Illinois Ambassadors of Music, Inc
ILLINOIS AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC NEWSLETTER, VOL. 6, NO 4 January
NOTES
2023
Please read completely and digest fully
Very Important Information Included
From Dr. John Bell and Dr. Jennifer Moder-Bell, Illinois Ambassadors of Music, Inc. Tour Coordinators:
We are getting extremely close to our tour and your staff is excited! The initial performance schedule has
been set by Bob Rogers and we will hear more about this at a later date. Of importance in this newsletter is
the uniform order form. We will need your order returned with your payment to your Regional Faculty or
Dr. Bell by Tuesday, February 21. We apologize about the payment being due at approximately the same time
as payments to BRT, but we must order now to ensure a timely delivery….there are reported supply issues
with certain sizes. The concert uniform will consist of black pants/skirt/black shoes/socks (supplied by you),
and the IAM uniform shirt. Topping off the uniform is a lined athletic style jacket. You’ll be happy to have
this jacket in the mountains of Switzerland and Austria! In 2014, it snowed one evening in Switzerland!
We want to suggest that you start to do some research on the cities we will visit. As a reminder, here’s where
we will have concerts and hotels: London, England; Paris, France; Crans-Montana, Switzerland;
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany; and Salzburg, Austria. We will also have day trips to Zermatt,
Switzerland, to see the Matterhorn, Montreux, Switzerland on Lake Geneva, and Vienna, Austria. At this
time, we also have a visit scheduled to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial site on the outskirts of
Munich.
If you are an Illinois All-State selectee CONGRATULATIONS! Stop by the BRT or McKendree University
booth and say hello! Have a great Spring semester and we’ll see you soon.
From Lynda Marshall, Illinois Ambassadors of Music Choir Director: Hello everyone! I hope that your
holiday was wonderful and that you are ready for a great semester! I am in the process of choosing some
great music for our trip this summer and I am thrilled to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity with
you! We will be seeing some amazing sights and singing in glorious venues. It will truly be a trip you will
never forget! We have a wonderful staff for the choir, and I know you will have a great time learning from
them. I am looking forward to meeting you all very soon!
ACTION ITEM #1
IAM UNIFORM ORDER FORM IS ATTACHED! ILLINOIS AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC UNIFORMS ARE REQUIRED AND ARE TO BE
ORDERED AT THIS TIME. STUDENTS WILL ORDER WITH THEIR REGIONAL FACULTY MEMBER OR BY SENDING THE ORDER DIRECTLY TO
DR. BELL USING THE ATTACHED ORDER FORM AND SIZING CHART.THE COST IS $75 (DOWN FROM THE 2020 COST!) AND INCLUDES
ONE SHIRT, ONE JACKET AND A BALL CAP. THE JACKET AND POLO ARE EMBROIDERED WITH THE ILLINOIS AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC
LOGO. STUDENTS MAY PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL SHIRT IF DESIRED. THE EXTRA SHIRT IS RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED.
THE SHIRTS WILL BE WORN WHILE TRAVELING IN AIRPORTS (STUDENTS MAY CHANGE ONCE ON THE AIRPLANE) AND FOR ALL
CONCERTS. JACKETS WILL BE ESSENTIAL IN SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA. ADULT TRAVELERS MAY ALSO ORDER THE SHIRT AND
JACKET IF THEY LIKE, BUT IT IS NOT REQUIRED. TRAVELERS WILL ORDER THE UNIFORM WITH EITHER THEIR REGIONAL FACULTY
ST
OR DIRECTLY TO DR. BELL BY FEBRUARY 21 . PLEASE USE A SEPARATE ORDER FORM FOR EACH PERSON ORDERING.
ACTION ITEM #2
BACKGROUND CHECKS
BOB ROGERS HAS NOTIFIED US THAT ALL TRAVELERS 19 AND OVER WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK PRIOR TO
OUR TRAVEL. ALL TRAVELERS 19 AND OVER AT THE TIME OF DEPARTURE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
FROM CHECKR, THE COMPANY CONTRACTED BY BRT TO DO THE BACKGROUND CHECKS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AGE
REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN LOWERED TO 19 FROM 21 BY BRT. THERE IS A JANUARY 31, 2023 DEADLINE TO COMPLETE THE
CHECK. IT WILL TAKE LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES TO COMPLETE THIS TASK. PLEASE CONTACT BRT IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS
EMAIL: TRAVELERSUPPORT@BOBROGERSTRAVEL.COM
INFORMATION ITEM #1
PART ASSIGNMENTS
PARTS WILL BE ASSIGNED VIA AN ON-LINE PROCESS. COMPLETE DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN A SEPARATE
COMMUNICATION. PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT!. IF FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE
CONSULT WITH YOUR REGIONAL FACULTY.
