Have A Plan B No matter how much planning goes into a trip even the best laid plans can be disrupted by the unforeseen. Learn to expect the unexpected when traveling. Always have a Plan B. Your travel company can provide that safety net for most of the problems you might encounter while on your trip. Learn how Encore Tours ensures the safety and security of your participants here. It may be a sudden weather event, bus breakdown or accident, flight cancellation or delay, or a medical emergency. You might have to extend your stay an additional day or two. Whatever the situation, they have the experience, knowledge, and resources at their fingertips to get you through the rough times. That’s why you hired them. Remain Calm “ If a problem does arise, no matter how concerned and frustrated you are by the circumstances, always remain calm. ” If a problem does arise, no matter how concerned and frustrated you are by the circumstances, always remain calm. The way you handle these situations and the image you project will influence those around you. A positive attitude can be contagious. Practice, Practice, Practice There is one aspect of your trip that your travel company won’t be able to resolve for you with a Plan B, and that’s your performance. You’re the expert when it comes to this part of the trip. We all know some pretty crazy things can happen during a performance. “ Do some brainstorming with your students during rehearsals and talk about some “what if” scenarios and possible solutions. ” Do some brainstorming with your students during rehearsals and talk about some “what if” scenarios and possible solutions. For example, what if the percussion section misses the roll-off signal when you enter the television area? What if part of the band gets out of sync with the rest of the group? What if the camera crew gets in your way? You could go on and on. If your band is well rehearsed, chances are none of these things will ever happen. The key to success is preparation! Practice, practice, practice! Thanks to our guest blogger, former band director Andrew M. Yaracs! Yaracs is the Author of “Travel 101: A Band Director’s Guide for Planning Student Travel.” Stay tuned for his guest blog series featuring excerpts from his book!
November 2, 2026 Encore Tours Venue Spotlight: Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral Explore St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna: its history, its deep ties to Haydn and Mozart, and what it’s like for your ensemble to perform there. Backstage Blog
October 27, 2026 Encore Tours Music Tour Planning Mistakes: 7 Horror Stories to Avoid Every music director has heard one. The tour where the price went up after families had already paid. The concert where the ensemble outnumbered the audience. Backstage Blog
October 21, 2026 Encore Tours Meet Encore Tours at the 2026 Midwest Clinic Encore Tours is heading to The 80th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, taking place December 16–18, 2026, at McCormick Place West in Chicago. Backstage Blog