Costa Rica Concert Tour Update #5


Costa Rica Concert Tour Travelers,


I am so excited to announce that the online Registration & Payment Portal for our Costa Rica Concert Tour is LIVE on the Perform International Website!  Please follow the directions below to access this portal & register for each individual traveler:

1. To sign up for this extraordinary opportunity to perform in Costa Rica, please type the following URL into your browser: https://bit.ly/3qMbpq7 & read the instructions at the top of the page.
2. Scroll down to the PACKAGES section and select Book Now for the First option (Air & Land Package - Quad Occupancy)
   1. The price listed for this occupancy is not the full all-inclusive price as it does not include Checked Luggage, Trip T-shirts, Administration & Nurse Accommodations, or Rooming Surcharges.  We as Grissom Choir are anticipating these extra fees, which is why our full price will end up being $3,200.
3. Fill out the New Customer profile and click Create Profile.
4. Complete the New Customer information form utilizing your passport or official ID and click Save when done.  Make note of your email and password as this will be used to sign in to the Perform International Client Portal in the future to make payments, etc.
5. If you need to make a correction on the previous page, select Verify or Update Profiles.  Otherwise, click Next.  A warning message will pop up.  Click OK to continue.
6. Because we are registering for an international trip, please complete the Individual Passport/Visa information.  If you do not yet have your passport, check the box indicating you cannot provide the information at this time and then apply for your passport ASAP.  Click Next when complete.
7. Pull down the menu to select the Quad Occupancy tour package and click Next. You can click Details for more information if you like. This is the same information that appears in the tour brochure and will be sent to you with your registration confirmation when completed.
8. Because we selected an Air & Land Package, you may also enter your TSA Traveler Number if you have one and Frequent Flyer Number(s). Click Next when done.
9. Review the pre-selected accommodation options then click Next.
10. Make your selections and click Next. (Please select Two-Beds for every room, and No Handicap).
11. The first and second question on this next page require a selection to be able to continue the book process. If you are a performer, check I am a performer with this ensemble and select your voice part (please see below!). Do NOT enter any name under Roommate Request.  This will be done at a later date. Please indicate any Special Requests as needed. Click Next.
12. Review selections and total, then click Next.
13. By default materials will be sent to the Home address you entered earlier. You may create a Temporary Mailing Address to have materials sent to another address if you prefer. Click Next when completed.
14. Because we have been making payments across the past 6 months, Grissom Choir will send the first 3-4 payments to Perform International.  Please select Mail Check.  Check the box at the bottom of the form to indicate that you agree with the terms and conditions. Once completed, click Save Reservation.  Travel Insurance may be purchased after you finish the sign-up process. CLICK will open a different window/tab for Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance.
15. You may print and/or email your reservation confirmation. Choose the Email button to send to yourself or a different address.

Congratulations! You have now completed your online reservation!

• Please remember your sign-on email and password as you will need to return to your account to make future payments, refer to travel documents, and to change or complete your registration information.
• After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with documents. Please download the attachments from that email and save them somewhere you can find them later. 
• Please consider purchasing travel insurance now. Typically you have 10-15 days after your initial registration deposit to receive the best insurance benefits. 
• You will need to send a photocopy of your passport to Perform International at least 120 days prior to your departure. If you do not have a passport, you need to apply for one. Do it now–don’t wait! 

Your fourth payment is due at the end of next month to Grissom Choir in order for Sheet Sale & BELK Sale fundraising credits to be applied to the payment.  You may either mail in this payment to our Treasure’s address (see below) or you may make a Miscellaneous Payment on your Charms account online.  I have posted the payment schedule below for your continued use:


    Payment Schedule:

• Deposit due April 30, 2022 = $300 per person (non-refundable)
• 2nd payment due June 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 3rd payment due August 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 4th payment due October 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 5th payment due December 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• Perform International Balance due February 28, 2023 = $630
• Grissom Choir Balance due April 30, 2023 = $270

    Treasurer Address:
        Karen Heller
        2502 Wynterhall Road SE
        Huntsville, AL 35803


Ensure that all travelers & their parents/guardians have joined the Costa Rica Concert Tour Remind.  To do so, please send a text to “81010” with the following message: @ghschoircr.  Or, you may join using the Remind App on your phone!
​

Costa Rica Concert Tour Update #4


Costa Rica Concert Tour Travelers,


I am so excited to be traveling to Costa Rica in the summer of 2023 with each of you!  This trip has been many months in the making after realizing the need to restructure our European Concert Tour.  We are thrilled to have this opportunity to travel abroad while creating & sharing music with the citizens of Costa Rica.  Here are some current updates that apply to all existing and new travelers:

1. Please turn in your third payments at this time.  The online portal to Perform International has yet to be set up (coming soon!), so you may either mail in this payment to our Treasure’s address (see below) or you may make a Miscellaneous Payment on your Charms account online.  I have posted the payment schedule below for your continued use:

    Payment Schedule:

• Deposit due April 30, 2022 = $300 per person (non-refundable)
• 2nd payment due June 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 3rd payment due August 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 4th payment due October 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 5th payment due December 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• Perform International Balance due February 30, 2023 = $715
• Grissom Choir Balance due April 30, 2023 = $185

    Treasurer Address:
        Karen Heller
        2502 Wynterhall Road SE
        Huntsville, AL 35803

1. As soon as the online portal is open that allows travelers to pay the tour company directly, Grissom Choir will make all previously deposited payments on your behalf.  Fundraising totals and funds raised from our Tidal Wave Auto Spa Fundraiser will be applied to your account upon completion of the fundraiser.  Be on the lookout soon for information on how to access this new online portal.

1. Please ensure that all travelers & their parents/guardians have joined the Costa Rica Concert Tour Remind.  To do so, please send a text to “81010” with the following message: @ghschoircr.  Or, you may join using the Remind App on your phone!

Costa Rica Concert Tour

Goodmorning Grissom Choir Families,
​
It is with great excitement that I get to announce that Grissom Choir will be traveling to Costa Rica in the summer of 2023!  This trip has been many months in the making after realizing the need to restructure our European Concert Tour.  We are thrilled to have this opportunity to travel abroad while creating & sharing music with the citizens of Costa Rica.


What:  Grissom Choir Costa Rica Concert Tour
When: June 1st - June 7th, 2023
Where: Costa Rica - San José, Heredia, & Arenal
How Much: $3,200 all-inclusive price


Visit www.grissomchoir.com/costarica to learn more about our Costa Rica Concert Tour.  On this page, you will find:

1. Tour Inclusions
2. Tour Non-Inclusions
3. Payment Schedule
4. QR Code for the Wait List
5. Remind link for the Costa Rica Remind
6. Dropbox link to access paperwork & materials, such as an Announcement Keynote PDF (coming soon), Fundraising Items, and Tour Itinerary

For all travelers on our previously scheduled European Concert Tour, your funds and traveler spot will automatically carry over should your current Trip Balance on Charms be up-to-date.  For those not up to date, or have not submitted any payments, you spot will automatically be cancelled, and you will need to reregister on our Wait List.


For those travelers currently on our Wait List, please check your email to see if you have received an email from me regarding moving your Traveler Status to Active.


For those students, & parents/guardians that now wish to travel with us to Costa Rica, please visit the website above and register for our Wait List!  Open spots on the Active Traveler List will be filled based on the following:

1. The need to create a balanced choir across all 4 sections
2. The order in which travelers sign-up for the Wait List

Once again, we are so excited to offer this opportunity for Grissom Choir and its students.  Should you have any further questions, do not hesitate to reach out!

European Concert Tour Update #3


European Concert Tour Travelers,


Here are some updates concerning our European Concert Tour scheduled for next Summer.  Many of these items have not changed, but please pay attention to those that have!

1. Due to the ongoing Crisis in Ukraine, I am still in communication with our travel consultant concerning the possibility of restructuring this trip from a Central European Tour to a Western European Tour, or an entirely different European Tour Destination.  Not only are we having to consider the Ukraine Crisis, but also hotel and venue availability in areas where European governments are giving hotels incentives to take in Ukrainian refugees.  While an executive decision has yet to be made, I wanted to make everyone aware that a shift in destination is a possibility in the coming weeks or months. 

1. Please turn in your second payments at this time.  The online portal to Perform International has yet to be set up, so you may either mail in this payment to our Treasure’s address (see below) or you may make a Miscellaneous Payment on your Charms account online.  As soon as the online portal is open, Grissom Choir will make this payment on your behalf.  As we continuing to receive fundraising totals and funds raised from Guardian Fundraising for our first two trip fundraisers, please ensure that this $300 deposit is paid in full via personal funds, or any credits that you may already have on Charms.  I have posted the payment schedule below for your continued use:

    Payment Schedule:

• Deposit due April 30, 2022 = $300 per person (non-refundable)
• 2nd payment due June 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 3rd payment due August 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 4th payment due October 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 5th payment due December 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• Perform International Balance due February 30, 2023 = $715
• Grissom Choir Balance due April 30, 2023 = $185

    Treasurer Address:
        Karen Heller
        2502 Wynterhall Road SE
        Huntsville, AL 35803

1. Our European Concert Tour Rock-A-Thon Fundraiser is officially scheduled for July 29th-30th!  This is a fantastic way for travelers to raise funds for their trip.  Please visit www.grissomchoir.com/fundraisers to access the Dropbox link which includes the Details for this fundraiser, as well as the Pledge Sheet for those participating!  We will need full support from parents in the form of chaperone volunteers.  Please visit the link below to access the JotForm Sign-Up:

    https://form.jotform.com/221777742012049

1. Please ensure that all travelers & their parents/guardians have joined the European Concert Tour Remind.  To do so, please send a text to “81010” with the following message: @ghschoireu.  Or, you may join using the Remind App on your phone!

