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Testimonials

90% of our clients are repeat or referred customers, so we’ll let them explain the above-and-beyond quality of the Gateway Music Festivals & Tours experience. They’ve discovered how our entire staff goes the extra mile to accommodate the specific needs of your group and meet your touring goals. We are the best music tour operator and you’ll see it in everything we do.


International Music Tours

“Thank you for a wonderful tour. It was fantastic on every front. I was especially pleased with what you folks at Gateway were able to put together. I felt it was the best tour with you we've ever had. The small little issues that came up were handled well and were never an issue in threatening the success of the tour. The students had a great time and learned a lot about Italy and themselves.”
Jim Lambrecht, Director of Bands
Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois
Italy, 2011

"Anyone who has traveled with a musical organization is greatly aware of the awesome responsibility he/she faces and the complexity and importance of the non-musical arrangements (ground and flight transportation, scheduling concerts, rehearsal spaces and times, meals, lodging, etc.) Such arrangements must be planned so that the performers and conductors are able to focus on their performances and are free from concerns regarding the myriad of logistical complexities for a trans-oceanic tour. The outstanding assistance we received from the staff at Gateway from the outset of our tour through the return flight home could not have been executed more perfectly. Gateway is and will continue to be my choice of travel companies."
C.M. Shearer, Interim Director
University of Mount Union Choir, Alliance, Ohio
Italy, 2011

"Working with Gateway on our study tours for alums and parents is a dream. These tours coincide with our student music tours and offer alums and parents enriching programs as well as the opportunity to interact with the student musicians. Our participants appreciate both the educational focus and the chance to significantly connect with the students."
Heidi Quiram, Assoc Director of Alumni & Parent Relations
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota
Norway, 2005

"I was really pleased with our familiarization trip to Japan for the 2010 Band tour. I have the utmost confidence in Gateway's leadership for this tour."
Bob Johnson, Manager of Music Organizations
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota

"Gateway made our tour exceptionally easy. An incredible amount of advanced preparation in addition to outstanding professionalism made our entire experience enjoyable and memorable for all of the right reasons! What a joy to be in the presence of such outstanding people who are so good at what they do. Thank you Gateway!"
Dr. Scott Jones, Conductor
Concordia College Band, Moorhead, Minnesota
Norway, 2007

“Thank you for helping to make the Concert Choir Tour a reality. My job could have been overwhelming, but your staff made my multi-tasking easier and enjoyable. I never felt like a number or an insignificant client. I was really able to concentrate on the musical performances and enjoy the moments with my singers!”
Gary K. Walth, Director of Choral Music Studies
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Ireland 2009, Greece 2012

"Everyone in our group had a great time. Gateway is to be commended for all you did for us, we look forward to doing business with you again."
David Jensen, Director
Heritage Singers, Minot, North Dakota
Austria & Germany 2005, Ireland & Scotland 2009

"We all had a great time, thank you so much or your help before and during the trip. Our tour manager was really great. I'd like to write up a more formal letter of recommendation/enthusiasm for her when I return to school and get settled! Thanks again to Gateway, and all of the helpful people who made our trip a success."
Tina Groom, Choral Director
Seven Hills Upper School, Cincinnati, OH
England & France 2005; Italy 2009,

“From start to finish, our Gateway contacts were absolutely wonderful to work with. All our travelers had an exceptional experience because of Gateway’s efforts during the entire process. I will highly recommend Gateway in the future, thank you!”
Anne Graffice, Alumni Director
University of Mount Union, Alliance, Ohio
Italy, 2011

"This highly customized tour for the Holland American Legion Band was a great success and exceeded my expectations! Our concerts in the Netherlands were extremely meaningful and rewarding for all involved. Gateway provided all the performance experiences we wished to include and great sight-seeing opportunities as well. The 65th D-Day Anniversary tour was such a wonderful experience that we will consider doing another major trip in the next few years."
Thom Working, Director
Holland American Legion Band, Holland, Michigan
D-Day 65th Anniversary, Normandy, France, 2009

