Wisconsin All Stars of Music FAQ’s
who is eligible for the JR All-stars of Music Program?
Students who have finished grades 6-9 (plus exceptional musicians finishing grade 5) at the time of the trip in Summer 2025. Recommendations are made by students’ music teachers. Students who finished grade 5 will need to have a parent on the trip.
Where will students perform?
Students will perform at the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor and the Kapiolani Band Stand. This is subject to change depending on availability.
Can student musicians be a part of more than one music ensemble? (i.e. band and choir)
Yes. Please let us know at registration under “Notes to Organizer.”
Will band, choir, and orchestra students travel together? Will families travel together?
Whenever possible, we will travel together, but there will be times during the tour that we need to be in smaller groups to manage our crowd size. It will depend on the venue and the number of students & families in attendance.
When will registration be open?
Registration will open in the Spring of 2025 following the tour info meeting. We'll keep you posted!
Can students room with their family/guardian?
Yes. For the Junior All-Stars, students will have the option to room with family or with other Junior All-Star student musicians.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes. Guardian asks for an initial deposit by June 1, 2024 to lock in the price. August 1, 2024 will begin monthly payments. The final payment will be May 1, 2025. By beginning the booking process, you can see how much it would cost per month depending on the package you choose.
What trip insurance is available? is it included in the pricing?
Post-Departure Insurance is included in every purchase. The Trip Protection Plan is an additional cost and provides trip refunds in case of cancellation. Please contact Zoey Allan, Guardian Operations, at [email protected] for more information.
Tell me more about the trip Extension to the Big island.
The registration materials ask for your interest in the “Big Island” 5-day extension. If there is enough interest, information will be sent out at a later time that will include cost, timeline, and itinerary. Students will not perform on the “Big Island.” The extension will be at the conclusion of the performance trip.
What are the key points that set Guardian Travel Group and the All-stars of music program apart?
This is a unique program and currently there are no travel groups for middle school aged students in existence like this. Guardian has staff in Hawai’i to assist in all areas of our trips and runs every aspect of the trip themselves. We do not work with destination management companies which allows us to control all trip elements and guarantee that all vendors and trip elements are up to our standards.
Is the trip accessible for those with mobile disabilities?
Yes it is. We can have accessible buses if needed. Please let us know at registration if this is required for your participation. There are some potential trip elements like Diamond Head that could be more challenging, but that is an optional activity.
Will students need to bring their own instruments on the airplane?
Yes, most instruments will be traveling as a carry-on. However, some of the larger instruments (TBD which instruments) will be rented in Hawai’i. Percussion instruments will be provided, however, students are responsible for their own sticks and mallets.
Are their additional rehearsals outside of the pre-departure camp? When do students get the music?
There will be 1 rehearsal in the spring on a Saturday, in middle/late April 2025. Location and date TBD. Additionally, there will be two zoom check ins for students to meet with a music teacher 1 on 1 and make sure they are on track for learning their music. Students will sign up for these 1 on 1 sessions and choose from multiple weekends that are offered as options for dates/times. Music should come out in early 2025.
Are their fundraising opportunities?
Yes. Guardian has fundraising opportunities available. Fundraising, through Guardian, will get started after registrations are in. Click here for more details.
Do families who register for the family package get the same inclusions as the student performers?
Yes. The family package includes the same itinerary, meals, hotels, flights, as the students.
What if we would like to extend our trip as a family vacation?
You may do that. In this instance, you would be responsible for booking your own flights and arranging your own transportation to and from the airports. Guardian will discount your package to reflect you booking your own flights and you will be responsible for any additional travel needs.
Additional Questions?
For General Questions, programming, spring Rehearsal, and pre-departure questions:
Kati Seiter, Wisconsin Executive Director, kseiter@allstarsofmusic.com
for Itinerary and trip logistics questions:
Zoey Allan, Guardian Operations, [email protected]
Petra Wasilkoff, Guardian Operations, [email protected]
Petra Wasilkoff, Guardian Operations, [email protected]
For Registration, Payments, insurance, and trip protection Questions:
Guardian Customer Service, [email protected]
