#Tourlife
“My first day on the tour I questioned myself over and over. “Why I had gotten myself into this?” By the end, I didn't want to leave. Because of this tour, I feel more confident and want to do it all over again.” - Kelly Finck (fall 2019 participant)
Pictured here: Students + Tour Manager
photo credit: Bobby Talamine
Tour Bus - Front Lounge
The classroom/hangout/dining room/kitchen/office/living room while on the road.
Daily Itinerary
The tour uses Master Tour for all call-times and events on the road. Students download the Master Tour app and synch up with the tour so they know where to be and when to be there. Don’t get oil-spotted!
New Orleans - French Quarter
Some days are busier than others. When possible, we explore the culture of the city we’re in.
Building a Network
Part of touring with a band has nothing to do with the music. It has to do with meeting people, seeing the differences in people across the country and around the world and discovering their changing attitudes.
Beignets
Need we say more? #CafeduMonde, New Orleans. #tourperks
Meet-ups
On cross-over days (when one group ends and another group begins), we host a meet-up. Departing participants share tips and tricks for tour and also reflect on their personal growth while the newbies ask questions and hopefully don’t run out of the building screaming in fear!
Mentorship
In addition to the tour manager, most legs will have a “live-in” industry mentor who travels with the tour. Here is Wendy Day, sharing insights from her 30+ year career in the industry working with Master P, Eminem, and more.
Wellness
Road life is relentless. Blocks for fitness, mental resets, and self-reflection are scheduled in the itinerary.
Eats!
The bus fridge is fully stocked with fresh fruit, yogurt, deli meats and meat-substitutes, bread, granola, milk, cereal, bagels, and other healthy options.
Catered meals are provided in some cities.
Notes and Reflections
“We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience” - John Dewey (American philosopher)
Participants capture information about each show and city in their field notebooks to use as points of discussion during the post-show debrief.
I'm the King of the World
Exploring the culture of each city builds confidence and creates bonds within each cohort.
Got Tired?
On average, participants get 6-8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep whenever and wherever you can on tour.