Lists, Lists, and more Lists

If you are a list maker like I am, it is time to get started on your list of items to take care of before the London Trip.  If you are not a list maker, perhaps you should be!  Here is a quick overview of a sample check list to get you started:

• Money:   Contact your bank to convert dollars to pounds or determine payment method preferred for spending money.  As far as the amount needed is concerned, participants will be responsible for 6 lunches while traveling.  You can estimate approximately 10-15 pounds per meal.  Additional money may be used on souvenirs, but that amount is up to the individual.
• Call credit card company or bank:  Call credit card company/bank if you are planning to use a card on our trip.  Warning the company that the card will be used in London prior to the trip will help ensure that a fraud alert is not placed on your card while we are traveling.
• Uniform pants:  Students will need tan/khaki pants to wear as the uniform along with the jackets (more on that later) which will be provided for each student.  If a student already has the correct color of pants, do they fit?  If not, look in stores now because many places carry tan pants as a part of school uniforms which are available at the beginning of the school year and many of these are going on sale now!
• Cell phone usage/data plan:  Make sure that you understand the international calling/data plan that you are on with your cell phone carrier.  It is very important to check on this prior to departure because the plans vary greatly from one carrier or plan to another.  Some carriers charge extra rates per text/call or very high per minute fees.  Other carriers have free international calling/data.  Figure out your plan in advance to avoid any surprise charges on your post London trip phone bill!
• Power conversion adapter:  If you have not traveled internationally before, you may not realize that you will most likely need a UK plug adapter if you plan to charge/plug in any devices.  A quick internet search can help you learn more about this.  Adapters can be ordered online at a very reasonable price on Amazon or other online shopping sites and if you order now you can save a mad dash looking for the item locally.  You might also coordinate with roommates on this-if someone in your room already has a few you can probably just share!
• Job arrangements?  Students-if you have a job make sure you let your employer know now that you are going to be gone for the entire week!  Being up front about this in advance is always appreciated by your employer!
• Packing:  No, I'm not packing yet, but I am starting to think about which bag I will take and how I can keep my items to a minimum.  You will receive details about weight limit, number of bags, instrument packing, etc. at the upcoming trip meeting.
• Itinerary:  A specific itinerary will be provided to all participants at the meeting next week.  However, see below for departure and return details.
• Questions:  As you think of questions you have about the trip, write them down or put them on a note on your phone to bring with you to the meeting next Monday, Sept. 21.  Mr. Furr of Music Travel Consultants, who will be traveling with us, will answer many of your questions in his presentation during the meeting.  If you question doesn't get answered in his presentation, he will have time for questions and it really helps if you jot them down in advance!

Due to an early dismissal for students next Monday, September 21, there is a slight change to the schedule for any students who are involved in Marching Band.  There will NOT be marching band rehearsal after school and, therefore, will NOT be a meal for marching band students prior to the trip rehearsal and meeting.  Here is an updated look at the coming rehearsals/meeting:

Monday, September 21st
5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Trip Band Rehearsal (Band Room - E168)

6:30 pm-7:20 pm
Trip Chaperone Meeting (K211)

7:30 pm-8:30 pm
London Trip Meeting for all Parents and Students (Performing Arts Classroom)

Friday, October 2nd
2:50 pm-4:30 pm Trip Band Rehearsal and Instrument Packing

Flight information (tentative-slight changes may be made prior to the meeting on 9/21/15)

Saturday, 10/3/15

12:30pm meet at school to load

1:00pm Depart

3:45pm arrive OHare Chicago  Check In

Virgin Atlantic VS40   

5:55pm depart

Sunday, 10/4/15  7:55am arrive London Heathrow

Return flight 10/10/2015

Virgin Atlantic VS39 9:45am depart

Arrive Chicago 12:30pm  

Approx 6:00pm arrive back At North Central.

All trip participants will get a NC Band London Trip jacket to wear while traveling.  For students, these will also be part of the uniform.  Students will have the opportunity to try on sample sizes during class this week so that the order can be placed.  Chaperones will get an e-mail with ordering/sizing details early this week.  It is very important that you respond in a timely fashion so that the jacket order can be placed in time for delivery prior to our trip!