups. Afternoon Lunch on own in Aachen. Transfer to Kerkrade. WMC can schedule the Saratoga Symphonic Band a rehearsal and PERFORMANCE during the afternoon or evening. Saratoga Symphonic Band will be placed in the 1 st Division - WMC 1 st Division performances will be held at Roda Hall. Aachen Town Hall Orchestra, Choir, & Shadow Tour will have free time to enjoy concerts (ticket for 1 WMC concert in addition to the SHS Symphonic Band WMC concert is included in the package) and explore Kerkrade. Evening Dinner on own in Kerkrade. After evening activities in Kerkrade, return to the hotel(s) in Aachen - evening is free until curfew/lightsout (students). Roda Hall World Music Contest Kerkrade

7 DAY FIVE: Monday, July 17, 2017 AACHEN GHENT BRUGES (B,D) Load the coaches and equipment truck and depart for Bruges en route stop in Ghent (~2 hour drive to Ghent). During the Medieval Period, Ghent was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe rivaling London, Paris, and Florence - much of that history is preserved in the city center. Today, the city is a thriving university town and enjoys a wonderful mix of old and young, cosmopolitan and provincial and is a fascinating city to explore. Afternoon Late Afternoon Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Ghent see sites such as St. Bavo s Cathedral, the Belfry, and the Leie River Promenade, etc. Enjoy some free time for shopping and lunch on own in central Ghent. Board the coaches and continue to Bruges (~45-60 minute drive). Arrive into Bruges. Enchanting and atmospheric, Bruges is a mish-mash of medieval streets, crisscrossed canals and medieval Gothic architecture. Swans glide down the winding canals and stone houses look like they're made of gingerbread. Indeed, the impossibly charming 13th-century core bursts with history, culture, markets and chocolate shops. Known as the Venice of the North, it's no wonder UNESCO awarded the moated center of Bruges a World Heritage status. Ghent city center Early Evening Evening Enjoy a narrated Canal Cruise of Bruges see sites such as the Beguinage, the romantic Love Water, Our Lady Church, and the Town Hall Square with the famous Belfry. Transfer to hotel(s) and check-in time to settle into your rooms Bruges canal tour Dinner as a group. After dinner, return to the hotel(s) in Bruges - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Bruges at night

8 DAY SIX: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 BRUGES (B) Performances (Symphonic Band / Orchestra) The morning is free to explore Bruges on own (in approved groups). Possible activities could include (all costs on own): Climb the 366 steps to the top of the Halle (town hall) Belfry for wonderful views Explore Bruges stunning churches (Basilica of the Holy Blood, Church of Our Lady, etc.) Visit one of Bruges wonderful museums (Groeninge, St. John s Hospital, etc.) Take a train and visit one of the beaches nearby such as Oostende or de Haan Afternoon Lunch on own. Choir / Shadow Tour Free time on own in Bruges. Symphonic Band / Orchestra Return to the hotel to get ready for this evening. Symphonic Band / Orchestra Transfer to this evening s performance venue the Concertgebouw Bruges - Rehearsal at tonight s concert venue. Choir / Shadow Tour transfer to concert venue. Evening Dinner on own nearby tonight s concert venue. After dinner, return to the concert venue and get ready for the performance. PERFORMANCE (Symphonic Band / Orchestra) at the Concertgebouw Bruges this concert may be shared with a local ensemble. Choir / Shadow Tour to attend concert. The Concertgebouw Bruges is an international music and performing arts centre, devoted to the development and presentation of art at an international level. The Concert Hall is at the heart of the Concertgebouw, and is famous throughout the world for its perfect acoustics. With an audience capacity of 1,289 seats on three levels, the venue offers a sense of intimacy from all areas of the hall. The Concertgebouw frequently hosts the Royal Flemish Philharmonic as well as other international orchestras and ensembles. After the concert, return to the hotel(s) in Bruges - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Concertgebouw Bruges

9 DAY SEVEN: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 BRUGES (B) Performance (Choir) The morning is free to explore Bruges on own (in approved groups). Afternoon Lunch on own in Bruges. Symphonic Band / Orchestra / Shadow Tour Free time on own in Bruges. Choir Return to the hotel to get ready for this evening. Choir Soundcheck at tonight s concert venue (St. Giles Church). Evening Dinner on own in Bruges. PERFORMANCE (Choir) at St. Giles Church this concert may be shared with a local choir. Built in 1240, St. Giles Church has been known as the final resting place for numerous prominent artists of the Dutch Golden Period. Today the church is well-known as a concert venue for the residents of Bruges hosting local ensembles and ensembles from abroad. Belfry - Bruges After the concert, return to the hotel(s) - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). St. Giles Church - Bruges

