We’ll be using WhatsApp to communicate updates to students and parents. Please join the relevant group:

• Parent announcements

• Student announcements

Once subscribed to the above community, you may also choose to join a group that allows two-way discussion, sharing of pics, etc:

• Students: Carnegie Student Open Chat

• Parents: Carnegie Parent Open Chat

Trip chaperones: Jeremy Duby, Dawn Kennedy, Mahki Murray

• Mr. Duby is in charge of the group, activities, decision-making

• Each chaperone can be reached through WhatsApp - this is your best option if emergency communication is necessary

Emergency contact info:

• Courtney Essenmacher 248.783.6978 - “on the ground” in Detroit and able to coordinate in case of any true emergency

• Jeremy Duby - 586.876.8744

Departure: from the Hawk in the west upper 3rd floor lot.

Overnight parking: Students who drive themselves may leave their vehicles at the Hawk in the west upper 3rd floor lot.

Hotel Location:‍ ‍Garner IHG Hotel, 2750 Tonnelle Ave, North Bergen, NJ 07047, Phone: 201-442-2424

Pack LIGHT (it’s June!)!

You may bring:

• Instrument (fitted HARD case recommended, expect your instrument to go underneath the bus). We will do our best to take care in packing instruments but there is always risk with travel. Please be sure to understand your own insurance policy in case of instrument damage. It may be possible to rent a hard case for the trip. You might also consider a humidifier for inside your case (Wilson’s carries them).

• One carry-on sized piece of luggage (will go underneath the bus)

• One personal backpack (to keep with you on the bus) (note that on performance day you’ll need to bring your concert attire with you to change in to)

Packing Specifics:

• Performance attire (concert black)

• “School appropriate” clothing to wear to clinic (but still comfy, you’ll wear it all day)

• One nicer (but still comfy, you’ll wear it all day) outfit for “Chicago” the musical

• Breakfast / snacks for the bus ride to NY

• Money for food - NY is expensive - students should plan to bring $15-$20 ($20 to be safe) per meal (four NY lunches, one bus fast food dinner)

• Spending money

Q: What performance attire should be worn by DMYS students?
A: Symphony Orchestra students will wear CONCERT BLACK. Black long sleeved top. Suit jacket is optional. Dress pants or long dress, with black shoes, black socks/tights. Note that this is different than our “typical” performance attire.

Q: How long is the performance at Carnegie Hall?
A: DMYS will have 27 minutes on stage, and there are four total orchestras performing in this concert. Students will attend the entire concert.

Q: Can families and friends attend the performance?
A: YES, we encourage it! You will make your own travel arrangements. Ticket information will be available closer to the performance.

Q: Can we take pictures / recordings?
A: NO, it is Carnegie Hall policy that photos/video are not allowed. We will be provided with an official picture and recording. The recording is for participants only and is not allowed to be shared electronically. Photos may only be shared if proper credit is given to the photographer/Carnegie.

Q: How does the clinic work?
A: DMYS students will have a one-hour clinic to work on their music with a renowned conductor the day before the performance. This clinic is for DMYS students only.

Q: Does DMYS get to rehearse in NY?
A: We will have a 30-minute sound check on stage at Carnegie prior to performing.

Q: If family is going to NY will they be able to see their student?
A: DMYS students will all travel by bus with a flexible schedule and it will be nearly impossible to see them during this trip. You WILL be able to obtain tickets to watch the performance. DMYS students will sit together as a group to watch the remaining performances, and it is likely that you may not see them personally at the actual event.

Note that students departing with parents will miss the NY Harbor boat tour.

Q: Where and when can I pick up a student NOT riding the bus home?
A: Students may be picked up at 8am from the hotel lobby. Students must be picked up by 8:30. If a student is NOT picked up by this time they will proceed with the group on the bus.‍ ‍

Parents must complete this waiver allowing release of their student, PRIOR to the start of the trip.

Q: Can my student be released to me right after the Carnegie performance?
A: Considering the best interest of the entire group, it will be too difficult to promise that we can safely hand over students after the performance.  We don't want to delay the rest of the group if it proves complicated to connect.  In addition, students will not be going back to the hotel before performing, so getting their luggage from the New Jersey hotel would still need to be arranged.

Q: Is this required even if a student is 18 years old?
A: Yes, please! Please help us keep track of every student! Having all of this info in one place helps us ensure every student is accounted for. Thank you!

Upload your good pics here!

No refunds will be provided. Families concerned about cancellations should consider researching and purchasing their own travel/trip insurance.

Once DMYS commits to attending, and deposits are made, payments are not refundable to the tour operator (they put nonrefundable deposits down to secure the venue, hotel, bus, etc). Pricing for each participant is set based on the number of students attending. To ensure fairness to all students in the ensemble, no refunds will be made.

Q: What if a student later discovers a conflict with a school event / music event / important family event / other fun activity?
A: Unfortunately, no refunds can be provided.

Q: What if a student gets sick at the last minute?
A: This would be terrible, but all payments will have been made and would be nonrefundable. If you are concerned about cancellations please consider researching and purchasing your own travel insurance.

