Kevin_Martin@rdale.org 10635 36 th Ave. N Plymouth, MN 55441 763-504-8855 Armstrong High School Kevin Martin Orchestra Director Dear Orchestra Families, The 2015-2016 Armstrong High School Orchestras will be taking a Spring Break Tour to New York City from Monday, March 28 th Sunday, April 3 rd. This is an exciting opportunity for our students! Attached are some details about the trip as well as a list of possible activities. Performances and activities are still being finalized, and I hope to have a preliminary itinerary soon. The final itinerary will be distributed 30 days before departure. Why tour??? Before we discuss any of other questions about tour (when, where, what), it is important to tackle the most important question: WHY??? Here is a very short list that will hopefully begin to answer that question: Traveling as a performing arts group is very different than any other travel experience in life. Connecting with students, professors, and audiences in another city through music is an amazing opportunity for these students. Traveling to a new city, country, or culture introduces students to the world and to themselves. Traveling helps students become more independent, experience new things, and grow as young adults. There is nothing quite like exploring a new city with a group of friends. The connections made in Orchestra class and solidified on Tour can develop into lifelong friendships. Tours are fun! High school music tours are often a highlight of the high school experience! Costs Total cost of the trip is $1,200 per student. The first payment of $200 is due on Thursday, September 24 th. This payment must be in cash or check form. Additional payments may be made from student accounts. See attached payment coupons for the payment schedule. Inclusions Coach bus transportation to New York City via Cleveland Five nights hotel accommodations with expanded continental breakfast Most Dinners final list of included meals included with the itinerary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland!! Performance at a New York location Participation in an exchange concert Clinic at New York City area University Broadway show!! New York Philharmonic Concert Additional attractions to be selected from: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NBC Studio Tour, One World Observatory, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick s Cathedral, Times Square, Trump Tower, Today Show
Travel escort from Group Travel Planners (and GTP group liability coverage) Tour t-shirt Not included: snacks, lunches, souvenirs, any other personal expenses/purchases, insurance coverage on personal items including instruments and cases, anything else not listed above under inclusions Student Accounts Money earned through fundraising will be added to student accounts which will be updated and posted periodically. See Mr. Martin with questions about your account. Fundraisers Please take advantage of a variety of fundraisers throughout the year! They will include Butterbraid sales, grocery bagging, coupon book sales, and others. Scholarships A limited amount of scholarship money is available for families in need of financial assistance. Please contact Mr. Martin to discuss this possibility. Scholarships, if provided, will be applied to the final tour payment. Chaperones Parents/guardians are encouraged to apply to be a chaperone! Ideally, we will have one adult for every 8-10 students. Chaperones will pay ½ of the student rate. Please contact Mr. Martin if you are interested in traveling as a chaperone. PLEASE return all of the payments in a timely manner and return all of the forms when indicated on the payment page. The only extra document that you need to add is a copy of the front and back of your insurance card (this should not be done until the due date, as insurance information can change). We look forward to this wonderful tour experience and we hope to create many terrific memories in NYC!!! Sincerely, Kevin Martin Kevin_martin@rdale.org Armstrong High School Orchestras 763-504-8855
Armstrong High School As a parent/guardian, I give permission for my child to participate in the AHS Orchestra Tour to New York City from March 28 April 3, 2016. This program is not required by the Robbinsdale Area School District. In addition, I give permission for my child to participate in all off-site classes and field trips associated with the itinerary of the tour, including transportation to and from such off-site classes and field trips. I am aware of the inherent risks associated with these activities and that all risks cannot be prevented. If my child should require emergency medical treatment, I consent to such treatment. I acknowledge that the school district does not provide accident or health insurance for students, and I agree to be responsible for any medical bills incurred as a result of emergency medical treatment. To the maximum extent permitted by law, I hereby hold harmless and release the school district, its officers, employees and volunteers, from any claims for damages or injury to my child or property, which may arise from my child s participation in the above program and all related activities. This release and holds harmless clause does not apply to intentional or negligent acts of the school district, its officers, employees and volunteers that cause harm to my child. However, by signing below, I agree that the school district will not be responsible to pay any deductible on any insurance our family may have, if a claim is made that arises out of my child s participation in this program. If I am concerned about the program identified above or any of the activities or risks associated with the program, I understand that I can contact the Robbinsdale Area Schools. Kevin Martin (763-504-8855) Child s Name Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Address Robbinsdale Area Schools Permission Slip and Waiver Form Phone Number Parent/Guardian Signature Date Emergency contact person and phone number * Please return to your teacher by February 10, 2016.
