Thomas Jefferson High School

Marching Band
And

Choir
Parent/Student Handbook

Walt Disney World

Orlando, Florida
April 14 April 19, 2015

Dear Participant and Parents,

This packet provides important information regarding your travel preparations. Please read
through this packet thoroughly before travel time. It will help you navigate the trip with
your family and friends and help ensure you have an exciting and rewarding marching band
or choir experience.
Sincerely,
TJ Band Patrons Officers, on behalf of:

James Mirabella, Director of Bands

Julie Lucci, Choir Director
Marching Band Staff and Chaperones

BEFORE THE TRIP

Luggage

Each participant may bring ONE piece of luggage to be packed on the truck.

One carry-on bag per passenger no larger than a drawstring backpack will be permitted in the passenger cabin of the
aircraft provided it complies with airline regulations. It is recommended that all persons with prescriptions or other
vital medical requirements keep such items with them in a carry-on bag.

We will not be checking any luggage at the airport.

After leaving the Orlando airport, we will make a 10 minute stop at the hotel to drop off carry-on luggage. This is a
quick stop only.

The WJHSD, Band & Choir Directors, Administrators, Staff, Chaperones & TJ Band Patrons accept no
responsibility for lost or damaged luggage or the contents, cell phones, money, jewelry or other personal
valuables.

Luggage tags will be provided by Choice Music Tours. Each instrument case, choir robe/garment bag, and suitcase
MUST have a tag. The tag information includes your name, address, and phone number. The back of each tag
identifies Choice Music Tours Travel, Thomas Jefferson High School, and Hawthorn Suites.

We will be packing the equipment/luggage truck on Sunday, April 12, 2015, between 10:00 a.m. & Noon in
front of TJHS. Students will need to report directly to the registration area to check their luggage. Groups will be
color-coded based upon chaperones. This is done to make sorting luggage easier. Band students are responsible for
obtaining their uniforms, hats, and instruments from the band room and transporting them to the truck. Choir
students are responsible for obtaining their Choir robes and garment bags and getting them to the truck as well.

Band managers & section leaders are required to stay and help complete packing the truck.

Band: Remember to pack your cleaned black shoes, long black socks, hat, extra reeds, valve oil, valves,
mouthpieces, etc. and your band or black t-shirt.

Choir: Remember to pack your black pants, black dress shoes and your choir t-shirt (black shirt with music tree).

If you do not have ALL uniform pieces or if they are not presentable, Disney officials will deny you the right to
participate in the parade.

The truck will return to TJHS on Monday, April 20 most likely before the school day
ends; however, you may need to stay after school to collect your luggage.

Packing

Other than for parade/choral performance, dress is casual.

Do not over pack, leave room for souvenirs.

Make a checklist.

Dont wait until the last minute to pack.

You must bring your luggage to be packed on the truck on Sunday, April 12 between 10:00 a.m. and noon.
There is NO checked luggage on the plane.

What to pack
Mandatory Items

Instrumentalists
Uniform, black dress shoes, hat, long black socks, garment bag, TJ Marching Band T-shirt or black Tshirt, instrument (including extra reeds, valve oil, slide grease, etc.)
Auxiliary
All uniform pieces, including shoes, tights, batons, flags, and parade banner.
Choir
Robe, garment bag, black dress shoes, black leggings/tights/pants, and chorus t-shirt

All of the above items will be packed on the truck prior to leaving for Florida.

General Items
Comfortable shoes/sandals

Shorts/shirts/pants

Underwear/pajamas/socks

Jacket/Hoodie sweatshirt

Casual dress for Hoop Dee Doo & Blue Man

(no jeans or cutoff shorts)

Watch

Feminine Items

Toiletries

Sun Screen

Camera

Sunglasses

Eyeglasses/contacts/solution/holder

Poncho/umbrella for rain

Band-Aids

Gum (none sold at Disney)

Hat/visor

Swimsuit/flip flops/towel

Batteries

Headphones

Backpack/fanny pack

Cash, Gift card or money card for souvenirs/additional food

Cell phone with charger

Water Bottle
Extra pair of shoes (in case it rains & you need a dry pair)
Waterproof container for holding items you dont want to get wet on water rides.
If bringing a cell phone, the WJHSD and the TJBP will not be responsible for lost or stolen phones.
Secure your phone before riding rides.

