Concerts
How much time will be spent preparing for the concert?
Once we leave the USA, we’ll have *zero* rehearsals. For that reason, the 3 days at the college will be jam packed with rehearsals, coaching, sectionals, and whatever else we need in order to have a great final product before we leave. The Farewell Concert will actually be a “dress rehearsal” for the Tour, and we’ll have a professional recording session to make your CD BEFORE we even leave on the Tour. That’s another reason that everyone must be as prepared as possible before arriving.
Now, in Europe … When we perform a Concert, we’ll pull into the venue, unload the coach/trailer, set up the stage, and then ALL the groups will perform. When we’ve finished, some of the cities will have arranged for a Reception! It’s a great cultural sharing time, and they are very hospitable.
On non-Concert days, the Red Tour will pack in as much unforgettable sight-seeing as possible. Red Tour band directors do often recommend that brass players keep a mouthpiece in your carry-on for buzzing, but if you do that, make sure it’s an *extra* one so the original never leaves your case.
Will we have time to change on concert days?
All of this will be made clear to you each day. On some days, there will be plenty of time to return to the hotel for a change of clothes. Sometimes, however, you will have checked out of the hotel and your luggage is carried beneath the coaches. On those days, you’ll take your performance clothing on the coach with you; for that reason, it’s not a bad idea to take along a (lightweight, foldable and very cheap) garment bag. Even a garbage bag would work just as well. Don’t worry – the Staff will tell you very clearly how the clothing works each day of the Tour, and you’ll be reminded about how to prepare for the upcoming day at bed-check each night
Do you know the names & addresses of venues & times of concerts?
Details will be provided on the final Itinerary provided at check-in when you get to the college. The Itinerary will show the places (at least it will list the town/city) and exact times; keep in mind you’ll be using global time so the Concert time will be listed as “20:30” for an 8:30 PM Concert. We don’t always know the exact places of all of the performances; most towns have a ‘good weather’ and a ‘bad weather’ venue set aside. Some will be very specifically stated on the printed Itinerary. Whenever any questions remain, give a call to the home AMA office.
Head Director
Gary Fink
Symphonic Band Directors
Dan Miller
Taylor Rehe
Jennifer Pham
Concert Choir Directors
Graham Terry
Holden Maiorana
String Orchestra Directors
Dave Beck
Eileen Miller
Jazz Band Director
Gary Fink
Alex Miller
Site Last Updated
Friday, June 9th, 2023 @ 2:27pm