Need to Know
Cost
What is the cost and are there anticipated extra expenses?
The tour cost is no more than $3,000, depending on airfare.
This year this includes everything for travel, most meals, the rehearsals, the artist fees, housing, and tourism while abroad. There may be additional costs such as unanticipated baggage fees, instrument repair emergencies, and medical emergencies.
Are there scholarships?
There are no full scholarships available at this time, but some financial aid may be available. Students in the past have done their own fundraising (consider something like GoFundMe) or sponsorship solicitations.
What is the deposit?
$500, non-refundable.
When is it due?
Upon admission and acceptance to the Chamber Orchestra tour group.
Lodgings and travel
Where will the participants stay?
The coordinators in France have been collaborating with CYSO to find suitable arrangements for lodging and travel. In the Alps there will be ski lodgings and dormitories made available. In Marseilles the orchestra is being hosted by the Conservatory of Marseilles.
What meals are covered?
In the Alps meals will be cafeteria style with the other festival participants and covered by the festival. In Marseilles students and chaperones will be free to choose their own meal accommodations for some meals, and others will be together in restaurants.
What should I pack?
Airlines usually allow at least one bag, but with instruments it is likely that travelers will be restricted to one bag. There will be more information available once the tickets have been purchased. Southern France can be hot in the daytime, and cooler in the evenings. It will definitely be cooler in the mountains.
Musicians, Rehearsals and Performances
How many people will be accepted?
The Chamber Orchestra will be about 32 musicians, depending on auditions and repertoire. There will be room for about 5 adult travelers alongside the orchestra.
How many rehearsal will there be in country?
There will be an intensive tour workshop leading up to departure. Please stay tuned!
What is the concert dress?
All black formal attire for women, black suits for men.
Instruments
How will the instruments travel?
Larger instruments will be rented abroad when possible. Smaller instruments should be packed appropriately for on-board travel.
Do instruments count as a “carry on” on the plane?
We will know more once we have booked the tickets, but this will be one of the criteria for selecting an airline. Usually smaller instruments are allowed, but our domestic laws may not apply to international carriers.
Who is responsible for instruments?
The musician is responsible for his/her instrument. Please pack extra strings, rosin, mouthpieces, etc. Instrument insurance is always recommended.
Tourism
Can you tell us about some of the cultural opportunities the musicians will encounter?
There will be some organized touring abroad, and some free time to explore on your own.
Safety
What type of travel documents are required for those under the age of 18?
CYSO will provide some forms that are helpful for legal reasons and used in an emergency.
Will there be chaperones?
We will accept 1 adult traveler for approximately every 5-6 students.
How will medical costs be covered should anyone need medical attention?
Generally your insurance will cover large, emergency expenses. The travel insurance will also cover some medical costs if needed.
What should I do if my child has specific allergy or medical needs?
Please talk to your doctor to prepare instructions in the event that medical attention is needed.
How will the participants travel in the country?
The group will travel mostly by bus, but may also use trains.
Spending Money
What is the best way to pay for meals and gifts along the way?
Credit/debit cards are the safest, easiest, most economical option. If that is not possible, cash will also be easy, but less secure.
Staying in touch
Cell phones, texting, email and social media
Different cell phone carriers will offer different plans. It is strongly recommended that you check with your carrier and ask about international data plans. Wifi calling is a good option when wifi is available.
What is the cost and are there anticipated extra expenses?
The tour cost is no more than $3,000, depending on airfare.
This year this includes everything for travel, most meals, the rehearsals, the artist fees, housing, and tourism while abroad. There may be additional costs such as unanticipated baggage fees, instrument repair emergencies, and medical emergencies.
Are there scholarships?
There are no full scholarships available at this time, but some financial aid may be available. Students in the past have done their own fundraising (consider something like GoFundMe) or sponsorship solicitations.
What is the deposit?
$500, non-refundable.
When is it due?
Upon admission and acceptance to the Chamber Orchestra tour group.
Lodgings and travel
Where will the participants stay?
The coordinators in France have been collaborating with CYSO to find suitable arrangements for lodging and travel. In the Alps there will be ski lodgings and dormitories made available. In Marseilles the orchestra is being hosted by the Conservatory of Marseilles.
What meals are covered?
In the Alps meals will be cafeteria style with the other festival participants and covered by the festival. In Marseilles students and chaperones will be free to choose their own meal accommodations for some meals, and others will be together in restaurants.
What should I pack?
Airlines usually allow at least one bag, but with instruments it is likely that travelers will be restricted to one bag. There will be more information available once the tickets have been purchased. Southern France can be hot in the daytime, and cooler in the evenings. It will definitely be cooler in the mountains.
Musicians, Rehearsals and Performances
How many people will be accepted?
The Chamber Orchestra will be about 32 musicians, depending on auditions and repertoire. There will be room for about 5 adult travelers alongside the orchestra.
How many rehearsal will there be in country?
There will be an intensive tour workshop leading up to departure. Please stay tuned!
What is the concert dress?
All black formal attire for women, black suits for men.
Instruments
How will the instruments travel?
Larger instruments will be rented abroad when possible. Smaller instruments should be packed appropriately for on-board travel.
Do instruments count as a “carry on” on the plane?
We will know more once we have booked the tickets, but this will be one of the criteria for selecting an airline. Usually smaller instruments are allowed, but our domestic laws may not apply to international carriers.
Who is responsible for instruments?
The musician is responsible for his/her instrument. Please pack extra strings, rosin, mouthpieces, etc. Instrument insurance is always recommended.
Tourism
Can you tell us about some of the cultural opportunities the musicians will encounter?
There will be some organized touring abroad, and some free time to explore on your own.
Safety
What type of travel documents are required for those under the age of 18?
CYSO will provide some forms that are helpful for legal reasons and used in an emergency.
Will there be chaperones?
We will accept 1 adult traveler for approximately every 5-6 students.
How will medical costs be covered should anyone need medical attention?
Generally your insurance will cover large, emergency expenses. The travel insurance will also cover some medical costs if needed.
What should I do if my child has specific allergy or medical needs?
Please talk to your doctor to prepare instructions in the event that medical attention is needed.
How will the participants travel in the country?
The group will travel mostly by bus, but may also use trains.
Spending Money
What is the best way to pay for meals and gifts along the way?
Credit/debit cards are the safest, easiest, most economical option. If that is not possible, cash will also be easy, but less secure.
Staying in touch
Cell phones, texting, email and social media
Different cell phone carriers will offer different plans. It is strongly recommended that you check with your carrier and ask about international data plans. Wifi calling is a good option when wifi is available.