BOWSHER MUSIC DEPARTMENT TRIP
CHICAGO, 2018
Dear Parents and students,
The Bowsher Music Faculty is very pleased to announce that we will be taking our ensembles on a trip to Chicago this spring! This is a trip we take every 4 years and the dates for this trip are April 13-15. We will leave from Bowsher on the morning of April 13 around 6:30 am and will arrive in Chicago around 10:30 am. We will return on Sunday night around 11:00 pm after 2 ½ jam packed days!
PRICE
The cost is obviously the main concern. The price will change, depending on how many students are going. The following pricing is the high end of the price quote based on 60 students and 10 adults. If we are 50 or under (1 bus) the price will be lower or if we get closer to 100 or more the price will be lower (more discounts for larger groups) so it important to get an approximate head count as soon as we can. The cost for 60 students and 10 adults is $591. The payment schedule will be as follows:
$50 deposit due November 17
$180 payment due December 20 (last day before break)
$180 payment due January 19
$181 Final payment due February 23 (all money must be paid 50 days prior to departure)
The $50 deposit will be the same regardless of how many are attending. Once we have that count, we will know if the other payments will be reduced. Once we have an accurate count, you are welcome to pay the amount due all at once if you wish. The actual price will also be determined by which show we see. This price is based on the highest priced tickets. Not all shows are available for pricing yet- we hope to have a show picked out by November 17 so as to determine the payment amounts. Our goal is to have lots of students on the trip and to see a less expensive show. This will put the price closer to $520 and make the 3 payments in the $155 range.
FUND RAISING
We would like to have a fund raiser before each payment is due to help offset the cost. We have a fund raiser scheduled to begin October 16 with Yankee Candle which will go towards the trip. Other fund raising efforts will be announced prior to their kick offs. Fund raising will not go towards the $50 deposit.
REFUNDS
Full refunds are available for out of pocket expenses (not fund raising) up to 60 days prior to departure which would be February 13. After that date, no refunds will be given.
ADDITIONAL MONEY
Most of the trip is paid for in advance. The exceptions are souvenirs and four meals. The meals that are not included are lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the city, and dinner on the road on Sunday on the way home. These meals are the equivalent of fast food meals. We would recommend $30-$40 for meals and whatever you want to spend on souvenirs.
ADULTS
Any parent who wants to pay to go with us is more than welcome! The price is the same as it is for the students.
REMIND
“Remind” is a way for us to communicate information regarding the trip to you. Simply text @bowsherm to 81010 and respond to the reply with your name and you will be on the “mailing” list. This is a one way communication meaning you can’t respond with questions, but please see our contact information below to leave any questions with us. If you’d prefer to be contacted via email, you can send an email to: . The subject and body can be blank- sending this email will put you on the mailing list.
HOTELS
Students will be housed 4 to a room. Adults will be either 2 or 4 to a room depending on how many are traveling. Security will be provided at the hotels to make sure no one gets out of their rooms at night. Bed checks will be done prior to lights out.
ATTRACTIONS
Some of the proposed attractions include: Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, Museum of Science and Industry, Millennium Park, Grace Episcopal Church, Water Tower/ Magnificent Mile shopping area, Architecture Boat Tour, a show and our performances. A more detailed itinerary will follow as it becomes more solidified. These are subject to change.
CONTACT INFO
Please contact us with any questions or concerns and we will answer them as best and as quickly as we can. You can reach the choir by phone at 419-671-2077 or the band and orchestra at 419-671-2078. Our email addresses are listed below as well. We look forward to a great trip!!
Matt FritzKarin GiffinAlex KarolyRobyn HageNate Hoppel