Are you looking to expand your musical worldview by taking your ensemble on a domestic or international tour? Not sure where to start?
Consider this section an informative, user-friendly guide that takes you through all the steps and points you in the right direction. Simply starting the tour process is the most important step, and you have come to the right place to get started.
FREE Director Preview Tours
Planning your upcoming tour to Europe with MCI? You may qualify for our annual FREE Director Preview Tour every Summer. This is open to the seasoned traveler and to those that want to start the tradition of touring abroad. Not only will you get to experience one of these destinations first-hand prior to your group’s tour, but you will have the opportunity to attend the finale performance of one of MCI’s festivals taking place during your preview tour. This is a great way to gain experience and knowledge about the destination, visit venues where you will perform, and have fun!
MCI Travel Protection
Because most airline tickets issued for group travel are nonrefundable, purchasing travel protection to protect oneself against unforeseeable events that may impact travel plans is encouraged for tour members. Our trusted partner, Trip Mate, has several travel protection plans for MCI tour members to purchase. These plans help protect tour members from situations such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, or Emergency Medical Expenses.
How to Plan a Concert Tour
For brand-new tour planners and seasoned veterans, this step-by-step guide will help you with everything you need to know to start and move through the tour planning process.
Tax Deductions for Concert Tours
Have you ever considered if your concert tour expenses could be tax-deductible? We have invested research dollars and time in the interest of assisting music ensembles with this benefit, and we have learned that a tax deduction is certainly a possibility for any domestic or international concert tour sponsored by a qualified tax exempt public charity described in section 501(c)(3) of the Tax Code.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Concert Tour Operator
Whether you’re doing this for the first time or have traveled often, you soon will realize that it’s very difficult to compare companies, and that the written page or proposal doesn’t begin to tell you all you need to know or ask. We suggest you consider the following areas and ask the same questions of each company.
Concert Tour Fundraising
We understand that concert tours as a whole can be costly endeavors, so we’re sharing some of the best fundraising ideas and projects that our prior clients have come up with and have used to great success.
Concert Tour Price Considerations
Do you have a reasonable idea of your tour budget? Where can your ensemble and participants afford to go? Here, you will see a budget break-down of our different tour options, and it will surely give you a better idea of the necessary expenses involved. We value your collaboration with us, and will work with you to find a cost-effective way to make your dream tour a reality.
Flying With Instruments
We encourage anyone traveling with an instrumental ensemble from the United States to read this informative guide on flying with musical instruments. As air travel becomes increasingly more complex, we suggest using this guide to help you safely transport all of your instruments to your destination.
What To Expect When You Perform Away From Home
For first time tour participants and directors, performing with your ensemble in an unfamiliar place can raise a lot of potential questions and concerns, and we’re here to help you make the most of your new musical environment.
Securing Passports and Visas
For first time international travelers, please read these guidelines on securing passports and visas well in advance of your travel dates.
Airline Travel Facts
Travel regulations are subject to constant revision, so here are some facts about air travel and our booking process at MCI. We will help you secure the best rates and most convenient itineraries possible for your tour.
Motorcoach Travel Facts
For those groups planning to use a motorcoach, or bus, to get around locally at their destination(s), here are some helpful facts for choosing the best options for your ensemble.
The Art of Traveling
Is the prospect of traveling putting a lot on your mind? We’re here to help you feel at ease both prior to and during your tour with these cleverly written pieces of advice.
Safety and Security
Music Celebrations International (MCI) joins with everyone in the concert touring public in being sensitive to recent terrorist activities — activities that bring familiar questions (relating to past jarring and horrendous terrorist incidents or natural disasters) to the forefront: Is it safe for me to travel? Dare I send a child, relative or loved one overseas? What are my risks? What are others doing to guarantee my safety or minimize any danger or potential harm?
Financial Security
Travelers deserve to know that their travel providers are solid citizens in the business community, and, are in compliance with all safety and financial requirements that will guarantee the safe and complete operation of their future tour. How does one discover or determine if any given tour operator is in this “safe” category or has the financial strength to weather any storm and guarantee delivery of everything promised or anticipated in the tour?