Student Performance Travel Programs

Our tours typically include transportation, accommodations, performance coordination, rehearsal space, workshops or adjudication opportunities, select meals, and dedicated on-tour support from a Tour Manager. Every itinerary is customized to meet the needs of the school and program.

Yes. Every school performance tour is tailored to the size, skill level, budget, and artistic goals of your group. We work closely with directors to design an itinerary that reflects their program’s vision and objectives

Student safety is a top priority in every student performance tour we plan. With more than three decades of experience, ETA works with vetted transportation providers, trusted hotel partners, and established performance venues.

Each tour includes a dedicated Tour Manager who oversees schedules, student movement, and on-site coordination. Our team provides clear communication before departure, structured itineraries, and 24/7 support during travel. By managing logistics centrally and maintaining strong supervision protocols, we help ensure a safe and well-organized experience for students, educators, and chaperones. Read more about our focus on safety for student travel.

Yes. Performance tours can include competitive festivals, adjudicated performances, workshops with professional clinicians, or showcase-style events depending on your program’s goals.

Some schools prefer a competitive environment with formal scoring and feedback, while others focus on performance showcases and enrichment experiences. We work with directors to design an itinerary that aligns with their artistic objectives.

We recommend beginning the planning process 9 to 12 months in advance, especially for high-demand destinations and major performance events. Early planning allows for better performance availability, fundraising timelines, and budget flexibility.

Student groups may perform in nationally recognized parades, festivals, clinics, competitions, Broadway-style showcases, theme parks, recording studios, and other professional venues. Each tour is customized based on the goals and performance level of the group.

Performance tours commonly take place in the spring and early summer, though parade opportunities and seasonal festivals may occur during specific times of year. Early planning allows for better performance availability, smoother fundraising timelines, and greater budget flexibility.

Our performance tours are created for middle school, high school, and collegiate performing arts programs. They are typically organized by band directors, choir teachers, theatre educators, orchestra conductors, and dance instructors seeking meaningful, curriculum-aligned travel experiences for their students.

For most standard performance tours, auditions are not required. Participation is typically determined by the school’s performing arts program and director.

However, certain prestigious events and performance opportunities, such as competitive festivals or nationally recognized parades, do require an audition or formal submission process. ETA provides guidance throughout these application processes to help programs prepare strong submissions and meet all requirements.

Educational performance tours are structured travel programs designed for school performing arts groups, including band, choir, orchestra, theatre, and dance programs. These tours combine live performance opportunities with educational workshops, adjudication, and cultural experiences, allowing students to grow artistically while traveling with their school group.

Our performance trips for students are designed to align with performing arts curriculum standards by providing real-world performance experiences, professional feedback, ensemble development, and exposure to cultural institutions. These experiences reinforce classroom learning while building student confidence and collaboration.

Performance tours involve many moving parts, and unexpected situations can arise. That is why every ETA performance tour includes a dedicated Tour Manager on site.

Your Tour Manager oversees daily timelines, coordinates logistics, supports students and chaperones, and addresses any unforeseen issues quickly and professionally. Schools travel knowing there is an experienced expert managing the details on the ground.

Planning a performance trip for students involves complex logistics, performance coordination, financial management, and student supervision. Partnering with a professional performance tour company ensures that these details are handled by experienced specialists.

With more than 30 years in business, ETA provides strategic planning, vetted travel partnerships, secure student registration and payment systems, fundraising support, and on-site tour management. Schools benefit from reduced administrative burden, professional oversight, and a smoother overall experience from initial planning through tour completion.

The best destinations for performance tours depend on your program’s goals and performance level. Many school bands, choirs, orchestras, theatre groups, and dance programs travel to cities like New York City, Orlando, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Washington, DC for nationally recognized parades, festivals, workshops, and showcase opportunities.

Explore our guide to the Top Performance Tour Destinations in the USA for more info on domestic options.