"I have taken many trips with many tour companies, our tour manager was the best we have ever had - personable and interested in getting to know us. Our performance venues were great. I enjoyed both our European tours with Gateway, you helped make this very special for us. Thank you!"
Amy Blosser, Choral Director
Bexley High School, Columbus, Ohio
Austria, Hungary and Poland, 2009

"I feel extremely comfortable traveling with Gateway and know that we will be well cared for."
Dan Fretland, Director of Bands
Jefferson High School, Bloomington, Minnesota
Costa Rica 2007, San Diego Holiday Bowl 2008, Italy 2009

I am so thankful for the attention to detail Gateway expresses. I am more than impressed and when dealing with "other travel companies" I am reminded how much I appreciate Gateway!
Erich Knapp, Choral Director
Park Rapids Classic Chorale, Italy

"Outstanding trip! Everything went smoothly thanks to Gateway."
Tom Hassig, Choral Director
Prior Lake High School, Minnesota
Spain 2003, New York 2005, Italy 2007, Greece 2009

"We had a great trip, thank for a great job!"
Joe Hooten, Director of Bands
Tate High School, Cantonment, FL
Ireland, 2008

"Our first international tour, well done - a perfect first tour! I will definitely work with Gateway Music Tours again."
Dr. Mark Plummer, Choral Director
Marian College, Fond Du Lac, WI
Austria, 2006

"I was very impressed with Gateway Music Tours and the choir's recent performance tour. The tour ran very smoothly, thanks to the great prep work and organizational detail provided by Gateway. We had many wonderful performance venues with enthusiastic audiences. I look forward to the next opportunity to work with your company again. Thanks for a job well-done!"
Rene Clausen, Conductor
Concordia College Choir, Moorhead, Minnesota
Ireland, Wales and England, 2006

"I am overwhelmed by the level of service Gateway Music Tours provides. No detail is left out, every question answered. I was immediately impressed and at ease from the very first stages."
Ruth, Tour Coodinator
Langley Youth Orchestra, McLean, VA
Austria, 2006

"The goal for any performance tour is for all to have significant and memorable cultural activities. Gateway Music Tours has once again provided us with many memories that will remain for a lifetime. Thanks again!"
Doug Engstrom, Director of Bands
Moorhead High School, Moodhead, MN
Ireland, 2007

"Gateway Music Tours has a 'tradition of excellence' in group travel and client care. They set the standard that all other companies can only hope to achieve!"
Doug Engstrom, Director of Bands
Moorhead High School, Moorhead, Minnesota
Austria (2003), Hawaii, 2005

"As highly as Gateway Music Tours came recommended by my colleagues, you have exceeded all of these lofty expectations. The performance tour was completely organized down to the last minute details. Gateway made the trip exactly what I had hoped and I am already discussing plans for our 2010 tour. Thank you!"
Dr. Joel Pugh, Director of Bands
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minnesota
Austria and the Czech Republic, 2006

Our performance tour to Austria was BY FAR the best travel experience I've ever had with a company. Gateway Music Tours was GREAT the entire way through. The performing venues and audiences were fabulous and I know that I can speak for everyone of us when I say we really enjoyed the tour.
Tom McCauley, Director of Instrumental Music
University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis
Austria, 2005

"We were absolutely delighted with every aspect of this remarkable performance tour and are excited to begin planning for our return trip to the Rome New Years Parade in December, 2008."
Dr. Neal Schnoor, Director of Marching Band
University of Nebraska Kearney, Kearney, NE
Rome New Years Parade, 2006

"Gateway impressed me in every way, doing a superb job with grace and enthusiasm. Their experience and positive attitude helped us all be at our best. This was the best of all my international music tours with the St. Olaf Orchestra, I look forward to working with Gateway again."
Steven Amundson, Conductor
St. Olaf Orchestra, Northfield, MN
Norway 2005, Spain 2008, China 2012

"What a super time and thanks for all your incredible efforts to make the Norway music tour run so smoothly!"
Dr. Anton Armstrong, Conductor
St. Olaf Choir, Northfield, MN
Norway, 2005

"What a pleasure it has been to have our ensemble touring consistently supported with great vision and professional flair. All involved appreciate the ownership Gateway Music Festivals and Tours demonstrated for the accomplishment of our goals. Bravo!"
Dr. Timothy Mahr, Conductor
St. Olaf Band, Northfield, MN
British Isles 2000, Mexico 2004, Norway 2005, Japan 2010

