Blog
Welcome to ACFEA’s journal! Read along as we share stories from the road, from the alto section, or from our desk. We’ll also look back on shining moments from our group’s tours.
“It’s the kind of thing that can’t happen the same way twice.”
By Carly DaSilva, Summit Chorale Tour Participant When the opportunity to go to Ireland presents itself, you simply say yes. That was my first thought when I heard that the group of singers I’d just become part of—the Summit Chorale—was planning to tour in Ireland. Limerick, Galway, and Dublin. Motets
Congratulations, Susan McMane!
Susan McMane, the highly regarded conductor of girls’ and young women’s choirs, retired on July 31, 2022, and, like many other illustrious directors, chose to end her career with a tour, an honor that ACFEA deeply appreciates. Susan worked with ACFEA on 11 tours, starting with one in 1998 for
Passing the Baton?
Genesis 4:18 – And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. There is something similar going on with ACFEA’s clients, as we reached the fourth generation in a sequence of teachers and students who have toured with us.
Golden State Youth Orchestra Shows Determination
The Golden State Youth Orchestra, formerly known as the El Camino Youth Symphony, is no stranger to touring, having worked with ACFEA on 8 tours between 2003 and 2019. Regularly traveling with a party of 140 or more, with 120 musicians on stage, these tours have always presented some challenges
Making the Best Promotional Packets
As soon as you begin planning your tour, one of your top priorities is sending promotional materials to your Tour Manager. Your promos are your voice and your only chance to represent yourself to potential venues and promoters. The caliber of the content is hugely influential in securing the best
Corona del Mar High School Madrigal Singers Delights in Spain
Corona del Mar High School Madrigal Singers embarked on a tour of Spain following two long pandemic years during which choir class was limited to computer screens, masked singing and outdoor spaces. Alumni from the last two graduating classes joined the tour after having missed out on so many special
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Builds New Bridges in Eastern Europe (Tour Notes, Fall 1991)
“We had something strong to give the gay communities in Europe: our strong bond as gay people.” – Jon Bailey, artistic director, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles This article was originally published in our Fall 1991 Tour Notes. **** The Los Angeles Times reported on July 12, 1991 that
ACFEA Staff Spotlight: Pieter and Juanita
Say hallo to Pieter and Juanita Myburgh, our managers for South Africa — and two of our very favorite reasons to visit! Tell us a little bit about you! We live in the small town of George – one of the prettiest little places in South Africa. We have been
All About Travel Insurance
Every year there are at least a few of our thousands of tour participants who cannot go on the tour they have looked forward to for months. Sometimes they get sick. Sometimes someone in their family gets sick. Sometimes a hurricane hits and flights are canceled for days – or
Happy Halfsies!
At ACFEA, when we say we have an experienced staff, we really mean it: The average career length for a Tour Manager in the US is currently over 15 years. The same is true for our colleagues overseas, too — most of our staff in London and regional managers and