ARMSTRONG ORCHESTRA TOUR TRAVEL AGREEMENT We do not anticipate that any of the following issues will arise with this group of students. However, as a precautionary measure, the following rules have been established: 1. Students must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the entire Orchestra. 2. All of the District #281 and NWSC Conference and Region rules are in effect concerning consumption of alcohol, mood altering/illegal drugs and tobacco. 3. Students will not travel alone during the course of the tour. Groups of four or more are required. 4. Students traveling with the Armstrong Orchestra will not reveal travel information to strangers. (i.e. Hotel information or itinerary) 5. Students will not ride in any vehicle other than the chartered bus without the permission of the director. 6. Men are not allowed in women hotel rooms or floors at any time and vice versa. 7. An evening room check time will be announced. After the chaperone has visually checked the student s room, NO STUDENT MAY LEAVE THE ROOM FOR ANY REASON. Chaperone phone numbers and room numbers will be provided to all students in the event of an emergency. 8. Only electronic devices with headsets are allowed. No speakers. 9. Any additional costs charged to a room will be the responsibility of the occupants and will be paid to the hotel prior to check out. 10. Students will arrive on time when departing or gathering for scheduled events. The above rules apply to all students, including those who are 18 years of age. These standards have been established for the protection and safety of each student and to ensure that future band tours are possible. Students found in violation of any of these rules: May be confined to the immediate supervision of a chaperone. May not be allowed to perform/participate with the band or orchestra. May be sent home at the parent s expense. I have read and understand the rules listed above. We understand what the appropriate behavior should be and we understand the consequences. Student signature Date Parent signature Date FORM DUE: February 10, 2016
Robbinsdale Armstrong High School Orchestra Tour Medical Information and Treatment Release Due February 10 All information supplied is confidential and will only be released to adults responsible for you child s safety. Medical forms will be destroyed after the tour. Please answer each question completely. Student s Full Name Street Address City State Zip Phone Date of Birth Height Weight Gender Please circle the correct answer: 1 Does your child have any serious health problems, behavior disorders, or sight, hearing, or mobility limitations? If yes, please list and describe conditions completely on the reverse of this form. 2 Does your child have any dietary requirements? If yes, please describe completely on the reverse. 3 Are all childhood immunizations current, including tetanus? Date of last tetanus shot: 4 Does your child take any prescribed medications? If yes, please list all medications, including dosages, and state whether the student is able to self-administer them. 5 Has you child had surgery or been hospitalized within the last two years? Please give date, diagnosis and outcome of each illness, accident or injury. 6 Does your child suffer from any allergies? Please describe the type and severity of each allergy. (ex, bees, nuts, seafood, etc.) OVER
7 Has your child been treated for ADHD, ADD, eating disorder, or any other psychological conditions within the past two years? Parent/Guardian Name Home Phone Work/Cell Phone Parent/Guardian Name Home Phone Work/Cell Phone Other Emergency Contact Home Phone Work/Cell Phone Family Physician Phone Dentist Phone Medical Insurance Plan Policy Number Primary Policy Holder In the event that my child, named above, is injured during tour at which I am not present, and if medical attention is required, I hereby authorize the director or other person designated by team leadership to sign any necessary medical treatment release or forms on my behalf. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Photo copy and attach the primary policy holder s insurance card. Please copy the front and back of the insurance card. Additional description of health conditions: FORM DUE: February 10, 2016
PERMISSION TO TRAVEL FORM Each Student must complete this form and hand it to the Director in order to Tour with the group! GTP provides group liability insurance coverage but does not provide Personal Insurance- We recommend that you purchase individual insurance with itravelinsured through our website. Logon to www.grouptravelplanners.com, click on the Services Tab, under Services, click on itravelinsured. I give (Name of Student) permission to travel with Armstrong High School Orchestra (Name of High School) to New York City (Tour Destination). I (Name of the person in consent) assume all risks that may be involved in the participation of this tour and I do release, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless the above School mentioned - as well as Group Travel Planners, its agents, employees, chaperones, leaders, organizers, sponsors, and persons transporting the Student to and from their trip/activities. Neither the above mentioned School, Group Travel Planners, nor any of the said persons will be held financially responsible for any stolen property, injury, illness, or death incurred as a direct/indirect result of this activity. I understand that if the Student becomes involved in anything that may result in punitive action, the Directors can decide to send the Student home at your expense. The Director will contact you before such an action occurs. Group Travel Planners acts only as an agent for tour members in arranging accommodations, transportation, and other such details (meals, sightseeing, etc.) pertinent to the tour. Group Travel Planners may change the itinerary if necessary and is not responsible to any person/institution for any losses beyond their control (transportation problems/airline delays). I, the undersigned, have read and understand all of the terms of this release and execute it voluntarily fully understanding the importance of the details of this form. Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date: Home Phone: Work Phone:
Due Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Orchestra Tour Deposit Payment Method: Payment Total: $ Cash/Check (to Armstrong Orchestra Boosters ) + $ from Student Account = $ $300 Forms due to Mr. Martin: 1. District Permission Form 2. Travel Agreement 3. Medical Forms 4. Travel Company Permission Form Student Name: Phone: (Please detach and deliver the payment to the box in the Orchestra Room) Due Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Orchestra Tour Deposit Payment Method: Payment Total: $ Cash/Check (to Armstrong Orchestra Boosters ) + $ from Student Account = $ $350 Student Name: Phone: (Please detach and deliver the payment to the box in the Orchestra Room) Due Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Orchestra Tour Deposit Payment Method: Payment Total: $ Cash/Check (to Armstrong Orchestra Boosters ) + $ from Student Account = $ $350 Student Name: Phone: (Please detach and deliver the payment to the box in the Orchestra Room) Due Date: Thursday, September 24, 2015 Orchestra Tour Deposit Payment Method: Cash/Check *this payment must be made by check or cash. Payment: $200 check to Armstrong Orchestra Boosters Student Name: Phone: (Please detach and deliver the payment to the box in the Orchestra Room)