Performing abroad can be an enriching and unforgettable experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some essential tips to help you ace your international performance: Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Check visa requirements for your destination country and apply well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Cultural Sensitivity: Research the local customs, traditions, and etiquette of your host country. Be respectful of cultural norms and avoid any actions that may be considered offensive. Langu ..read more

“This was the best organized and most personally meaningful travel experience I’ve had with students on any trip in my 23-year career.  Every detail was attended to, and the entire team at MCI excelled.  I have been on 19 school trips to Washington, D.C. since 1990, and I have never had a tour guide as thorough, efficient, personable, and positive as ours was.  Our performance at the Kennedy Center was wonderful in every way.  The students were in awe of the facility.  The sound-check on stage was greatly appreciated.  I have been a guest conductor at many festiva ..read more

This trip was phenomenal!  Hands down, this was the best trip, and I thank the MCI staff for all of your work to assist in making it so!  The guided sightseeing was great!  The visit to the Sheep Dog Demonstration was AMAZING and for many, the favorite part of the trip!  The pacing was PERFECT!  It had the perfect blend of varied sight-seeing, interactive activities, and free time.  Our audiences were very appreciative!  After every performance we had people come up sharing how much they enjoyed our performance.  I plan to return to Scotland again with ..read more

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is world-renowned and one of America’s most prestigious concert halls.  The Capital Orchestra Festival, which features four auditioned ensembles on the concert program, has attracted large local audiences for over 10 years and has become a mainstay in our nation’s capital.  Each participating ensemble enjoys an impactful workshop and a dedicated private soundcheck on the Kennedy Center stage prior to performing.  Washington, D.C. is home to many national treasures, including world-class museums, monuments & memorials, milita ..read more

Ireland, the land of rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and mystical legends, has captivated hearts for centuries. Its ancient beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality beckon travelers from far and wide. Whether you’re a history buff seeking ancient castles, a nature lover yearning for breathtaking landscapes, or a foodie craving hearty stews and creamy pints, Ireland has something to offer everyone. Our MCI tours offer a variety of options and customizations for your group to experience and preform on the Emerald Isle. but below are some highlights and things to consider when planning ..read more

Thank you so much for the amazing tour and all of the help/guidance before and during the tour!  I think when the students reflect, they will realize how amazing this tour truly was.  The performance venues were beautiful, and the excursions were all extraordinary! I especially loved performing in Crema.  The string orchestra that opened for us was a great touch, and performing for such a large appreciative audience was a career highlight.  I also want to thank you for placing us with such great tour guides and bus drivers.  All of them made my life easier and their ..read more

This trip exceeded every single one of my expectations! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my “MCI Team” in the states and our amazing Tour Escort in the Baltics. All were extremely positive, attentive, responsive, and easy to work with from the first day to the last. I had no idea that the meals, accommodations, and tours/tour guides would be as high of quality as they were. Then, there were the performance experiences. It was a true gift for the singers (and myself!) to be able to perform in such beautiful, historic spaces with exceptional acoustics. Each performanc ..read more

For over 30 years, the invitational National Festival of the States concert series has produced thousands of performances in America’s most cultural and iconic cities.  Interest is always “sky high” for visiting one of America’s cultural capital cities, New Orleans, to take in all that it has to offer – great music, sightseeing, food(!), clinic opportunities, and some extraordinary performance spaces.  When you partner with MCI, you can expect superior customer service, accessibility, flexibility, professionalism, and extraordinary performance experiences.  Morgan Kirk reports ..read more

“The St. Luke’s UMC Chancel Choir’s recent trip to Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia was one of the top tours we’ve taken with MCI.  Venice was historic and wonderful, and performing in Vivaldi’s church was indeed a great experience!  However, the country of Slovenia was a wonderful surprise!  Kranjska Gora, a beautiful ski town, was a breathtaking place to stay at the base of the incredibly picturesque mountains (and we see the mountains every day!).  Spending the day in Bled was truly one of the highlights of the entire tour, as well as singing in the Postojna Caves on the wa ..read more

The fanfare, the cheers, the synchronized spectacle – millions tune in each year to witness the magic of the Memorial Day and Independence Day Parades. Yet, beneath the smiles and flawless formations lies a secret: the grueling dedication and tireless practice of student musicians nationwide. Here are a few ways you can prepare your marching band students for a parade: Step in Sync: Master the Marching Magic: Don’t just memorize steps, embody them! Ensure every student owns your band’s unique marching style. Challenge them to explain and demonstrate it to others with confidence. Remember, uni ..read more