Incantato Lunch at the Oldest Wheat Beer Brewery on April 7

The Stadtbrauerei (city brewery) of Arnstadt, the oldest wheat beer brewery in Germany, welcomes the Falcon Choirs on April 7 for Lunch. In 1438 the city established the first brewery in Arnstadt. The Felsenkeller brewery was built in 1866 on this site. 1997 the current building was re-opened after a mayor renovation. The Falcon Choirs will enjoy the „Brauhauslunch“ during their visit, which includes Schnitzel, peas and french fries. Bon appetit!

Meet the Bloggers: Cody and Annie

Dear Singers, Family and Friends of the Falcon Choirs, we sure hope you enjoy the blog and recommend that you become a follower by clicking on the respective option in the right side bar of this webpage. As a follower, you will never miss an update and once the groups heads over to Germany there should be lots of news coming your way. For the Falcon Choirs the students Annie Lawler and Cody Chase are going to blog about their experience abroad and upload pictures and videos during their time in Europe.

Cody Chase is a senior at Crescenta Valley High School. "I'm really excited about this opportunity to go to Germany and tour so many cities and sing in so many amazing venues. I have taken two years of German during my sophomore and junior years of high school and I can't wait to put everything I've learned to use and see in person what I've seen so much of in my text books", he tells. He is also an aspiring photographer and designer and has kept up a blog of his own in the past so he sees this as a perfect opportunity to take amazing pictures that he will be sharing on this blog and use to build his portfolio. Cody: "Germany offers so many different sights and experiences that you just can't get here in the States and I cannot wait to capture them. I hope you enjoy following this blog as much as I'll enjoy posting on it!"

Your Personal Incantato Weather Forecast for Munich

As the Falcon Choirs Tour to Germany will start on Thursday, Incantato Tours had a look at the weather forecast. On Friday, April 2, Munich will welcome you with a mostly sunny sky. The highest temperature will be around 55° F. Some clouds will show up on Saturday, but you'll catch a glimpse of the sun every now and then (61° F).

Falcon Choir 2010 Germany Tour Concert Poster Chemnitz, Arnstadt & Berlin

Falcon Choirs Itinerary Update

Dear Travellers,
Incantato Tours proudly presents the new itinerary for the Falcon Choirs. There are just a few days left till your tour starts. Enjoy!

DAY 1 Thursday, April 1
Overnight flight to Germany

DAY 2 Friday, April 2
Willkommen in München
Evening arrival in Munich after a nonstop flight. Meet your Incantato tourmanager and drive to your hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight.

DAY 3 Saturday, April 3
Munich in-depth
Visit the capital city of Bavaria with a stop at the famous Marienplatz to see and hear the Glockenspiel. Experience the Easter market. Enjoy dinner at the Augustiner Restaurant.

DAY 4 Sunday, April 4
Easter Sunday: Church Service and Matinee Concert in Munich
You are the featured guest choir for the Easter Sunday morning service at the beautiful Sankt Lukaskirche (Church of St. Luke) located in the heart of Munich. The church was built from 1893 through 1896 in the "Historismus"-style. In the afternoon you'll have leisure under the guidance of your tour manager. The day ends with a traditional Bavarian dinner at the Munich Hofbräuhaus.

DAY 5 Monday, April 5
Castle & (K)Night Walk
First stop today will be the beautiful baroque Pilgrimage Church Wieskirche (recital) prior to hiking up to the fairy tale castle of King Ludwig II. of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein. After the visit, continue to the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. After dinner, a night walk awaits the choir and guests.

DAY 6 Tuesday, April 6
Morning in Rothenburg & Concert in Chemnitz
Experience Rothenburg and learn more about its rich history, then travel to Chemnitz. At 7.30 pm your first formal concert starts at the Markuskirche. After dinner at the hotel restaurant you spent the night in Chemnitz.

DAY 7 Wednesday, April 7
In Bach‘s Footsteps - Concert
Explore Arnstadt with a special emphasize on Johann Sebastian Bach and have lunch at the local brewery. Then prepare for your highlight concert at the wedding church of J.S. Bach. Followed by a special reception with coffee and cake hosted by the Bachverein.

DAY 8 Thursday, April 8
Via Leipzig to Berlin
Continue on the Bach route and visit the Thomaskirche in Leipzig for a recital, then head to the capital city of the reunited Germany.

DAY 9 Friday, April 9
Berlin in-depth - Concert
Your sightseeing tour features many highlights starting with the Reichstag, the remains of the Berlin Wall, Charlottenburg Castle etc. Afternoon at leisure for museum visits and shopping, then prepare for your third formal concert - at the famous Gedächtniskirche.

