Trip Selection Details

SHS Marching Black Knights

Name of Trip: Washington DC/ Parade of Champions

Event Type: Sightseeing/Performance

Dates: October 27th – 29th 2023

Location of Events: Washington, DC and Harrisonburg, VA

Website: https://www.jmu.edu/mrd/poc/index.shtml

Trip Description:
The band will be travelling to Harrisonburg, VA to participate in James Madison
University’s annual marching band competition: Parade of Champions. They will
perform our show and receive feedback and scores from the judges. In addition,
we will be spending time in our nation’s capital to visit the multitude of museums
and learn about science, art, and music, in addition to our nation’s history.

From the PoC website:

James Madison University is proud to host our Annual JMU Parade of
Champions marching band competition each October.
It is a fantastic celebration of music education and the marching arts, with outstanding
bands and nationally-recognized adjudicators, open to any high school marching band
regardless of size or experience.
Performing in our professional-grade Bridgeforth Stadium, complete with the scenic
views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, makes JMU Parade of
Champions one of the most memorable events in our area. The stadium boasts a
seating capacity of almost 25,000 and includes 2 decks (perfect for viewing the
performances), a state-of-the-art video board, club lounge and suites, a new press box
and media complex, as well as an expansive concessions area.
When we combine these facilities with an incredible line-up of bands from the Mid-
Atlantic, it can offer an exciting event for everybody involved!

Benefits of this Trip:

Musical: Students will…
 Continue developing their performing skills.
 Prepare music and choreography to perform in the competition.
 Receive feedback on how to improve various parts of the show such as
music technique, marching technique, visual feedback, general comments,
and more.
Extra-Musical: Students will…
 Develop planning and time management skills.
 Become introduced or more accustomed to travelling and the logistics
regarding it (packing, bus protocol, budgeting, etc.)
 Become more responsible travelers and tourists.
 Learn about our country’s history in addition to science, art, and
government.
 Become more comfortable being away from home.
Stamford High School Marching
Band

Good afternoon, Principal Lastname,

I am writing to you to introduce you to a trip that I have been planning for the marching band. It is a trip
that would take place around late October, with the final date to be released soon, to both JMU’s
Parade of Champions (PoC) marching competition and a trip to Washington, DC. Going to PoC would be
a great musical experience for the students, with the opportunity to perform for hundreds, receive real
feedback from judges, and potentially bring an eye on our school’s band program, bringing in more
students and causing the program to become even more. Going to our nation’s capital has mostly non-
musical benefits, those being the opportunity to learn about science, history, the government, and art. It
also teaches students responsibility, travel etiquette, and just generally give them more experience with
travel.

With buses, the cost is around 50-75 dollars per student, but we have been doing fundraisers and can
cover that expense. But of course, we would need permission to travel, and to stay in a hotel. I plan on
sending a permission slip home with the students, but you have the final say in that matter.

I invite you to come to the event, it will be a great day with many amazing bands performing great
music.

Thank you for your time,

Carter Linask

55 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

T (203)977-4223 W stamfordhigh.org/band
Stamford High School Marching
Band

SHS Marching Band Parents,

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work with your students, they have all been wonderful
and have been putting in great work.

I have been planning a trip in late October with a final date to be announced soon, to both JMU’s Parade
of Champions (PoC) marching competition and a trip to Washington, DC. Going to PoC would be a great
musical experience for the students, with the opportunity to perform for hundreds, receive real
feedback from judges, and potentially bring an eye on our school’s band program, bringing in more
students and causing the program to become even more. Going to our nation’s capital has mostly non-
musical benefits, those being the opportunity to learn about science, history, the government, and art. It
also teaches students responsibility, travel etiquette, and just generally give them more experience with
travel.

Because of the fundraising we have done, we don’t need students to pay to go on the trip, so there is no
additional funding needed. What we do need, however, are parent volunteers. These would be to keep
track of students, help with unloading equipment, and to help with anything that may come up.

There will be pre-trip meetings on August 15th and September 20th at 7pm in the band room to discuss
details of the trip. I also invite you all to come, even if you don’t chaperone. It is sure to be a great day
with many amazing bands playing awesome music. Not to mention, it’s a great way to show support!

I thank you for your time,

Carter Linask

Band Director, SHS

55 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

T (203)977-4223 W stamfordhigh.org/band
Stamford High School Marching
Band

Trip Permission Form

Parents: I, _________________________ , give permission for my student to go on the *Write name
of trip here* trip. I understand that it is an overnight trip, and we will be staying in a hotel. I understand
that the trip will take place on the dates *Write dates here* . I will not hold the school or any faculty
accountable if my student loses any items. By checking this box, I indicate that I want to
chaperone.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Students: I, _____________________________ , am going on this trip. I am responsible for

anything I bring on this trip including luggage, my instrument, and anything required to maintain my
instrument. I will listen to my chaperone and follow them, and stay with my group as to not get lost.