"Fabulous Music Tour! The Gateway staff are the best! Our collaboration with Gateway worked out very well. On behalf of the choir, our tour manager was excellent and fun to be with. Everything went according to 'Holye'... not one glitch! Congratulations to Gateway!"
Bob Johnson, Manager of Music Organizations
St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Norway, 2005

"The St. Olaf Band Tour to Mexico was amazing. With excellent hotels & meals that don’t break the budget, opportunities to visit intimate villages and performing at concert venues in Mexico City, this is a terrific musical destination. We had large, exuberant audiences for all of our concerts. The students connected on many levels with the people, culture and music.”
Richard Erickson, Associate Manager of Music Organizations
St. Olaf Orchestra, Northfield, MN
Mexico 2004, Spain 2008

"We have traveled with Gateway Music Tours overseas and domestically for nearly 10 years and have always been very satisfied. Once you travel with Gateway, you acquire good friends as well as great business partners. We highly recommend Gateway for all your travel needs."
Bill Connell, Band Director
Grissom High School, Alabama
North Sea Jazz Festival, Holland & France, 2003

"Gateway is a remarkable organization. Our performance venues were exciting and appropriate and host choirs were musically outstanding and friendly. Italy in 2004 was our third music tour with Gateway and I wouldn't dream of going with anyone else. Thanks again!"
Mr. Tracey Quarne, Choral Director
Glenn Chorale, California
Italy, 2004

"I want to thank you for a fantastic music tour to England & Ireland! Everything was as it needed to be and we all had a wonderful time. Every participant had wonderful things to say about how well organized it was! We owe our success and fond memories to you and your incredible work."
Kay Black, Orchestra Director
Eisenhower High School, Wisconsin
England & Ireland 2005, Seattle/Vancouver 2007, Costa Rica 2009

"Gateway Music Tours is one of the very best in the music tour industry. I feel Gateway is setting an industry standard that others will try to emulate."
Dr. Timothy Mahr, Conductor
St. Olaf Band, Northfield, MN
British Isles 2000, Mexico 2004, Norway 2005, Japan 2010

"Our tour coordinator did more for the Hill-Murray Band and Choir tour than I ever thought possible. I received many compliments about the detailed itineraries from my staff and administration. Everyone felt confident that our music tour would be fun, safe and educational."
Eric VanScoy, Director of Bands
Hill-Murray High School, Minnesota
Italy, 2003

"I've known for years now that Gateway Music Festivals is one of the very best in the industry, so it is always gratifying and never a surprise to hear a colleague talk about the success of one of his or her performance tours, only to find out a bit later in the conversation that they were also managed by Gateway."
Dr. Timothy Mahr, Conductor
St. Olaf Band, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
British Isles 2000, Mexico 2004, Norway 2005, Japan 2010

"I am going to try my best to earn what those young men fought and died for me to enjoy. I wouldn't have experienced these feelings without this performance trip. It will forever be in my memory."
Student,
Timpview Marching Band, Utah
D-Day Anniversary Salute, Normandy, France, 2004

"The trip far exceeded our hopes and expectations. It was a life-changing experience. We came away wanting to share it with others. This music tour was additional evidence to the power of music."
David Fullmer, Director
Timpview High School Marching Band, Utah
D-Day Anniversary Salute, Normandy, France, 2004

"A heartfelt THANK YOU for an exciting, well planned, and well-executed music tour of Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich. We had wonderful singing opportunities, tremendous touring excursions, conscientious organization from your staff, and excellent accommodations and meals. I can't believe how smoothly the tour went. On a scale of 10, everything gets a 10, except our guide; he gets a 12!"
Robert Russell, Director
Choral Art Society, Maine
Hungary, Austria and Germany, 2001

"Our music tour to England, Ireland & Scotland was our most memorable music tour ever. Performances were fun and well received, the sites were fantastic and the choir had the time of their life."
Bruce Phelps, Choral Director
Two Rivers Chorale, Minnesota
England, Ireland, Scotland, 2003

