We have finally been able to connect with the staff at Disney Performing Arts to get some more definitive answers regarding our schedule.  It appears that the weekend we are visiting Orlando is one of the busiest for school groups and there are waiting lists for performance and workshop slots.  As we have 3 groups between the choir, marching band, and orchestra, each with a workshop and a performance, it has been challenging to try to put together a schedule that works for everyone that allows time to also enjoy the parks.

The marching band is scheduled to perform on Saturday in the parade at Magic Kingdom at one of 3 possible times.  A major concern was raised that if anything delayed our arrival, they could potentially miss the scheduled performance time (not to mention coming straight from an 18+ hour bus ride directly into a performance!).  We attempted to move days, but with so many schools competing for performance slots, there was a waiting list and no guarantee that it could be moved.

So after talking with our tour companies, we've adjusted the dates of the tour to depart after school on Thursday, March 22 and return late afternoon on Tuesday, March 27.  Leaving after school on Thursday will allow everyone to be well-rested and ready for performances/workshops as well as time to ride and experience Disney.  Students will now miss one day of classes, but will return a day earlier and be with family for an additional day of spring break. (Note that when the tour was originally proposed to the School Board last spring, we requested itineraries leaving either Thursday, March 22 or Friday, March 23.  We were initially confident in departing on Friday, but Disney's scheduling now requires that we depart on the 22nd.)
As more specific times and details become available, we will add them to our itinerary.  What we can communicate so far is the following:

Thursday, 3/22
Depart NHHS after school
Travel overnight

Friday, 3/23
Disney Water Park
Check in to hotel
Visit Disney Springs
(possible orchestra performance: on waitlist)

Saturday, 3/24
Magic Kingdom day
Marching Band performance in morning parade down Main Street

Sunday, 3/25
Hollywood Studios in morning (since half of the park is under construction)
Animal Kingdom in afternoon/evening
Choir performance TBA at Disney Springs

• (performance time will dictate the schedule - for example, we may leave Hollywood Studios to go perform, then go to Animal Kingdom, or leave AK and return, or go back to the hotel, etc.)

Instrumental workshop at 6:00PM
Possible Flag & Majorettes workshop TBA

Monday, 3/26
EPCOT day
Choir workshop at Sarasota Springs Resort at 6:00PM
Depart Orlando at 8:30PM

Tuesday, 3/27
Arrive at NHHS late afternoon

The deadlines for meeting individual contribution goals are as follows:

• Initial $200 Deposit & Commitment Letter: Friday, October 6, 2017
• 2nd $200 Payment Due: Friday, November 3, 2017
• 3rd $200 Payment Due: Friday, December 8, 2017
• 4th $200 Payment Due: Friday, January 5, 2018
• Rooming Lists Finalized: Friday, January 26, 2018
• Final Payment Due: Friday, February 9, 2018
  ​(Final amount will be based on final numbers and any amount the Choral Parents may be able to contribute from the choir-wide fundraising events)

All handouts distributed and discussed at the family meeting on September 7, 2017 are posted under the Forms & Handouts menu link under the "TOUR INFORMATION" category.  Fundraiser forms are further down the page.

Parents who are considering going on the tour as a chaperone should submit their clearance paperwork to Activities Coordinator Chelle Zimmerman in the high school athletic and activities office as soon as possible.  To see what documentation is required, visit this link under the listing for "Program Volunteers:"

http://www.nhsd.net/WhatClearancesDoVolunteersNeed.aspx

All clearances must be current and on file with the district before the School Board will approve you to be a volunteer, so the sooner it can be submitted, the better for all of us!