1. What kind of selection process is there to get into a BGA event, and does our band have to have a long resume to be accepted?
Each band submits a one-page form that can be filled out on the website or faxed in that describes the past trips, events the band has attended and awards the band has received. A video of a recent field show contest or parade is also helpful. Every band that applies will have an opportunity to attend one of the BGA events. The size of the band and competitive level of the group often determines which event is best suited for the band.

2. Do we have to be a large band to be accepted?
No. All the bowls have a contest format that follows a class size by the number of musicians marching on the field - A(60 or fewer), AA(61-96), and AAA(97 and above). One of BGA's goals is to allow bands of all sizes to have the opportunity to attend a major event. It helps them build their band program for the future. It is very rewarding for us to help a band of 60 begin the rotation of attending a BGA event and watch as each year they grow larger in size.

NOTE: Certain parades do require us to select bands with over 100 musicians.

3. What is the best way to determine which event is best for our band?
Answer these important questions to better help you make your decisions.
- Are you planning on being competitive? Some events are better suited for the very competitive band.
- How much do you want to spend? If you go to a BCS game (Sugar or Orange), you will spend more on the cost of the program due to the prestige and location.
- Are you going by bus or air? We have enough event options that you can chose an event that is within a reasonable bus trip away, therefore keeping costs down (see item number 8).
- What time of year do you want to be gone? We have parade options during Thanksgiving break and over Memorial Day weekend. We also have multiple bowl options over the holiday break.

4. Who are the judges who adjudicate the contests and work directly with the bands to put together the big mass band show?
BGA has assembled a first class list of outstanding clinicians and adjudicators from a diverse music education background. Recent judges have included Dr. Ken Dye from Notre Dame, George Parks and Thom Hannum of U Mass., Wayne Downey with the Concord Blue Devils, and Tim Lautzenheiser.

5. How does the money side of things work?
Once a band has been invited to an event or made their decision on what best suits their program, a contract is provided that outlines all the details your parents, principal, and school board will need to finalize the approval process. This contract is then signed and sent back with a non-refundable $1,000 deposit, and we develop a payment schedule that works best for the group's fundraising plans. Additional deposits will be sent in to BGA approximately every other month leading up to the trip with final payment due 45 days before departure. We also provide special incentives for groups who register and make payments early.

6. What does the cost of the trip typically include?
In most cases the cost includes four nights lodging in a brand name hotel such as Hyatt, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Radisson, etc., one or two special dinner functions with awards, DJ and dancing, band performance opportunities such as the field show contest, concert and jazz clinics, mass band halftime finale at the game, and the game ticket. Our in-house travel agency can also arrange for other meals, sightseeing, air fare, and bussing to be added on to your trip.

7. Do we have to go through BGA to get to the event?
Yes, in most cases the event has signed an exclusive contract with BGA to ensure quality control and to work closely with the Bowl or Parade in setting up a program that works in conjunction with the event schedule. While your own travel agent can work with BGA in purchasing the ground portion of the package and coordinate the other portions of the trip such as air, bussing and sightseeing, we recommend using BGA services for the entire travel program.

8. Are there advantages to using BGA for the entire travel program?
Absolutely! Because of the large volume of business we do in the travel industry as part of the Worldstrides family, our purchasing power provides excellent discounts in air fares, sightseeing fees, meals and hotel costs. It is also much easier to work with one person, one phone call and one payment compared to trying to work with several travel professionals trying to organize different aspects of your trip.

9. Does BGA have other perks associated with their program?
Yes, we offer band directors special incentives for early payments such as free air tickets and first choice hotel bookings. Band directors that continue to bring their bands to a BGA event year after year receive automatic acceptance into special events. Every director and a guest of their choice can attend a special Director's Preview Weekend at the city of the bowl they are attending. This occurs during the summer months over a weekend and includes two nights hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing, and plenty of information to help prepare for the trip. Above all, the Director’s Preview Weekend offers a great deal of fun in getting to know the city, other directors, our staff, and the bowl officials.

10. Why should I consider attending a BGA event?
There are many good reasons! First, our events are of the highest caliber with national reputations and national networks. We also have carefully chosen destinations that offer tremendous historical and sightseeing opportunities. The events fall over a holiday season, making it much easier to be away from school and to receive parental and administrative approval. Another new and exciting reason is our free academic credit!  We are the only event provider in the world to offer students a one semester performing arts academic credit for participating in a BGA-sponsored bowl game or parade and successfully completing pre- and post-event courswork.

11. When do we get the music for the mass band show?
The halftime theme is selected by the bowl and often includes major guest stars. Once we have a theme and guest stars are selected, we begin arranging the music for the show. For an event in late December, for example, we usually send music out the first weeks of November, giving you about 6 weeks to memorize and rehearse the 5-6 minutes of music. A full score with individual parts are sent out along with a CD to help with tempos, articulations, and often guest star tracks to play along with.

12. Do we have to compete? What are our performance options?
Bands have the option to compete in the field show and parade. The concert and jazz clinics offered at some bowls and are also optional and not competitive, but instead are educational with on-stage clinics and taped comments to help prepare your group for the spring festival season. If a bowl game has a parade, all bands are asked to participate, and all bands must participate in the mass band performance. Special performances at malls, museums, public areas, etc. may also be arranged if requested.

13. How soon should we begin the planning process for a big marching band trip?
We recommend from one year to 18 months of advance planning, although many well-organized and funded bands can complete the process in less time. We also recommend that you have a very solid and carefully scheduled fundraising plan that can be implemented by your Booster Group and presented to your administration for approval.