Just wanted to share an update.
Planning is going well. I am so impressed with the customer service at Universal. I’ve been in contact with the youth group sales department by phone and email. I have called random times with some basic questions and never had to wait to talk with someone. Email replies are quick too.
One of my concerns is our small band size. I did get clarification via email on minimums. In order to do a STARS Marching Performance in USF, our group has to be 40 people. That includes chaperones and family members. So basically, your group just needs to purchase 40 tickets for the marching band to perform. As of right now, 35 kids are signed up for this coming season. So even if only 25 commit to the trip, we can still march. (We’ve had many family members say they want to come with on the trip)
Now the Sound Design Workshop is a different story. They require a minimum of 40 students for that, so looks like we won’t be able to do it. That would have been around $50.ea
Last weekend I had filled out a group vacations form for hotel/ticket pricing. On Tuesday while at work, I got a call from a UOR sales rep. It kind of blew me away, very unexpected. He just called to ask if I have any questions. I wasn’t sure what to say, so I just gave him the band timeline that I had in my head. Basically, at/after band camp in August we would record a short video clip of a song that they would perform at Universal in January 2023. That needs submitted and approved in the application process. That would have only been about 4+ months ahead of the trip. But, he then said we should apply now using a video from last season (we did Coldplay theme) and then just send in the actual performance video later this year. That way they can hold a spot for us. Since they only have 2 marching bands perform per day at UOR, I’d guess there is not room for everyone who applies, especially since it’s during the MLK holiday weekend. First come, first served. Very thankful he told me!
So currently working on the application. You pick 3 preferred days you want to march and then choose the Morning Marching or the 2pm Superstar Pre-parade Marching. Working on that application now.
P.S. The band director is considering The Greatest Showman theme for this upcoming season. I did find out that Universal approves of it, even though it’s owned by Disney.