MCI JOURNEYS
This blog, MCI Journeys, is our way of keeping you informed of our latest music events, concert tours, and collaborations. We also offer a wealth of useful information for first-time tour organizers and experienced tour veterans alike.
![Building a Culture of Travel for Your School Ensembles](/wp-content/uploads/431652446_918035090118399_1181012932252223515_n-1080x675.jpg)
Building a Culture of Travel for Your School Ensembles
For school ensembles, the world is a vast stage waiting to be explored. Exposing students to new cultures and performance experiences through travel can be transformative. But how do you cultivate a culture of travel within your community, where exploration becomes an...
![The California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Tours Europe](/wp-content/uploads/Stadsschouwburg-Bruges4-1080x675.jpg)
The California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Tours Europe
Thank you for the successful Paris, Brussels, Bruges, and Amsterdam tour! Our MCI Team working behind the scenes was amazing. Hotels and meals exceeded our expectations. Our European Tour Manager was the best! She was attentive to details and...
![Dublin to Ring in the New Year with Marching Bands!](/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1091250246-1080x675.jpg)
Dublin to Ring in the New Year with Marching Bands!
Get ready for a toe-tapping start to 2026! MCI is thrilled for a new partnership with New Year’s Festival Dublin (NYF Dublin) Fáilte Ireland and the Dublin City Council. Dublin is looking to bring the excitement of marching bands to Dublin's New Year's festivities....
![The Aberdeen Central High School Golden Eagles Marching Band on the National Stage](/wp-content/uploads/Aberdeen-Central-High-School-Band-3-1080x675.jpg)
The Aberdeen Central High School Golden Eagles Marching Band on the National Stage
Being in Washington, D.C. over Memorial Day will provide poignant memories for anyone who visits. It is a special time and place to honor America’s fallen heroes, to visit memorials and monuments dedicated to those who served, to visit America’s national treasures,...
![Tips for a Smooth Concert Tour During the 2024 Summer Olympics](/wp-content/uploads/iStock-2148277583-1080x675.jpg)
Tips for a Smooth Concert Tour During the 2024 Summer Olympics
Paris is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, and with it comes the promise of excitement, world-class athleticism, and a cultural immersion unlike any other, but be prepared: the Olympic crowds are likely to bring travel delays. In order to be transparent...
![A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Memorial Day Magic with MCI!](/wp-content/uploads/PER8138-copy-1-1080x675.jpg)
A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Memorial Day Magic with MCI!
Have you ever wondered what it's like to participate in our Memorial Day Choral Festival and Parade in Washington, D.C.? This year was our smoothest yet, thanks to our amazing new staff additions! We wanted to share a glimpse of the experience with you and our newest...
![Hitting the Right Notes: Ensemble Etiquette for International and domestic Tours](/wp-content/uploads/FJ-blog-title-template-940x675.jpg)
Hitting the Right Notes: Ensemble Etiquette for International and domestic Tours
So, your ensemble's been invited to perform abroad! This is an incredible opportunity to share your music and experience a new culture. But before you pack your instruments and board the plane, brush up on some essential ensemble etiquette for international travel....
![A Dream Fulfilled: Singing my Heart Out, 40 Years Later!](/wp-content/uploads/PER8126-1080x675.jpg)
A Dream Fulfilled: Singing my Heart Out, 40 Years Later!
With singers taking their places for their choral workshop just two days prior to our Memorial Day Choral Festival, a heartwarming story came our way. Our staff overheard Edie, a member of the First Lutheran Church choir, recounting that she would be achieving a...
![The Northern Kentucky University Chamber Choir Tours London & Edinburgh](/wp-content/uploads/nku-spotlight-1-940x675.jpg)
The Northern Kentucky University Chamber Choir Tours London & Edinburgh
Thank you! We had a fantastic trip to London & Edinburgh! We made so many memories! I was very happy with the entire MCI Team we worked with. One of the reasons we chose to use MCI was the detail we received and the timeliness of the responses we received when...
![The Big Apple: A Chorus of Reasons Why NYC is Perfect for Your Next Concert Tour](/wp-content/uploads/NYC-940x675.jpg)
The Big Apple: A Chorus of Reasons Why NYC is Perfect for Your Next Concert Tour
New York City. The city that never sleeps. A concrete jungle where dreams are made of… and unforgettable concert tours happen! Here at Music Celebrations International, we specialize in crafting incredible concert travel experiences for ensembles of all shapes and...