10 DAY EIGHT: Thursday, July 20, 2017 BRUGES ANTWERP UTRECHT (B,D) 2017 WASBE Conference - Utrecht Check out of the hotel(s), load the coaches and equipment truck and depart for Utrecht, The Netherlands. En route, stop in the city of Antwerp (~1.5 hour drive from Bruges) where you will have a chance to stroll through the second city of Belgium with its famous renovated harbor district and cozy squares and marketplaces. Afternoon Lunch on your own in Antwerp. After lunch, continue to Kinderdijk (~1 hour drive from Antwerp) Kinderdijk is famous for its classic Dutch windmills and tulip fields. Continue to Utrecht (~1 hour drive from Kinderdijk). Late afternoon Arrive into Utrecht and check into hotel(s) time to get settled into your rooms. Founded in 47 AD as a Roman fortification, the ancient city of Utrecht came of age during the middleages when it was The Netherland s most prosperous and important city. Surpassed by Amsterdam, Utrecht retained much of its medieval core and canal system. Today, with Utrecht University (the largest university in the Netherlands), Utrecht is known has a young city with wonderful shopping and restaurants. Evening Dinner as a group. This evening, attend a WASBE concert at the Grote Zaal of the Tivoli Vrendenburg Music Centre. After the concert, return to the hotel(s) - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). The World Association for Symphonic Bands & Ensembles (WASBE) is a non-profit international association open to all individuals, institutions and industries interested in symphonic wind bands and wind ensembles as serious and distinctive mediums of musical expression and cultural heritage. WASBE has a membership of over 1000 individuals and organizations in more than 50 countries. WASBE s biennial convention features outstanding wind bands from around the world as well as hosting lectures, presentation, repertoire sessions, and masterclasses. Tivoli Vrendenburg Music Centre Antwerp Windmills - Kinderdijk

11 DAY NINE: Friday, July 21, 2017 UTRECHT (B) Performance (Symphonic Band) 2017 WASBE Conference - Utrecht This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Utrecht see sites such as the beautiful Oudegracht Canal, the famous Dom (cathedral) and its tower, and the Vismarkt. Orchestra / Choir / Shadow Tour Free time on own in Utrecht. Symphonic Band Dress Rehearsal at the Grote Zaal of the Tivoli Vrendenburg Music Centre concert venue. Afternoon Lunch on own. Return to the hotel to get ready for this afternoon s concert. PERFORMANCE (Symphonic Band) as part of the WASBE Conference at the Grote Zaal of the Tivoli Vrendenburg Music Centre. Utrecht Dom Evening Dinner on own in Utrecht. This evening, attend a WASBE concert at the Grote Zaal of the Tivoli Vrendenburg Music Centre. After the concert, return to the hotel(s) - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Grote Zaal - Tivoli Vrendenburg Music Centre - Utrecht

12 DAY TEN: Saturday, July 22, 2017 UTRECHT / DEN HAAG (B) Performances (Orchestra / Choir) 2017 WASBE Conference - Utrecht This morning is free to explore Utrecht on own (in approved groups). Shadow Tour DELFT TOUR: Enjoy a trip to the charming village of Delft (~1 hour from Utrecht) Delft is the birthplace of the artist Vermeer and well-known for its Delftware factories (famous blue & white ceramics) trip will include a guided tour of the village (including the New Church where many of the Dutch royalty is buried) and a visit to the Royal Deflt Porceleyne Fles (factory) Afternoon Evening Lunch on own. Symphonic Band Free time on own in Utrecht (possibly attend a WASBE Conference Concert and/or Fringe Concert or explore the WASBE exhibits). Orchestra / Choir - Return to the hotel to get ready for this evening. Orchestra / Choir Transfer to tonight s concert venue (the Grote Kerk in nearby Den Haag) Rehearsal at tonight s concert venue. Dinner on own. PERFORMANCE (Orchestra / Choir) at location TBD (Grote Kerk in nearby Den Haag) - this concert may be shared with a local ensemble. Symphonic Band / Shadow Tour to attend the concert. The Grote Kerk in Den Haag is a landmark Protestant church. Completed in the early 16 th century, the Grote Kerk is one of the oldest purpose-built Protestant churches in the world. Today, the church is run by the Den Haag government as a concert space and a venue for cultural events. After the concert, return to the hotel(s) in Utrecht - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Grote Kerk Den Haag

