Steve Smith, Downing MS Band, Flower Mound, TX
"As a director for a middle school, I have taken groups on trips locally,
but never anything as involved as a trip to Chicago. So, when we were
selected to perform at Midwest, the task of getting the Downing
Symphonic Band to Chicago seemed as though it would be an extremely
difficult one. Director's Choice contacted us about planning our trip.
At the time I signed up, I had no idea I was making the best and most
important decision of the entire process for our trip to Chicago.
Director's Choice Tour & Travel was with us every step of the way. In May, they got us an
early itinerary and pricing for our parents to look at that offered many
options and extra events for our students. They were there in the early
stages to answer any general travel questions, and throughout the summer
and fall, they were easy to work with and plan. It seemed like the
closer we got to the actually trip, the more they answered all of our
questions and solved any problems quickly. This was helpful in making
the trip and performance much less stressful. Their pre-trip prep
work really made things run smoothly in the payment process, our parent
meetings, and our prep for airline and cross country travel.
Once the trip arrived, this was were they really shined. I have never
been on a trip that was run more professionally than with Director's Choice Tour & Travel.
Patrick Connor worked with our group directly, and he was there to
receive and answer questions. He solved any problems or concerns that
came up immediately. He has such a calm and helpful demeanor,
regardless of the situation. He was able to help in a number of areas
including making hotel adjustments, accomodating our administration,
altering the schedule slightly for the benefit of our kids, as well as
finding an instrument to replace one of ours that was damaged in travel.
Our students, parents, and administrators were extremely impressed with
the trip. Many commenting that it was the best trip they had been on
period. In fact, I believe some of them are planning to use DC tours
for upcoming family reunions. That was how well things ran. Every
aspect of the trip was covered in detail. Nothing fell through the
cracks.
While I was a bit nervous the first time I knew I would be a middle
school band to Chicago, I know that if we were to go on any trip similar
to this again, we would definitely use Director's Choice Tour & Travel. They really made the
trip smooth, fun and enjoyable for everyone involved."
Mr. Steve Smith
Director
Downing MS Band
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