In a four day trip, your marching band students can do it all:
- Explore the historic city of Colonial Williamsburg.
- Perform in a spectacular parade in Norfolk.
- Join in a festival adjudication with other ensembles from across the United States.
- Partake in an awards ceremony.
- Witness an incredible performance of the Virginia International Tattoo.
- Visit the beach.
- Have fun with other band members at Busch Gardens® and Kings Dominion® parks.
Virginia International Music Festival: Day 1
Your performance adventure begins! Load your bags and instruments and depart for Colonial Williamsburg. Lunch will be enjoyed at a restaurant of your choice along the way.
Stretch your legs after the long drive by exploring the West Duke of Gloucester Street. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called this street “the most historic avenue in America”. Immerse yourself in the everyday life of 18th century Williamsburg. Meet famous patriots, like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the quaint restaurants in town.
Then, check into your hotel. Unwind with a little swimming at the indoor pool before calling it a night.
Virginia International Music Festival: Day 2
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before departing for Busch Gardens ® .
Spend the day enjoying the many rides and shows. Lunch and dinner will be at locations of your choice within the park. Don’t miss the thrill of Tempesto, the Alpengeist, or Griffon!
Meet your motor coaches in the evening to travel back to your hotel.
Rest up before your big performance tomorrow!
Virginia International Music Festival: Day 3
Wake-up to a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
Then, depart for the parade assembly area. Line-up in parade formation at Harbor Park.
It’s show time! Enjoy yourself during the Virginia International Music Festival‘s Annual Parade of Nations step-off. This is longest continually presented parade in the region and the only U.S. parade that salutes NATO, representing all of the member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Your marching band will perform with units from around the world as well as U.S. military units.
After, talk about the parade highlights over lunch at a location of your choice.
Then, depart for Virginia Beach. Relax and celebrate your performance with free time at the beach. Soak up the sun and catch some waves!
Return to your hotel to freshen up.
Make your way before to Scope Arena. Cheer on your band and other parade performers at the Festival Awards Ceremony. Each ensemble that performs in the parade will receive a trophy along with a medal corresponding to their adjudicated rating. Additionally, recognition is given for Overall Grand Champion, Best Overall Music, Best Overall Percussion, Best Overall Marching, Best Overall Color Guard, and Best Overall Drum Major.
Enjoy Tattoo Hullabaloo on the Plaza. Dine at a tasty food vendor for dinner while you take in the dance and drill performances.
Then, return to the Scope Arena for the Virginia International Tattoo. “The Virginia International Tattoo is an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, choirs and more. Each year, a cast of over 800 artists from several countries creates an unforgettable spectacle under one roof for four breathtaking performances. The Virginia International Tattoo is the largest show of its kind in the United States.”
After the show, relax at your hotel hotel for the evening.
Virginia International Music Festival: Day 4
Jump start your day of fun with a great breakfast at the hotel.
Next, make your way to Kings® Dominion for a day of rides and shows.
Lunch will be at locations of your choice within the park.
Don’t miss several Kings® Dominion highlights including Planet Snoopy, Dinosaurs Alive, and the many thrill rides including the Anaconda.
Depart for home in early evening and enjoy dinner on your way home.
Your Virginia International Music Festival adventure has come to an end. Congratulations on your parade performance!
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