Today's post is a follow up to that information, in hopes of clarifying some of our expectations about the kind of attire that students should wear during various portions of the tour. We also want to share some packing-tips to help students pack as efficiently as possible.
Attire Expectations
In general, students should always look well-kept and professional.
Overnight Bus Rides: This is a time to be comfortable, and it's okay to be in sweatpants, yoga pants, etc. We presume students will wear tennis shoes.
Note: on the overnight ride to NY, students should consider what they will wear during the music clinics at Ithaca College, and pack any change of clothing into their carry-on bag. In other words, suitcases will not be unloaded on Friday morning when we get to Ithaca. Once you put your suitcase under the bus on Thursday night you will not gain access to it until we arrive at the hotel on Friday night. The faculty at Ithaca College will understand that we have been on a bus all night. However, sweatpants/yoga pants or PJ's are not appropriate or acceptable to wear on campus during the clinics. Nice jeans and a nice sweatshirt, with tennis shoes, would be fine.
Clinic at Ithaca College: Nice jeans and a nice shirt or nice sweatshirt or sweater, with tennis shoes worn on the bus the night before. (See note above.)
Touring in NYC on Saturday: Once we leave our hotel on Saturday morning, we will not return until after the NY Philharmonic concert. We will tour the 9/11 Memorial, Radio City Music Hall, have a nice dinner together, and then attend the symphony. We must be dressed the entire day in a manner that works for all of these events. Therefore, students will need to dress "business casual" for the entire day. No jeans, no sweatpants, no yoga pants, no t-shirts and no sweatshirts. No tennis shoes. Nice pants (black or khaki/dockers-style okay), and a nice shirt or sweater, with dress shoes, are expected. Ladies: a dress or skirt is another option, but either should fall below the knees. Gentlemen: tie or sport-coat for the evening concert is optional.
Touring in NYC on Sunday: Once we leave our hotel on Sunday morning, we will not return until after the Broadway show and dinner. Like Saturday, we must be dressed the entire day in a manner that works for all of our events. Therefore, students will need to again dress in "business casual" for the entire day. No jeans, no sweatpants, no yoga pants, no t-shirts and no sweatshirts. No tennis shoes. Nice pants (black or khaki/dockers-style okay), and a nice shirt or sweater, with dress shoes, are expected. Ladies: a dress or skirt is another option, but either should fall below the knees. Gentlemen: tie or sport-coat for the evening concert is optional.
A note on shoes for Saturday / Sunday:
Ladies, choose your shoes carefully. Flats are highly encouraged because of the walking you will be doing.
Carnegie Hall Rehearsal on Monday: When we check out of the hotel on Monday morning, students may be dressed comfortably, but not sloppy. Nice jeans and nice tennis shoes, along with a a nice shirt or sweater will be fine. We will remind students of this on Sunday night, but they will need to bring their concert attire, in a garment bag, onto the upper level of the bus as we leave on Monday morning for Carnegie Hall. Students should also put, in the upper level of the bus in a back pack or small bag, comfortable clothing for the bus ride back to Downers Grove. Suitcases, once placed under the bus during hotel check-out, will not come off the buses again until we arrive back home.
Packing Tips
Bring the Smallest Bags Possible
Bring the smallest bags possible. Each student may bring one medium sized bag (like a suitcase or duffel bag) and a smaller “carry-on” item (such as a backpack). This will maximize space on our motor coach. Remember that your concert attire must be packed inside your suitcase on the way to NYC (along with the school-issued garment bag).
If you bring your own shampoo, buy or transfer it into a travel size bottles. Some students may also want to bring a hair iron or hair dryer. Instead of every student packing their own, coordinate with your roommates to bring one for the room. Do not over pack your bags, as you may want to have a little space for souvenirs.
Create More Space in Your Bag
There are many ways to use the space in your bag more effectively. First, roll your clothes into small tubes instead of folding. Rolling will not only use less space, but also minimizes wrinkling. Second, shoes are one of the biggest space hogs, so stuff the soles with small items like socks. This will eliminate wasted space, and allow for more room in the rest of the bag. Wearing any large or heavy clothing items like jackets or jeans will also create extra space in your bag. Finally, place heavy items at the bottom of the bag near the wheels. It won’t create more space in your bag, but it will keep it from tipping over when you let go of it.