Where Music Lives: A Journey to the Heart of American Sound

Step into the birthplace of jazz and experience one of America’s most vibrant cultural landscapes on this unforgettable Performance Tour to New Orleans. Designed for the Mission Viejo High School Choir, this immersive journey blends meaningful musical performance opportunities with the rich history, artistry, and spirit of the Crescent City.

From the lively rhythms of the French Quarter to the storied elegance of St. Louis Cathedral, students will explore a city where music is woven into everyday life. Along the way, they will engage with New Orleans’ unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and American influences—an ideal setting for both artistic growth and cultural discovery.

Meaningful Performance Experiences

At the heart of this tour is the opportunity to perform in iconic and culturally significant venues, sharing music in a city that celebrates artistic expression. Through both formal concerts and informal performance moments, students will connect with local audiences and experience firsthand the power of music as a universal language.

Iconic Experiences & Cultural Highlights

• Explore the historic French Quarter, with its vibrant streets, balconies, and live music

• Visit the National WWII Museum, one of the nation’s most impactful historical experiences

• Enjoy a live jazz performance, connecting directly with the city’s musical roots

• Cruise along the Mississippi River aboard a traditional paddlewheeler

• Discover local traditions through cuisine, architecture, and storytelling unique to New Orleans
  

***Please note, until the dates are selected, these prices and activities are estimated.  On your actual travel dates, activities might not be available or vendor/festival prices and inclusions may be different than estimated.

Right to Cancel - Client shall be entitled to cancel this Agreement only upon the terms set forth in this Section. Client expressly acknowledges and agrees that the tour group representative communicating directly with ST in connection with the tour may cancel the tour on behalf of Client if such representative determines that it is necessary or desirable, whether as the result of an Act of God or otherwise, that the tour be cancelled.  Cancellation Schedule is subject to the terms of this Section, and provided that Client has made all payments required under the Payment Schedule, Client may cancel this Agreement by providing written notice of the cancellation to ST. Upon providing such notice, subject to Section below, Client is entitled to return of any deposits less the applicable cancellation fee as set forth in the Cancellation Schedule set forth below. 

The following per person fees apply for cancellations:

• First $250 per person in NON-REFUNDABLE at any time prior to 120 days before departure;

• From 120 to 91 days before departure the cancellation fee is 20% of the tour price per person;

• From 90 to 61 days before departure the cancellation fee is 25% of the tour price per person;

• From 60 to 31 days before departure the cancellation fee is 50% of the tour price per person;

• From 30 days before departure until the departure date the cancellation fee is the full tour price per person. 

Payments made by credit card will incur a 3% surcharge issued by the credit card processor.

*LATE PAYMENTS: When a payment is late, and no prior arrangements have been made; a fee totaling 5% of that particular amount due will be assessed and added to the final balance due.

If a late payment is anticipated and unavoidable, Sechrist Travel must receive your request in writing.

PM assemble at Mission Viejo High School and transfer to local airport for overnight flight to Ne Orleans, LA (MSY)

Flight itinerary:  TBD

*LAX Airport Transfers provided by LA Coach (included)

Early morning arrival in New Orleans. Meet your Tour Manager who will be with you for the duration of your stay in New Orleans.

Breakfast provided upon arrival followed by a walk through the Historic French Quarter

• French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans

Today, visit the historic Preservation Hall

• Since its founding in 1961, Preservation Hall has been dedicated to preserving New Orleans musical traditions, committed to the preservation of New Orleans Jazz and to caring for elder musicians.

• Participate in ‘Kids in the Hall’ experience – a one-hour experience, centered around the history of New Orleans music, students engage and listen to a Preservation Hall band perform, and have the opportunity for a Q&A session with members of the Preservation Hall collective.

Lunch ON YOUR OWN

This afternoon, further explore the French Quarter, in small groups, before going to your hotel for check-in

Dinner provided at a local restaurant

Overnight at Hotel

Breakfast @ Hotel. This morning, enjoy a ride one the historic streetcars that runs on the St. Charles Line from the edge of the French Quarter to the Garden District. Upon arrival, visit and enjoy a choral clinic at one of the local Universities – Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, or similar

Lunch ON YOUR OWN

Enjoy another ride one the historic streetcars that runs back to the French Quarter 

This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Mardi Gras World Museum

• The colors, the lights, the music, the joie de vivre. It’s all here in one magical place where you can peek behind the curtain and see Mardi Gras in the making. You haven’t truly experienced Carnival until you’ve explored Mardi Gras World.

Later this afternoon, visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, and

• Possible performance opportunity today *Subject to availability

• The Saint Louis Cathedral is the oldest Cathedral in North America, founded as a Catholic Parish in 1720 along the Banks of the Mississippi River. 

Also enjoy some free time to shop on the Riverwalk and to enjoy Riverfront Park

Dinner ON YOUR OWN

Tonight, experience a New Orleans Ghost Tour

• New Orleans may be the most haunted city in America. The word “haunted” has negative interpretations. Words like fear, torment, and howling ghouls come to mind. But in New Orleans, haunted is just another word for celebration. Spirits from all over the afterlife convene in The Big Easy because here, they co-exist with the living, and they love it. Why do you think all of our tombs are above ground? Enjoy an after-dark haunted cemetery bus tour, making several stops through the city’s most spiritually active graveyards and historic neighborhoods. 

Overnight at Hotel

Breakfast @ Hotel. This morning enjoy a Louisiana Swamp Tour with lunch provided 

Following lunch, enjoy a Plantation Tour

• Step back in time to visit one of New Orleans most famous plantations: Oak Alley for its breath-taking tunnel of 28 live oak trees. Hear the fascinating stories behind this historic landmark. During the scenic drive out to the plantation, your certified tour guide will provide commentary on major landmarks and the changing Louisiana landscape, from downtown New Orleans, to the swamps and waterways, and through the vast crops and fields unique to this part of the country.

Tonight, experience the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez for a New Orleans Dinner Cruise, a must for your trip to New Orleans! 

• The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms.

Overnight at Hotel

Breakfast @ Hotel. This morning, check-out and store luggage.

This morning, enjoy a visit to the National WWII Museum

• Features 4D films, immersive exhibits, and a submarine exhibit, making it ideal for history students.

• Possible performance opportunity today

Visit and explore the French Market District, on your own in small groups

• Since 1791, the historic French Market has remained an enduring symbol of pride and progress for the people of New Orleans.

• We suggest you try one of the famous beignets for Café Du Monde

Lunch ON YOUR OWN

Additional free-time according to your departure schedule.

Late afternoon, board your coach and transfer to the airport for return trip home to Los Angeles. 

Flight itinerary:  TBD

WELCOME HOME!!