Planning a tour in the fall? Should you pick 2027 or 2028?
If you’re thinking about an international performance tour, one of the first decisions you’ll make is when to travel. Should you aim for 2027 while excitement is high, or give yourself until 2028 for a longer planning runway?
Selecting the right timeline can make all the difference. Here’s how to choose whether a 2027 or 2028 tour is the best fit for your ensemble.
2027 is a wonderful option if…
- Your ensemble travels frequently
If your musicians and families are familiar with the commitment involved in performance travel, you’ll likely find it easier to build enthusiasm and secure commitments early in the planning process. Ensembles that have existing travel funds, active booster support, or families who can commit sooner may find that a shorter planning window is not only manageable but an appealing way to maintain momentum.
- Your ensemble can make decisions quickly
If your ensemble doesn’t need to navigate multiple layers of district approvals, board reviews, or long budgeting cycles, a 2027 performance tour may be well within reach. Community choirs, youth ensembles, and civic bands often have the flexibility to make decisions faster, allowing them to secure destinations, performance opportunities, and travel arrangements on a shorter timeline.
- You want to join a choir festival
Unlike a custom tour built entirely from the ground up, choir festivals come with many of the key components already in place, including performance venues, workshops, and cultural experiences. Because the ‘festival cores’ are already established, the planning timeline can be shorter while still delivering an enriching and memorable experience for singers.
If you’re interested in participating in a 2027 festival, reach out soon to secure your choir’s spot:
France Choral Festival with Dr. Anton Armstrong & Dr. Brandon A. Boyd
Explore Paris and Normandy while celebrating the power of choral music rooted in heritage, community, and cultural exchange. This festival may be perfect for youth and faith-based ensembles.
Austria Choral Festival with Jake Runestad
Surrounded by the legacy of Mozart, Beethoven, and generations of composers who shaped Western music, your ensemble will add your own voices to Austria’s rich music history. This is an ideal experience for motivated choirs!
Spain Choral Festival with Dr. Catherine Sailer & Dr. Kevin T. Padworski
Discover the vibrant culture of Barcelona through a festival inspired by light, color, and artistic expression. This festival is fantastic for choirs looking to learn from distinguished conductors and composers, as you’ll join a World Premiere performance of a piece composed by Dr. Kevin T. Padworski.
Australia Choral Festival with Dr. Pearl Shangkuan & Dr. Dan Forrest
Journey to Sydney for a breathtaking choral experience celebrating the beauty of creation through music. Explore the Sydney Opera House, meet kangaroos and koalas, and experience Aussie hospitality. This festival was created for ensembles looking for a tour destination beyond the traditional European cities.
A 2028 tour is perfect if…
- You’re planning your first international tour
If this is your ensemble’s first performance tour, a more leisurely planning timeline can make all the difference. Organizing an international tour involves a lot of moving pieces, from selecting the right destination and itinerary to communicating with families.
A longer planning timeline helps build enthusiasm and confidence among musicians and parents. Informational meetings can be spaced out throughout the planning process, ensuring families feel informed and prepared every step of the way. For directors new to performance travel, 2028 provides the flexibility to create a thoughtful, well-organized experience.
If you’d like to learn more about the custom tour planning process, check out our Custom Tour Planning FAQs blog post.
- You have a large ensemble
The larger the group, the more valuable extra planning time becomes. Coordinating travel for a large choir, band, orchestra, or dance ensemble requires careful communication and ample time for families to make decisions. Enjoy stronger enrollment, greater family buy-in, and increased confidence that your tour will move forward successfully by planning for 2028. No rush deadlines required.
- You need a lot of buy-in or approval
We fully understand that in some instances, your ensemble may need to go through several layers to make sure the trip is right for you — from district administrators to organizational committees to everything else in between. It is important to get these steps right! But it is also important to know these steps take time, so we recommend starting the process 18-24 months in advance of the trip.
So, which one is right for you?
Whether you’re aiming for a 2027 tour or prefer the extra time that 2028 provides, the best kind of performance tour is the one that aligns with your ensemble’s goals, timeline, and comfort level.
Ready to explore your options?
The best way to find out is to reach out to a member of our team who will jumpstart planning what is best for you!