"Gateway is incredible - they really care, they're fun to be with and they respect musicians' needs. After our first performance tour with Gateway to Germany and Austria in 1998, we didn't hesitate in re-selecting Gateway for our England, Scotland, & Wales music tour in 2001. I wouldn't dream of going with anyone else!”
Mr. Tracey Quarne, Director
Glenn Chorale, California
Germany and Austria, 1998

"I will never take an international music tour without Gateway Music Festivals & Tours. With each phone call and question, we gained the confidence we needed to feel secure about the trip."
Dr. Louis A. Menchaca, Dir. of Instrumental Music
Concordia University, Wisconsin
England, 2002

Hawaii Music Tours

"I have traveled with a lot of companies, but Gateway's attention to detail, punctuality, helpful demeanor, and congeniality puts them in a class all on their own."
Gary Gribble, Director of Bands
Pope High School, Marietta, GA
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2002, 2006, 2011

Our music tour to Hawaii was truly one of the best trips we have ever taken. It was fun, educational and musical. The little details Gateway took care of made the difference between an average and superior tour. Thanks again for a wonderful time.
Mr. Jessie Morlan, Director of Bands
Thomson High School, Thomson, GA
Hawaii, 2006

"Gateway is not just a company, they're "human" - loving, caring and supportive people. Thank you so much!"
Neal Haugen, Choral Director
Willmar Senior High School, Willmar, Minnesota
Hawaii 2005 & 2011, Los Angeles 2007

"In my opinion, there is no other tour company in the business that combines both excellent service with care & compassion like Gateway.Working with Gateway made the tour and the planning a joy. Thank you Gateway!"
Lin Warren, Choral Director
Hastings High School, Hastings, Minnesota
Hawaii Cruise, 2007, 2009

"I have already recommended Gateway Music Tours to colleagues on numerous occasions. This was a fantastic experience for everyone involved because of the preparation, professionalism and exuberance of the Gateway staff!"
Dr. John Stanley Ross, Director of Bands
University of Minnesota Morris, Morris, Minnesota
Hawaii, Oahu and Kauai, 2005

Our Hawaii music tour with Gateway was outstanding! The entire tour planning process was quite enjoyable and extremely professional. Gateway is blessed with a truly great staff who know how to make directors feel comfortable. I will continue to use Gateway for our international tours and send referrals to Gateway.
Dr. Louis A. Menchaca, Dir. of Instrumental Music
Concordia University, Wisconsin
Hawaii, 2005

"Our music tour to Hawaii was our most memorable ever. Performances were fun and well received, the sites were fantastic and the choir had the time of their life."
Bruce Phelps, Choral Director, retired
Anoka High School, Minnesota
Hawaii, Gateway Honolulu Music Festivals, 2004

"It was everything a music performance tour should be, extremely well-organized and flexible. The performance venue at Kauai Community College was fantastic. No matter where I teach or where we tour, I’ll never worry again about what tour company to use – always Gateway Music Tours!"
Dr. John Stanley Ross, Director of Bands
University of Minnesota Morris, Morris, Minnesota
Hawaii, Oahu and Kauai, 2005

"This Hawaii trip was the best music trip we have taken with a school or church group. Gateway was with us every step of the way, made it as easy as possible. They were absolutely fantastic to work with."
Doug Snyder, Trip Coordinator
Salem High School Marching Band, Georgia
Hawaii, Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2003

"Planning this music tour was far better than when we've tried to work with other performance tour companies."
Karen Kelly, Trip Coordinator
Highlands Ranch High School, Colorado
Hawaii, Gateway Honolulu Music Festivals, 2003

"I have participated in music festivals for a long time and I've never experienced the attention to detail Gateway Music Tours provided . Every detail, from the organization of baggage at the airport to the wreath laying at Pearl Harbor, it all went smoothly. I recommend Gateway to my colleagues who travel."
Cheryl Cooley, Orchestra Director
Centreville High School, Virginia
Hawaii, Gateway Honolulu Music Festivals, 2004

Domestic Music Tours

"Marching in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade allowed our band to be on a national stage! Gateway was there every step of the way with excellent communications, professional rapport and positive feedback in all aspects of the tour process. Gateway has become part of our marching band family!"
Jon Loy, Director of Bands
Worthington High School, Worthington, Minnesota
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2008 & 2011