DAY 10 Saturday, April 10
Leisure Day in Berlin

Leisure day with activities yet to be determined. Your tourmanager and your coach will be at your full disposal.

DAY 11 Sunday, April 11
Departure
Return flight to the US.

Press Releases for your Concerts in Germany

Dear Travelers,
Incantato is now sending the press releases for your concerts in Germany out to the newspapers, churches and city councils. Here is the one for the Falcon Choirs performance in Chemnitz:

Pressetext Falcon Choirs Chemnitz

Während wohl die wenigsten in Chemnitz wissen, wo das amerikanische La Crescenta liegt, ist die deutsche Stadt schon über die Grenzen der 19.000-Einwohner-Stadt im Bundesstaat Kalifornien bekannt. Der Grund: Die fünf Falcon Chöre der Crescenta Valley High School kommen im April auf große Deutschlandtournee. Unter der Leitung von Tammi Alderman zeigen die 43 jungen Sängerinnen und Sänger am Dienstag, 6. April, um 19.30 Uhr in der Markuskirche in Chemnitz unter dem Titel „Awake My Heart to Sing - Stimmen des Herzens” ihr Können.
Seit rund einem Jahr laufen die Vorbereitungen für die Auslandstournee der Falcon Chöre, die mehrfach prämiert sind, Festivals rund um Los Angeles veranstalten und bereits viele ehemalige Schüler an landesweit bekannte Chöre empfehlen konnten. Weitere Konzert-Stationen, die die US-Amerikaner auf ihrer Reise ansteuern, sind - neben Chemnitz - München und Arnstadt sowie Steingaden und Berlin, wo die Jugendlichen am 9. April in der Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche ihr großes Abschiedskonzert geben. Organisiert wurde die Tour von der deutsch-amerikanischen Agentur Incantato.
Vorbereitet auf das große Abenteuer „Deutschland“ hat die Schüler Dirigentin Tammi Alderman. Die US-Amerikanerin ist seit zehn Jahren Musikpädagogin und im sechsten Jahr Leiterin der Chor- und Musikabteilung der Crescenta Valley High School. „Ich bin das erste Mal als College-Schülerin nach Deutschland gereist und habe mich verliebt in die Menschen und die Städte. Jedes Jahr verbringe ich die Ferien dort und freue mich nun sehr, heuer meine Schüler mitzubringen“, berichtet die Vollblut-Musikerin. Alderman ist begeistert, dass die Jugendlichen auf ihrer Tour die Möglichkeit haben, an historischen Schauplätzen zu singen. „Ich habe dafür Musikstücke ausgesucht, die ihre Talente hervorheben und sie als junge amerikanische Schüler präsentieren“, betont die Dirigentin.
Mitbringen werden die zwischen 15 und 18 Jahre alten amerikanischen Sänger demnach neben ihrer Vorfreude und einem großen Interesse an der Deutschen Kultur ein vielfältiges Repertoire, bei dem sie sich rein auf ihre Stimmen verlassen. Zur Aufführung kommen Werke internationaler Komponisten von A wie Aichinger bis W wie Whitacre. Ebenfalls zum Programm gehören bekannte Klassiker von Bach, Brahms, Hassler, Rachmaninoff und de Victoria sowie in Deutschland noch eher unbekannte zeitgenössische Chormusik aus den USA. Abgerundet wird das Repertoire durch afro-amerikanische Gospels und Spirituals.
Auch wenn das Musizieren im Vordergrund steht, werden für die Jugendlichen das Erleben fremder Orte und der Spaß, gemeinsam mit Freunden zu reisen, nicht zu kurz kommen. Denn 37 der 43 Sängerinnen und Sänger betreten mit ihrer Deutschlandtour absolutes Neuland: Sie haben noch nie zuvor die USA verlassen. Deswegen können sie es auch kaum erwarten, mit Einheimischen in Kontakt zu kommen und neue Freundschaften zu knüpfen. Stadtführungen und kulinarische Erlebnisse runden den Trip nach Europa ab - diese Kombination zusammen mit den Auftritten wird dafür sorgen, dass die Schüler diese Reise so schnell nicht vergessen werden.

Termin: Falcon Choirs, „Awake My Heart to Sing - Stimmen des Herzens“, Dienstag, 6. April, 19.30 Uhr, Markuskirche Chemnitz

Incantato proudly presents: The Falcon Choirs Chemnitz Concert Poster

Here is the first concert poster for the Falcon Choirs Germany Tour 2010! This poster will be hang up in the Markuskirche in Chemnitz for your performance on April 6. Incantato Tours takes great pride in professionally promoting the fine choirs that travel with us abroad and we hope you like the design too!