European Concert Tour Update #2


European Concert Tour Travelers,


Here are a few major updates concerning our European Concert Tour scheduled for next Summer!

1. Due to the ongoing Crisis in Ukraine, I am in continuous communication with our travel consultant concerning the possibility of restructuring this trip from a Central European Tour to a Western European Tour.  While an executive decision has yet to be made, I wanted to make everyone aware that a shift in destination is a possibility in the coming weeks or months.

1. The first payment (non-refundable deposit) is due now!  The online portal to Perform International has yet to be set up, so you may either send in this deposit with your student and have them turn it into the Money Box with the provided envelopes, or you may make a Miscellaneous Payment on your Charms account online.  As soon as the online portal is open, Grissom Choir will make this payment on your behalf.  As we have yet to receive fundraising totals and funds raised from Guardian Fundraising for our first two trip fundraisers, please ensure that this $300 deposit is paid in full via personal funds, or any credits that you may already have on Charms.  I have posted the payment schedule below for your continued use:

    Payment Schedule:

• Deposit due April 30, 2022 = $300 per person (non-refundable)
• 2nd payment due June 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 3rd payment due August 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 4th payment due October 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• 5th payment due December 30, 2022 = $500 per person
• Perform International Balance due February 30, 2023 = $715
• Grissom Choir Balance due April 30, 2023 = $185

1. Our European Concert Tour Rock-A-Thon Fundraiser is scheduled for late July!  This is a fantastic way for travelers to raise funds for their trip.  Please visit www.grissomchoir.com/fundraisers to access the Dropbox link which includes the Details for this fundraiser, as well as the Pledge Sheet for those participating!

1. Please ensure that all travelers & their parents/guardians have joined the European Concert Tour Remind.  To do so, please send a text to “81010” with the following message: @ghschoireu.  Or, you may join using the Remind App on your phone!

European Concert Tour Update #1


European Concert Tour Travelers,


We are SO excited to bring this trip into reality.  We have already fill up our 50 spots, and have already begun filling up our Waiting List!  Please see the information below concerning a few updates to this trip:

1. The price of this trip has risen.  After receiving our updated itinerary, the price is now right at $3,200.  This price increase is due to the months of May & June being a more expensive time to travel, especially concerning airfare.  Charter Bus prices are also rising by the week, which is why we have already locked in our price for our transportation to and from the Atlanta International Airport.  With this slight price increase, I completely understand if some travelers may wish to pull out.  If this is the case, please reply back to this email so that I can remove your Preliminary Registration from our system.  However, if we are able to have a great turn-out for our scheduled Spirit Nights, we will have the opportunity to offset this additional cost through group fundraising.
2. We have an official Installment Plan that we will abide by concerning our payments to Perform International.  Payments will begin in April, and end next April, with installments due every 2 months.  This will allow additional time to find and fundraise funds across this next year.  Please see the plan below:
   1. ​​Payment Schedule:​
      • Deposit due April 30, 2022 = $300 per person (non-refundable)
      • 2nd payment due June 30, 2022 = $500 per person
      • 3rd payment due August 30, 2022 = $500 per person
      • 4th payment due October 30, 2022 = $500 per person
      • 5th payment due December 30, 2022 = $500 per person
      • Perform International Balance due February 30, 2023 = $715
      • Grissom Choir Balance due April 30, 2023 = $185
3. Our first fundraiser ends this Friday!  I hope many of you have had success in selling our Stainless Steel Tumblers.  If you have any questions concerning this fundraiser, you may visit www.grissomchoir.com/fundraisers.  Our next fundraiser will begin and end in the month of March.  Again, our goal is to provide 1 fundraiser per month for students to participate in and fundraise for this trip.  
4. I have reached out to not only our Tour Manager at Perform International, but also a few other travel companies concerning their thoughts on where COVID Vaccination Mandates will be come May of 2023.  Things are changing rapidly in Europe with regards to these vaccination mandates.  As of now, the European countries we are traveling to are requiring proof of vaccination in order to gain entry.  However, many other surrounding countries have already lifted their vaccination mandates, allowing anyone to gain entry, regardless of vaccination status.  These countries are requiring a PCR test prior to arrival, and then another when they arrive.  The landscape and requirements may very well be VERY different in May of 2023.  Our Tour Manager, as well as the other travel companies I have spoken with, all agree that the rest of Europe is going to slowly follow suit with the lifting of vaccination mandates.  I say all of this to keep each of you informed of where we are in relation to our trip and COVID precautions.  As we begin to prepare for this trip, I will continue to update travelers on these ever-changing circumstances.
5. Please ensure that all travelers & their parents/guardians have joined the European Concert Tour Remind.  To do so, please send a text to “81010” with the following message: @ghschoireu.  Or, you may join using the Remind App on your phone!