San Francisco Here We Come

March 27-30, 2003

The band will fly to San Francisco on March 27, 2003, tour the sights in The City, compete in a festival with as many groups as can be put together, visit the Great America amusement park, and fly home on Sunday, March 30, 2003.

Spring Trip Update 11/11/02

We had been a bit delayed in our preparations for the Spring Band Trip to San Francisco.  The same office that approves special field trips for the Fairfax County Public Schools also had to handle many of the problems that resulted from the sniper.  We now have full permission to go, including a visit to Alcatraz Island (they did not approve the swim back from the island for selected students by the way – just kidding).  We have made our reservations and deposits for the airlines, the hotel, and the festival.  So everything seems to be on track.

As of right now, we have 106 students and about 20 adults signed up to go.  The list has been provided to Mr. Taylor so that performing groups can be organized, and decisions can be made regarding special equipment that must accompany the band.  There are a few payments still outstanding.  If you are not sure if your payments are up to date, contact Andy Loerch at aloerch@gmu.edu.

Based on the payment schedule imposed by the festival organizers (who are handling our hotel reservations) and the airlines, some adjustment to the payment schedule must be made.  We have to make a payment to the festival organizers on or before December 27, 2002, and we must be paid in full by January 27, 2003.  Similarly, the airlines need to be paid by February 15, 2003. As the result, the following payment schedule:

            December 13, 2002    $250.00

            February 7, 2003        $275.00

Our revised cost estimate is for $775 per person.  This cost is lower than expected since we have been able to reduce the cost on busses due to a convenient hotel location.  We will be staying in the Marriott in Santa Clara, right next to the Theme Park.  This price includes at least 2 dinners, breakfasts at the hotel, entrance to the Great America Theme Park, and the trip to Alcatraz.  We had to make a $40 deposit for each person to United Airlines.  This deposit cannot be applied toward our payment, so this money will be refunded to each participant after the trip.  Funds that are collected in excess of the actual cost will be used as per diem for the students.  We have done our best to keep the costs as low as possible.  We ask that you provide payment in a timely manner so that we can meet our obligations to the festival company and to the airline.

We are all looking forward to a great trip.  If you have any questions, please contact the trip coordinator, Andy Loerch at aloerch@gmu.edu.

Tentative Schedule

Thursday March 27
Leave on flight in the morning on 2 flights from Dulles Airport (United Airlines):
    1. Depart 7:15 am - Aririve 10:05 am in San Francisco
    2. Depart 9:10 am - Arrive 12:01 am in SF
Sightseeing and visit to Alcatraz afternoon
Check into Hotel
Dinner in Chinatown

Friday March 28
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiardelli Square
Competition
Evening Activity

Saturday March 29
Great America Amusement Park
Award Ceremony
Dinner and Dance at park

Sunday March 30
Check out of hotel
Fly home – returning in the evening on either:
    1. Depart 8:00 am - Arrive 3:50 pm at Dulles
    2. Depart 11:30 am - Arrive 7:34 pm at Dulles

Check here for more information as it becomes available.

Instrument Data

We need this information immediately for the Airline! Put it in the brown box by Wednesday (January 15, 2003) at the latest! or submit this form.

Questions? Contact Andy Loerch, Trip Coordinator