13 DAY ELEVEN: Sun., July 23, 2017 UTRECHT SCHEVENINGEN AMSTERDAM (B,D) Perf. (Choir) Check out of the hotel(s), load the coaches and equipment truck and depart for Scheveningen Beach (~1 hour drive). This morning, enjoy some beach time at Scheveningen Beach - The Netherlands most famous beach resort area. Afternoon Lunch on own at Scheveningen Beach. Continue to Amsterdam (~1 hour drive) - Arrive into Amsterdam and check into hotel(s) time to settle in and get ready for this evening. Evening Settled in the 12th century and granted city rights in 1306, Amsterdam came to world-wide prominence during its Golden Age ( ). For centuries, Amsterdam has been known for its religious and cultural tolerance - attracting philosophers, artists, and musicians. Today, this welcoming city is one of the great European capitals with wonderful museums and cultural institutions, world-class restaurants and cafes, and of course, the stunning Concertgebouw (one of the world s great concert halls); yet, the canals and small streets give the city a romantic small-town atmosphere that is unique and enchanting. Symphonic Band / Orchestra Free time on own in Amsterdam (in approved groups). Choir Rehearsal at tonight s concert venue (Westerkerk). Dinner as a group in Amsterdam. PERFORMANCE (Choir) at the Westerkerk this concert may be shared with a local choir. Scheveningen Pier & Beach Amsterdam Built between 1620 and 1641 in the Renaissance style, the Westerkerk (Western Church) is one of the first (and largest) purpose-built Protestant churches in The Netherlands. A prominent symbol of Amsterdam, the ornate bell tower is still in use today (the ringing of the bells was a source of comfort for Anne Frank). The active church hosts concerts throughout the year and is well-known for its stunning acoustics. After the concert, return to the hotel(s) - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Westerkerk Amsterdam

14 DAY TWELVE: Monday, July 24, 2017 AMSTERDAM (B) Performances (Symphonic Band / Orchestra) This morning, board your private canal boats for a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Amsterdam, which is best seen from the water. The canal boats will take you through the city s ingenious system of canals past its mansions, bridges and flower market. Afternoon Lunch on own. Choir / Shadow Tour Free time on own in Amsterdam (in approved groups). Symphonic Band / Orchestra Return to the hotel to get ready for this evening. Symphonic Band / Orchestra Transfer to this evening s performance venue possibly the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Rehearsal at tonight s concert venue. Canal cruise through Amsterdam Evening Dinner on own nearby tonight s concert venue. After dinner, return to the concert venue and get ready for the performance. PERFORMANCE (Symphonic Band / Orchestra) at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam this concert may be shared with a local ensemble. Choir / Shadow Tour will attend the concert. This majestic concert venue first opened its doors in 1888 and still touted as one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in Europe. It is home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and many world-class orchestras and soloists line up for the chance of appearing in the hallowed Grote Zaal (Great Hall) of the Concertgebouw thanks to its perfect sound quality. After the concert, return to the hotel(s) - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Concertgebouw Exterior Concertgebouw Interior

15 DAY THIRTEEN: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 AMSTERDAM (B,D) This morning, enjoy a visit to the stunning Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum is the world's biggest repository of Dutch Golden Age treasures, stacked over four sprawling floors in the red-brick P.J.H. Cuypers monolith opened in Over 2 million people visit this museum annually and they all want to see Rembrandt's "The Nightwatch" from 1642 and the wonderful works by Jan Steen, Jan Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Afternoon Late Afternoon Evening Lunch on own. The afternoon is free to explore Amsterdam on own. Possible activities could include (all costs on own): Visit the Anne Frank House (pre-booking is advised) Explore another one of Amsterdam s great museums such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Amsterdam City Museum, and/or the Stedelijk Museum Enjoy shopping time along one of the many busy streets in central Amsterdam such as Leidseplein, Nieuwendijk, and Kalverstraat Return to the hotel to get ready for this evening. Enjoy a DJ Dinner Dance Party to celebrate your European tour! After dinner, return to the hotel(s) - evening is free until curfew/lights-out (students). Rijksmuseum Anne Frank House & Museum DAY FOURTEEN: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 AMSTERDAM SAN FRANCISCO (B) Check out of the hotel(s), load coaches and transfer to Amsterdam s Schiphol International Airport (or other airport TBD). Arrive at the airport, check in for your flights, say goodbye to your local tour escorts and move through security to your departure gate. Time TBD Depart Amsterdam (or other airport TBD) for SFO - there may be a change of plane en route. Due to the size of the group, Saratoga HS will be split between several flights and/or several airlines Customs and immigration formalities will take place at the 1 st point of entry into the USA. Time TBD Arrive into San Francisco say good-bye to your WP Tour Manager. WELCOME HOME!

