Hawaii
Ask any student and many adults to name their top dream destinations, and Hawaii is likely to rank near the top of the list. For groups with the means and the time to venture to the 50th state, the Hawaiian Islands offers a plethora of opportunities for performance, education and sun-soaked play.
Performance Opportunities: Special events and parades are among the chief live performances opportunities for student groups in Hawaii. The annual Honolulu Parade is among the most popular, but many different celebrations take place throughout the year. Students can also perform at venues such as the Performing Arts Center on Kauai and Maui’s Academy for the Performing Arts.
Educational Activities: Almost every student group that visits Hawaii takes time out of its itinerary to stop at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which marks the site of the Pearl Harbor attack. And the Polynesian Cultural Center introduces young travelers to the rich heritage of indigenous groups that give Hawaii its distinct culture.
Just for Fun: Outdoor activities rule the day on the islands. Students can try their hands at sailing in Kauai or enjoy mountain biking, ATV rides and helicopter tours at sites around the state. Other options include whale-watching, snorkeling, waterfall hikes and swimming with manta rays.
Chicago
With its central location, clean atmosphere and wealth of activities, Chicago is among the most popular student group destinations in the country. Hundreds of groups visit the Windy City to play, perform and learn each year, and they have an almost-endless menu of options to make those trips unique.
Performance Opportunities: Many of Chicago’s most famous attractions have dedicated performance spaces for student group use. These include the famous Field Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier and Pritzger Pavilion at Millennium Park. Numerous other historic theaters and marquee venues throughout the city offer stages to students as well
Educational Activities: Chicago’s Museum Campus is home to some of the top museums in the country, among them the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium. Students can also learn about the city’s ethnic heritage at smaller institutions, such as the National Hellenic Museum and the Ukrainian National Museum, or take in the world-famous skyline on a river cruise with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Just for Fun: Pockets of outdoor fun can be found in various places throughout Chicago. The city has 26 public beaches as well as miles of lakefront and fun attractions, such as the Lincoln Park Zoo and Maggie Daley Park. And skyscraper attractions such as Skydeck and 360 Chicago give visitors thrilling views of the city.
Universal Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Many travelers think of movie sets and roller coasters when they think of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. But experienced student group leaders think of performance opportunities and innovative educational programs. Universal’s STARS program offers a variety of options for band, choral and dance groups, all within a setting that young performers will find thrilling.
Performance Opportunities: There are various times throughout the day when student groups can march and perform in the Universal parks. The Morning March allows bands to welcome guests into the park; the afternoon Superstar Pre-Parade gives them a chance to kick off a procession of favorite Universal characters. Choirs and orchestras can perform on fixed stages throughout the park as well.
Educational Activities: Universal’s student department has created some fascinating behind-the-scenes experiences for students. In addition to touring the working movie and television studios at the site, groups can take workshops that introduce them to the sound design, music and Foley arts that bring films to life, and performance groups can record their own renditions of orchestral score sections from popular movies such as “Despicable Me.”
Just for Fun: Universal Orlando’s two parks — Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure — are the headquarters of thrill rides in central Florida, and most student groups spend at least two days in the park enjoying the rides and attractions. Perennially popular is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
