American Music Abroad Freedom Tour 2019

France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Itinerary Detailsand Director Listing

Haut Königsbourg Castle, France

Saturday, July 27COLOGNE - KOBLENZJourney southeast through the pastoral Belgian countryside and into Germany. Stop in the charming city of Cologne to see the famous Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating to the 13th century. Continue travel to the city of Koblenz, built at the juncture of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, for dinner and overnight.

Sunday, July 28 - RHINE CRUISE - KOBLENZCruise along the Rhine River past ancient fortifications, landscaped vineyards and quaint villages. Lunch is in the colorful German town of Rüdesheim. Perform an evening concert in the Koblenz area. Dinner and overnight in Koblenz.

Monday, July 29 - HEIDELBERG - OBERNAITravel to the ancient university city of Heidelberg. Time to visit the fortress ruins overlooking the town or to stroll along the narrow streets. Perhaps cross the River Neckar for a wonderful view of the old town. Afternoon travel into the Alsace region of France, which reflects a unique blend of German and French culture. Arrive in Obernai, a lovely, medieval town in the heart of Alsace. Tonight, an exclusive American Music Abroad Dance Party! Dinner and overnight in Obernai.

Tuesday, July 30 - ALSACE REGIONThis morning’s excursion is to medieval Haut Königsbourg Castle, perched high above the Alsace Valley. Stop for lunch and exploring in a picturesque town surrounded by vineyards. Perform an evening concert in a nearby town. Dinner and overnight in Obernai.

Wednesday, July 31 - STRASBOURG - DINKELSBÜHLVisit Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, for a guided walking tour of the stunning city. View picturesque old houses and squares and the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, which took nearly 300 years to complete. Afternoon travel to Dinkelsbühl, Germany, a 10th century village fortified by walls and a moat. An evening concert is planned. Dinner and overnight in Dinkelsbühl.

FREEDOM TOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5399.00* The price includes Airline Taxes and Fuel Surcharge of $384.00.

ITINERARY

Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21Check-in at Kean University in Union, NJ for pre-tour orientation sessions. Three days of intensive rehearsals culminate in a Farewell Concert for family and friends on the evening of July 21st.

Monday, July 22 - UNITED STATES - FRANCEMorning orientation session. Afternoon transfers to JFK Airport, NY and Newark Airport, NJ for transatlantic flights to Europe. Dinner and overnight onboard the flights.

Tuesday, July 23 - CAENArrival in France. Board coaches and travel through the rolling hills and pastoral landscape into the Normandy region. Final destination: the western shore and lovely port city of Caen, capital of Lower Normandy. Dinner and overnight in Caen.

Wednesday, July 24 - NORMANDYToday’s excursion in the Normandy area will bring alive the places and events of D-Day, June 6, 1944. Visit the World War II Memorial and Museum which employs interactive and audiovisual techniques, including archival film, to depict the war’s origins and events. A stop in the town of Bayeux provides time to explore the medieval village and its

beautiful cathedral. Afternoon excursion to Omaha Beach and the nearby American Cemetery. Special performance on the steps overlooking the cemetery. Return to Caen for dinner and overnight.

Thursday, July 25 - HONFLEUR - BRUGGEMorning visit to the harbor town of Honfleur. The town was a major defense port in the 15th century and became known as an artistic center in the 19th century. Painters such as Boudin, Pissaro, Renoir and Cézanne all visited or lived here at one time. Free time to explore the old dock area and surrounding ancient streets. Afternoon travel into Belgium to the city of Brugge, known as the “Venice of the North.” Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Brugge.

Friday, July 26 - BRUGGE - GHENTLearn about the history and making of famous Belgian chocolate on your visit to a chocolate factory. Late morning cruise through the canals will introduce you to this wonderful city! View the whitewashed houses of the Begijnhof Monastery, the market square and the world famous Belgian “Lace Center.” This afternoon, an excursion is planned to nearby Ghent to tour the beautiful Castle of the Counts. Dinner and overnight in Brugge.

The FREEDOM TOUR price of $5399.00 per person includes:

� 3-day pre-tour orientation/rehearsal session at Kean University in Union, NJ. Included are meals, lectures, lodging and coach transportation of participants from the college to JFK and Newark Airport.

� Round-trip air transportation on scheduled flights, including about $384.00 in airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

� Transportation via motor coach throughout the itinerary, including transfers to airports.

� Arrangements for concerts, including advertising, hall rental fees and transfers to concerts.

� Transportation of instruments. � Accommodations in excellent quality hotels in multiple-occupancy rooms with private bath and toilet.

� Breakfast and multi-course dinner daily. � The services of an English-speaking escort and nurse throughout the land portion of the itinerary.

� All tips and taxes normally appearing on hotel and restaurant bills, including 20-22% VAT.

� Entrance to the World War II Memorial and Museum in Normandy.

� Guided tour of Omaha Beach. � Entrance to chocolate factory in Brugge. � Canal boat tour of Brugge. � Entrance and guided tour of the Castle of the Counts in Ghent.

