Band students and parents began the preliminary stages of planning a trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba next year, according to band teacher Steve Schmitz.

Schmitz said he presented students with various bus accessible travel options, but students resoundingly chose Winnipeg over Chicago and Branson, Missouri.

“(Winnipeg) is a large city with world-class culture that is close to nature in terms of proximity and attitudes,” Schmitz said.

Freshman band student Aaron Sledge said he favored Winnipeg over the other potential destinations.

“I don’t think there was a better option,” Sledge said. “The pictures looked nice and it looked like a fun time.”

According to Schmitz, traveling to Winnipeg presents band students with numerous educational, cultural and musical benefits.

“We will likely be doing an exchange concert with a Canadian high school band and getting a clinic from a doctorate in music education at a Winnipeg College,” Schmitz said. “Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Zoo with its world-famous polar bear habitat, natural thermal spas and (the) Canadian Museum of Human Rights will be a few sightseeing highlights.”

Sophomore Adi Dahan said the trip highlights the connection between Winnipeg and Minneapolis. 

“When I lived in Winnipeg I was a part of the band at my school and I remember planning trips to come to Minneapolis,” Dahan said. “There are some very talented young musicians in Winnipeg and I’m sure it will be a fantastic trip.”

Schmitz said the administration approved the trip, but he must present a final proposal to the school board in May.

According to Schmitz, the Winnipeg trip will take place March 23-27, 2017.