Band Trip - 2008

Kearney Band to California
June 5-8, 2008

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites
11747 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Groove, CA 92840
714-703-8800

Thursday, June 5
Depart Omaha or Kansas City on your assigned flight
Upon arrival to airport transfer to
California Adventure and Downtown Disney—dinner on own
8:30 pm Depart Disney for hotel check in

Friday, June 6
Breakfast at hotel
8:30 a.m. Transfer to Hollywood—check out Chinese Theatre and the “Stars”
10:30 am Six Flags Park
6:00 p.m. Transfer to hotel
7:30 p.m. Transfer to Medieval Times
8:45 p.m. Medieval Times
Transfer to hotel at conclusion of show

Saturday, June 7
Breakfast at hotel—maybe a later arrival at Disney? Time to see beach?
9:30 am Disney Magic Kingdom
Clinic performance “Soundtrack Session”
Rest of day at Disneyland/ Evening parade and fireworks
Transfer to hotel

Sunday, June 8
Breakfast at hotel
Check out of hotel
Depart hotel by flight group

Click here to view and print the Band Trip Itinerary document.

Jun.05 - Southwest flight SW #2539 departs MCI(KC) at 7:30 am, arrives LAX at 8:55 am
Jun. 08 - Southwest flight SW #1419 departs LAX at 2:25 pm, arrives MCI(KC) at 7:40 pm
Flight Leaders:  Byron & Sheryl Hanson & Joel Palmer

Jun.05 - Northwest flight NW #883 departs OMA at 7:00 am, arrives Minneapolis(MSP) at 8:10 am
Jun. 05 - Northwest flight NW #152 departs Minneapolis(MSP) at 9:00 am, arrives Orange County(SNA) at 10:51 am
Jun.08 - Northwest flight NW #149 departs Orange Co. at 3:30 pm, arrives Minneapolis at 9:10 pm
Jun.08  Northwest flight NW #308 departs Minneapolis(MSP) at 10:15 pm, arrives OMA at 11:27 pm
Flight Leaders:  Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell

Jun.05 - Midwest Air flight YX #214 departs MCI(KC) at 11:05 am, arrives LAX at 12:30 pm
Jun.08 - Midwest Air flight YX #492 departs LAX at 1:05 pm, arrives MCI(KC) at 6:10 pm
Flight Leaders:  Mr. & Mrs. Svoboda

Jun.05 - Southwest flight SW #1058 departs MCI(KC) at 11:30 am, arrives LAX at 12:55 pm
Jun.08 - Southwest flight SW #414 departs LAX at 11:45 am, arrives MCI(KC) at 5:00 pm
Flight Leaders:  Judy Meyer & Norm & Lorraine Heiden

Track the Flights online - click here.

The list of who is on what flight was handed out at the meeting when the travel agent was in Kearney. 
It has been posted on the North doors by the Band Room.

Flight #2539 out of Kansas City
Wednesday, June 4th
11:30 p.m. – arrive at Kearney High School
12:00 a.m. (Thurs.) – Load Busses
12:15 – Leave for Kansas City
5:30 – Arrive at airport and check in
7:30 – Plane departs
Follow trip itinerary from this point
Sunday, June 8th
2:25 p.m. – Plane departs LAX
7:40 p.m. – Plane arrives in Kansas City
approx. 8:40 p.m. – depart for Kearney
2:00 a.m. Arrive at Kearney High School

Flight #883 out of Omaha
Thursday June 5th
1:00 a.m. – arrive at Kearney High School
1:30 – Load Busses
1:45 – Leave for Omaha
5:00 – Arrive at airport and check in
7:00 – Plane departs
Follow trip itinerary from this point
Sunday, June 8th
3:30 p.m. – Plane departs LAX
11:27 p.m. – Plane arrives in Omaha
approx. 12:30 a.m. – depart for Kearney
3:30 a.m. Arrive at Kearney High School

Flight #214 out of Kansas City
Thursday, June 5th
3:00 a.m. – arrive at Kearney High School
3:30 – Load Busses
3:45 – Leave for Kansas City
9:00 – Arrive at airport and check in
11:05 – Plane departs
Follow trip itinerary from this point
Sunday, June 8th
1:05 p.m. – Plane departs LAX
6:10 p.m. – Plane arrives in Kansas City
approx. 7:10 p.m. – depart for Kearney
12:30 a.m. Arrive at Kearney High School