16 SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL Symphonic Band, Orchestra, & Choir / Shadow Tour 2017 NETHERLANDS/GERMANY - BELGIUM PERFORMANCE TOUR 2017 World Music Contest Kerkrade / 2017 WASBE Conference Utrecht July 13-26, 2017 As of March 11, 2016 PACKAGE INCLUSIONS: ESTIMATED round-trip, economy class airfare (SFO to airport TBD (BRU, AMS, DUS, FRA) / AMS (or other airport TBD) to SFO) including estimated taxes and surcharges (subject to change) US $7,500 towards 2 nd checked bags and/or overweight-oversize baggage Note: Currently all airlines traveling to Europe from SFO allow one checked bag at no additional cost (weight and size restrictions apply) Hotel Accommodations (properties are TBC based on centrally-located 3-star tourist class): AACHEN Three (3) nights BRUGES Three (3) nights UTRECHT Three (3) nights AMSTERDAM Three (3) nights Meals: Breakfast daily at the hotels (continental) Five (5) dinners as a group (including welcome dinner and farewell dinner-dance party) Full-sized deluxe touring coaches and instrument truck as required by the itinerary (Shadow Tour will have its own coach) Coaching to San Francisco International Airport (from SHS) on July 12, 2017 One (1) local multi-lingual Tour Manager PER COACH with the group in Europe (Shadow Tour will have its own tour escort) Two (2) World Projects Tour Managers with group for the duration of the tour Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary including: AACHEN Guided Walking Tour MAASTRICHT Guided Walking Tour GHENT Guided Walking Tour BRUGES Guided Canal Tour KINDERDIJK - Windmills UTRECHT Guided Walking Tour DELFT (Shadow Tour Only) Guided Walking Tour, Royal Deflt Porceleyne Fles AMSTERDAM Guided Canal Tour, Rijksmuseum entrance Tickets to two (2) WASBE Concerts Tickets to two (2) WMC Concerts (Symphonic Band / Shadow Tour) / Tickets to one (1) WMC Concert (Orchestra / Choir) Performance arrangements and festival/conference fees as follows (ALL venues are subject to confirmation) each ensemble will have a minimum of four (4) performances: ROERMOND - Roermond Cathedral (Orchestra / Choir) concert may be shared KERKRADE - Performance as part of the World Music Contest (Symphonic Band) BRUGES - St. Giles Church (Choir) BRUGES - Concertgebouw Bruges (Symphonic Band / Orchestra) concert may be shared DEN HAAG - Grote Kerk (Orchestra / Choir) concert may be shared UTRECHT - Performance as part of the WASBE Conference at Grote Zaal of the Tivoli Vrendenburg Music Centre (Symphonic Band) AMSTERDAM - Westerkerk (Choir) AMSTERDAM - Concertgebouw Amsterdam (Symphonic Band / Orchestra) concert may be shared Stands & Percussion (Symphonic Band / Orchestra performances) Timpani (set of 4), Concert Bass Drum, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibes, Marimba, Chimes, Gong Percussion as provided by WASBE Conference and World Music Contest Up to five (5) string basses Choral Risers / Podium for all choral concerts (as needed some venues may have steps) Piano/Keyboard at all concerts Tips to Drivers / Tour Leaders / Local Guides Certificate of Liability Insurance (upon request) Taxes and tolls where applicable

17 SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL Symphonic Band, Orchestra, & Choir / Shadow Tour 2017 NETHERLANDS/GERMANY - BELGIUM PERFORMANCE TOUR 2017 World Music Contest Kerkrade / 2017 WASBE Conference Utrecht July 13-26, 2017 As of March 11, 2016 PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS: Ground Transportation from SFO upon return on July 26, 2017 Baggage fees in excess of $7,500 allocated for 2 nd checked and overweight-oversize bags Meals not indicated in the itinerary including lunches and some dinners / Drinks at included dinners Additional Percussion / Equipment not detailed in Inclusions and/or provided by WASBE or WMC Passport/Visa processing fees (most US Passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany for up to a 90 day stay) Items of a personal nature (laundry, room service, internet connection, telephone fee, mail, etc.) Trip Cancellation Insurance