7 Top Tips for Music Trips from Tonbridge School’s Head of Academic Music

1. Start with your goals, not your destination

Before choosing where to go, think about what you want pupils to gain. For Julian, the key benefits are musical development, friendship, and raising the profile of music within the school. 

“Having a concentrated period of time where you can do one activity together and really focus on it is, for me, one of the key things that I’d like to get out of a trip.” – Julian Thomas 

Julian’s tip: Decide whether your priorities are performance opportunities, musical development, shared experiences or a combination of all three. Let these guide your itinerary. 

2. Don’t let the planning process put you off

Even with decades of experience, Julian admits that launching a trip can feel daunting. Will enough pupils sign up? Will the numbers work financially? Will the group have the right combination of singers or instrumentalists?

His advice is to take the leap and start the conversation early. If pupils are hesitant, it’s worth finding out why, particularly if cost might be a concern.

Julian’s tip: Gauge interest early, give yourself time to plan and explore potential barriers before they become obstacles.

3. Find a tour partner who understands music

Music trips have specific requirements, from securing suitable performance venues to organising transport, accommodation, and rehearsals. An experienced tour operator can help manage these details and adapt plans to suit your ensemble. 

For Julian, finding a partner who understands your objectives is essential. 

“A good tour company listens to what you, the leader, wants out of your trip.” 

Julian’s tip: Choose a partner who understands your musical priorities and can help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process. 

4. Ensure your budget works

School music trips can be expensive, but careful planning can help you get more from your budget. Julian recommends prioritising what matters most to your group, whether that’s high-quality performance venues or opportunities to perform regularly.

On the choir’s recent Belgium tour, staff bought ingredients from a local supermarket to prepare packed lunches for nearly 50 people, rather than purchasing individual lunches. Julian estimates this saved £300–£400.

It’s a simple example of how small decisions can make a real difference.

Julian’s tip: Review costs across transport, accommodation, meals and activities. Focus spending on your objectives and explore bursaries or other financial support where available.

5. Choose a destination that delivers musically

A memorable trip doesn’t have to involve travelling halfway around the world. Based in Kent, Julian’s choir can reach Belgium by coach and ferry, enjoying beautiful performance venues without the additional expense and complexity of long-haul travel.

His approach is simple: prioritise the quality of the experience over the distance travelled.

Julian’s tip: Compare destinations based on performance opportunities, travel time, logistics and cost. Choose somewhere that supports your musical ambitions and works for your group.

6. Make trips accessible to more pupils

Cost can be a barrier for families, and Julian believes it’s important to discuss concerns sensitively and explore possible solutions.

He also organises tours every two or three years rather than annually, helping each trip feel special and giving families more time to plan.

Julian’s tip: Communicate costs early, investigate available financial support and consider a touring schedule that works for your school community.

7. Put friendship at the heart of the experience

For Julian, some of the greatest benefits of a music trip happen away from the stage. 

His choir brings together boys from different schools and age groups. Although this can initially create a sense of separation, making music together helps break down those barriers. 

As Julian puts it: 

“Music goes completely across those boundaries.” 

One of his favourite memories from the Belgium tour was seeing four boys of different ages sitting together playing cards on the ferry home. They were simply enjoying each other’s company, united by their shared experience. 

Julian’s tip: Leave room for informal time together. Shared meals, journeys and downtime can create friendships and memories that last long after the final performance.