Band and choir representative asks Lac qui Parle Valley board to approve March 2027 Nashville tour

A music program representative told the Lac qui Parle Valley Schools board on April 26 that the high school band and choir are proposing a March 2027 trip to Nashville that would combine performances, a master class and cultural visits including the Grand Ole Opry.

"I'm here on behalf of the band and choir, for a possible tour in March 2027, and we're gonna go into Nashville," the presenter said, listing planned activities and saying the itinerary is designed so students would miss only two school days.

Board members pressed for participation and academic eligibility details. The presenter said the board can set academic eligibility parameters and that the trip’s cost is capped at $1,000 per student. "There's no financial contribution from the school district," the presenter said, adding that most funding would come from families and fundraising efforts.

The presenter described outreach and fundraising plans — including free community concerts and additional paid events — to offset costs and said the group hopes to fill one or two buses depending on sign-ups.

Why it matters: The trip would allow students to perform and receive instruction in a major music hub while the district weighs how to balance instructional time and equity when most direct costs fall to families.

The board did not vote on the request at the meeting. Members discussed setting eligibility criteria and returning with more details about fundraising plans and participation projections at a future meeting.