Anyone who has seen the musical or heard the soundtrack to Les Miserables knows "One Day More." (And if you don't know it yet, you will soon since we're all heading to the West End to see the world-wide hit musical while we are in London!) But it seems a fitting title for our final "reminders" Blog post.One final packing idea: this one is for students in Wind Ensemble. If you believe that your black marching band shoes would work for your formal concert attire in London, using those shoes might save you space in your suitcase because you would not need to take a second pair of black shoes. This idea may, or may not, work for you.
Ambassadorship: We are incredibly proud of the Trojan Marching Band membership, and are confident you will represent DGN, District 99, our local communities, the State of Illinois, and the United States in a very mature and dignified manner. The impressions you will make on others begin the moment you arrive at North High, and continue with every personal interaction you will have with bus drivers, airline employees, TSA personnel, tour guides, hotel management, and one another.
Clothing for Travel: Please remember to wear your Tour T-shirt for travel, along with nice jeans (no significant rips, etc.) or khaki style pants. Gym shorts, gym clothing, work-out clothing, etc. is not appropriate for travel days. Please wear your most comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes. You are asked to wear a t-shirt under your tour t-shirt. You might consider putting a sweatshirt in your carry-on bag to wear on the plane after dinner; sometimes the cabin temperature feels cool when you're trying to sleep.
Arrival at DGN: Please have your ride park in a way that their vehicle will not interfere with loading the bus bays, or our departure. Hug your family good-bye, load your bags, and check-in with your Flight Chaperone. Once you have handed the chaperone your passport, you should get on the bus. Please do not "hang out" with family members outside the bus. Once we have everyone, we will have the buses depart for O'Hare; if that's a few minutes early, great! ("If you're on time, you're late.")
Your Bags: You, and only you, are responsible for your bags at all times. That means you make sure that the larger suitcase is loaded under the bus, and that your carry-on (i.e. backpack or instrument) is with you on the upper level of the bus. Please double check to make sure that each bag or carry-on instrument is labeled with a name-tag that includes your contact information.
Passports: When you arrive at DGN for departure, your Flight Chaperone will collect your passport before you load the bus. The chaperone will hold the passport for you at all times, except when you need it inside the airport.
Unloading at O'Hare: Remember that you, and only you, are responsible for your bags. No one is going to move your bags for you. Student leaders may help the bus driver and chaperones pull bags out from under the bus, but each and every student must make sure they have their bags. Make sure you don't leave anything on the upper level of the bus either. Once the bus pulls away, we will not see it again.
Checking In with Airlines & Security: It's very important, when your group arrives at O'Hare, that you stick with your Flight Chaperone during the check-in process. Your chaperone will hand you back your passport for the check-in, and you will keep it with you until you complete the security screening process with TSA. Remember, there are no beverages allowed in your carry-on bag as you go through security.
On The Plane: Please remember that all students must sit in their pre-assigned seats for take-off, unless a staff member asks a student to make a minor adjustment. As soon as you are seated on the plane, adjust the clock on your phone or your wrist watch to reflect local time in London. (Set the clock six hours forward.) You should start thinking that the end of the day is near, and trick your mind into feeling like bedtime is near. After dinner is served, and the crew turns off the interior cabin lights, try to get some sleep. Even if you cannot sleep for several hours at a time, grab as many zzz's as you can. You might be tempted to watch movies, or visit with your neighbor, but those who get some sleep will be far happier travelers upon our arrival in London.
Technology: You will be asked to put your phones, tablets, etc. in "Airplane mode" prior to take-off. If you plan to only use your device on WiFi networks in England, this is a good opportunity to turn OFF your cellular data and your phone's roaming capabilities. If you forget to do this, your phone will connect to cell towers when we land, and that will cause you to start using data. This is fine, provided you have made arrangements with your carrier to use the phone in England. But for those students planning to only use their devices at the hotel (WiFi), don't forget to shut down the cellular data capabilities of the phone.
Merry Christmas to those celebrating the holiday today, and we look forward to beginning the travel adventure with you tomorrow!
