The Reality of Tour

Dear Parents and students of Concert Choir,
I have finally caught up from the Contest and Concert push to take a look at our tour situation and it is looking grim. At this point we have 18 choir members that have paid a deposit either to ASB or have made a Deposit on line to ETS I have a few Registration slips that have been turned in to me but not enough to make the tour go. We need at least 40 to make the tour happen. Denise smith called several people a few days ago and found out that there were several families that were planning on going but had not filled any thing out or paid anything. We just need to find out who for sure is going and who for sure is not so we can make a decision and move forward.
Here is the nitty gritty: Our tour manager needs to pay a deposit to reserve tickets to our scheduled events (the Broadway show “Wicked” in San Francisco and the “Merchant of Venice” in Ashland) by April 9th. Once we do that we are committed to going on the tour. As it stands right now we can pull out and get our money back. I have asked the tour company to create a Plan B option for us if we do have to re organize but I would not like to consider this option especially if attendance, and not money, is our issue which is looking like it might be the case.
There are several students that have not informed me of their plan so in order to make a decision we will need a definite yes or no by the 8th of April. I know several of you are going to be out of town for the break but if I could get a response from you that would help me make a decision. Here is some information that might help you to make your decision.
Tour Date: June 3-6
Location: San Francisco (see the updated itinerary for details)
Cost Per student: $630
Fund raising options available now until the end of the year:
· Sees Candy: students make $27 per box of candy (Student would need to sell 23 boxes to pay for the whole trip)
· Cabaret concert on the 16th (a good projection if we do a good job promoting would bring us in $2000 which is about $50 per student)
· Writing personal letters to Business and family members. (Most students had a very negative reaction to the thought of writing letters and asking for money. I realize that economic times are difficult and that you may feel that It’s unethical to ask for money in this way for you to go on a trip. However, for the amount benefit you will get out of this experience and for the memories and friendships it will create and the way it will enrich your life, I have a hard time believing that family, friends and business would not be happy to contribute to your betterment as a musician and wholesome person in that way. And if they can’t well then they can’t and that is ok too. You may completely disagree with this opinion which is completely acceptable. That being said, I feel I need to at least offer it as an option.
· Selling Program Adds for Spring concert: Each add goes directly into the students account. (Business Card sized ad - $50, ¼ Page ad - $75, ½ Page ad - $100, Full Page ad - $200)
· I have acquired a busking License to perform at the Farmers Market on Saturdays. Come and sing and throw down a hat. You would be surprised what you might make.
· We have considered other ideas such as a Pancake Feed (which I think would be a hoot and we could call it Singin’ and Flingin’.) we could still organize these things.

If you are planning on not going, ask yourself if the deciding factor is the money / effort to raise the money. If all or even just a few of these options were played out to their potential even at this late time I feel like we could rally together and make it happen. If we were to rally I know even for those of you that are not able to make any of the payment we could make it happen for you. It just takes work and dedication.

I will be in the office with Susan Swan on Tuesday April 8th. If you would like to make this tour happen please respond to this email with

1. Yes my student is going and I will be at the office to drop off a payment / payment plan on Tuesday April 8th
2. Yes my Student is going and I have already paid my deposit and filled out the registration form. Below is my plan for the rest of the payments.
3. Yes my student is going but I am unavailable to come in April 8th . Below is my plan for paying for the tour
4. No my student will not be going on tour because of a date conflict.
5. No my student will not be going on tour because of monitory reasons.
6. No my student will not going on tour for _______________ reason

Any information you can give me will be helpful in planning future tours.

IF you have any fundraising money out now Please get it in as quick as possible to Mrs Swan. So we can have a more accurate idea of where we are. Tuesday the 8th would be a good day for that.

I have been so impressed and uplifted by the musical growth and improvement in functionality of this year’s choir every moment seems to get better and better. After just a small preview of our cabaret performances I know it is going to blow people away. Our superior scores at festival reflect our hard work and dedication. I hope we can pull this tour together to put a great cap on the year and reward the seniors for all their hard work and dedication.

If it turns out we are not able to make the commitment to go on tour I will let you know when we return on Monday April 12.



In Harmony

Andy Marshall