![Ciao Bella! What to Expect When Traveling to Italy with your Ensemble](/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1717026172-1080x675.jpg)
Ciao Bella! What to Expect When Traveling to Italy with your Ensemble
Prepare to Walk Those gorgeous, cobblestone streets you see in pictures? They're real, and they're everywhere. Traveling with a group often entails a significant amount of walking (we estimate 5-7 miles per day), as it's one of the best ways to explore the rich...
![Celebrating the Soundtrack of Our Lives: A Happy Teacher’s Day to Music Teachers!](/wp-content/uploads/teacher-day-940x675.jpg)
Celebrating the Soundtrack of Our Lives: A Happy Teacher’s Day to Music Teachers!
Every year on Teacher's Day, we celebrate the incredible educators who shape young minds. But today, let's turn up the volume and give a standing ovation to a very special group: music teachers! Music teachers are more than just instructors; they are conductors of...
![Conquering the Stage Abroad: A Guide to International Performance Preparation](/wp-content/uploads/abroad-preform-940x675.jpg)
Conquering the Stage Abroad: A Guide to International Performance Preparation
Performing abroad can be an enriching and unforgettable experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some essential tips to help you ace your international performance: Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six...
![The Northport High School Orchestra Tours DC](/wp-content/uploads/Northport-High-School-Orchestra-Performance-33-1080x675.jpg)
The Northport High School Orchestra Tours DC
"This was the best organized and most personally meaningful travel experience I’ve had with students on any trip in my 23-year career. Every detail was attended to, and the entire team at MCI excelled. I have been on 19 school trips to Washington, D.C. since 1990,...
![The Kelly Walsh High School Choir Tours Scotland](/wp-content/uploads/tour-spotlight-blog-cover-kelly-walsh-940x675.jpg)
The Kelly Walsh High School Choir Tours Scotland
This trip was phenomenal! Hands down, this was the best trip, and I thank the MCI staff for all of your work to assist in making it so! The guided sightseeing was great! The visit to the Sheep Dog Demonstration was AMAZING and for many, the favorite...
![The Walla Walla University Symphony Orchestra Tours DC](/wp-content/uploads/Walla-Walla-University-Orchestra-Performance-10-1080x675.jpg)
The Walla Walla University Symphony Orchestra Tours DC
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is world-renowned and one of America’s most prestigious concert halls. The Capital Orchestra Festival, which features four auditioned ensembles on the concert program, has attracted large local audiences for over 10...
![The Sentinel High School Band Tours Italy](/wp-content/uploads/419488174_3304223249870029_5719314433017422787_n-1080x675.jpg)
The Sentinel High School Band Tours Italy
Thank you so much for the amazing tour and all of the help/guidance before and during the tour! I think when the students reflect, they will realize how amazing this tour truly was. The performance venues were beautiful, and the excursions were all...
![The University of Central Missouri Choir Returns From the Baltics](/wp-content/uploads/baltics-1-1-1080x675.jpg)
The University of Central Missouri Choir Returns From the Baltics
This trip exceeded every single one of my expectations! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my “MCI Team” in the states and our amazing Tour Escort in the Baltics. All were extremely positive, attentive, responsive, and easy to work with from the first...
![The Belgrade High School Choir Tours New Orleans](/wp-content/uploads/425630720_18042820723628615_320997728284110764_n-1080x675.jpg)
The Belgrade High School Choir Tours New Orleans
For over 30 years, the invitational National Festival of the States concert series has produced thousands of performances in America’s most cultural and iconic cities. Interest is always “sky high” for visiting one of America’s cultural capital cities, New Orleans,...
![The Bob Jones University Symphony Orchestra Tours Italy](/wp-content/uploads/bob-jones-940x675.jpg)
The Bob Jones University Symphony Orchestra Tours Italy
“Life-changing” is the expression our students are using to describe this trip. The energy of full houses and enthusiastic crowds in every venue, the enriching cultural learning experiences unique to each city, the jaw-dropping beauty everywhere we looked - two...