Directors spend an immeasurable amount of time and effort investing in their students and helping them plan for their next steps. Our goal with this trip is to build on that investment with a 3-day, campus-based masterclass tour specifically for high school performing arts groups where each group works with collegiate music directors — at least one per day — for focused, practical coaching.

What your students get:

• Intensive, actionable feedback on tone, balance, and ensemble technique they can apply immediately.

• Real rehearsal experience with collegiate directors who’ll model efficient sectional work and warmup routines.

• A campus experience that helps students picture college life and start meaningful recruitment conversations.

What you get

• A day tailored to your goals: repertoire suggestions, and rehearsal strategies you can use in class the following week.

• A director-only debrief with collegiate staff to discuss program development and student placement.

What we take off your plate

• Scheduling, campus coordination, transportation, lodging, and chaperone logistics — handled by Creative Group Tours so you can focus on your program.

• Optional add-ons like a performance slot or a custom commissioned piece written just for your group

All buses equipped with wifi, restrooms, DVDs, AM FM radios, PA systems, reclining seats, individual reading lights & air conditioning

We'll make a quick stop for lunch along the way & plan to head straight to our masterclass on arrival

Directors to work with:

• Dr. Allison Adams, Natalie L. Haslam Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of Saxophone. Biography

• Dr. John Zastoupil, Director of Bands, Biography

• James Fellenbaum, Associate Professor of Conducting, Director of Orchestras, Area Coordinator of Conducting. Biography

After the masterclass, we'll head out to the Sunsphere. A unique observation tower in Knoxville, Tennessee, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Standing at 266 feet tall, it features a striking golden glass sphere that glimmers in the sunlight.

After a day of travel and rigorous training, a relaxing group dinner is well deserved. We hope you enjoy your time at Firebirds

We'll head to the hotel for a night of rest before departing for Lexington in the morning

Before heading out for the day, enjoy breakfast together as a group before leaving the hotel

Directors to work with:

• Miles Osland, Jazz Ensemble Director & Director of Jazz Studies. Biography

• John Nardolillo, Director of Symphony Orchestra. Biography

• Dr. Cody Birdwell, Director of Bands. Biography

For the taste of college life, enjoy your dinner with current students and faculty after your campus tour!

A nightcap sweet treat before heading to the hotel

Before heading out for the day, enjoy breakfast together as a group before leaving the hotel

Spend the first hour polishing the work from the last 2 days and cap off the tour with a stunning performance showcasing all your hard work

Directors to work with:

• Thomas Verrier, Associate Professor of Conducting; Director of Wind Ensembles. Biography

• Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi, Assistant Professor of Conducting; Director of the Vanderbilt University Orchestra. Biography

• Jazz: ?

Enjoy celebrating together as a group before heading home

As we've worked to bring this new tour to life, directors have weighed in on what they'd like to see and get out of this trip - thank you for your input and feedback. We want to continue bringing you new solutions and opportunities for your students and programs and we hope you enjoy this one

Brian Horner, owner of Craft Brewed Music, has been a valued consultant on creating this tour.

Horner has over 20 years of music industry experience, giving him a varied and unique experience in artist management, marketing, music education and more.