The Westfield Guitar Program is pleased to announce . . .we’re heading to Virginia Beach/Busch Gardens for 2012 Spring Trip!

Non-refundable $100 deposit is due Friday, February 24.

Trip Commitment Form | Chaperon Interest Form (forms coming soon)

A few days ago, we notified you that the guitar festival in which we planned to participate, in Norfolk, was cancelled.

Here is the basic plan for the new trip. Mr. Hall and I have been working with the tour company to make arrangements for an experience that will be educational and fun for our musicians. Please note the change in date.

WHAT: 2012 Guitar Spring Trip to Virginia Beach to participate in FIESTAVAL being held there. The primary purpose of this trip is to receive professional musical adjudication. The exact itinerary and final cost are subject to change. Included in the price of the trip is the ticket to Busch Gardens, a meal voucher for lunch or dinner at Busch Gardens, and one other meal. The cost of the trip will be approximately $350 per student. More participants could result in a lower cost, and fewer participants could result in a higher cost. Students who participated in TAG Day and/or the fruit fundraiser will be receiving a credit towards their 2nd/final payment.

WHO: Open to all guitar students. Guitar II-III and Ensemble students are expected to attend. More information about performances to follow.

WHEN: Friday April 27 - Saturday evening, April 28, 2012. At this point we are waiting for adjudication times to decide whether we will leave before or after school on Friday. We will be staying at a hotel in Virginia Beach on Friday night, and spending Saturday at Busch Gardens. We will return to WHS late Saturday night.

***If you already submitted a deposit / 1st payment, but your student is unable to attend because of the date change, please contact Bonnie Cowdery ASAP.

***If your student was unable to make the original date, but is able to make this trip, or if you didn't make the original deposit deadline, but are interested in having your student go on the trip, please give a check, made out to WHSGBC, to Mr. Hall, by Friday, February 24.

The balance for your student's trip will be due on Friday, March 23.

Parents: If you are interested in chaperoning this trip, please email Bonnie Cowdery.

Installments will be remitted to the travel company and CANNOT BE REFUNDED. The guitar boosters and/or Westfield High School will not be holding onto this money. All monies are forwarded to the tour company on a planned schedule; therefore all payments by participants must be made on time and are non-refundable.

Thank you.
Bonnie Cowdery, Guitar Boosters President

TRIP RULES AND REGULATIONS

• All Fairfax County Public School rules and regulations apply. At the beginning of the year all FCPS students and parents signed the FCPS Participation Policy for Extracurricular Activities and Athletic Programs. This document may be reviewed on our web site (coming soon). Illegal substances, alcohol, and any tobacco products are strictly forbidden and chaperons will be instructed to bring any proven substance to the immediate attention of the Guitar Director for disciplinary action. There is a zero tolerance policy and the offender may be sent home (via airplane) at the expense of the student’s family.
• No student is permitted to bring beverage cans or bottles (including water) on this trip. WHS Guitar Boosters will provide water along the way. Students will be able to purchase drinks during rest breaks and bring them aboard the bus.
• Civilized behavior is expected!  Students should dress, act, and speak like mature ladies and gentlemen. You represent Westfield High School Music Department, Fairfax County, VA, your parents, and most importantly, yourself and all teenagers. Be courteous, considerate and respectful of chaperons, other students and people you might meet.
• Common sense should be used including dress, public displays of affection (this includes on the bus), language and other behavior. Respect for all is the key!
• Chaperons are the eyes and ears of the director. Do not argue with chaperons about any situation!  They join us because they enjoy being around young adults and enjoy the musical talents of everyone!  Making this a pleasant experience for the chaperones will make it a pleasant one for you the guitar students, too.
• Promptness is important!  When you are given a time and place to meet, be on time!  Be where you need to be, when you need to be there and BE PREPARED.
• All medications must be registered upon departure. They will be held by chaperones on the bus.
• Due to noise levels and safety issues, boom boxes, water guns, skateboards or roller blades are not permitted. Any other items deemed a safety risk may be confiscated and held for the duration of the trip.
• Hotel boundaries and site rules will be established when we arrive. You must be within these boundaries, travel in groups of at least 3 at all times (at least one member of the group must carry a cell phone that the chaperons have the number for), and chaperons must be informed of your whereabouts at all times. At certain times, you MAY be instructed to stay within site of a chaperon.
• Appropriate disciplinary measures will be instituted at the discretion of the guitar director, which may include restriction from participating in group activities, or immediate return home at the expense of the parent/guardian without recourse or reimbursement for missed activities. Further disciplinary action may be undertaken by Westfield High School Administrators.