INFORMATION ITEM #2
EXCITING AIRPORT INFORMATION
We have flown from St. Louis Lambert International since the 2012 tour but recognize that this has sometimes been an
inconvenience for many on return from Europe. Additionally, it has sometimes been a challenge to obtain the number
of seats that we need to fly our large group from St. Louis. In addition, cost has also become a factor. If anyone has
flown lately you have first-hand knowledge of this issue. Bob Rogers is committed to not adding a supplement to the
cost of the tour because of increased airline prices. To meet our state’s unique needs with travelers from all corners of
the state (57,918 square miles!), Bob Rogers Travel has booked about half of our group to travel from and return to
Chicago’s O’Hare and the others to fly from and return to St. Louis. Every attempt has been made to make pickup on
return as convenient as possible. Your Regional Faculty will give you the specifics, but essentially those south of (and
including) Champaign and Peoria/Dunlap will fly from St. Louis. Those who are north will fly from O’Hare.
Bloomington-Normal area will fly from O’Hare. Your Regional Faculty will communicate airport details for all so that
each family will have plenty of time to plan. Specific flights and times are yet to be announced by BRT. BRT’s goal
was for no one to have to drive more than three hours for final pickup.
Important Points:
1. Our required pre-tour camp will continue to be at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.
2. On the morning of departure to Europe, students flying via O’Hare to London will travel from McKendree on
charter coaches to O’Hare to board afternoon/evening flights.
3. Students flying via St. Louis to London will travel from McKendree on charter coaches to Lambert St. Louis to
board morning/early afternoon flights.
4. All non performing travelers will meet the students at their respective airports. We hope that this makes our return
to the US easier for families for pickup at the end of the tour. BRT’s goal was to be as equitable as possible.
5. BRT recognizes that for some in the middle of the state, travelers could go either way. The airports are assigned first
by available seats, secondly, traveler distance from each airport, and third, bus assignment upon arrival in London.
We encourage those parents and relatives traveling with us to attend the Bon Voyage concerts virtually as they will be
live streamed on a private YouTube channel. You will then meet your student at the airport. You will have plenty of
opportunities to hear the students perform in Europe. We do not have any further specifics regarding departure and
arrival at this time. If you have questions about this, please contact BRT at travelersupport@bobrogerstravel.com.
A final, complete and detailed itinerary with flights, hotels, concert sites and times, will be available
from Bob Rogers Travel no later than two weeks prior to our departure as airline schedules can and
will change. BRT wants to make sure that you have the latest information.
Part Placement information
We will be doing a remote part placement procedure for the band and choir. Information and logistics will be sent in a separate
communication. Please read completely and contact your regional faculty member if you have any questions. Students must
upload their submissions no later than March 1st. Part assignments will be released by April 1. Appropriate parts are then to be
downloaded by the student from the part placement site and brought to the May 7 Rehearsal Day.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Various Dates
January 20
February 1
February 15
February 21
March 1
March 1
April 14
April 15
May 7
Small group meetings as set by Regional Faculty for uniform orders
January Newsletter distributed with Uniform Order form
Part assignment portal will open
Payment 5 to Bob Rogers Travel – 20% of trip cost minus deposit
Uniform Orders and Payment Due
March Newsletter distributed with May 7 rehearsal schedule & College Credit Information
Submission of part placement recordings due
Final payment due to BRT – (Total balance must be paid 60 days prior to departure as per BRT)
April Newsletter distributed with Pre-tour Camp (McKendree University) Registration/Payment Form
All Student Rehearsal Day – Dunlap High School, Dunlap, Illinois – 1 to 6 pm
May/June Newsletter with camp schedule & final Information distributed at rehearsal meeting.
May 15
Pre-Tour McKendree Camp payment due to Dr. Bell.