Flight #1058 out of Kansas City
Thursday, June 5th
3:30 a.m. – arrive at Kearney High School
4:00 – Load Busses
4:15 – Leave for Kansas City
9:30 – Arrive at airport and check in
11:30 – Plane departs
Follow trip itinerary from this point
Sunday, June 8th
11:45 a.m. – Plane departs LAX
5:00 p.m. – Plane arrives in Kansas City
approx. 6:00 p.m. – depart for Kearney
11:00 p.m. Arrive at Kearney High School

Click here to view and print the Bus Schedule for the trip.

While the Band is in California, if you have an emergency and need to get in contact with your student or one of the Directors, please contact Ed Uden and he will get the request and information to the Directors.

(please click the "Refresh" button on your browser to make sure you have the most up-to-date information we have posted on this page)

From Mr. Svoboda & Mr. Mitchell:
Rules & Regs for the Trip.

We have good students.  We have high expectations.
We sweat the small stuff, and the trip goes well.
Example:  Do not hit all the buttons on an elevator.
Also:  if you have to ask, "Will I get in trouble for this?", the answer is "Yes!"

#1)  No beer, alcohol, or drugs.  You will be sent immediately to a bus ride home at your own expense.
#2) No smoking.  Just stop!  Parents on the trip too.  Trip parents, no smoking or bars, etc.
#3) After bed check, you are to stay in your room for the rest of the night.
Do NOT disturb somebody else.  If you leave the room for any reason, you will be assigned to a sponsor the next day, and do whatever the sponsor wants to do during the day.  If we need to, we can tape the room doors after curfew and if your tape on your door is broken, then everyone in the room is assigned to sponsors the next day.  Do not get us to this point.
Do not go for a jog or for exercise at night.  It is not safe then in LA.  Do it in the morning if you must.
Do NOT leave the hotel for any reason without express permission from the Directors.
#4) Sponsors have the Directors' support.  Do whatever they say.
Sponsors are Band Staff during the trip.
#5)  If you are on time, you are late.  Don't be the last person on the bus.  Be on top of all that stuff.

At the airport, the flight leaders will determine how they want us to check in.  Possibly alphabetically.
Bring your ID!  Get your ticket and go to the boarding area.  You must secure your ticket/boarding pass.
You only have the ticket from when you drop off luggage to when you walk down the jetway.

Make sure your luggage is not over 50 pounds.  You will pay the extra yourself, or you will need to leave some stuff behind.

No joking in the airport, about 'blow-up' or anything.  Security does not tolerate jokes.  Especially in LA.

Make sure you have your photo ID with you.  If there is a connecting flight, do not leave the group.  Can have instrument plus a bag.

When we get to LA, we will move as a group.
Get your baggage claim, stay in one group.  Get on the bus and head for the first stop.

Make sure you have only one bag to check underneath.  Put travel ID tag on luggage.  Make sure your instruments have ID tags too.

Attire for the trip is per KHS dress code.

Bring sunscreen, drink water.

Never go anywhere alone.  Stay with the group.

We will meet for the first time on the trip when we leave Calif. Adventure.

You will wear your 'Trip Shirts' on Saturday, to be uniform as a group in the studio.

(updated on May 3rd at 11:55 pm)

