TRIP FAQs

What are the dates of the overnight trip?

We will be leaving EHS the morning of Saturday, November 3rd and returning to EHS the evening of Sunday, November 4th.

What is the cost of the trip?

$195. See the contract for the payment options and additional information. Parents may pay the full cost at one time if desired.

Is there an itinerary for the trip?

At this point we can tell you MER will be performing at BOA prelims either Saturday late morning/early afternoon. We do not yet have our prelims performance time. As soon as we know we'll pass along that information to you. While there is no guarantee, we hope to make the top 10 to perform in finals Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning we will depart the hotel for the amusement park. At 6:00pm Sunday evening we will leave the park to return to EHS.

Approximately 1 week before the trip departure we will have a mandatory parent and participant meeting to go over last minute information. At that meeting we will provide a detailed intinerary for the trip.

Where will this trip take place?

The location for the BOA Southern California Regional Championship is the LA Valley College located in the Monarch Stadium at 5800 Fulton Ave, Van Nuys, CA. Sunday will take place at Six Flags Magic Mountain located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.

Why is the name of the hotel not listed in the contract or posted on the website?

To ensure the safety of our students we will not be posting the name or location of the hotel on this website. We will also not release the name of the hotel until just prior to the trip as we request family and friends to not book rooms in the same hotel. This has been a problem in the recent past and for that reason we hope you understand why we are not releasing that information. The security and well-being of all of our students is our first priority. We can tell you the hotel is a 3-star hotel and has a near 5 star review rating. It is a popular hotel chain.

What is the hotel rooming situation for the students?

Students will be assigned 4 to a room. In the weeks leading up to the trip we will post sign-up sheets so students may select who they room with. We do our best to accommodate the choices of all students.

Can I stay in the same hotel as the students?

As stated above, NO. Parents, family, and non-MER friends may not stay in the same hotel. This decision is due to safety and clearance reasons. Only authorized, district-approved chaperones, staff, and drivers will be staying in the same hotel.

What is the transporation arrangement?

All students will be traveling via deluxe charter buses. Not only will this form of transportation offer maximum comfort to the students, it also happens to be saving us money over the use of the yellow school buses.

What kind of meals can my student expect to be served?

Breakfast on Saturday morning will be the responsibility of the students. For Saturday lunch, we will have catered boxed meals delivered from a restaurant our students have given positive reviews to in the past. For Saturday dinner, they will be treated to an all-they-can-eat buffet. Hearty snacks will also be provided throughout the day on Saturday.

Breakfast will be provided Sunday morning by the hotel. A BBQ Buffet lunch is planned while at Magic Mountain (the cost is included in the price of the trip). Students will be responsible for any additional meals at Magic Mountain.

We are aware that a number of our students have certain dietary preferences and/or restrictions. All meals provided through the trip will include vegetarian and non-pork options.

If you have questions, comments, or would like more detailed information on the meals please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help.

Will the students have an opportunity to work on homework that weekend?

Yes! Your students should have several hours of free time on Saturday to complete homework. Once we perform in prelims if we make it to finals we will have a bit of down time in-between. We always have adult supervision around the trailers in the parking lot making it a great location to work on homework. However, the responsibility lies with your students as to whether or not they choose to use their free time to get work done or decide to hang with friends.

Can we purchase tickets to the BOA Regional Championship prior to November 3rd?

Yes. Ticket sales and additional information regarding the tournament is available on the Music For All website at http://www.musicforall.org/what-we-do/boa-marching-championships/regionals/bands-of-america-southern-california-regional-championship-presented-by-yamaha

Can I purchase discount Magic Mountain tickets for Sunday, November 4th?

We expect to make discount tickets available for purchase to our friends and family. Additional information on these tickets will be coming in the next few weeks.

Is this trip required?

The competition is required! However, the overnighter is not required. If students would like to leave Saturday night after the Finals Awards Ceremony a parent/guardian must provide transportation home.