"This was our third trip with Gateway, their professionalism and expertise remain evident. I'm so impressed not only with Gateway's attention to detail, but also their flexibility. They understand everything inherent in working with traveling high school musicians. Foremost, they are more than a business, Gateway is comprised of outstanding people who truly care for our students' needs, welfare and satisfaction."
Greg MacGill, Director of Bands
Liberty HIgh School Grenadier Marching Band, Bethlehem, PA
Tournament of Roses Parade, 2009

"Thanks for all you did to arrange a first-class tour for us. We are a pretty discerning lot and the group really enjoyed themselves. I am grateful for all you did to make this a reality."
Bradley Ellingboe, Choral Director
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Washington DC, 2006

"As always our tour experience was exceptional. Every detail was well-thought out and any issues that arose during the tour were quickly resolved. Gateway continues to set the benchmark for student travel. Thanks for a great week, we look forward to another tour in two years."
Lin Warren, Choral Director
Hastings High School, Hastings, MN
Florida Keys, 2011

Thanks a million for your hospitality, it is very much appreciated and valued. You treat us very well, one of the many reasons we will never travel with any other company!
Greg Snyder, Director of Bands
Lakota West High School, West Chester, OH
Midwest Clinic, 2009

"As always, Gateway provided our students and staff with another outstanding experience. I can always count on the staff at Gateway to be professional and courteous. Thanks for being awesome!"
Eric Willoughby, Band Director
Woodland High School, Cartersville, GA
Orlando 2009, Washington, DC 2011

“In short, we loved it. This was our first successful trip to someplace that wasn't Disney World, and that's a big deal for our little town. In fact, the town next door is now thinking about planning their own music trip to New Orleans. They've asked for copies of our itinerary, and we'll pass that along, as well as a recommendation for Gateway.”
Jeremy Taylor, Band Director
Old Saybrook High School, Old Saybrook, CT
New Orleans, 2009

"Singing in St. John the Divine was THE highlight of our trip, truly amazing! Everyone thought the trip was fantastic, thank you!"
Martha Schmidt, Choral Director
Burnsville Senior High School, Minnesota
France 2007, New York City 2009, Hawaii 2011

"Gateway is not just a company, you're 'human' - loving, caring and supportive people."
Neal and Julene Haugen, Choral Director
Willmar Senior High School, Minnesota
Hawaii 2005 & 2011, Los Angeles 2007

"We have never had a smoother trip and since this is our third experience in San Antonio, my compliments are based in other great experiences, but this surpassed all! We are certainly loyal fans and would look forward to future endeavors with Gateway."
Rebecca Wyffels, Choral Director
Wayzata High School, Wayzata, MN
San Antonio, 2008

"We couldn't ask for more from a tour company, especially with regard to flexibility, understanding our group's needs and going above & beyond to make our music tour a success."
Greg MacGill, Director of Bands
Liberty High School, Bethlehem, PA
Orlando, 2006

"I was apprehensive about taking a performing group to Branson, but this was by far the best tour I have ever directed. There was never a dull moment in our itinerary and was very student friendly. Thank you for continuing to help music educators provide excellence for students."
Eric VanScoy, Band Director
Lake Junior High School, Woodbury, MN
Branson, 2006, 2007, 2008

"Gateway Music Tours displays the highest level of expertise. You truly customize each and every detail, thank you for a perfect trip!"
Cheryl West, Director
Indianapolis Youth Chorale, Indiana
Chicago, 2006

"Of the 20+ music tours I have been on, this was the easiest and most accomodating. Thank you!"
Nora Tycast, Band Director
Spring Lake Park High School, MN
San Diego, 2008

"It was an amazing experience for us all. Everything worked like clock work and everyone was pleased with the trip. We really appreciate all you do and value our relationship with Gateway!"
Greg Snyder, Director of Bands
Lakota West High School, OH
Tournament of Roses Parade, 2008