Travel Tips: Money Matters

Dear Travelers, Money is a delicate subject. The exchange rate at the moment is better than it was a few months ago. Currently it's around 1 Euro = $ 1,37. The best way to use your money is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a fee for restroom use (between 30 to 70 Euro cent). Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 15 to 20 Euro per day for the meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have good and safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. Barbara Holl is there to help you make the right choices.

Travel Tips: What to pack?

Dear Travelers, please find below a link to very detailed information on the baggage allowance for your upcoming flight with Lufthansa. There is no charge for ONE checked bags on international flights as long as your suitcase is within the weight limit of 44 pounds. Remember, you are only allowed ONE checked suitcase per person coming on your Incantato Tour plus ONE small/normal size carry-on as luggage capacity on the bus is limited. Please go to the Lufthansa website for detailed information on what is considered a carry-on and a checked bag, but please keep in mind that we can only fit ONE checked bag per person on the coach.
For most people, packing is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents). Incantato also plans a farewell dinner for the tour groups, so bring something comfortable and dressy.
Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel. Yes Ladies, you may have a small purse in addition, gents a camera case is fine too, but again, you will be the one carrying it all from the bus to the hotel and vice versa, so better test if you can move all your travel belongings without needing to make two trips or help from someone else.

A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)

* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices)
* Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
* At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
* a sweater or two
* Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
* Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
* A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables)
* Choir music and attire
* Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
* Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules.http://www.tsa.gov/311/
* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounzes. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.

If you forget anything there are plenty of little "pharmacies" where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Travel Tips: Voltage and Converters

Voltage differences in the world are not so shocking!
Voltage in the world differs for each country 220 volt or 110 volts. Plug shapes, plug holes and plug sizes are also different in each country. Some countries like USA and Canada run on 120 volt 60 cycles (60hz) and most of the worlds run on 220/240 volt 50 cycles (50hz). This difference in the voltage can be solved by using an appropriate voltage converter. These converter devices are usually available at superstores and over the internet. While you can also buy them overseas, we recommend purchasing them before you leave if you need them - some items such as ipods, laptops, cameras may only need a two or three round prong adapter plug (pictured on the left, the middle plug is not essential).

Travel Q&A's

Questions & Answers for the Falcon Choirs Tour:

What should everyone carry at all times, real passport or a photo copy?

Ideally, your passport should be on your person at all times. Please be “street-smart” and don’t wave it around for all to see. Photocopies of the passport should be packed in your suitcase, available in your e-mail and also your parents should have a copy too AND your school plus Incantato should have a copy as well.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Fortunately, Germany has some of the best drinking water in Europe. In every city it is save to drink tap water.

Do you have recommendations or suggestions on the type of power adapter needed and what wattage?

Electricity in Germany, as in the rest of Europe, comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but the sockets themselves are different. Adapters and converters may be found at Target, Walmart and radio shack etc.

What is the average meal cost? How much money should students bring?

As long as the students are wise about their choices, meals can easily be 15 Euro or less. They don’t have to go to sit down restaurants to get decent food. But when they do want to sit down, they should check the menu outside to see if they have a “menu special”- you can get an entrée, dessert and a drink for a set price.

What is the weight limit for check-in baggage?

1 suitcase weighing 44lbs.

Check the Lufthansa website.

What the size limit and number of items is for carry on?

You may have 1 carry-on bag – it must be able to fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. We recommend a backpack.

What are the airline carryon container regulations?

No containers holding more that 3ozs of liquid or (100g for toothpaste) is allowed in the carryon luggage. They also must be in a plastic zip-lock bag.

What has the best exchange rate, using a debit card to pull money out or exchanging US currency?

By far the best way is to use your debit card. Most banks only charge around $2 per withdraw and they also take care of the exchange rate for you. You do need a 4 digit pin and also let your bank know that you are travelling abroad. DO NOT BRING TRAVELLERS' CHEQUES!

What is the approximate exchange rate right now?

It’s about $1.37 to 1 EUR.

What happens if someone gets injured while in tour? Medical care and cost wise? Do they need a medical consent form for treatment?

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. You find a link to our recommended partner on this blog.

If needed, is there laundry service?

It’s really expensive to do laundry overseas as it is dry-cleaning only. There are no irons in the hotel room.

Incantato proudly presents: The Falcon Choirs Concert Postcard

Incantato Tours takes great pride in professionally promoting the fine choirs that travel with us abroad and here is a first glimpse of the tour concert poster for the 2010 Falcon Choir Germany trip. We hope you like it too!

Falcon Choirs - Don't they look good?