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Testimonials

Concordia University

"Judge a music tour company by its staff – Gateway is the BEST!"

Dr. Louis A. Menchaca, Dir. of Instrumental Music
Wisconsin

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Featured Destinations

MEXICO

An unexpected destination, Mexico has a wealth of music & arts culture to share, eager audiences and a great return on your travel dollars.

COSTA RICA

Directors are raving about this new music tour destination. Warm beaches & canopy jungles; receptive audiences & lively wildlife await your group in Costa Rica!

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Rome New Years Parade

On January 1 every year, tens of thousands gather in St. Peter's Square to celebrate and receive the Pope's New Years Day blessing.

As part of the Vatican's official holiday celebrations, the Rome New Years Parade passes historic Castel Sant' Angelo, proceeds down the grand Via della Conciliazione and culminates in St. Peter's Square. In keeping with the Italian tradition, enthusiastic spectators fall into step alongside the bands, showing their appreciation with whistles and waves. In St. Peter's Square, bands assemble in a reserved area for the Pope's blessing.

While European marching bands and auxiliary units comprise the core of the parade, the parade committee has partnered with Gateway Music Festivals and Tours to extend invitations to select American and Canadian bands. With over twenty years of experience organizing parades and music tours around the world, we are honored to represent this remarkable event.

In addition to Rome, bands are invited to participate in local holiday parades in Tuscany on December 29 or 30. All parades and performances are non-competitive.

Dear Gateway Music Festival & Tours,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for a truly outstanding trip to Italy for the 2006 Rome New Year's Parade. While the highlight was certainly marching to St. Peter's and receiving the Papal blessing, we have no less fond memories of our performances in Montecatini and Siena, which were met by warm, receptive audiences. These were indeed "experiences of a lifetime" for our students and directors. I highly encourage bands to travel to Italy to experience the warmth of the Italian people and bask in the culture that we experienced. We were absolutely delighted with every aspect of this remarkable trip and are excited to begin planning for our return trip in December, 2008.

Dr. Neal Schnoor, Director of Marching Band
University of Nebraska Kearney
2006 Rome New Year's Parade participants

Official Website: www.romenewyearsparade.com

Contact Gateway for a parade packet and application.
Terra Widdifield
Phone: 1-800-331-8579
Email: terra.widdifield@musicfestivals.com

Gateway Music Festivals & Tours
PO Box 1165
Monticello, MN 55362 USA
www.musicfestivals.com

Music Festivals, Parades, and Events
2009
Thu	Jan	1, 2009	Rome New Years Parade

2010
Fri	Jan	1, 2010	Rome New Years Parade

Need more information?

Contact Gateway now! (800) 331-8579 | gmf@musicfestivals.com

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