Families
Spring Trip 2026 (Archive)
Historical information for May 15-16, 2026. These are not current travel or payment instructions.
Archived information
This page preserves historical information from spring 2026. Its dates, costs, payment instructions, and calls to action do not apply to current activities.
Current Carnegie trip information · Current fundraisers · Band calendar
Friday-Saturday, May 15-16, 2026
The Ashley Bands spring trip includes a Friday evening festival performance and a Saturday at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Cost and Payment
Cost: $300 per person
Full payment due: May 1
The trip cost is not expected to change.
Payment may be made through the normal band payment process (MMO/PayPal). Families may also bring cash or check to the April 28 parent meeting.
If the cost is a direct barrier, contact Mr. Parker privately as early as possible. All conversations will be kept confidential.
What Is Included
The $300 cost includes:
- transportation
- hotel
- festival/performance participation
- Busch Gardens admission
- one Busch Gardens Platinum Dining Certificate
The dining certificate includes one entree, two sides, and one non-alcoholic beverage at any Busch Gardens Williamsburg restaurant. There is no assigned meal time or assigned restaurant.
What Students Need To Bring
Students should bring food or money for dinner on the road Friday and Saturday. Depending on the student, they may wish to eat a second time in the park. Park meals will be more expensive.
Beyond that, students should only need spending money for souvenirs or optional purchases.
Busch Gardens does not accept Apple Pay or Google Pay. The most reliable method for student spending money in the park is to bring cash and convert it to a prepaid debit card using a kiosk in the park.
Basic Itinerary
Friday, May 15
- Depart Ashley around 3:00 PM
- Dinner on the road to VA
- Arrive at Denbigh High School around 9:20 PM
- Warm up at 9:50 PM
- Perform at 10:15 PM
- Travel to hotel after the performance
Saturday, May 16
- Busch Gardens at park opening
- Awards ceremony at 3:30 PM at the Globe Theater
- Dinner on the road home
- Return to Ashley around 11:00 PM
Final times will be confirmed in the final trip communication.
Festival Performance
Location: Denbigh High School
259 Denbigh Blvd
Newport News, VA 23608
Performance: 10:15 PM, Denbigh HS Auditorium
Hotel Rooms
Students choose their room groups.
Room groups may have up to 4 students. All students in the group must be present together when the room assignment is recorded.
Groups of 3 may have a 4th student added for cost and logistics reasons.
Rooms of 5 are not allowed.
Park Groups
Students must stay in groups of 3 or more at all times in the park.
Students may not be alone or in pairs.
Students will check in with their assigned chaperone:
- when entering the park
- once during the day
- when leaving the park
Behavior Expectations
Students will have some independence, with clear expectations.
If a student does not follow expectations, they may lose independence and be required to stay with a chaperone.
If the issue is more serious, the student may be required to remain directly with Mr. Parker for the remainder of the trip.
For severe issues, parents will be contacted and the family and director will determine next steps together.
Private Concerns
If your family has a private concern, email Mr. Parker directly as early as possible.
Private concerns are much easier to address before the final trip week.