"Our trip to Washington, D.C. was both memorable and musically satisfying. The
performance venues were outstanding and the audiences receptive and appreciative. I
must make special mention of the Kennedy Center performance. It was certainly the
‘performance of a lifetime’ for many of our students and one which they will never
forget."
Dr. Alan LaFave, Northern State University Band (South Dakota)
"As you have probably heard, the concert at the Fairfax was a wonderful ending
performance experience for the children. The synergy in the room was amazing to be a
part of. The faces of the children and the audience told the story. It was great to see the
children so pleased with their performance and for them to feel appreciated by the
audience, which they were."
Tim Sharp, Miami Children's Chorus (Florida)
"The band's participation in the World War II Memorial Dedication Festival of States concert series
was truly a memorable and moving experience for all involved. Looking beyond the obvious
importance of the occasion, I was impressed by the concert venues, the tours of the DC area, and by
the overall accommodations you provided for us. Most of all I was impressed by the ease of
working with all of you in constructing and tailoring this tour to our specifications and needs - not
always easy with a group of adults. I look forward to working with MCI on future concert tours."
Stephen Platko, Tinley Park "Arts Alive" Community Band (Illinois)
"For one of the few times in my life, I am at a loss for words-adequate words, that is. Words which
can describe with precision and accuracy the experience you and your exceptionally qualified staff
of professionals provided for my students, our parent-chaperones, and me as we experienced our performance tour of Washington, D.C."
Dan Salotti, Retired, Glenbard West High School Choir (Illinois)
"Thank you so much for giving so much time and effort to the National High School Honors
Orchestra. I am so grateful. I am not certain that anyone else really knows how much you and
your company donate to the cause. I know that it would have been an impossible task for me
without your help. Words cannot express my deep gratitude. Our six professional experiences
with you and MCI have been of impeccable quality. MCI is a role model for all companies in
your business. I will continue to give others my highest recommendation to others to arrange
their trips only with MCI."
Mary Lou Jones, Chair of the National High School Honors Orchestra (Kansas)
"Our clinic with Col. Gabriel was a delight. Many of my students have worked with him at Midwestern Music Camp here at the University of Kansas. He was familiar face and we all had fun. Our performance at the Fairfax was very well received. What a charming audience we performed for that evening!"
Lynn Basow, Lawrence Free State High School Orchestra (Kansas)
"Words cannot describe the feeling of marching down Constitution Avenue on the Fourth of July.
Flags are waving, crowds are screaming, bands are playing and everyone is proud to be an American.
Surrounded by historical sites, I get chill bumps and tears in my eyes as I proudly watch my students
experience the memory of a lifetime."
Karen Dismuke, North Pulaski High School Band (Arkansas)
"We wanted to thank you for all of the work you did to put together a trip for us to Washington, D.C.
that we will never forget. We still can not believe how much we were able to do in the short time that
we were there, and we appreciate all of the time you put in to make that possible. Our concerts were
wonderful and our only regret is that you were not there to hear us sing. We have decided that we do not want to go anywhere again without our tour guide who was so fun and so knowledgeable and so entertaining. We did not have to worry about anything thanks to your careful and thoughtful planning and we truly appreciated all you did. This is a trip that we will remember fondly always and we look
forward to working with you in the future."
Members of the Harrison High School Chorus (Georgia)
"The Maquoketa High School Chamber Singers, under my direction, have toured twice
with MCI during the past four years to Washington, D.C. as part of MCI's "Festival of the
States." Many of our students who experienced these tours list them as among their most
precious memories of High School as well as one of their single most educational
experiences. Our students and parents so enjoyed the concert venues...we are not sure who
gained more from our performances – our audiences or our singers – as neither wanted to
say ‘goodbye’ following the venue. I urge my friends to consider your resources if they
value a tour with both outstanding musical and educational experiences that create a
lifetime memory."
Pam Crawford, Maquoketa High School Choir, retired (Iowa)
"Our concert tour as part of the National Festival of the States in Washington DC was
outstanding. We were greeted warmly in three delightful performance venues with responsive and appreciative audiences. Friendly,
informative tour guides helped create heartfelt memories with their personal anecdotes at each sight seeing destination. The tour
management was first class, and the group photo and video of our trip are excellent keepsake items. We will certainly be repeat
customers with Music Celebrations International!"
David Duiven, Rockford High School Choir (Michigan)
"Again, let me thank you for paving the way for our musical voyage to Washington, D.C. It was a
most positive and memorable travel experience for our entire group. Your company helped to set a
benchmark of success for our students. We feel fortunate to have had this opportunity. I would
strongly urge my peers in the future to secure your organization for travel and performance
arrangements."
James G. Daugherty, Central Davidson High School Band (North Carolina)
"MCI delivered the exact trip that was promised in the pre-planning with a wonderful trip
coordinator, very knowledgeable tour guides, great accommodations, meals, tours, and
performance opportunities. Everything went very smoothly and many memories were created.
Every aspect of our trip was successful because of the work done by MCI. The trip to Washington D.C. is stilled talked about by our
singers and parents. It brought the choir together in a very special way, a way that only a tour of this kind can accomplish. Trust in the
company you work with is essential and I trust MCI completely to make our trips enjoyable and successful."
Toni Hess, York Area Children’s Choir (Nebraska)
"I just wanted to let you know our trip went off without a hitch!!! Having an east coast
representative really helped things roll smoothly at performance venues….of course we did
have the greatest tour guide in all of Washington D.C.!
St. Patrick's is a WONDERFUL venue, the acoustics are splendid. I highly recommend this
venue for choirs!!! I am so pleased that things ran smoothly. My students and I had a
wonderful time and I just wanted you to know!"
Lori Knapke, Eastern High School Choir (Kentucky)
"Thank you so much MCI for the fantastic opportunity to sing in Washington, D.C. as
Nebraska's representative in the 2006 National Festival of the States. I was thrilled with your
attention to detail, professionalism and positive correspondence during the planning process
and the tour itself. Members of Islander Chamber Singers and chaperons fell in love with the tour guide and bus driver; they felt like
family! Both individuals were outstanding. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and humorous, and our bus driver was flexible and
really impressed us with her driving skills. ‘One of my most memorable performing experiences, ‘ was the typical response after
performing for those beautiful people at The Fairfax. Overall, our trip was a great success and I definitely look forward to working with
you in the future! Thanks for a job well done."
Jesse LaBrie, Grand Island High School Islander Singers (Nebraska)
"The trip went very well and we saw some awesome sights that would make any American proud to hale from this country. Performing
in this city was an honor and a privilege."
Carol Hood, Valley Heights High School Band (Kansas)
"Just wanted to let you know what a spectacular trip we had. For me, the highlight was St. Patrick's. For the kids....the cruise! The
Jefferson Memorial was exciting too and we had a gorgeous day to perform there. We had a wonderful time every step of the way! I
would be glad to be a reference. Everything was well organized and executed. Thanks again for all of your work. I look forward to
working with you again!"
Lisa Gupton, Taylor County High School Choir (Kentucky)