June 11
Faculty Reports to McKendree University
June 12-14
Mandatory Pre-Tour Music Camp at McKendree University, Lebanon, IL. Registration starts at 9:30 am.
All students are in residence. No Commuters. Complete information in upcoming newsletters.
June 14
Bon Voyage concerts at The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, McKendree University. Concerts LIVE STREAMED.
5:30 PM – Band
7:00 PM – Choir
June 15
Charter coaches for students to Chicago and St. Louis for departure to London.
Parent/Nonperformers travelers meet us at their assigned airports. No parking available at McKendree.
WHAT TO WEAR ON TOUR
In our experience, we have found that for uneventful tours to occur, it is most helpful that dress by our students be
modest. As such, BRT and the Illinois Ambassadors of Music require conservative dress. Here is why. To gain access
to museums and churches (where the choir performances are held as well as on our city tours) our hosts require
students to be dressed modestly. European clothing standards for these venues are much more conservative than
in the US, and we, as respectful visitors, will be guided by that knowledge. In general: No halter-top, tube-top,
muscle shirts or short shorts can be worn. T-shirts with vulgar language will not be tolerated. Mid length shorts are
usually OK but not always. Flip flops are not allowed at any time for safety reasons….a stubbed toe is no fun.
Closed toe tennis shoes are best as we do a TON of walking. Don’t waste valuable packing space with items of
clothing that you should not wear on the tour. We are not trying to stifle your individualism (heck…the staff loves flip
flops as well as do the students) but we must insist on this policy. It is for your safety and ability to access venues
without problems. Many thanks for understanding.
PASSPORTS
You must enter your passport information on your BRT account page no later than February 1st. This is for
airline documentation required to fly internationally. If you have any questions about this, or are having trouble
receiving your passport, you must notify BRT immediately. travelersupport@bobrogerstravel.com. To depart from
Germany, your passport must be valid for at least six months following our return. This is a German
government requirement.
Your Regional Faculty will be asking each of you to provide a copy of the picture page of your passport. The Bus
Captains will have a notebook containing all of these copies in case of an emergency requiring proof of identity. They
will be returned to each traveler as we transport to Munich for our return flights.
COLLEGE CREDIT INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE AND TOURING IN EUROPE – 3 SEMESTER HOURS CREDIT.
OFFERED THROUGH MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY
CONTACT DR. JENNIFER MODER-BELL AT MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
JAMODER-BELL@MCKENDREE.EDU
LUGGAGE & INSTRUMENTS . . . V ERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ COMPLETELY AND DIGEST FULLY
• Luggage Size: There are restrictions on your luggage size as per Bob Rogers’ guidelines. Students are allowed ONE
suitcase up to 62 linear inches (W+H+D) and no more than 50 pounds. Luggage will be weighed at McKendree before
departure. We must follow the airline guidelines. Overweight traveler personal luggage will not be allowed. The best bet is
to pack what you think you will need/use, then take out about half. ☺ Shoes can be very heavy as are hair care products.
Remember, you will be dealing with your luggage for 16 days! You will receive more information from your faculty,
including laundry tips. When in doubt, take it out!
• LUGGAGE WEIGHT is limited by the airlines and our charter coach company in Europe. Your suitcase MUST weigh
less than 50 Lbs. There are no exceptions to this. You may not pay for an overweight suitcase. These are strict contractual
regulations established by the airlines for our group as well as a regulation of the coach company in Europe for their
drivers loading and unloading. Thank you for understanding.
• CARRY-ON RESTRICTIONS: Travelers may have only one carry-on such as a backpack because of space limitations
on our European coaches. Restrictions for carry-on items are 47 linear inches (l+w+h i.e. 22x14x9). If one carries on
one’s instrument on the airplane in other than a backpack, THAT will count as your carry-on by airline
regulations. If you are carrying on anything other than a flute, clarinet or oboe, that will count as your carryon. IF YOU
ARE GOING TO TRY TO CARRY YOUR INSTRUMENT ON (flute, clarinet, oboe, alto sax, trumpet and possibly
French horn and some trombones) IT MUST BE WITHIN THE coach carry-on regulations (less than 47 linear inches).
NO EXCEPTIONS. IT MUST FIT INTO THE OVERHEAD OF THE AIRPLANE. Because of our European coach
overhead limits, only one backpack is allowed. If carrying on a small instrument (flute/clarinet/oboe) put it inside a
backpack. If carrying on a trumpet etc, suggestion is to pack a small backpack in your checked luggage that one may then
use upon arrival in Europe.
