Texas Music Ambassadors
The Texas Music Ambassadors is comprised of the finest high school choral performers from across the state of Texas.
Our goal is to provide young musicians with a life-changing performance and travel experience. This is accomplished by combining outstanding performers, a world-class conductor, and an expertly planned travel itinerary.
Throughout the tour, students will have the opportunity to perform for local audiences in acoustically outstanding concert halls, ancient cathedrals, and breathtaking outdoor venues.
Participants will experience nine unique destinations with the aid of local, English-speaking guides.
What Is Included?
Roundtrip air from Houston
Dorm accommodations (Houston)
First class hotels, double occupancy rooms
Service charges and hotel taxes
16 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 13 dinners
Touring by modern motorcoach
Airport and local transfers
Professional tour director
Luggage handling
All sightseeing tours listed in itinerary
CD recording of ensemble
Commemorative sport shirt
What Is Not Included?
Transportation to/from Houston
Meals not included in itinerary
Concert uniform
Dianne Brumley
Musical Director
Dianne Brumley is the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Texas at Brownsville where she conducts the University Master Chorale and teaches choral conducting, choral techniques and guides the choral music education program. Active in Texas choral music for many years, Brumley is also the founding Conductor and Artisitic Director of the South Texas Chorale and Festival Orchestra. Her choirs have been recognized throughout the state of Texas and the United States for achievement in choral music.
Brumley holds a BME from Abilene Christian University and obtained her master's degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University at San Marcos). She has completed further study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Patrick Connor
Tour Director
Patrick Connor is co-founder and President of Director's Choice Tour & Travel. Over the last eight years, he has personally accompanied performance tours for over 4000 students. As a professional tour planner, Mr. Connor has found great success by focusing on the safety, education, and enjoyment of student travelers.
Prior to his involvement with Director's Choice, Mr. Connor served as a band director, woodwind instructor, leadership speaker, drill writer, and drum major instructor.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sunday, June 8 Arrive Houston (D,O)
Participants will be met at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival, there will be a pizza dinner and orientation meeting.
Day 2 Monday, June 9 - Houston (B,L,D,O)
Today will be devoted to full-ensemble rehearsals with Dianne Brumley and sectional rehearsals.
Day 3 Tuesday, June 10 - Houston (B,L,D,O)
Morning rehearsal, followed by an afternoon of sight-seeing in/around Houston (including Kemah and NASA). Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe.
Day 4 Wednesday, June 11 - Houston-Rome (B,L,D,O)
After a gala concert, we will head to the airport and depart for Rome.
Day 5 Thursday, June 12 Arrive Rome (B,L,D,O)
Upon arriving in Rome, we will meet our English speaking guides and depart for the hotel. En route, we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Rome. The afternoon will be used for rehearsal and recovery.
Day 6 Friday, June 13 Rome (B,D,O)
Daytime sightseeing to include the Roman Circus, St. Peters Square, the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. Evening concert.
Day 7 Saturday, June 14 Rome (B,O)
Daytime Vatican tour and additional guided sightseeing. Evening concert.
Day 8 Sunday, June 15 Rome-Orvieto-Perugia (B,D,O)
Morning departure to Perugia (110 miles). En route, we will cross the Umbrian countryside and visit the Duomo and the underground city in Orvieto. Evening musical and social activities.
Day 9 Monday, June 16 Perugia & Assisi (B,D,O)
Daytime sightseeing to include the Palazzo dei Priori and the Basilica of S. Francesco. Afternoon concert in Assisi.
Day 10 Tuesday, June 17 Perugia-Venice (B,D,O)
Morning departure to Venice (245 miles). En route, we will see Italys beautiful East Coast. Evening rehearsal.
Day 11 Wednesday, June 18 Venice (B,D,O)
Daytime sightseeing to include the Piazza san Marco, the Basilica di San Marco, and the 14th century Doges Palace. Nighttime concert at St. Marks Square.
Day 12 Thursday, June 19 Venice-Salzburg (B,O)
Morning departure to Salzburg (266 miles). En route, we will see the countryside of Northeastern Italy and Southwestern Austria. Afternoon guided sightseeing to include the birthplace of Mozart. Evening rehearsal.
Day 13 Friday, June 20 Salzburg & Hallein (B,D,O)
Morning walking tour of "Altstadt Salzburg" (Old Salzburg). Afternoon concert at Mozartplatz, followed by afternoon sightseeing in Hellein.
Day 14 Saturday, June 21 Salzburg-Garmisch (B,O)
Morning departure to Garmish (134 miles). We will travel along the Bavarian Alps through the Austrian Tyrol to Innsbruck. In the afternoon we will see the Karwendel mountain towns of Seefield and Mittenwald. Possible evening concert.
Day 15 Sunday, June 22 Garmisch (B,D,O)
Morning departure to the Zugspitze (Germanys tallest mountain at 9,626 feet) via mountain railway and cable car. Afternoon rehearsal and evening recording concert at Kongreshaus Concert Hall.
Day 16 Monday, June 23 Garmisch-Munich (B,D,O)
Morning departure to Munich (60 miles). Guided tour of Munich.
Day 17 Tuesday, June 24 Munich (B)
Morning transfer to Munich Airport and depart for Houston.