"Gateway Music Tours is the company to beat! Our performance tour was so smooth, organized and planned with a caring touch. We know that Gateway appreciates their clients because of the high quality trip they planned for us - they go above & beyond!"
Jennifer Weick, Choral Director
La Crosse Girlchoir, La Crosse, Minnesota
New York City, 2007

"Thank you so very much for a fun and successful music tour! I never imagined a trip could go that well. I am looking forward to working with you again next year."
Jen Chamberlin, Choral Director
North Point High School, Waldorf, MD
New York City, 2007

Gateway Music Tours excels in "no stress" for the band director. Planning our trip to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was overwhelming, it was so nice to focus on preparing the band while our music tour managers took care of all travel concerns. Thank you for an outstanding trip!
Dr. Tim Allshouse, Director of Bands
Blue Springs HS Golden Regiment Marching Band, Blue Springs, Missouri
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2005

"Our Chicago music tour was fantastic!! The school exchange concert was terrific, our clinician was phenomenal as was the church venue. Our tour manager was so accommodating and cordial, I cannot express how fabulous she was. She had excellent instincts about guiding our group and accommodating our needs. We will definitely consider Gateway Music Tours when we travel in 2007."
Vickie Angell, Choral Director
Sabetha High School, Kansas
Chicago, 2005

"The element that makes Gateway rise above the rest is the character of the staff. They always have a sweet, caring demeanor; the band and staff fell in love with them immediately.”
Dr. Tim Allshouse, Director of Bands
Blue Springs High School Marching Band, Missouri
Hollywood Christmas Parade, 2004

"Judge a music tour company by its staff – Gateway is the BEST!"
Dr. Louis A. Menchaca, Dir. of Instrumental Music
Concordia University, Wisconsin
Hawaii, 2005

"Gateway did a great job on our music tour. They treated our small group like they were the most important band on any performance tour. I love Gateway Music Tours!"
Keith Esala, Band Director
Lutheran High School , Minnesota
Chicago, 2005

"I have nothing but good things to say about our performance tour, the people we worked with and, of course, Gateway!"
Keith Esala, Band Director
Concordia Academy, Minnesota
San Antonio, 2004

"I have traveled with Gateway Music Tours domestically for nearly 10 years and have always been very satisfied. Once you travel with Gateway, you acquire good friends as well as great business partners. I highly recommend Gateway for all your travel needs."
Theo Vernon, Director of Bands
Grissom High School Marching Band, Alabama
Washington, DC, 2004

"I've been performance touring with my choral ensembles for over 10 years. My experiences with Gateway Music Tours have been extraordinary!"
Bruce Phelps, Assoc. Director of Music Organizations
Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota

"Gateway Music Tours is a creative company that helps students experience musical performance and group travel in new and exciting ways. Please give everyone at Gateway my thanks and appreciation."
Eric VanScoy, Director of Bands
Hill-Murray High School, Minnesota
Chicago, 2002

"I really can't begin to tell you how impressed I am with Gateway Music Tours. They were always available to answer any questions. I don't think more than 24 hours ever passed without a reply. I felt like they cared about our performance tour on a personal level, and that is not the level of customer service you receive from every company! I loved working with Gateway and will definitely contact them in the future."
Sarah Chelgren, Orchestra Director
Robbinsdale Cooper High School, Minnesota
New York City, 2004

"We thoroughly enjoyed our music tour to San Antonio. Our tour manager was very prepared. I appreciated not having to worry about those small details. We plan to travel with Gateway Music Festivals & Tours next year to Hawaii."
Leslie Harper, Choral Director
Pulaski Academy, Arkansas
San Antonio, Hawaii, 2004, 2005

"Gateway was a super music tour planner. Our trip ran smoothly because of your attention to detail and careful planning. Thank you for your hard work. Our students had an excellent trip that they will remember for the rest of their lives!"
Danielle Hodges, Band Director
Pulaski Academy, Arkansas
San Antonio, 2004

"I have worked with several performance tour companies, and I feel that the organization and personal attention that we receive from the Gateway staff puts them head and shoulders above all others."
Michael R. Gagliardo, Music Director & Conductor
Etowah Youth Orchestra, Alabama
Washington, DC, 2001