• CHECKED INSTRUMENTS. Students checking a non-oversized instrument (over 47 but less than 62 linear inches
and/or 50 Lbs.) will have to individually pay the airline charges for a second checked bag. As per the airlines, the cost is
$100 to Europe and $100 in equivalent Euros from Europe. This is subject to change by the airline. As per BRT policy,
students should not check bags in online due to the inequality of charges assessed. This fee must be paid in cash, or with a
credit card at each airport at check-in by each individual student. Note that our luggage is checked through for the entire
flight so the fee will only be paid once each way. If you have questions about whether your instrument must be checked
please measure the height, length and width of your instrument case. It may not exceed 47 linear inches when one adds
H+W+L, and must fit in the carry-on sizer at the gate. More on this at our bus meetings on May 7th.
• CHECKED OVERSIZE/OVERWEIGHT INSTRUMENTS. These are instruments that are over 62 linear inches or
weighing between 50 and 70 pounds (tubas, baritone saxes, cellos, Zeta basses and all percussionists). Students of these
instruments will pay $200 by check directly to Illinois Ambassadors of Music, Inc. and include it in the camp registration
fee in April. This form will be in the April newsletter. Percussionists are charged because the percussion equipment
including trap cases and the like is oversize and overweight and we are charged under the contractual OS/OW regulations
by the airlines. ILAM will pay this fee directly to the airlines on behalf of the students. Camp Registration and payment
form is in the April newsletter, which will be distributed April 1. No Anvil cases.
Uniform
ILLINOIS AMBASSADOR OF MUSIC TOUR UNIFORM ORDER FORM
Traveler’s Name __________________________________ Email_______________@___________
Please print First
Last
PRINT LEGIBLY PLEASE
PURCHASE REQUIRED. Our uniform is required for student performers. We wear it as we travel in airports as well as for
our performances. Students will not be able to use uniforms from previous tours as the shirts are a newer style, are all
embroidered and dated. Our other travelers may purchase the uniform but it is not required.
The STUDENT PROVIDES black slacks, black shoes and black socks for men. Black slacks/skirts (knee length),
black shoes or black sandals for women. Leggings, capri pants, yoga pants, faded black jeans, flip-flops, and
high heels are not acceptable.
SIZING. Use the charts below to decide on a size for both the shirt and jacket. The jackets are a lined windbreaker
athletic style. We are told that they tend to run a touch long in the sleeves for some women. The uniforms are gender specific.
Some men have reported that the larger men’s polo shirts run a bit tight. We are passing that along for your information. The
women’s polo shirts seem to be true to size but some prefer to order men’s sizes. The jackets are water resistant, and the hood
rolls up on the neckline.
No exchanges will be possible so please measure and order carefully.
PAYMENT FOR UNIFORM
$ 75.00 - Cost for IAM uniform jacket, shirt and ball cap.
$ 25.00 - OPTIONAL Extra polo
$__________TOTAL AMOUNT
ENCLOSED (check payable to “Illinois Ambassadors of Music”)
Complete this form and return with payment (Illinois Ambassadors of Music, Inc)
to your Regional Faculty/Staff or mail to
Dr. John Bell
315 W Schuetz
Lebanon, IL. 62254
BEFORE FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Please check your choices. Measure carefully as these items cannot be returned.
Refer to the sizing chart on the reverse.
Jacket Size Men’s
Jacket Size Women’s
Men’s Polo Size
Women’s Cut Polo
XS___
XS___
XS___
XS___
S____
S____
S____
S____
M___
M___
M___
M___
L___
L___
L___
L___
XL__
XL___
XL___
XL___
2XL___
2XL___
2XL___
2XL___
3XL___
3XL___
3XL___
3XL___
4XL___
Size charts are on the reverse.
4XL___
4XL___
4XL___
Size
Uniform Size Chart
Finished measurements are in Inches
Chest: Full chest, measured 1" under the arms.
Body Length: Measured from center of the back neck seam straight down to back bottom hem.
Please measure carefully as uniforms cannot be exchanged or returned.
Women’s Polo
Men’s Polo
Women’s Jacket
Men’s Jacket