Music Tour Overview

Rationale

Churchlands has conducted music tours since 1976, both within Australia and internationally to Europe, the USA, and Asia. These tours are valuable educational experiences, with destinations selected for their musical opportunities, such as exchanges, workshops, festivals, or conferences. Students participate in numerous performances, consistently representing the school with distinction.

Tours require significant financial commitment, with families expected to support fundraising efforts. Staff undertake extensive planning and carry considerable responsibility for student welfare. Participation is voluntary, though a high percentage of eligible students typically attend.

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Educational Outcomes

• The upcoming music tour will achieve a broad range of educational and musical goals, including:

• Developing teamwork and leadership skills in unfamiliar environments

• Enhancing musicianship and repertoire through focused preparation

• Building goal-setting abilities via fundraising, budgeting, and practice

• Rehearsing and performing in culturally diverse settings

• Forming lasting friendships and future exchange opportunities

• Gaining experience in tour planning and logistics

• Strengthening ensemble skills and group cohesion

• Rewarding musical achievement and inspiring further growth

• Broadening cultural awareness through travel and immersion.

 

Eligibility and Participation

Students must be in Years 10–12, be enrolled in a music course during the tour and have Good Standing.

They must demonstrate consistent reliability, punctuality, and respectful behaviour in all subjects and rehearsals.

All touring students are in the Tour Choir. Placement in other ensembles (concert band, orchestra, jazz band, guitar ensemble) is based on the regular Term 3 audition process. Smaller groups may also be included.

Regular school activities continue for students not participating in the tour.

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Dates and Destinations

Expected travel dates: 25 June – 11 July 2026

Destinations: Key cities across Japan including Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto / Otsu, Osaka

Final dates are confirmed after flight bookings.

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Communication During the Tour

Students are assigned to a small group under a parent chaperone, who is the primary contact in case direct communication is not possible. Contact details are shared prior to departure. Please avoid contacting students during designated rest periods.

 

Activities and Venues

Performances may take place in churches, community halls, civic spaces, and schools. Workshops may occur in specialised facilities. Students also have managed recreational time as scheduled by the Teacher in Charge. Parents shadowing the tour are welcome to watch any public events.

 

Transport

The group may be split across different flights depending on size. Ground transport mainly involves chartered coaches, with some public transport where necessary.

 

Costs

Approximately $10,000, covering:

• Flights and ground transport

• Accommodation and most meals

• Travel insurance

• Tour uniforms

• Entry to scheduled performances and activities

• Supervising staff

It is anticipated that the final cost per participant will be approximately $10,000. This includes transport, most meals, new uniforms, accommodation, and entrance fees for prearranged activities—such as shows, museums, or galleries.
It also covers the cost of the team providing duty of care during the tour.

Exchange rates, local taxes, and fuel costs are all factors that can change the final cost of a tour and cannot always be anticipated.

 

Clothing requirements

Students wear specific tour uniforms (e.g., polo shirts, jackets). These are included in the tour cost. Special items for particular events are added if required. 

Tour uniforms included in the Tour costs:
2x Tour polos (Indigenous design)
1x Tour jacket
 
Students will also need to have near-new, clean items of the following from the uniform shop (these items are not included in the Tour costs). Many students will already have these items and may not need to purchase them. All students can use them after they return from Tour.
2x white polo
1x cargo pants
2x cargo shorts or fitted shorts
1x full music performance uniform

Note: Students may wear comfortable pants (like track pants) for the flight only (not lycra tights).

 

Accommodation

Students and staff stay in youth hostels or 3-star hotels. Details are provided closer to departure.

 

Supervision

The student-to-adult ratio is approximately 8:1. Supervisors provide age-appropriate guidance and care. Chaperone details are shared in due course.

 

Liability

Travel insurance is provided to the entire group through the State Government insurer, RiskCover. It is the responsibility of families to manage any claims. Costs incurred because of accident or illness are the responsibility of that student’s parents. Supervising staff are not responsible for any loss or damage to student personal property that may occur during the tour.

 

Instrument Insurance

Families must ensure personal instruments are insured for international travel. School insurance covers only school-owned equipment.

 

Medical & Emergency Procedures

In the event of illness or injury, staff follow professional judgment to seek appropriate care. Parents are notified at the earliest reasonable opportunity. Costs outside of the Travel Insurance are the responsibility of the student’s family.

 

Commitment

Any family wishing to apply to participate in the tour must complete and return to the music office the Music Tour Student Application form along with a digital scan of the student’s passport (current to January 31 2027), and make an initial payment of $500 by June 1 2025 through Paperly. This ensures that the tour committee has a definite list of people to receive tour information.

Late inclusions are only accepted from students new to the school.

Cancellations before 1 July 2025 receive a full refund. After this date, some costs are non-refundable due to prior commitments (e.g., administration, raffle prizes). A payment schedule and withdrawal penalties will be provided by the treasurer.

 

Administration

Regular updates are sent to keep families informed on the itinerary, uniforms, fundraising, and key deadlines. It is parents' responsibility to stay up to date.

 

Passports/Health/Insurance Information

Passports, application forms, and health information must be submitted on time. Passports must be valid at least six months beyond the tour’s return date.

 

General Information

Parent Chaperones: Several parents accompany the tour to assist staff. These roles require flexibility, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Expressions of interest will soon be sought, and selection is made by the Director of Music and Principal. Selected chaperones receive a subsidy of approximately 50% of tour costs.

Itinerary: The itinerary is finalised progressively as venues, concerts, and cultural visits are confirmed. Parents are informed as details become available. Previous tours have been highly successful and enriching.

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