Costa Rica Music Tours

"Our Costa Rica tour was terrific. We have been looking for a tour company like Gateway for a very long time. Thank you!"
Diane Hallberg, Band Director
Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis, MN
Costa Rica, 2008

Rome New Year's Parade

“Words cannot express my appreciation and admiration for your staff who helped make our trip to Italy a ringing success in every way! The wonderful staff at Gateway are to be commended and congratulated for their professionalism and service.”
Paul Parets, Director of Bands
Alexis I. duPont High School, Wilmington, DE
Rome New Year's Parade, 2007 & 2011

“My favorite marching band memory, overall, has to be marching with the Lincoln-Way Central Marching Knights in the 2009 Rome New Year’s Day Parade. The crowd was incredible as they waited for the Pope’s blessing and the following parade. Marching band is primarily an American custom, so the Italians and Europeans that heard us got to experience our culture, and they were completely enamored with the whole concept. Our students had an awesome opportunity to be ambassadors to the world and give them our gift of music. We also had an impromptu performance with the University of Nebraska-Kearney band with St. Peter’s Basilica as our backdrop. Our students had a great time getting to play with a college band.”
Steve Nedzel, Band Director
Lincoln-Way Central High School, New Lenox, IL
Rome, Italy, 2008

"This tour was truly an experience that helped define the identity of our band and the camaraderie of our students. Gateway did such an amazing job and should be very proud."
Andrew Kruspe, Assoc. Band Director
Spain Park High School Band, Hoover, AL
Rome New Years Parade, 2008

"The Rome New Year's Parade was one of the highlights of my career. My students are still in awe of the experience. I have been traveling with bands for 20+ years and I can't say enough good things. I will be glad to travel with Gateway over and over. Thank you!!"
Mike Aycock, Director of Bands
Spain Park High School, Hoover, AL
Rome New Year's Parade, 2008

"Our trip to Italy was a huge success. There wasn't any aspect of this trip that was anything less than spectacular. I would rate this tour a perfect 10 and will definitely use Gateway on our next!"
Robert Owens, Director of Bands
East Coweta High School, Sharpburg, GA
Rome New Year's Parade, 2008

"I had never done anything with the band that was more exciting than the Rome New Years Parade. We were literally under the apartment window of the Pope. It was just an emotional roller coaster all the way."
Paul Parets, Director of Bands
Alexis I. duPont Tiger Marching Band, Wilmington, DE
Rome New Years Parade, 2007 & 2011

"These were indeed experiences of a lifetime for our students and directors. I highly encourage bands to travel to Italy for the Rome New Year's Parade to experience the warmth of the Italian people and bask in the culture that we experienced."
Dr. Neal Schnoor, Director of Marching Band
University of Nebraska Kearney, Kearney, NE
Rome New Years Parade, 2006

"What a great trip to the Rome New Years Parade! We were very impressed with EVERY aspect of Gateway's work from planning to finish! Our kids are still talking about it. We're ready to go again! Thank you!"
Dr. Neal Schnoor, Director of Bands
University of Nebraska Kearney, Kearney, NE
Rome New Years Parade, 2006

Waikiki Holiday Parade

“Thank you so much for our familiarization trip to Hawaii. We truly had a wonderful time. Being there again reminded me of how great this trip is going to be for our students. I know they are going to have a once in a lifetime experience. As always, I appreciated Gateway’s ‘red carpet’ treatment!”
Mike Back, Director of Bands
Walton High School, Marietta, GA
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2005 and 2011

"Our experience was truly amazing. Gateway Music Tours is absolutly wonderful to work with, every question or need was met with sincere kindness and enthusiasm. The Waikiki Holiday Parade is well organized, the crowd is very friendly and extremely respectful. Gateway is first class in every way, thank you!"
Alex Claussen, Director of Bands
Sapulpa High School, Sapulpa, OK
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2006

"Outstanding trip! Gateway Music Tours is the best company I have experienced in 20+ years of band tours. Very professional, extremely personable and always there to make things go smoothly. Thank you!"
Gary Gribble, Director of Bands
Pope High School, Marietta, GA
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2002, 2006, 2011

