Students who have demonstrated outstanding musical ability and excellent character are eligible to apply for membership in the tour. Membership is open to talented student musicians ages 15-20 who qualify through audition and who receive outstanding character recommendations. We are looking for talented young musicians who also have shown that they display a positive attitude and are mature, responsible young adults. We expect our tour members to be respectful, dependable, trustworthy, motivated, and willing to work with others in a group environment.
Although it is not required, we do recommend applicants have taken private lessons. We have found that students who take privately usually have a better chance of acceptance.
Parents, music educators, teachers and other adults who are interested in SOA may apply to serve as chaperones for the 2008 SOA European Concert Tour at the same tour price as the students.
NOTE: This is a non-smoking tour!
Students:
The first step is to complete and return the Application Form that can be found on the inside of the 2008 SOA Tour Brochure. A non-refundable application fee of $80 must accompany the Application Form. Please note that this is a non-smoking tour.
The $80 Application Fee includes: (1) All evaluation and administrative costs, (2) an audition cassette or CD, (3) application materials and (4) a returnable mailing envelope. Applicants who submit their audition materials and fail to qualify for acceptance will receive a $40 refund on their application fee. All student applicants will receive our free SOA Demo CD, which showcases musical seelctions from past SOA tours.
Upon receipt of the Application Form at Headquarters, an Application Packet will be sent to you immediately. Three Recommendation Forms, an Information Form and a cassette tape or CD-R will be provided. Instructions on how the Recommendation Forms are to be completed and how the audition tape is to be prepared are also provided in the packet.
When all application materials have been returned to our office, they will be evaluated as soon as possible. This process usually takes 5-15 days after we receive all forms and the tape. Occasionally, it may take less time or more time for the application information to be processed and evaluated. Students may contact us by e-mail or phone to check their status.
Chaperones:
Chaperones are often parents or other relatives, teachers, youth leaders, accompanists, directors, etc. Chaperones must be at least 22 years old. The tour cost is the same as it is for a student, but the application fee is only $60. Chaperones will be expected to help with some duties at Elizabethtown College as well as during the tour in Europe.
SPACE IS LIMITED IN EACH SECTION
NOTE: Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, space-available basis. Because there are only a limited number of positions available in each section, we urge you to return your Application Form today! See the SOA News page for updates on room in each section of the band and choir.
When a student is accepted, he/she will be notified and sent an Acceptance Letter, Letter of Verification, information on applying for a passport and our Fund-Raising Plan.
Participants will receive at least 5 packets of pre-tour information throughout the year concerning what to bring, how to get to the college, the concert uniform, travel insurance, European electrical current, money matters - how much to bring, travelers checks, foreign currency, maps, hotels and overseas addresses & phone numbers, etc.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT SOA:
NEWS / 2008 Itinerary / SOA FAQ's / Directors & Staff / Eligibility / How to apply / Cost & Inclusions / Non-Profit Information / Music / Safety & Security
Special Alumni / Distinguished Alumni Talk about SOA / Testimonials from Past Tour Participants, by state
2007 Highlights / 2006 Highlights / 2005 Highlights / 2004 Highlights / 2003 Highlights / 2002 Tour Highlights / 2001 Tour Highlights / 2000 Tour Highlights / '99 Tour Highlights / '98 Tour Highlights / '97 Tour Highlights /
ALUMNI news / Photo Gallery / Fun websites
tlb 4-2-08