Program Dates
2027 Season
Overview
Take the stage at the Chicago Heritage Festival and showcase your ensemble’s talents in the culture capital of the Midwest! Join choirs, orchestras, and bands from across the country to perform and receive helpful instruction and feedback by expert adjudicators. See Chicago’s top sights with optional experiences like a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. Your event culminates with an exciting Awards Ceremony, dinner, and tournament show at Medieval Times.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Chicago, IL
AIM Experience Masterclass
Kick off the weekend with a customized masterclass through the AIM Experience. Spend 60-90 minutes working with a professional clinician to refine your festival performance, strengthen your skills, and reinforce what you’ve learned in the classroom.
Day 2
Festival performances
Take the Heritage Festival stage and showcase your ensemble in a professionally adjudicated performance, with 30-35 minutes on stage for a panel of three adjudicators who provide both written and recorded feedback. Following your performance, one adjudicator leads an on-stage clinic with your group, offering real-time instruction and reinforcing techniques that connect directly to your classroom learning, while students also have the opportunity to watch peer ensembles and gain inspiration from other performances.
Day 3
Festival performances continued
Festival performances continue throughout the day. Your ensemble’s scheduled performance time will be shared in advance, allowing you to plan your day accordingly while enjoying the full festival experience.
Awards Ceremony
Celebrate with new and old friends at your exclusive awards ceremony at Riverside Church. Choirs, orchestras, and bands are recognized for high scores within their class, along with standout individuals honoured for exceptional performances.
Day 4
Depart for home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Feedback clinics led by professional performers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Chicago
Health & Safety
Travel Protection Plan Plus
Every program includes comprehensive travel protection with medical and cancellation coverage. Add our optional Cancel for Any Reason waiver for complete peace of mind.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.