Introduction

We have a very real opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime and use our music to offset the costs.

An informal committee has been meeting over the summer to investigate the possibility of a trip to Australia. Interest was sparked by the recent visit of the Australian band. The Aussies got the travel bug after hosting a German band. Many bands make international trips. In fact, some of them do it regularly - every few years.

We can learn from the experience of other bands on trip organization and fundraising. To make this exciting trip a reality we need to have a group that can commit to working together over the next two and a half years. A small group cannot be expected to take this on. It would require the active support of the majority of band members.

To help you decide if you would be interested, we have put together the following information. Please take the time to read it over and think about it before responding to the brief attached questionnaire.

When?

Two weeks, Spring break 2010. Our spring is a good time to visit Australia, and is the most likely time for students and teachers to get away. We hope that with sufficient notice, others will be able to book this time off for a vacation. It has been suggested we could do the trip in 2009. Timing is dependent on fundraising.

Proposed Travel Route

Sydney would be a logical initial destination. The Campbelltown-Camden band is a willing host and billeting there should not be a problem. From there we suggest heading south to the capital, Canberra, and then to Melbourne. Some preliminary research has been done on points of interest and the location of comparable bands along the route. We would approach them about billeting and playing opportunities. We would fly out from Melbourne at the end of the trip.

A possible one-week extension has been suggested for anyone who wants to see the Great Barrier Reef or travel to other spots on their own. This extension would be optional and all costs would be the responsibility of the individual.

Fundraising

We cannot use grant money to help finance a trip. Corporate sponsorship can be a source of funds, but we would need to rely heavily on fundraising through a variety of events. Mechanisms would be put in place to ensure those who do the most work get the most financial benefit.

The bottom line – how much?

The costs are estimated at about $5,000 per person. This includes airfare, local travel in Australia, accommodations for times we are unable to billet, and some sightseeing. This does not include personal spending money or meals away from hosts. If we can find weekday billeting opportunities the costs could be lower.

Where do we go from here?

If there is sufficient interest, we recommend a committee be established immediately to research and put in place a fundraising plan. Other committees would be formed later to oversee other aspects of the trip.

Please consider whether you could make Australia your 2010 vacation destination.