"Watching our students and Pearl Harbor survivor enter the memorial was a memory I will never forget, my students were equally moved. It was an extreme thrill to perform at the USS Battleship Missouri and in the Waikiki Holiday Parade - the most exciting parade in which I have been involved. Thank you for your hard work that made our band's trip to Hawaii such a success."
Eric Willoughby, Director of Bands (former)
Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2006

"Our band's tour of Hawaii was an absolutely unforgettable, positive experience. This was the trip of a lifetime! I've been with this band for nearly 30 years and we've been all over; without a doubt this stands out as one of the best band trips, if not THE best trip, I've experienced with our students."
Greg MacGill, Director of Bands
Liberty HS Grenadier Marching Band, Bethlehem, PA
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2006

"Everything exceeded my expectations! Thank you for the smoothest, most educational, most fun music tour we have ever taken! I have personally never enjoyed a tour more."
Jamie Baker, Director of Bands
La Quinta High School, California
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2006

"Gateway is among the best in the music tour business, taking extra care of all the little things that make a trip special. Hawaii is indeed a great place to perform and I can testify that Gateway Music Tours is the best. It was a trip of a lifetime!"
Dave Hanke, Director of Bands
Slinger High School, Wisconsin
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2006

Thanks for a great experience. We were very pleased with every aspect of the trip. Our Gateway tour manager was the best!!! Our operator did really exceptional work on the details. I am a "Gateway Fan" for life!
Jeffrey Rowser, Director of Bands
Salem High School, Conyers, GA
Waikiki Holiday Parade 2002, and 2006

"On behalf of the Glynn Academy Band, I want to extend our extreme gratitude to Gateway for making our performance tour a most memorable and unforgettable experience. You are a class act in every regard! I look forward to traveling with Gateway Music Tours again in the future."
Paul Guilbeau, Director of Bands
Glynn Academy, Brunswick, GA
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2005

The overall experience was fantastic. Our tour manager was the best! Gateway provided us with an experience that was both memorable and well organized. Thank you!
Randy Bjur, Director of Bands
Kennewick High School Marching Band, Kennewick, WA
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2005

"This was the best marching band trip ever! Moving 360 people from Cincinnati to Honolulu and back was amazing, every aspect of the trip went smoothly. The Gateway folks have this down to a science. Thank you for providing this great experience for my students!"
Greg Snyder, Director of Bands
Lakota West Marching Firebirds, Ohio
Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2005

"Having been in the business of student travel for over 20 years, I must say that Gateway Music Tours is the most professional and friendly company to work with. They are always willing and able to help with all of your needs. I have traveled with Gateway overseas and domestically and have always been very satisfied. I highly recommend Gateway for all your travel needs."
Theo Vernon, Director of Bands
Grissom High School Marching Band, Alabama
Hawaii, Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2004

"The element that makes Gateway rise above the rest is the character of the staff. Every person I talked to in the office made me feel like we were the only group they were working with. The impeccable organization of our tour managers in Hawaii was evident from day one. They got things done…period. It was a pleasure meeting eloquent, sincere, kind and loving employees that I feel have become good friends."
Dr. Tim Allshouse, Director of Bands
Blue Springs High School, Missouri
Hawaii, Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2002

"I would like to express my appreciation for the great trip to Hawaii. All 247 members of the band had a great time. The quality of food, hotel and sights were of the highest possible level. Gateway has developed a quality trip experience that every student and parent enjoyed. This being our first experience with Gateway, I am more than satisfied; I am a very happy customer."
Mr. Tom Stites, Band Director
Science Hill High School, Tennessee
Hawaii, Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2002

"Gateway did an outstanding job on our trip to Hawaii. From early planning stages to our final departure, our contacts at Gateway were courteous, professional and effective. It is easy to understand why you have the outstanding reputation you possess. We will recommend your company to our friends and colleagues here in Tennessee and across the nation."
Jo Ann Hood & David Aydelott, Band Directors
John Overton High School, Tennessee
Hawaii, Waikiki Holiday Parade, 2001

"Our tour managers were great - organized, classy and flexible. They were very personable, as is all the Gateway staff. Thanks for another great trip; we will travel again with Gateway!"
Mrs. Cathy Williams, Band Director
West Memphis High School, Arkansas
Washington DC, 2004