Posted by Doug on June 02, 2003 at 21:49:03:
In Reply to: extravagant student ensemble trips posted by js on June 01, 2003 at 13:09:25:
Joe, I reread your original post, and some of your reponses to everyone, and it finally hit me that all you're really against is literally "extravagant" trips. Extravagant meaning not feasible with the band's/families' financial situation.
On that point, I agree with you. Of course, for some bands, extravagant might even include part of that 350-mile radius. The bottom line is, if you can't afford the trip, don't go, but if you can afford the trip (in a REASONABLE fashion) why not? The trips can be (as expressed by many below) very worthwhile, for many different valid reasons. But it's never an excuse to spend more than you can afford.
It's just like buying a tuba, home, car, anything. Financial responsibility.
Doug