I will turn this form in to Mr. Linask no later than September 2nd, 2023.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Medical Release
Name __________________________________________________________________________

Preferred Name ______________________________________________

Sex___________ Birthdate ______________

Health Insurance Company ______________________________________________________________

Policy # ______________________________________________________________________________

Insured’s name __________________________________________________________________

Allergies _____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Required medications/dosage ____________________________________________________________

Dietary needs _________________________________________________________________________

55 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

T (203)977-4223 W stamfordhigh.org/band
55 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

T (203)977-4223 W stamfordhigh.org/band
Stamford High School Marching
Band

Hello, Newfield Green Grade A Market!

My name is Carter Linask, and I am the band director of the Stamford High School Marching Black
Knights! As our big trip this year, we are going to be travelling down to Maryland and Virginia to visit our
nation’s capital, and to compete in James Madison University’s Parade of Champions marching band
competition. This will give our students the opportunity to receive real feedback from judges and to
learn more about science, history, and government. It will also bring attention to our community
because we will be travelling so far, and if I do say so myself, because the kinds are working very hard to
be the best that they can.

With your support, we can make this trip a huge success for everyone involved and help the students
experience something unique, and hopefully we can continue to do this in the future as well! This is why
we are humbly requesting any donations that you can. This is not limited to just money, water bottles
and bags of chips for the students’ lunches are also more than appreciated. I can come and pick up the
donations, or you could drop them off after school.

This is not just a benefit for us, however, because we will also advertise your store in our concert
programs, at half time for sports games, and in our band yearbook. Not to mention that great feeling
that comes from helping a student experience something wonderful.

If you are interested, please contact me at (203)555-5555 or thisisntarealemail@stamfordct.gov.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Carter Linask

Band Director, SHS

55 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

T (203)977-4223 W stamfordhigh.org/band
Stamford High School Marching
Band

Dear Grade A Market,

Thank you so much for sponsoring our trip to Washington, DC, and Parade of Champions! We performed
really well and came 3rd in our category! Without your support, we could not have gone on this trip, and
we couldn’t have done so well!

We invite you to come to our team’s home games so you can hear us perform!

Thank you again!!!!

The SHS Marching Black Knights

55 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

T (203)977-4223 W stamfordhigh.org/band
Stamford High School Marching
Band

Dear insert business/organization here,

Thank you so much for helping to make our trip a success! Your contributions helped to make the
students’ trip happen, and we could not have done it without you. Because of your contributions, we
were able to get more hotel rooms and another bus so that we could fit 2 students into each room and
we didn’t have to cram everyone onto two buses!

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for contributing this event, and I would like to invite you to
our winter concert, and to our spring concert in the second half of the school year, as well as the musical
that will be going on, and our football games!

Sincerely,

Carter Linask

Band Director, SHS

55 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

T (203)977-4223 W stamfordhigh.org/band
Total Number of Travelers: 107
 Students – 85
 Staff – 4
 Chaperones – 10
 Guests/Admins – 5
 Bus/Truck Drivers – 3 (1 truck, 2 buses)

Form of transportation: Bus

Price for 3 days: $3300 - $5700 + other fees = ~$3600-$6000

Hotel in Harrisonburg: Country Inn & Suites 1 night, $133 per night
Hotel in DC: Wyndham Garden Washington DC North, 2 nights, $135 per night
Washington DC Itinerary

Thursday, October 19
TIME EVENT LOCATION
3:00pm Report Band Room
- Instructions Regarding Travel
- Form travel groups w/
chaperones
- Attendance taken by chaperones
- Chaperone meeting to discuss
logistics and keeping attendance
LOAD BUSES/TRUCK Bus Loop
- Uniforms/Instruments in Truck
- Luggage under busses
3:45pm DEPART for trip

10:00pm ARRIVE at Hotel 5811 Annapolis Rd,

- Chaperones will check their Cheverly, MD 20784
groups into their rooms and Hotel Website Link
distribute keys
- Pizza will be available in the lobby
post check-in

