It only seems appropriate that Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School musicians should go to Music City USA for their upcoming music trip.

Nashville, Tenn. is the destination for the music department's trip that is scheduled for March of 2022. The announcement was made by vocal director Kristi Wingert during the holiday concert on Dec. 13 and the school board gave its official blessing on Dec. 21.

It will be the third consecutive time that high school instrumental and vocal students will head to Nashville for the trip that is scheduled every four years. H-M-S students also traveled to Nashville in 2014 and 2018.

The itinerary includes performances by the band at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the choir at the Grand Ole Opry plaza. The students will also have the opportunity to participate in a recording session at the historic RCA Studio B and a songwriting clinic at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Educational opportunities also include band and choir clinics at Vanderbilt University with Dr. Dwayne Sagen, former Director of Bands, and Dr. Tucker Bidicombe, Director of Choral Activities.

There will also be fun activities for participants, including a show at the Grand Ole Opry, a dinner cruise on the General Jackson Showboat, tours of the Ryman Auditorium (former home of the Grand Ole Opry) and Bell Meade Plantation, and dinner and country line dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon.

Wingert reviewed requirements for the trip. Each student must have participated in band and/or choir for a full year prior to the trip, all Music Boosters dues must be paid up, students must maintain a C average in band and/or choir at the end of each quarter and at the time of the trip, and all students must adhere to the district's good conduct policy at all times.

Cost for each student is $1,079. A schedule of payments begins with enrollment on May 7, 2021 and four additional payment deadlines ending on Jan. 7, 2022. Payments may also be arranged on a monthly basis. Each family has an account where profits from Music Booster fundraisers are recorded.

MIKE PETERSEN/SENTINEL-NEWS

H-M-S vocal director Kristi Wingert makes the big announcement during the music department's holiday concert in Hartley on Dec. 13.

Students must enroll in a refund guarantee program offered by Brightspark Travel. The program covers any emergencies or COVID-related issues that would prevent individual students or the group from making the trip. Wingert said Brightspark was the only tour company that has made full refunds due to COVID cancellations.

A trip meeting will be scheduled during the first week of April to begin the enrollment process. Information regarding the trip may be accessed through the H-M-S website.