2008 Kearney High School Trip to California
All students are expected to follow all guidelines. There will be consequences if the guidelines are not followed. Violations of guidelines will only make the trip less enjoyable for everyone involved. An expectation for the members of the Kearney High School is to be safe, responsible and respectful. The guidelines below are listed as a precaution because we believe the students realize how fortunate they are to be able to experience a trip of this type. 
1. Please keep your itineraries with you and handy at all times. We run a tight schedule and it is important to be on time. Plan to be at each point of departure at least 15 minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time (especially in the morning). Know where you are to go before it is time to be there.
2. The schedule must be followed at all times. Do not assume that you are special and can change the schedule. Any change from the schedule will be at the directors’ initiation only. Listen for director announcements of any necessary schedule changes. Students are required to attend all functions with the group. Do not have messages delivered to the directors through someone else.
3. Punishment for rule violations will be handled by the director/principal and may range from suspension from an activity to being SENT HOME. If you are sent home it will be at your parents’ expense. Please make this trip enjoyable for us by conducting yourselves in a manner, which will leave a positive impression on those we contact.  BE POLITE TO ALL PEOPLE YOU ENCOUNTER.
4. There will be no mixed company in the hotel rooms. All students must return to their own rooms by curfew.
5. All members of the group will follow all hotel rules and regulations. Be respectful of all hotel staff. Remember there are other paying guests in the hotel too. Other hotel guests are to be treated with courtesy. Report any problems to the director.
6. Students are reminded that ashtrays, towels, and other hotel property are not souvenirs.  Rooms should be left clean. Damage to any individual room will be charged to those persons sharing the room. The sponsors and hotel staff will check rooms on the day of check out.
7. There will be no charges to the rooms of any kind. Do not use the phones in the rooms. A personal cell phone is the easiest way to handle making a telephone call. As a last resort, if a personal cell phone is not available to you, you can use the pay phones in the lobby.  The hotels are equipped to make computerized printouts of all calls placed from the rooms, including room to room calls. Room to room calls will not be allowed after curfew. You may call a sponsor’s room in case of emergency.
8. All school policies as laid out in the student handbook will be enforced during the trip.  Remember that this is a school function and you represent Kearney High School – act accordingly.
9. There will be no use of any illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, chewing tobacco, or smoking by any of the students on this trip. (This applies to every student regardless of age)
10. No roughhousing or horseplay will be allowed.
11. The sponsors and the hotel security staff will enforce curfews. No one will be allowed out of his or her room after curfew for any reason except an emergency. There will be room checks each night. There will be consequences for curfew violations.
12. All adults and drivers on the trip are to be treated with courtesy and respect. Do not ask them to make decisions for the directors.
13. Every student will be expected to help with baggage/equipment loading and unloading.
14. There will be absolutely no switching of bus or room assignments without specific permission from the directors.
15. It is a federal offense to activate a false fire alarm. The hotel will prosecute offenders.
16. If you bring snacks, bring items that can be thrown away (e.g., aluminum cans). Put trash in trash containers not on the bus floor. No coolers please!
17. Students are not to bother the bus drivers while the bus is in motion.
18. All group members must stay with at least one other person from the Kearney High School at all times. Do not be alone!
19. You may bring personal listening devices only. No public speakers on MP3’s or other electronics. It is best to leave these in the hotel, tucked away in a suitcase, when we go places together or you can keep these items with you at all times, just not listen to them while traveling. You will need to be able to listen to instructions.
20. Other conduct not specifically referred to herein will be determined by the directors.  When in doubt, ask permission!
21. Respect each others property. Do not “borrow” without permission.
22. Remember, on the tour you represent a large body of people – the State of Nebraska and the Kearney High School student body, faculty, music department, and most important, YOU!! Conduct yourself like a lady or a gentleman at all times. Your manners always show.