Flight Information

All flights are commercial on Southwest Airlines, and we must go through Security at the airport.
Therefore, please remember the liquids policy for any carry-on items. If you are unsure of what is
permissible to bring in your carry-on (back pack), please check the following website:
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information.

All participants on this trip MUST report to TJHS auditorium for departure to the airport at 2:00 AM,
April 14, 2015! If you miss the bus at TJ, it will be the responsibility of your parents to get you to the
airport on time for your flight.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Flight 847
(89 seats)

Departs Pittsburgh at 5:35 a.m.

Arrives in Orlando at 8:00 a.m.

Flight 710
(85 seats)

Departs Pittsburgh at 6:00 a.m.

Arrives in Atlanta at 7:45 a.m.

Flight 2344
(85 seats)

Departs Atlanta at 8:25 a.m.

Arrives in Orlando at 9:55 a.m.

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Flight 1717
(85 seats)

Departs Orlando at 5:20 p.m.

Arrives in Atlanta at 6:50 p.m.

Flight 1785
(85 seats)

Departs Atlanta at 8:15 p.m.

Arrives in Pittsburgh at 9:55 p.m.

Flight 1168
(89 seats)

Departs Orlando at 7:05 p.m.

Arrives in Pittsburgh at 9:25 p.m.

Airport check-in process is serious business with a NO NONSENSE behavior policy! Anyone behaving
improperly at the airport will be automatically sent home and possibly subject to federal laws --- NO
QUESTIONS ASKED. Parents, if your child is denied boarding for any reason, you must pick them
up at the airport.

Proof of identification all persons 18 years of age and older must carry valid government issued photo
identification (drivers license, passport, etc.). All persons 17 years of age or less are not required to
present photo ID when traveling with a school teacher, administrator, parent, chaperone, or staff member.
It is recommended that all persons carry some form of ID if available. Be aware that lack of proper ID
can result in boarding being denied.

Arrival at the Orlando Airport

Upon arrival at the Orlando airport, two Choice Music Tours escorts traveling with our group will take us
to our busses. We will board the charter busses and travel to Universal Orlando after a very brief 10
minute stop at the hotel to drop off carry-on luggage.

Check to make sure you have your carry-on bag and that nothing is left on the plane.

Hotel Information
Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista
8303 Palm Parkway
Orlando, FL 32836
Phone (866) 756-3778 Fax (407) 597-6000
www.HawthornLakeBuenaVista.com

You will receive your room keys when we return to the hotel after leaving Universal Studios.

The use of room phones for outside local or long distance calls is prohibited. Please be aware that any such calls will
be billed to the occupants of the room and must be paid before check-out.

Please check with the front desk prior to check-out to see if any incidental charges were made to your room. If there
is a problem, contact your chaperone. We will not be cleared for airport departure until all bills are paid.

On check out day load your luggage on the truck. If again taking a backpack for the day, know it cannot be left on
the bus. You must keep it with you for the day.

Amenities at the hotel include: heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, game room, basketball court, fitness center, laundry
facilities, 2 televisions in each room, alarm clock, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, 2 queen beds & pull out sofa, a
full kitchen in each room, and free WiFi.

Hotel Rules and Regulations

Do not leave cash in your room.

NO room changes during the trip.

Under NO circumstance is anyone who is not connected to our trip permitted in the area of our rooms.

Under NO circumstance are the boys permitted in any girls room or in the area designated as the girls floor or area.

Equally, no girls in the boys room, floor, or other area designated for boys.

Do not make excessive room to room calls.

Exercise an orderly, self-controlled behavior when in public areas of the hotel. Remember we are not their only
guests.

The hotel management and chaperones will not condone disturbances of any kind.

Students will be financially responsible for all items damaged or missing from the hotel room.

