Why only visit an exciting city when you can be part of the attraction?

Performance groups, pay attention. There are several amazing destinations in the country that welcome high school students throughout the year to specific festivals and performances. Imagine you and your group traveling beyond the four walls of the band room and taking all your hard work and practice to the streets of a city you’ve always wanted to visit. You’ll be the performers, the action, the show. You’ll meet other performers your age and get to tour some of the attractions that make the destination so exciting in the first place. Here’s a glimpse at what I’m talking about.

New York City – Among others, you’ll find the Festival of Music where you can perform in the Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall in Newark Symphony Hall. Then catch a classic Manhattan attraction and eat at Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, or the popular and dramatic Mars 2112.

Atlanta – In this vibrant city you’ll perform at the Alton Keith Performing Arts Center. You’ll want to do your best for the awards ceremony that follows, and you’ll enjoy a truly southern picnic as part of this Festival.

Boston – Boston is an exciting, modern city with loads of historical sites as well. Its Back Bay is a must-see section for any visitor. Bands and orchestras will perform their pieces for the Boston Festival of Music at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center. Choirs will be at the Silver Lake Performing Arts Center.

Chicago – This city will have you thrilled from your first glimpse of its world-famous architecture to every step along the Magnificent Mile. Performance tours will split up in Chicago between Harper College and Elgin Community College. For an added attraction in this city, how about a meal and theatrical tournament at Medieval Times?

Orlando – For performance tours that put all the rest to shame, you’ll love four days in Orlando, Florida at Disney World’s Magic Music Days. You know there’s plenty to do in this exciting location. You’ll get a hopper pass to enjoy all the Disney major theme parks at your leisure and you’ll enjoy the time of your life as young performers gather for some of the most fun you’ll ever experience.

Traveling with your band or choir is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (if not once-a-year, which sounds even better). You’ve spent hours together working and sweating your way through songs you’ve now perfected. It’s time to let them see a stage prepared just for you and groups like yours, and then let your hair down for some fun.

Photo by pdxjeff on Flickr