11:00pm BEDTIME!
- Bed checks will take place
- Tape will be placed on the doors

Friday, October 20
TIME EVENT LOCATION
8:00am Groups 1, 2, and 3 Breakfast Hotel Lobby
8:45am Groups 4, 5, and 6 Breakfast Hotel Lobby
9:30am Begin Loading Buses
- Instructions Before Boarding
- Groups 1, 2, and 3 on Bus 1
- Groups 4, 5, and 6 on Bus 2
10:00am Leave for Washington DC
10:30am Arrive at Lincoln Memorial 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW,
- Instructions regarding timing Washington, DC 20002
11:00am National Museum of African American 1400 Constitution Ave. NW,
History and Culture Washington, DC 20560
- Observe War Memorials on the
way
12:00pm Lunch Sweet Home Café
1400 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20560
1:00pm Smithsonian National Museum of 1300 Constitution Ave. NW,
American History Washington, DC 20560
- Meet with your chaperone at
the end of your visit!
2:00pm Smithsonian National Museum of 10th St. & Constitution Ave.
Natural History NW, Washington, DC 20560
3:00pm National Gallery of Art Constitution Ave. NW,
- Meet with your chaperone at Washington, DC 20565
the end of your visit!
4:00pm Smithsonian National Air and Space 600 Independence Ave SW,
Museum Washington, DC 20560
- Meet with your chaperone at
the end of your visit!
5:00pm Eisenhower Memorial 540 Independence Ave SW,
- Buses Pick up here for dinner Washington, DC 20024
5:30pm Dinner Officina at The Wharf,
1120 Maine Ave SW,
Washington, DC 20024
7:00pm Load Buses and Return to Hotel
7:30pm Arrive at Hotel 5811 Annapolis Rd, Cheverly,
Begin Loading Bus to leave for MD 20784
Harrisonburg
8:30pm Leave for Harrisonburg Hotel 27 Covenant Dr,
AT THE LATEST Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Hotel Website Link
10:30pm Arrive at Harrisonburg Hotel 27 Covenant Dr,
- Chaperones will check their Harrisonburg, VA 22801
groups into their rooms and
distribute keys
- Bed checks will take place
- Tape will be placed on the
doors
11:00pm BEDTIME!
- Bed checks will take place
 - Tape will be placed on the
doors

Parade of Champions Itinerary

Venue Information:
251 Bluestone Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Parade of Champions Website
Contact:
Scott Rikkers - rikkerssd@jmu.edu
Elizabeth Keene – keeneel@jmu.edu

Saturday, October 21
TIME EVENT LOCATION
8:00am Groups 4, 5, and 6 Breakfast Hotel Lobby
8:45am Groups 1, 2, and 3 Breakfast Hotel Lobby
9:30am Begin Loading Busses
- Same bus assignments
- STUDENTS BRING
INSTRUMENTS AND
UNIFORMS
10:00am Depart for JMU 800 S Main St, Harrisonburg,
VA 22801
10:15am Arrive at JMU
10:30am Campus Tour
11:30am Lunch @ E Hall 1681 Carrier Dr, Harrisonburg,
VA 22801
12:30pm Move to check-in Convocation Center, 895
University Blvd, Harrisonburg,
VA 22807
1:01pm Check in
2:09pm Warmup Artificial Fields near Convo.
- Run key parts of the show
2:35pm Move to Gate
2:48pm Arrive at Gate
3:01pm PERFORM!!!!!!
3:30-10:45pm Free Time 251 Bluestone Dr,
- Watch other bands, buy Harrisonburg, VA 22801
merch, etc.
10:45pm JMU Marching Royal Dukes Exhibition 251 Bluestone Dr,
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
11:00pm Awards begin
11:30pm Depart for Hotel 27 Covenant Dr,
- Watch MRD trumpets do B.o.B Harrisonburg, VA 22801
- Correspond with chaperones
11:45pm Arrive at Hotel
- BEDTIME!
- Bed checks will take place
- Tape will be placed on the
doors

Sunday, October 22
TIME EVENT LOCATION
9:00am Groups 1, 2, and 3 Breakfast Hotel Lobby
9:45am Groups 4, 5, and 6 Breakfast Hotel Lobby
10:30am Begin Loading Buses
- Instructions Before Boarding
- Groups 1, 2, and 3 on Bus 1
- Groups 4, 5, and 6 on Bus 2
11:15am Depart for SHS 55 Strawberry Hill Ave,
Stamford, CT 06902
~5:45pm Arrive at SHS
- Parents please be waiting to
pick up your students!

Chaperone Contact Information

Group 1 – Carter Linask, Band Director: (555)555-5555
Group 2 – Parent Volunteerington, Volunteer: (555)555-5556
Group 3 – John Chaperone, Volunteer: (555)555-5557
Group 4 – Notareal Namington, Volunteer: (555)555-5558
Group 5 – Creative Name, Volunteer: (555)555-5559
Group 6 – Another Name, Volunteer: (555)555-5560