Need a ride to the 2019 Music for All Summer Symposium?
Eight years ago, Music for All started the Get on the Bus program and we organized a bus that departed from the Kansas City area. We have had students from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska ride the bus both to and from the Symposium since that time, as well as just one way going to or from the camp. We are once again organizing a bus originating and returning to the Kansas City area for the 2020 Summer Symposium.
What does it cost?
We split the cost of the bus amongst everyone riding...so the more people that ride, the cheaper it is for everyone. Last year, the cost ended up being just under $180 per person with a full bus, with the cost prorated for those traveling one-way. With the charter quote we received this year, we are anticipating that the cost will be about the same as last year with the same number of people. To put the cost in perspective, the lowest rate on airfare (booked early with the most limited options on changes and refunds) to Indianapolis and a shuttle to Ball State in Muncie runs about $375.
Where do we get on the bus?
The bus will depart from the southwest side of the Kansas City area in Olathe, KS. From there, we will take I-70 out of Kansas City to Indianapolis. We will arrange whatever stops we need to pick up people along the route from Olathe to Indianapolis. Even if you are not directly on the route, you could meet us at a stopping point along the route along I-70 to be picked up and dropped off.
When do we leave and when do we return?
The Kansas City Bus will be going up for the main Symposium camp week. We will meet at Olathe South High School in Olathe, KS and depart the morning of Sunday, June 21, which will put us in Muncie around dinner time. Exact times will be set when we know where riders are coming from. Riders will need to sign up for the extra night’s lodging on June 21 for an extra $80...which includes dinner on June 21 and both breakfast and lunch on June 22. We will depart Ball State after the final afternoon Symposium performances on Saturday, June 27, making whatever stops are needed along the route getting back to Olathe, KS around midnight.
What are the benefits to riding the bus?
Besides the convenience of a parent not needing to make the drive, there are other benefits to riding the bus. We ride on a chartered motorcoach that has semi-reclining seats, DVD entertainment system and a professional driver. The Bus Captain is Chad Coughlin, the Director of Bands at Olathe South High School, who has attended the Symposium almost every year for over 20 years and has served as the Bus Captain of the KC Bus since it started. By signing up for the bus, you also get an extension for the lower rates on the Symposium registration...the Super Saver rate through March 31 and the Early Bird rate through May 20. This is a chance to meet students from other schools as well.
What do I need to do if I am interested or want to sign up?
Contact Chad Coughlin at ccoughlinos@olatheschools.org to get more information, be placed on the e-mail list or to sign up. To reserve your seat on the bus, a $75 deposit (checks made out to Olathe South Band) needs to be sent to Chad Coughlin at Olathe South High School, 1640 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS, 66062. A PayPal invoice can also be sent to you by email if you prefer to pay by credit card. Once we have determined the final cost, the balance will be due before we leave for the Symposium. Other details will be sent to all the bus riders and parents once you are added to the email group.
You can sign up for the KC Bus at http://bit.ly/KCbusMFA.
Please contact Chad Coughlin at ccoughlinos@olatheschools.org or 913-209-4330 with questions or to get more information.
We split the cost of the bus amongst everyone riding...so the more people that ride, the cheaper it is for everyone. Last year, the cost ended up being just under $180 per person with a full bus, with the cost prorated for those traveling one-way. With the charter quote we received this year, we are anticipating that the cost will be about the same as last year with the same number of people. To put the cost in perspective, the lowest rate on airfare (booked early with the most limited options on changes and refunds) to Indianapolis and a shuttle to Ball State in Muncie runs about $375.
Where do we get on the bus?
The bus will depart from the southwest side of the Kansas City area in Olathe, KS. From there, we will take I-70 out of Kansas City to Indianapolis. We will arrange whatever stops we need to pick up people along the route from Olathe to Indianapolis. Even if you are not directly on the route, you could meet us at a stopping point along the route along I-70 to be picked up and dropped off.
When do we leave and when do we return?
The Kansas City Bus will be going up for the main Symposium camp week. We will meet at Olathe South High School in Olathe, KS and depart the morning of Sunday, June 21, which will put us in Muncie around dinner time. Exact times will be set when we know where riders are coming from. Riders will need to sign up for the extra night’s lodging on June 21 for an extra $80...which includes dinner on June 21 and both breakfast and lunch on June 22. We will depart Ball State after the final afternoon Symposium performances on Saturday, June 27, making whatever stops are needed along the route getting back to Olathe, KS around midnight.
What are the benefits to riding the bus?
Besides the convenience of a parent not needing to make the drive, there are other benefits to riding the bus. We ride on a chartered motorcoach that has semi-reclining seats, DVD entertainment system and a professional driver. The Bus Captain is Chad Coughlin, the Director of Bands at Olathe South High School, who has attended the Symposium almost every year for over 20 years and has served as the Bus Captain of the KC Bus since it started. By signing up for the bus, you also get an extension for the lower rates on the Symposium registration...the Super Saver rate through March 31 and the Early Bird rate through May 20. This is a chance to meet students from other schools as well.
What do I need to do if I am interested or want to sign up?
Contact Chad Coughlin at ccoughlinos@olatheschools.org to get more information, be placed on the e-mail list or to sign up. To reserve your seat on the bus, a $75 deposit (checks made out to Olathe South Band) needs to be sent to Chad Coughlin at Olathe South High School, 1640 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS, 66062. A PayPal invoice can also be sent to you by email if you prefer to pay by credit card. Once we have determined the final cost, the balance will be due before we leave for the Symposium. Other details will be sent to all the bus riders and parents once you are added to the email group.
You can sign up for the KC Bus at http://bit.ly/KCbusMFA.
Please contact Chad Coughlin at ccoughlinos@olatheschools.org or 913-209-4330 with questions or to get more information.