Travel Information
2008 Kearney High School Trip to California
Hotel Room Keys-
When you leave your hotel room, please be certain that you have not locked your key in the room. There will be one or two keys available per room (depending upon the hotel). One person in each room should be responsible for the key’s whereabouts at all times. Also, please make sure the door LATCHES behind you.
Hairdryers/ Curling Irons-
Each hotel room is equipped with a hairdryer. If you feel that 2 hairdryers would save on time, then please designate one other person in the room to bring one along. Do not plug in 4 hairdryers and curling irons at the same time. It will cause us to blow a fuse, therefore delay everyone’s departure.
Staying Healthy-
Please pack according to the weather. Current updates on weather can be checked on the internet at several sites (weather.com, weather.yahoo.com, or weather.msn.com) before leaving home. For your own health’s sake, please do not skip meals or fail to drink plenty of water. It is best to eat healthy foods and not fill up on junk food snacks.
Safety-
When walking around while in California, please make sure that you are very alert and aware of your surroundings and your belongings. The areas of California we will be visiting are safe, however criminals can surface anywhere.
Debit/ Credit Cards-
Pre-paid debit cards are the safest way handle money while traveling. Most banks will issue debit cards in a child’s name, with the parent as the supervising adult. It is possible for a parent to check a child’s spending on-line during the trip, and add or control money as necessary. If the debit card is lost or stolen, it can be cancelled conveniently with no cash lost. Most places take debit cards, including fast food restaurants. Traveler’s checks are no longer the best option when traveling. Pre-paid debit cards are highly recommended.
Cash-
Spending money is a personal manner. You should allow money (a combination of pre-paid debit cards and cash) for extra meals, extra water, postage, refreshments, souvenirs and planned purchases. Check the itinerary for those meals that are not provided.
Valuable Items-
It is preferred that you NOT bring expensive items (e.g., jewelry, Ipods, Gameboys) and never leave anything you value in your hotel room while you are away for the day or evening, UNLESS it is hidden and locked in your suitcase or bag. Students are encouraged to bring a cell phone; however, if a cell phone is lost, parents should remind their child to contact them immediately, so action can be taken with cell phone carrier.
Illegal Actions-
Attractions in California are very tough on shoplifters and have security personnel in ordinary tourist dress throughout each park. California state law will take over if you are caught shoplifting, using, or in possession of drugs.
Suggested Information
Wardrobe should correspond to itinerary. Make sure you have the right clothes, etc. and have enough – but not too much. Provide yourself with a written checklist and place it inside your suitcase. Keep another copy separate from your luggage for insurance purposes. Check your list when leaving the hotel to be sure you have not left or lost anything. The attire for the trip is quite casual, except when you are in uniform, or attending an evening performance. Shorts, slacks, or any comfortable clothing are acceptable for your sightseeing excursions. All places we will visit will require that shirts and shoes be worn at all times. Also, t-shirts with questionable statements printed on them are not allowed.
Bus Travel Packing Information:
You are limited to one suitcase and a small carry-on with you on the bus. Put your name on all of your possessions. Don’t take anything that can not be replaced.
 

Band Trip Update - May 28th at 8:15 pm.

Notes from Apr. 28th Meeting with Travel Agent

(updated on April 28th at 11:30 pm)

Checking in at airport - check your names on the Flight List (see the Directors).
Group must arrive 2 hours early.  You will leave Kearney EARLY.
Photo ID options:  State ID is best.  KHS Student ID should be ok too.
If 16 or under, ID not needed, especially if traveling with parents.
Frequent Flier Numbers - can get credit at counter when checking in.

Do's and Don'ts of going through security:  Do NOT make comments anywhere in the airport that include the words:  "knife", "blow-up".
If you make a poor choice in your behavior - be prepared to be left behind as the group needs to make their flights.

Check the website www.tsa.gov for more airport guidelines.
Use a quart-size zip-lock bag with liquids, chapstick, makeup, etc.   3 oz or less.
Don't leave it in purse or carry-on bag - it is scanned separately.
311 rule:   3 oz & 1 bag & 1 person.
Take off shoes, belt, jacket for security inspection.
Can take an EMPTY water bottle - no pop, no water, etc.

No changing seats on the plane.  Causes frustration.

Flight numbers do change.  Monitor them.
The times usually stay very close to the same.  Look for the times.

Boarding passes for connecting flights.  Adults will collect them so they are not lost.
Walk together between connecting flights.  Ask adults about restroom stops.  Stay together!

Weather factors to consider:   California has allergy issues.

Medical forms are VERY important.  If you filled out a Medical form for Marching Band, it should still be good.
If you have any changes, be sure to contact the Directors to update your medical form.

Group travel = patience & flexibility.    Things may not always go according to ~your~ plan.
Itinerary is not set in stone.  Other factors often cause changes.

There are other forms for people not returning to Nebraska with the group.  See the Directors.

Telephones at hotels and movies at hotels will be shut off.  They are very expensive.
Only use your cell phones to make calls.

Spending money:  Do NOT use travelers checks.  Some hotels have problems with them.
Use Debit cards (preloaded style).  Can also be monitored from home.
Can load more money from home if necessary too.
Airport food, etc. can all be purchased using plastic.
Do have a bit of cash on hand.
Estimates:  $9/value meal,  $3 for water
Breakfast will be provided by the hotel every day.
Medieval Times dinner will be provided.