Q: What if there is another pandemic?
A: Also terrible, but all payments will have been made and would be nonrefundable. If you are concerned about cancellations please consider researching and purchasing your own travel insurance.

Q: Will there be extra rehearsal requirements?
A: In order to prepare thoroughly, the music we perform for the 2026 DMYS Spring concert will be the music we take to Carnegie. We will hold ONE additional mandatory June 13 rehearsal prior to leaving for NY to “freshen” the music.

Q: How many chaperones will there be?
A: There will be two chaperones in addition to our Symphony conductor Mr. Duby.

Q: Can parents drive a student to save some money?
A: Unfortunately, no. Our travel operator’s policy is meant to ensure a safe and successful trip for every student.

Q: Can a student be released on the last day to drive home with their parents?
A: YES, we can work that out with you if requested.

Q: Can parents chaperone and/or ride the bus?
A: If we have extra space on the bus we will open up those seats in early 2026. The cost for anyone riding the bus would be the same as the student cost. If you’d like to be considered for any empty space please join the waitlist (below).

Q: Who will guide us in NY?
A: We will have a guide that stays with us 24×7 for the duration in NY.

Q: What are the sleeping arrangements?
A: Pricing is based on quad occupancy. Lodging will be in New Jersey to reduce expenses.

Q: Who can participate?
A: 2025-26 season DMYS Symphony members in good standing. Seniors graduating in 2026 may attend.

2024-25 Symphony members who register by 3/1/25 are guaranteed a spot. Remaining spots will open in May to accepted move-ups and new students.

Q: What if I don’t participate in all 3 DMYS cycles during the 2025-26 Season?
A: DMYS students who participate in TWO cycles are eligible. Students attending Carnegie Hall must participate in the third concert cycle and remain in good standing, meeting our absence requirements.

Q: What if I drop a 2025-26 cycle or can’t perform due to absences?
A: Students who do not remain in good standing will forfeit their spot on this trip and lose any payments made. The 2025-26 calendar will be published by 4/1/25 - look at it closely and plan ahead!

Q: Is there a minimum number of students required to attend?
A: Pricing is estimated based on at least 40 students, however balanced instrumentation is critical. A decision about our attendance will be made after the first deposit date of 3/1. If DMYS does not have enough registered students to attend, all downpayments will be refunded.

Q: How many students can attend?
A: DMYS will take a maximum of 51 students. We will fill the positions first come first serve, and expect to close sections. We will take a wait list in case there is a last minute cancellation. We anticipate closing sections and will offer any seats to those on the waitlist (join below).

Q: Does every student in Symphony have to attend?
A: No, this trip is optional, and students can feel free to remain a part of DMYS but not travel to Carnegie. It is anticipated that not all students will be able to attend.

Q: What if a student moves up to Symphony Orchestra or joins after 3/1?
A: Students will be eligible to register for this trip upon acceptance, for any open seats. These students will have a different deposit date (with no late fee until that date) and payment schedule based on their acceptance date.

**Informational Meeting Zoom Recording from 2/5/25 (passcode b&R0AeVP)

**Original DRAFT Itinerary - subject to change based on travel times, workshop time, and final activity selections.

**WAITLIST - If there are trip openings, we will turn to our waitlist to fill them. Join the waitlist if you are: interested in riding the bus or chaperoning (full trip cost applies), a student whose section is full and closed (you’ll know this if you register and your instrument is not available)

• 3/1/25 - $350 deposit

  • $100 late fee applies for students requesting participation after this deadline

• 8/1/2025 - $450

• 10/1/2025 - $450

• 1/15/2026 - $450

• 3/15/2026 - estimated balance tbd, $300-$600 plus any additional tickets

• 7/1/25 - $350 deposit

  • $100 late fee applies for students requesting participation after this deadline, subject to section openings

• 8/1/2025 - $450

• 10/1/2025 - $450

• 1/15/2026 - $450

• 3/15/2026 - estimated balance tbd, $300-$600 plus any additional tickets

• Upon enrollment - $350 deposit

  • $100 late fee applies for students requesting participation after this deadline, subject to section openings

• 12/1/2025 - $450

• 1/1/2025 - $450

• 2/1/2026 - $450

• 3/15/2026 - estimated balance tbd, $300-$600 plus any additional tickets

We hope to travel with EVERY student desiring this experience, regardless of financial circumstances!

• Complete this tuition assistance application.

• Families requesting tuition assistance for Carnegie Hall must provide BOTH a 2024-25 Federal Reduced School Lunch Program qualification letter AND copy of taxes for the year ending 2024 to corpsecty@detroitmys.org.

Lunches
Breakfast first day, Dinner last day

Optional theatre/symphony tickets (tbd)

Possible entry fee to 911 Museum (tbd)

Travel insurance (optional, if desired, purchased individually)

Spending money

Pricing is based on quad occupancy. Should you wish something different:
-Triple supplement $72 per person
-Double supplement $197 per person
-Single supplement $565