Member Information
Frequently Asked Questions
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and Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For the parents/guardians of the band members
attending the Tournament of Roses Parade
The following are a list of FAQs that we have received over the years that might help answer questions you have about your child’s trip to the Rose Parade.
What isn’t included in my child’s trip and how much additional money should he/she take with them?
All the meals beginning with lunch on Day One and ending with breakfast on Day Seven are included in your child’s package. Other than baggage fees, they can literally go on this trip without having any extra money and will be just fine. But we do suggest giving them an allowance for snacks and souvenirs while out in Los Angeles.
You might also consider purchasing a pre-paid Visa card that you can load between $25 to $500. This is just like a credit card that can be used anywhere Visa’s are accepted. When your child runs out of money, you can just go online and add more money to it (assuming you want to add to it. Also, if your child loses the card, you can cancel it without losing the value of money remaining on the card. To order your card, go to:
http://myroseparadetrip.giftcards.com/shopping/order.html?product_id=89
My family is thinking about going early to California (or staying later). Can my child go early (or stay late) with my family? Is there an additional cost?
You child must travel with the band for the entire trip. There are no exceptions to this rule. The band trip is to be considered a school function, not a family vacation.
What hotel is the band staying in while in California?
The band will be announcing the name of the hotel in the fall.
Is there a trip package for families that want to go along?
Yes, Grueninger Music Tours has created two different packages to shadow the band during their trip to Los Angeles. The first package is the escorted tour which is more inclusive. The second package is more of an independent package that offers a rental car and less inclusions.
Both packages can be found at www.myroseparadetrip.com. Please refer to the email you recieved for login information.
Will those traveling on the Friends & Family Tours stay in a different hotel than the band?
Yes, the band will be staying in a different hotel that is better suited for the band members. The band program needs the week to focus on their activities and performances. It is easier to accomplish their goals when there is separation from the possible distractions that might come with band member’s friends and/or families.
How can I be a chaperone?
Applications will be available at the April 15th meeting and there will be a Chaperone Informational meeting on April 20th. All applications must be turned in by April 23rd.
There are many fundraisers in progress and many planned for the future. Go to www.spiritstlband.org for a calendar of fundraising events.
Is there Travel Insurance I can purchase to protect my payments?
Student Post Departure Plan has been included in each band member’s trip package. This only covers the following:
Trip interruption, travel delay, baggage, baggage delay, emergency medical and dental, emergency evacuation and repatriation, emergency reunion and common carrier AD&D during the trip.
Event Maximum Reimbursement
Trip Interruption $5,000.00 / per person
Travel Delay $300.00 / per person
Baggage $500.00 / per person
Baggage Delay $50.00 / per person
Medical & Dental $2,500.00 / per person
Evacuation/Repatriation $10,000.00 / per person
Reunion $2,000.00 / per person
Common carrier AD&D $5,000.00 / per person
* Please note that any expenses incurred for travel delays and other covered excuses will be “reimbursed” after a valid claim has been approved (not while on the trip).
** Also note, that this is NOT a trip cancellation plan. Should you want to purchase a separate plan that covers “cancellation” please note that most plans only cover cancellations that have medical excuses. Please contact GMT with further questions.
I won’t be able to go on the trip. What stations show the parade on TV?
The Rose Parade will be broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV, Travel Channel and Univision.
You may also find more information by visiting www.tournamentofroses.com
What is the band doing for New Year’s Eve?
As of today, the band will be returning to the hotel to enjoy a “make your own ice cream sundae” in a private room in the hotel from 8pm – 9pm. At 9pm local time, they will celebrate the New Year (based on EST) with other band members. Immediately following they will be given their parade day instructions before heading to their rooms for the night.
Are they going to have an opportunity to meet other band students while in California?
Yes, as we did during our last visit to Pasadena, we will have an evening with one or more Rose Parade bands following Bandfest. This event will include a buffet dinner, activities and a disc jockey, and gives the band members an opportunity to meet one another outside of the parade events.
What are the dates that the LHS Band will be going to the Rose Parade?
The band will depart on Monday, December 27th and return on Sunday, January 2nd. More travel information will be available shortly.
What is the procedure if I want to chaperone on the trip?
The number of chaperones needed will not be known until the exact number of students participating in the trip has been determined. A Bandstanders information packet will be sent to each band family in May. At that time you will be asked to complete our volunteer form, which has an option to choose if you are interested in participating as a chaperone during a trip. Upon receipt of these completed forms, we will be contacting those who have expressed a interest to chaperone a trip, to further discuss the opportunity.
How much will the trip cost and what hotel are the kids staying in?
We are currently in the process of finalizing our plans with the travel agent chosen to handle the trip and we will have detailed information very soon. Our travel agent will be handling the arrangements for the band and will also be offering travel package(s) for friends & family. The band will be in a separate hotel from the friends & family travelers and we do not have the hotel information yet.
As soon as everything is finalized, we will be having a parent meeting with the travel agent in attendance to cover all of the information and we will also be posting information on this website.
Exact cost will not be determined until travel bid has been awarded in early 2010. Based on previous trip and estimated membership, we anticipate expenses to be around $2,000.00 per band member.
Can I use student account funds to pay TOR deposit?
Yes, please indicate on form and send signed form in as it serves as the official registration.
When can I setup an account for my 8th grade student?
You can get an account NOW. An account will be automatically setup, as soon as he/she participates in one of the band fundraisers (i.e. sells bandwiches, plants, etc...).
Can our family make arrangements for our band member to travel to or from California on alternative dates and join the band group upon arrival?
No, all band members will be required to travel with the band group per arrangements made through the travel agent chosen to handle the complete trip package.
Will band members be staying at the same hotel as friends & family?
No, band members will stay in a different hotel than the hotel(s) booked for the friends & family participants. More detailed hotel and travel information will be available as soon as our travel agent has finalized plans for the trip.
Can someone make a donation directly to my student's account?
Yes, checks can be written payable to Bandstanders with student name in the memo line. Those checks can be dropped off in the green mailbox in the band room or mailed to Bandstanders, c/o 477 Summer Top Ln, Fenton MO 63026. Or, online donations can be made via credit card or paypal with student name in the notation.
Please keep in mind that direct student donations are not tax deductible.
Can upcoming 8th Graders for next season march in the 2011 Rose Parade?
YES!
Can a current 8th grader start paying on their trip now and be included in the Rose Parade fundraisers?
YES!
Can the 2010 Band Seniors march in the Rose Parade?
YES! They must notify the directors and finance comittee of their intentions prior to the first payment date.
Will the band be able to attend the Rose Bowl Game?
No. The trip will not include time and/or tickets to attend the game..
How many performances will the band give?
This will be determined once the trip itinerary is available.