Scotland/Ireland Trip

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Itinerary

Final Itinerary  (May 24, 2024)

 Luggage

Due to bus size and storage capacity, each traveler is allowed one suitcase, one personal item (i.e. a backpack or purse - NOT a second suitcase), and their instrument.  Regardless of what the airlines will allow, the bus cannot accommodate more luggage than this.
 

Telephones

Once we board our airplane stateside, it is really advisable to switch your cellular service OFF.  Otherwise you will get a shockingly large cell phone bill due to international rates.  If you wish to have cellular service, please contact your carrier and determine what, if any, coverage you have and options available to purchase.

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are allowed basically everywhere.  American Express often not allowed.  Beware that Visa cash cards don’t work in Europe.  Some banks require notification that you will be traveling overseas.  If you are unsure about your bank policy, please contact your bank.
 

Cash

If you wish to carry some Euros and Pounds, please get the cash before we leave.  Many banks keep both Euros and Pounds on hand, so check with your bank.  There is a currency exchange in the O’Hare airport, so cash can be gotten there.  Please do not wait to get cash when we land.    
 

June 11th

June 11th will be a very full day, with a concert in the evening.  On that day, you will be either required to wear your uniform or carry your uniform and change before the performance.  Consequently, and referring back to #1 above, a small backpack would be a great personal item!
 

And speaking of our uniforms…

 
Black full length pants, black socks, closed toed and closed heeled black shoes (no white soles and no stripes or swooshes), and a black belt if you are tucking your shirt in.  Two shirts are allowed - a polo with the tour logo or the WINDS summer season “Barbados Camp Shirt”.  The camp shirt can be worn untucked but the polo must be tucked in.  A WINDS-logo polo is not acceptable.  The cutoff for ordering any gear is MAY 20th.
 
One trick if your favorite black shoes have colored stripes or swooshes - bring some black electrical tape.  Sticks fine and comes off easily!
 
As always if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.  
 

 

DATE FLIGHT # DEPARTURE AIRPORT ARRIVAL AIRPORT
6/8/2024 122 3:50 PM Chicago (ORD) 5:15 AM  Dublin (DUB)
6/9/2024 122 7:50 AM Dublin (DUB) 9:05 AM Edinburgh EDI
6/18/2024 123 11:35 AM Dublin (DUB) 2:00 PM Chicago (ORD)

 

Checked Bag Information

Group Travel Tickets Include:

  1. 1 checked bag, max weight 50 lbs and max dimensions (length + width + height) = 62"
  2. 1 carry on bag, max weight 22 lbs and max dimensions height = 21.5”, width = 15.5”, and depth = 9.5”
  3. 1 small personal item (i.e., purse, laptop, flute) height = 10”, width = 13”, and depth = 8"

Any items that exceed the dimensions above will have to be checked. Additional checked pieces are $79.99 per piece per direction.

3 concerts will be played, all indoors, and music stands will be provided.

  1. Bottom Half - Black long pants (not jeans), black belt if wearing a polo shirt, black closed toe / closed heel shoes - no colored stripes or swishes, no white soles, and black socks.
  2. Top Half - WINDs summer shirt (Barbados Camp Shirt royal blue, WINDs logo, worn untucked) or trip polo shirt (royal blue, trip logo, worn tucked in with a belt).
  3. Shirts and other trip apparel may be ordered at Ireland-Scotland Tour Apparel
 
  1. Dates May 10th - 12th 
  2. All practices will be at Muskegon Community College (285 Quarterline Road, Muskegon MI, 49442) and will be live streamed via Facebook.
  3. Friday May 10th:  7:00 pm pizza party at Gail and Frank Brechting’s (15310 Oak Point Drive, Spring Lake, MI. 49456).  BYOB.
  4. Saturday May 11th:  Rehearsal 9:00 - 4:00 at MCC.  Saturday night group dinner information will be sent out prior to the intensive weekend.
  5. Sunday May 12th:  Rehearsal 9:00 - 11:00 at MCC.

Joining the WINDs rehearsals remotely

All WINDs rehearsals are both live streamed and posted via a private group on Facebook.  To join our rehearsal space, do the following:

  • Log into your Facebook account and search for the group “WINDS Rehearsal Space”.  Ask to join the group.  This will send a request to me, which I will approve.
  • Join us on Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. EST for a live broadcast, or watch the taped practice.
 

Intensive Rehearsal Weekend

May 10 - 12 
All rehearsals will be live streamed.
 
  • Friday Evening 7:00 p.m. - Pizza Party at Gail and Frank Brechting's (15310 Oak Point Drive, Spring Lake, MI. 49456).  Bring what you like to drink.  There will be a note sent out about ordering pizza - Gluten Free and Regular Pizza will be ordered.
  • Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. rehearsal at Muskegon Community College.  
  • (Saturday Evening 6:00 p.m. Pub Dinner together.  More information to follow.
  • Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. rehearsal at Muskegon Community College.  

Thursday Rehearsals at MCC

 
Thursday Evening Rehearsals - 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at Muskegon Community College.  Rehearsals will be May 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, and June 6th.  All rehearsals will be live streamed.
 

June 8th Departure

 
June 8th - Bus to Chicago O’Hare.  Yippee!
 

Rehearsal Housing

Thursday Night Practices and the intensive weekend
WINDs members will provide housing for any of our out of town guests.  Please contact either Gail or myself if you need a room.

Uniforms / Clothing / Gear for the Tour

 
  1. The Virtual store is NOT up yet.  We will let you know when it is up and running.  It will be on the WINDs website.
  2.  Concert Attire:  Black full length dress pants (not jeans), black close toed shoes, and black socks.  The WINDs royal blue buttoned shirt, which many members own, may be worn.  This shirt may be worn untucked.  There will be a royal blue polo shirt to order.  If wearing the polo shirt, it must be tucked in and worn with a black belt.
  3. Extra Gear:  Navy Blue full zip or 3/4 zip shirts, raincoats, hats, and bags with the tour logo will be available in the virtual store.  You can also use a navy blue outerwear already owned without a logo.
  4.  A tour tee shirt will be available, but is not required.

Luggage Weight Limits

Kaleidoscope is working with the airlines to determine the luggage requirements.  Please remember that everyone must carry their own luggage and instruments.  Pack light!
 
Feel free to reach out to either Gail or myself if you have any questions.
 

For those that could not attend the zoom call, here is the recorded meeting.

After you select the link below you must enter the passcode to watch the recording.

  • Passcode: j1ij0.+&

Getting to Know You Zoom Meeting Recording

 

2024 Trip Calendar