Ireland 2026
Tour proposal, Registration, & Details
Dear Music Families,
Thank you to everyone who attended our Ireland kick-off meeting on Tuesday evening! If you weren’t able to join us, no worries this email contains all the essential details, along with answers to some of the questions that came up. Please take the time to read through everything carefully, including the linked documents. These documents contain very detailed information and instructions on how to register.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your support in making this incredible opportunity possible for our students!
How to Register
Step 1: Fill out our Google Form – This gives us immediate information about ensemble placement and T-shirt sizes. This does NOT register you for the trip.
Step 2: Officially register with Bob Rogers Travel – This is the only way to secure a spot on the trip.
Deposit & Payment: A $250 deposit is required to register. After that, payments will be set up on an automatic system. If you prefer to manage payments manually, you can adjust this in your settings after registration.
Travel Insurance
While we are still awaiting confirmation from the district on whether travel insurance will be required, we highly, highly, highly recommend purchasing it. Travel insurance not only helps if a student is unable to attend but also covers medical expenses in Ireland in case their personal health insurance is not accepted. Insurance details are included in the attached documents and within the registration process.
Who Can Go?
Students: Open to all current 8th-11th graders (who will be in 9th-12th grade during the 2025-2026 school year).
Enrollment Requirement: Students must be enrolled in a music ensemble course between now and the trip.
Behavior Requirement: Students must maintain a positive behavior record.
Chaperones: We will select chaperones based on a 1:6 ratio.
Non-Performing Students (Siblings/Others): Consideration will be given once final numbers for performing students are established.
Non-Chaperone Adults: Will be considered only if space allows after all students and chaperones have been assigned.
Why Are We Traveling Internationally?
International travel as a music ensemble strengthens musicianship, builds camaraderie, expands worldviews, and allows students to experience something greater than themselves. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Trip Cost & Inclusions
Total Cost: Approximately $3,895 per traveler (subject to minor adjustments).
Costs may fluctuate based on the number of participants, airfare (which cannot be locked in until 300 days out), and attraction pricing (which is finalized one year before travel).
Chaperones pay the same rate as students.
What’s Included in the Price?
✔ Round-trip airfare (including one checked bag)
✔ All in-country transportation, including airport transfers
✔ Hotel accommodations
✔ Breakfast & dinner daily
✔ Admission to all scheduled sightseeing attractions
✔ Rental fees for large instruments (e.g., bass, tuba)
✔ Shipping fees for smaller instruments
✔ Professional tour directors
✔ Concert venues & advertising for performances
✔ All gratuities
What’s NOT Included?
❌ Lunch
❌ Spending money
❌ Passports
❌ Travel insurance (unless purchased separately)
Passports
If your student does not yet have a passport, start the application process now. We will check in on this in the fall and again in December.
Fundraising Opportunities
We are committed to making this trip as affordable as possible.
Bottle/Can Drive (Super Bowl Weekend):
We are asking families to donate their bottle return slips from Super Bowl gatherings.
The student who collects the most bottle slips or equivalent cash donations will get first choice for rooming assignments. (turn in to Mrs. Whiteoak via a sealed envelope with the students name)
If you need help returning cans, reach out to a music director, and we will connect you with a student who can pick them up. (Must be within the Portage/Kalamazoo area.)
Dine-to-Donate Events:
We are working on setting up restaurant fundraiser nights, with details coming soon.
Sponsorship & Donor Letters:
We encourage every family to reach out to businesses for sponsorships.
Our booster organizations are currently drafting a sponsorship letter that we will send out once finalized.
Scholarships & Grants:
KRESA Scholarships open in October for 2026 travel.
Numerous grants are available for educational travel—students are encouraged to research and apply!
Fundraising Goal
Our goal is to reduce each student’s trip cost by at least $400. With 80 students, this means raising $32,000 through sponsorships and fundraising.