Students must be in their respective rooms with lights out at the designated times and will remain in their rooms until
breakfast call. Security officers will be observing hallways at night.

Students may not leave the hotel grounds without a chaperone for any reason.

Students are not permitted to accept room service or any other delivery to their room after the designated room check
time.

Always open your door for a member of the band/choir staff and/or chaperones.

Respond to a knock on your door by first asking who it is. Look through the door viewer (peep hole).

During the trip your hotel room is subject at any time to inspection by chaperones, band/choir staff, and hotel
security. Rooms should be in acceptable condition.

All regular band rules apply as stated in the handbook of the Thomas Jefferson High School Band and in the
discipline policies/procedures of the West Jefferson Hills School District.

Trip Rules & Regulations

School rules and regulations outlined in the TJHS Student Handbook will be enforced.

The TJHS Band Handbook will be enforced in conjunction with the TJHS Student Handbook, but will not
supersede school district policies.

All students must have an up-to-date medical form on file with Mr. Mirabella or Mrs. Lucci prior to the
date of travel along with a copy of their medical insurance card and a recent photo.

There will be absolutely no running, jumping, screaming, yelling, or misbehavior of any kind on the bus,
plane, in the hotel, or any public place.

iPods, iPads, etc. are only permitted when used with headphones.

During this trip, you must always travel with a group.

All chaperones, band/choir staff, Disney staff, flight staff, and bus drivers shall be treated with the utmost
respect. Back-talking or attitudes will not be tolerated.

All students are expected to be on time at all checkpoints and departures. Any student tardy for these times
that keeps the group behind schedule will be required to stay with his or her chaperone for the remainder of
the trip.

All students must be in their rooms at the assigned room check time.

The use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal substance WILL NOT be tolerated. If caught with an
illegal substance or violating any local, state, or federal law, local law enforcement and local police will be
called. You will be punished according to TJs Disciplinary Code. Your parents will be notified
immediately and arrangements will be made for your immediate return home at the expense of your
parents/guardian. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

Any student incarcerated by federal, local, or Disney law enforcement will forfeit their participation
and representation with the TJHS Band/Choir and the WJHSD for the duration of the trip. A
parent or legal guardian will be contacted to come to your place of incarceration to handle all legal
matters. This will be done at the expense of your parent or guardian.

The hotel management, airline personnel, and TJHS staff reserve the right to search suitcases, rooms, and
other personal belongings at any time during the trip.

Students must be in school ON TIME Monday, April 13 and Monday, April 20. Students are also
responsible for all missed work. Please see your teachers before you leave.

Students may not leave with a parent or other person at any time during the trip, unless prior arrangements
were made with the band or choir director before leaving for the trip. Directors and school administration
will make a decision prior to leaving school for the trip.

Miscellaneous Information
Meals

All meals are built into the student packages.

If you choose not to eat prior to our 2:00 a.m. departure on Tuesday, you must bring something with you to
eat.

Breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is at the hotel. Everyone must be at breakfast!
Breakfast on Sunday will be at T-Rex in Downtown Disney.

Meal cards are provided for the three days at Disney. There is $30 card ($15 per meal) for each day. You
do not have to use the entire card at one time and any remaining balances carry over. Meal vouchers will
be issued for the two Universal days. These Universal vouchers are good for one meal only. Please use
them wisely as you will not receive change. All Disney cards and Universal vouchers are for food only.

You are free to have lunch and dinner at the time and location of your choosing within the park.

If you know in advance that the allotment will not be sufficient for you, make sure you bring extra money
to cover the cost of extra food.

We will have a pizza party on Tuesday April 14 at the hotel upon our return from Universal Studios.

On Saturday, April 18, dinner arrangements have been made at the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. We will join the
Pioneer Hall Players for 2 hours of rousing Wild West dancing, singing, and zany vaudeville comedy. In
between skits and song standards, we will chow down on buckets of all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken
and smoked BBQ pork ribs as well as a tossed green salad, baked beans, fresh-baked cornbread and
strawberry shortcake.

