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Times are rapidly changing, but we want you to know that we are still here for you! Our operations have moved from our “old” office to new remote digs! Phone number is the same, email is the same, faces are the same, but with renewed inspiration! If you need to mail anything to us, please…

During times of duress and difficulty, people all across the world have always turned to music for calm and support.   Current times are no different. Music’s transformational power to convey emotion and reach out to others is felt everywhere. Though students are learning in a new way and teachers are learning new ways to teach,…

Updated December 28, 2021 All destinations and suppliers have their own rules related to COVID-19. For example, you may be required to quarantine upon arrival in some locations. Some locations may require masks or social distancing, or they may require you to provide proof of vaccination or negative testing. While Forum Educational Travel will try…

If you’ve been with us for a while, you probably understand our scheduling process.  However, if you are a “newbie” to Forum, you may need an explanation of how our scheduling works. Some of our competitors “sell” performance spots.  This works for early registrants if they absolutely must have a location and a time spot…

Not all of us are uber planners.  Some of us need to catch our breath before launching into another big program.  Those folks start planning trips after the holiday concerts are done, January classes are set, and reality sets in that a music trip hasn’t been booked quite yet.  Never fear!  There’s still time! Give…

At this beautiful season, we can’t help but think of all the gifts that music education provides to students and teachers.   As we celebrate our 25th year, we’re honored to be part of those gifts. The gift of music is magical.  The hope and joy imparted to both performer and listener cannot be taken lightly.…

Recently, this article regarding Mister Rogers’ impact on music education appeared in the NAfME e-newsletter.  Given its timeliness with the release of the recent movie as well as his enduring legacy that touches parents, teachers, and all of us, we are honored to reprint the article here. This article was originally posted on Cued In,…

Gaining support for organizing the perfect trip can be frustrating and time-consuming.  You need a strategy for creating a base of support from parents, students, and administration.  We’re here to share some great guidelines for promoting your trip. Enlist the help of another teacher!  If you and another teacher at your school or in your…

Consider using a tour operator.  Your expertise is teaching.  A travel planner’s expertise is to know the nuts and bolts of millions of elements that make a trip run smoothly.  Many directors or booster clubs think they can do it themselves on the cheap.  A travel planner earns bulk discounts with hotels, restaurants, and attractions…

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) is an organization whose mission is to provide professional development, career building and support, and a community of peers for all teachers of stringed instruments. The organization promotes advocacy for string programs and string teachers through many brochures and publications available on their website at www.astaweb.com.  As members of…

1. Is the festival scheduled in an appropriate venue? Choosing a festival with a great performance venue really makes a big difference to your students.  Many times, we’ve heard from discouraged directors who scheduled another festival where a school cafeteria, a multi-purpose room, or a gymnasium was considered a suitable venue.  At Forum, that’s just…

Developing a jazz band at your school can be fun and inspiring.  A jazz band can serve as a mighty tool for recruiting. It helps students with sight reading.  It teaches leadership, self-confidence, and reinforces creative expression.  If your background does not specifically include jazz performance, you can still start a jazz program for your…

When taking a student group on any trip, you are faced with the prospect of feeding a lot of hungry teenagers.  Feeding the endlessly ravenous can be a pretty daunting task.  How about a short list of ideas to feed the crowd?  Meal vouchers – Offered at most theme parks, students can individually redeem vouchers…