Michael Emerson, Director of Bands at Holt High School in Holt, Michigan, has traveled with his students through ETI for over 20 years.
Emerson, who teaches instrumental music to high schoolers grades 9-12, has ventured far and wide on his travels with his students, with ETI having facilitated trips to Chicago, Cleveland, Sandusky, Cincinnati and even Honolulu, Hawaii!
Emerson shared a bit about what he and his students get to experience while on the road.
“While there, we always perform at a variety of venues, at least once per trip,” Emerson shared. “I also really try to take advantage of ETI’s relationship with amazing clinicians. At almost every trip, we’ve visited a university where a professor was able to work with the high school band and give them some new musical perspectives.”
On a recent trip to Cincinnati, Emerson and his students enjoyed a wonderful balance of musical growth and other learning opportunities, wandering the Cincinnati Zoo, taking part in a river boat cruise, visiting Xavier University, and of course, performing at Kings Island Amusement Park & Water Park.
“It’s a real whirlwind but the students and I really enjoy a fast-paced adventure,” he said.
One of the learning experiences Emerson has garnered from his travels is connecting with students on a different level.
“If they let me, I’m always excited to jump on a roller coaster with them or grab a quick snack with a group of kids,” Emerson shared. “It’s great to learn about them on a different level and it makes a difference coming back home to have that shared experience.”
If you’re an educator and interested in travel, Emerson recommends being organized and having at least an outline of how things will run on the trip.
“Simple things like changing rooms for uniforms and rendezvous points while in a park or large area are a little different away from home, so try to have that in your mind,” Emerson said. “Other than that, I’d say it’s worth any stress from planning or organizing the trip; I’ve always had a wonderful experience when I’ve taken groups away from home.”
Emerson first worked with ETI after being approached by the team in 2003 at the Michigan Music Conference.
“I’ve never been disappointed, so I’ve never left!” he said. “The group travel industry is interesting, and obviously there are many options for us, but each time, I’ve been so pleased with ETI that I simply don’t need to shop around for someone else.”
Emerson emphasizes how good a job ETI does when it comes to anticipating logistics and following through with any help that’s needed.
“I anticipate our relationship continuing throughout my career as an educator,” Emerson shared. “From the tour managers to private security, there’s a lot that ETI can provide and I know that it’s handled and I don’t need to stress about it. My chaperones are able to sleep and enjoy the trip because of the many aspects that are taken care of for us.”
Courtesy of ETI.