On Sunday, April 19, breakfast will be at T-Rex in Downtown Disney. Each participant will receive a $15
cash stipend for lunch at Downtown Disney and a $10 stipend to use at the airport for snack/dinner. Be
sure to use your $30 meal cards each day or use any balance left before we leave Downtown Disney. Any
funds left on the cards when we leave is non-refundable.

Transportation

A commercial bus company has been hired to provide private transportation. Motor coaches will be used
to transport us from the Orlando airport as well as to our other destinations. You will always reload the bus
at the same place you unload unless you are given specific directions otherwise. Leave nothing on the
coach busses at any time. Disney transportation will be used to transfer from Animal Kingdom to
Hollywood Studios on Friday.

You must ride on your assigned coach bus.

Security

There will be security guards monitoring the hallways from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each night. Students
are not permitted out of their rooms during these times.

Walt Disney World and Universal Studios have security stations at the entrance to each park. These
stations require guests to open all purses, back packs, fanny packs, camera cases, etc. for inspection. This
can delay your entrance to the parks due to long lines.

Medical Emergency
The student trip package does not include a medical policy. The procedure for emergencies and injuries is
as follows:
1. Every student attending the trip must have a medical form filled out prior to departing along
with a copy of his or her personal health insurance card and a current photograph.
2. Any student who requires medical attention should first report to the first-aid station if in a park
or to their chaperone if at the hotel. After reporting to a first-aid station, the trip nurse and
chaperone must be notified.
3. Any student who is injured or sick will be transported to the hospital or urgent care center, if
required, by ambulance or taxi, depending on the suggestions of the first-aid station at the
Disney or Universal Park or by the chaperone or the band director.
4. If a student is hospitalized and is required to stay longer than the scheduled trip, a parent or
legal guardian must fly to Florida to stay with their child. Any bills incurred in Orlando under
such circumstances must be paid for by the parent or legal guardian and then submitted to their
insurance company upon return with the required receipts for reimbursement.

Communication

Communication between students and chaperones is vital to making this a successful trip for both students and
adults. Be smart and stay safe!

Parents - if you will be in Orlando during our trip, please notify Kris Herazo at 412.414.1732 or
herazo1@comcast.net to provide the cell phone number at which you may be reached if necessary.

All students will be asked to supply their cell phone numbers prior to departure. A group will be set up in the
One Call system so all students on the trip can be contacted at one time if necessary. Students will also be
given their chaperones cell phone number which should be deleted at the end of the trip. If anyone shares a
teachers number, consequences will occur.

Choir Rehearsals For Downtown Disney Performance

2:30 4:00 pm, March 25, 26 and 31st, April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9

Marching Band Rehearsals For the Festival of Fantasy Pre-Parade

Rehearsals will be held after school during the end of March and the beginning of April
SPECIFIC DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
PLEASE WATCH THE WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION
WWW.TJBAND.COM
WWW.TJCHOIR.COM
Every effort must be made to attend these mandatory rehearsals.
Auxiliaries may have additional rehearsals. Contact your instructor for details.

THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL BAND and CHOIR

Orlando, Florida

April 14 April 19, 2015

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

5:35 a.m.
6:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:25 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:55 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.

Group 1 (89 passengers) departs Pittsburgh International Airport on Southwest Flight 847 to Orlando
Group 2 (85 passengers) departs Pittsburgh International Airport on Southwest Flight 710 to Atlanta
Group 1 (89 passengers) arrives at Orlando International Airport on Southwest Flight 847
Group 2 (85 passengers) departs Atlanta on Southwest Flight 2344 for Orlando
Group 1 (89) transfers to Universal Orlando with a 10 minute stop at hotel to store carry-on luggage
Group 2 (85 passengers) arrives at Orlando on Southwest Flight 2344
Group 2 (85) transfers to Universal Orlando with a 10 minute stop at hotel to store carry-on luggage
Lunch and Dinner with Universal Meal Coupons
Transfer from Universal Orlando to the Hawthorn Suites LBV, 8303 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
Hotel Check-in
Pizza Party at the Hawthorn Suites LBV (or stay at City Walk)
Room Check
Security

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

7:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
TBD
1:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.

10:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
11:30 p.m.

Group 1 eats breakfast at the hotel

Group 2 eats breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to The Magic Kingdom
Lunch with a Disney Meal Card
Equipment Truck must be in the Magic Kingdom backstage area
Meet Disney Host
Thomas Jefferson High School Jaguar Marching Band marches in the Magic Kingdom
Festival of Fantasy Pre-Parade
Dinner with a Disney Meal Card
Wishes Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular
Transfer to the Hawthorn Suites LBV, 8303 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
Room Check
Security

Thursday, April 16, 2015

7:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m.

Group 2 eats breakfast at the hotel

Group 1 eats breakfast at the hotel
Transfer from the hotel to Universal Orlando
Lunch and Dinner with Universal Meal Coupons
Transfer to Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group
Transfer to the Hawthorn Suites LBV, 8303 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
Room Check
Security

Friday, April 17, 2015

7:00 a.m.

Breakfast at the hotel

8:20 a.m.

MAJORETTES (14) -Transfer from the hotel to the Costuming and Auditions building,
Rehearsal Room 6
MAJORETTES participate in the Disney Dancin Workshop
Band, Color Guard and Choir transfer to Animal Kingdom
MAJORETTES transfer from the Costuming and Auditions building, Rehearsal Room 6 to
Hollywood Studios
Lunch with a Disney Meal Card
COLOR GUARD (15) transfers from Animal Kingdom to the Costuming and Auditions building,
Rehearsal Room 6
All others (123) transfer from Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios USING DISNEY TRANSPORTATION
COLOR GUARD participates in Auxiliration Workshop
COLOR GUARD transfers from the Costuming and Auditions building, Rehearsal Room 6 to
Hollywood Studios
Dinner with a Disney Meal Card
CHOIR Charter Bus transports Choir for performance
Choir Performs in Downtown Disney and returns to Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic
Fantasmic
Transfer to the Hawthorn Suites LBV, 8303 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
Room Check
Security

9:00 a.m.
8:20 a.m.
12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.
TBD
1:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.

TBD
5:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

7:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
11:00 p.m.

Group 2 eats breakfast at the hotel

Group 1 eats breakfast at the hotel
Transfer (181) from the hotel to EPCOT
Lunch and Dinner with Disney Meal Cards
Transfer (181) to Hawthorne Suites LBV, 8303 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
Transfer (181) to Disneys Fort Wilderness
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
Transfer to the Hawthorn Suites LBV, 8303 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
Room Check
Security

Sunday, April 19, 2015

8:00 a.m.
Hotel check-out and carry-on baggage loaded on buses
8:30 a.m.
Transfer (176) from the hotel to Downtown Disney
9:00 a.m.
Breakfast at T-Rex
Lunch with a $15.00 per person cash stipend.
2:20 p.m.
Transfer from Downtown Disney to Orlando International Airport
Dinner with a cash stipend at Orlando International Airport AFTER CLEARING TSA SECURITY
5:20 p.m.
Group 2 (85 Passengers) departs for Atlanta on Southwest Flight 1717
7:05 p.m.
Group 1 (89 Passengers) departs for Pittsburgh on Southwest Flight 1168
8:15 p.m.
Group 2 (85 Passengers) departs Atlanta for Pittsburgh on Southwest Flight 1785
9:25 p.m.
Group 1 (89 Passengers) arrives in Pittsburgh on Southwest Flight 1168
9:55 p.m.
Group 2 (85 Passengers) arrives in Pittsburgh on Southwest Flight 1785

PARENTS:
Please pick up your child at TJHS at approximately 10:00 p.m. (Group 1) or 10:30 p.m. (Group 2).
We will encourage your child to call you when we leave the Pittsburgh Airport.
Please leave room in front of the Building for the busses. Park in the lot across from the Auditorium.

Thank you for supporting your child and taking advantage of this opportunity for him or her to appear in
Walt Disney World.
We are fortunate to have this group of young people
representing Thomas Jefferson High School.
Be proud of their accomplishment on being chosen to perform!