Matthew Bridges is a long-time music educator of 36 years. His time as an orchestra director spans a number of locations, having spent one year in Sugarland, Texas, six years in South Haven, Michigan, four years in Holland, Michigan, and the last 25 in Grandville, Michigan.
Today, as High School Orchestra Director at Grandville High School—and founder of school district’s Orchestra Program in 2001—Bridges deeply understands the importance of both music education and its relationship to student travel.
“I have used ETI as my travel company for six trips over the years, and we are in the process of putting together our seventh trip later this year,” Bridges shared, explaining those trips ETI helped plan include three trips to New York City, two trips to Nashville, and one to Walt Disney World. The trip currently being planned will take place in March 2026 will be to Toronto and Niagara Falls, Ontario.
All of Bridges’ student trips have been with high school students and have been full of adventures.
“Each of our trips has included performing in various venues, as well as clinics with some marvelous teachers!” he shared. “My fondest memory from a clinician has to be working with Michael Adelson in New York City, twice.”
Other events Bridges and his students enjoy on their trips include attending performances of professional orchestras, such as The New York Philharmonic, The Nashville Symphony and The Toronto Symphony.
“We have also seen many musical productions in New York—Aladdin and Wicked were very well received by my students!”
Sightseeing is of course a major part of their trips as well, with Bridges noting how fun and education it is to have his students experience not only the benefits of clinics and live performances, but also that of each destination’s individual culture and spirit.
“Of the many outstanding things that I would recommend about ETI, the one that stands out is the amazing tour guides who have accompanied us on our trips,” Bridges recalled. “These people are so knowledgeable and accommodating! They have consistently taken the burden off my shoulders and made the trips smooth and enjoyable!”
Bridges, who has been married to his wife Reba for 31 years and has two adult sons, reflects fondly on his time educating students and choosing to take them on the road with ETI.
“As I look back over all these years of teaching and traveling with students, I would say that hiring ETI to facilitate these trips was a decision that goes in the win column,” he said. “Taking a trip with kids is a ton of work, and I cannot imagine doing it without ETI. The amount of burden that ETI has taken off my shoulders has made it possible for the Grandville Orchestras to continue traveling without making me crazier than I already am!”
Courtesy of ETI.
Photos courtesy of Matthew Bridges.