� Cruise on the Rhine River. � Private American Music Abroad dance party in Alsace. � Entrance to Haut Königsbourg Castle in Alsace. � Guided walking tour of Strasbourg. � Guided walking tour of Dinkelsbühl. � Tirolean Folk Fest with folkloric entertainment. � Guided tour of Salzburg. � Cable car trip to glacier in Austria. � American Music Abroad polo shirt, passport pouch, blazer patch and pin.

� American Music Abroad travel tips, newsletters, information and materials.

The tour price does not include: Expenses of passports, visas (if necessary), baggage charges, additional airline taxes and fuel surcharges (if necessary), currency adjustment charges, tour escort and coach driver tip, forwarding of baggage, transportation charges incurred as a result of a deviation from the printed itinerary, insurance, loss of personal property, expenses for laundry, mineral waters, soft drinks, after dinner coffee/tea, or food or beverages not on menus of the included meals and all other items not stated specifically above.

Thursday, August 1 - DINKELSBÜHLAfter a morning guided walking tour of historic Dinkelsbühl, the remainder of your day is free to explore this delightful and enchanting town with its quaint houses, cobbled streets and bright flower boxes. Perform an evening concert in a nearby town. Dinner and overnight in Dinkelsbühl.

Friday, August 2 DACHAU - MUNICH - WESTENDORFJourney southward through Germany and stop at the World War II Concentration Camp at Dachau for a sobering visit. Time for lunch in Munich’s scenic Marienplatz. Afternoon travel into Austria’s Tirol Region. Final destination: Westendorf, a small village tucked away in the Austrian Alps. Tonight, attend a spirited Tirolean Folk Fest filled with song and dance indigenous to the area. Dinner and overnight in Westendorf.

Saturday, August 3 - WESTENDORFToday is free for exploring Westendorf - perhaps some swimming, biking or hiking. A ski lift ride provides a fantastic view of the valley. An evening concert is planned. Dinner and overnight in Westendorf.

Sunday, August 4 - SALZBURG Excursion to Salzburg, city of The Sound of Music and Mozart’s hometown. Your guided tour will introduce you to the history and many of the sights of this wonderful city. Free time to visit Mozart’s birthplace and the imposing fortress which dominates the Salzburg landscape. Following dinner in Salzburg, return to Westendorf for overnight.

Monday, August 5 RATTENBERG - GLACIERMorning visit to the charming town of Rattenberg, noted for its handicrafts and crystal. Next, be prepared for excitement and thrills as you ride a cable car high into the Alps to a glacier for a panorama of ice-capped mountains, fertile valleys and spectacular landscapes. Travel to a nearby village for dinner and an evening concert. Return to Westendorf for overnight.

Tuesday, August 6 - WINTERTHURThe awe-inspiring Alps dominate the landscape on your journey into Switzerland. Snow-topped peaks, lush meadows and sparkling waterfalls beg to be photographed. Arrive in the town of Winterthur for dinner, an evening activity and overnight.

Wednesday, August 7 - ZURICH - JFK AIRPORTTransfer to Zurich Airport for return to JFK Airport, NY via scheduled flights. Welcome Home!

Itinerary is subject to change if deemed necessary.

FREEDOM TOUR MUSICAL DIRECTORSMR. THOMAS MURPHY (Head Director and Band Director)26th American Music Abroad tour as a director and 18th as a Head DirectorBand director in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, NJ

MS RONA PONTECORVO (Band Director) 6th American Music Abroad tourBand Director at Syosset High School, NY

MS KATHLEEN CALNON (Choir Director) 4th American Music Abroad tourK-6 vocal and general music teacher in the Edgemont School District, NY

MS PATRICIA ISENBERG (Band Director)4th American Music Abroad tour Band Director at Miller Place High School in Miller Place, NY

MR. ANTHONY RAVINSKY (Choir Director) American Music Abroad student alumnus and 4th tour as a directorChoral Director at Cornwall Central High School, NY

MR. JOHN CROSS (Band Director) 3rd American Music Abroad tourRetired Director of Bands at Cassadaga Valley High School, NY

MR. MATTHEW SWISS (Choir Director) 3rd American Music Abroad tour Choral Director at Randolph High School, NJ

MRS. ERICA HARTMANN (Band Director) 2nd American Music Abroad tourBand Director in the Farmingdale Public Schools, NY

MR. JOHN ROLLAND (Band Director) 2nd American Music Abroad tour Band Director at Bay Trail Middle School in the Penfield Central School District, NY

MS NICHOLE GREENE (Choir Director) 1st American Music Abroad tourChoral teacher in the Massapequa School District, NY

MR. RON HELLER (Band Director) 1st American Music Abroad tour Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts at Hopewell Township Schools, NJ

MR. RYAN STROUD (Band Director) 1st American Music Abroad tour Director of Instrumental Music at Kinnelon High School, NJ

MR. RICHARD RIEDERER (Band Director) 1st American Music Abroad tour Band Director at Frontier High School, NY

MRS. CHRISTINE RIEDERER (Band Director) 1st American Music Abroad tour Band Director at Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School, NY

For complete biographies of each of the tour directors, please refer to http://www.americanmusicabroad.com/student-tours/freedom-tour-2019-directors/