DRINK WATER!  You need to stay hydrated.
The sunny, breezy days in California can dehydrate you.
Drink 2 glasses of water before leaving the hotel in the morning.
If you start to need fluids, you're probably too late.

Announcements on busses prior to each dismissal (by Matt or Janna).

Leave valuables at home.  Rings, etc.  Things can get stolen.
If your iPod is critical - make sure you take it with you every day.

Itinerary:
Depart list and times provided by the Directors.
(5h - 1st day)  to Anaheim if on Northwest.  Others to LA.
All join together at Calif.Adventure.  Walk downtown & to dinner.
(6th - 2nd day)  Hollywood in morning, "Stars", pictures, sign, Chinese Theatre,...
Hollywood is safe in the mornings, we will be gone by afternoon.
then to 6 Flags Park ("Wally World"), then to hotel,
then to Medieval Times dinner & show.
(7th - 3rd day)  Magic Kingdom (across street from Calif. Adventure.
Workshop is right there that day.  Stay for rest of day, then to hotel.
(8th - 4th day) Leaving hotel to airport by flight schedule.

4 busses, 4 flights - luggage stays on them when traveling.

Special Needs Medical Form - Rick & Aaron are certified to hand out medication.
Medication cannot stay with your student. = KHS policy.  (Prescription meds).
If anything has changed about your med form, please contact the Directors ASAP
When the Band is at the Park, the Med forms will be left with First Aid.

The Plane Lists are the same as the Bus Lists.
At the hotel, sponsors are assigned rooms to check.

All rides at the park are unlimited.
Never go anywhere alone.  Always stay with a group.

Students are only assigned to a sponsor if they break one of the rules set by the Directors.
When assigned to a sponsor, the student has to do whatever the sponsor wants to do when at the park.

Northwest & Midwest flights are electronically ticketed.
Southwest uses real paper tickets.  They cannot be lost.  It costs lots to replace them.
Bags cannot weigh more than 50 lbs.  You will carry your own bags.  Pack only what you can carry.
You can take 1 bag of luggage and 1 carry on.
Flutes & Clarinets:  carry it on and do not check it under the plane.
It can be an extra carry on.
Trumpets & Alto Sax:  ask if it can be a carry on when you check in.
If you check it in, you cannot tape the latches shut (because of security checks).  Use a bungee strap around it.
No soft cases.  Hard shells cases are better.  Some soft cases with inner hard shell may be ok.

No dress up at Medieval Times dinner.  Shorts are ok.

Take and use Sun Block & SPF Chap Stick.

We will be traveling to Calif. and back as separate groups, but when we get to Calif. we will travel together.

Click here for an order form for shirts for the trip.

Click here for the Band Trip Itinerary document
Click here for the Band Trip Expectations document
Click here for the Band Trip Forms document

Contact the Directors or Susan & Marlene about final arrangements for the trip.
The final payment was due no later than April 8th.  Total cost is $1049.00.

2008 Anaheim Trip Updates

2008 Anaheim Trip Updates

2008 Anaheim Trip Updates

The KHS Band will be flying to Southern California June 5th.  Dates of the trip are June 5th - June 8th.  Departure and return times will be announces as flights are secured.  Tentative arrangements are to fly out of Omaha Eppley Airport.  The band directors are diligently working on securing low cost bus transportation from Kearney to Omaha and back.  The cost of trip is approximately $989 - $999, Quad occupancy.  The final cost will be announced as flights are locked in and fuel costs are determined. 

Currently the group has over 170 students and parent chaperones.  Each student and sponsor should now have paid $750.00 to ensure their reserved seat to travel on the band trip to Anaheim.  Final payment is due no later than April 1st.  Exact trip cost and schedule will be announced very soon.  All late payments after January 11th will incure a $100/week late payment fee charged by the travel agent for the group of travelers who pay late.  Final payment is due April 1st.  An email list is being developed for parents of students who will be traveling.  This will be used to pass along important information as it is announced.  Please look forward to receiving one soon!

Contact Susan Baker, Marlene Lentfer, Mr. Mitchell or Mr. Svoboda for payment questions or student account balances.

Trip payment schedule:  $150 initial deposit at sign up; $200 due 9/8; $200 due 10/29; $200 due 1/11/08; balance due April 1st.