Trip Details
Date, Time and Location
April 1st, 2026
to April 4th, 2027
New Orleans, Louisiana
Trip Description and Itinerary
Discover this city’s rich history, culture, and musical legacy when you bring your ensemble to perform at the New Orleans Heritage Festival. Students will grow as performers through instruction and feedback from expert adjudicators. Your musicians can also look forward to taking a cruise on an authentic steamboat, touring the cypress swamp on an airboat, and dancing the night away at the masquerade ball-themed awards ceremony.
Tour Includes
Performance in a national festival
Adjudication by a panel of three renowned music professionals
Hotel accommodations
Onstage clinic
Meals and activities (details in itinerary)
Exclusive awards ceremony
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Day 1
Travel to New Orleans, LA
AIM Experience Masterclass
Kick off the weekend with a customized masterclass through the AIM Experience. Spend 60-90 minutes working with a professional clinician to refine your festival performance, strengthen your skills, and reinforce what you’ve learned in the classroom.
Natchez River Cruise (optional)
Cruise from the heart of the French Quarter aboard a New Orleans’ authentic Steamboat. The Natchez is one of only two true steam powered sternwheelers plying the Mississippi today.
Day 2
First day of festival performance
After arriving at the concert venue, your group will warm up in a private rehearsal room. Each ensemble will have 30-35 minutes on stage. A panel of three adjudicators will provide written and recorded feedback for each performance. Following your performance, a select adjudicator will conduct a mini-clinic on stage with your group, providing valuable feedback and reinforcement for your classroom teachings. Groups will also have the opportunity to participate as an audience for other groups competing—giving your ensemble exposure to their peers.
Cemetery & Gris-Gris Walking Tour (optional)
Tour one of New Orleans most famous features, the above ground cemetery. Make a wish or cast a spell at the tomb of Marie Leveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Get your own Gris-Gris Bag!
Day 3
Festival performances continued
Festival performances continue throughout the day. Your ensemble’s scheduled performance time will be provided in advance, allowing you to plan your day accordingly.
Airboat Swamp Tours (optional)
Join your captain on a high-speed Airboat Ride! You’ll be touring a large tract of tidewater cypress swamp. During your tour, you’ll have opportunities to see alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets, herons and ibis, and sometimes see hawks, owls and bald eagles.
Masquerade Ball Awards Ceremony, Dinner, & Dance
Get dressed up and dance the night away at the exclusive Masquerade Ball themed awards ceremony!
Day 4
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Participants
Schools:
SLV High School
Bands:
Concert Band Jazz Band Wind Ensemble Chorus