Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule/Itinerary 

• Do we stop for breakfast?

  • No. Please bring a snack/breakfast to eat on the charter bus.

• What time do we perform?

  • It varies each year, but we attempt to get an earlier performance time in order to have more time in the park.

• Do we ride school busses or charter busses?

  • Charter busses.

• Are we allowed to have electronics on the bus?

  • Yes, you are allowed to have electronics (this includes cell phones) on the bus. We actually encourage bringing cell phones just in case of emergencies or a schedule change.

• How much time do we get in the park?

  • It depends on our performance time, but genereally anywhere from 8-10 hours.

• Is there any "wiggle room" in the schedule?

  • Generally no. The schedule is tight, and we have to adhere to the schedule for many reasons.

• What if I arrive to TMS 5 minutes AFTER the departure time?

  • Due to our schedule and performance time, we cannot wait for anyone who is late. Once we are gone, we are gone!

Chaperones/Groups

• Do we have to stay with our chaperone the whole time?

  • YES! This is extremely important. You MUST be in your chaperone's sight at ALL times. The only exception is the restroom. Your chaperone and group will wait for you outside of the facilities.

• Do we get to choose our own groups?

  • ​Yes and no. You get to choose your group on a "first come, first serve" basis. This means that all students will sign up for groups in the exact order that they turned in their final permission slip. So, yes you get to choose your own group, but it may not be the group that you originally wanted.

• Can we change our groups?

  • ​No. You may not change groups once you pick your group.

• When do we choose our groups?

  • At the after school rehearsal prior to the trip.

• How many people are in a group?

  • It depends on the chaperone to student ratio, but generally, anywhere from 4-6. Never anymore than 6, rarely any less than 4. 

• How do I know if my mom/dad/grandma/grandpa is chaperoning?

  • ​If your mom/dad/grandma/grandpa is chaperoning, I will contact them shortly after the first payment due date. If your mom/dad/grandpa/grandma has not heard from me, it means that they were not chosen to chaperone.

• How do you choose chaperones?

  • ​I do chaperones on a first come first serve basis. If your parents want to chaperone, have them contact me immediately!

• How many chaperones go?

  • This is dependent upon the number of students go, but generally 9-10.

Payments

• Can I pay everything that I owe at one time?

  • Yes! I encourage "paying in full" if at all possible. 

• My mom/dad is chaperoning and they have a season pass. How much do they owe?

  • Nothing! They get to go for free.

• My mom/dad is chaperoning and they do not have a season pass. When do they pay their fee?

  • ​I collect chaperone payments a week before the trip. They do not have to abide by the payment dates.

• How many band students are allowed to go?

  • ​53. The reason we have a limited amount of seats is because we take charter busses. Much of the cost for the trip is spent on the charter bus; we could only fill one bus, so we do not take two because it would not be cost effective. 

• So if I am number 54, I do not get to go?

  • Correct. We cut off at #53.

• How should I turn my payment in?

  • ​Payments must be in a CLOSED envelope with the student's name on it. This cuts down on confusion.

• Why am I paying to go on this trip?

  • Multiple reasons. 1- cover the cost of entrance to the park. 2- cover the cost of transportation. 3- cover the cost of festival (performance) fee. 4- cover lunch costs. 5- cover T-shirt costs. 6- cover any other processing fees.

Eligibility

• What if I receive OSS or ISS after I have already paid my first payment? Do I get my money back?

  • ​You may NOT go on the trip. You will get your money back as long as the due date for the SECOND paymet has not passed.

• What if I received OSS or ISS before winter break?

  • ​This does not disqualify you from the trip. The eligibility rules only start after the date as stated (first week back from winter break). 

• Do I have to have a "B" average and above in every class, or just band?

  • ​Just band. It is great to have a "B" average in every class, though! =)

• What if I am a "good kid" and I accidentally get in trouble?

  • ​There is NO negotiating or wiggle room when it comes to the eligibility requirements. If you receive OSS, ISS, or a bus suspension, it disqualifies you from the trip instantly, no negotiating. Think before you act!

• What does "situations as deemed by Mr. Patterson and/or administration on a case by case basis" mean?

  • ​If you have give reason for the teacher or administration to question your ability to adhere to directions, we reserve the right to deny you permission to attend this trip.

• What if my child misses one of the required rehearsals prior to the trip?

  • Your child will no longer be eligible for the trip, as the rehearsals are mandatory. I realize that there are situations that may prevent a student from attending rehearsal (he or she is extremely sick, family emergency, etc.), and I am more than willing to work with students on these. Reasons that would not be excused: did not have a ride, missed half a day of school, forgot, etc.

Miscallaneous 

• What do we wear for the performance?

  • A trip t-shirt is included on the trip costs. Along with the trip t-shirt, we will wear khaki or jean shorts and tennis shoes.

• How much money should I bring?

  • Lunch- $15.00; Dinner- $15.00; Snacks- $10.00; Games and/or Souveniers- $15.00= Total of $55.00. 

• When do we get our results from our performance?

  • Later on in the evening.

• Can we (parents, relatives) come watch the performance, even though we are not chaperoning?

  • Absolutely! Unfortunately, if you are not a chaperone, you will have to drive separately if you want to watch the performance.

• Can I take my child home directly from the park instead of having them ride the bus home?

  • Yes; however, Spotsylvania County Public Schools mandates that the following takes place: 1- parent must provide a signed, hand-written note to teacher prior to the trip, and 2- teacher must see student physically leave with the parent.

• What happens if my student gets in trouble during the trip?

  • If any student causes trouble for a chaperone, that student will travel for the rest of the day with Mr. Patterson and/or Mrs. Krenzer. If the misbehavior continues, Mr. Patterson and/or Mrs. Krenzer will further discipline the student, which may include consenquences back at school.

• What should my child bring on this trip?

  • I would recommend the following: Cell phone, change of clothes (in case of rain), snacks, money (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks), and sunscreen.

• Which rules are in place during this trip?

  • The student code of conduct applies at ALL TIMES during this trip.