I was thinking the same thing. $48,000/36 = $1,333 per member. A more realistic pop might be $75 per night (shared room in DC area) x 3 nights plus a $400 ticket plus $250 or so for local transportation and meals at $875 each tops. This with little or no negotiating for a group discount.
Quit the bean counting. It's private money
Ever try to put your Tuba in the overhead rack? Don't forget that thet travel with a lot of bulky stuff. You'll pay extra for your instruments.
And I wouldn't stay in any DC hotel that went for less than $175 per night.
You need to do a bit more competitive marching band stuff. There is the
- Staffs (6+)
- Color Guard/Flag unit (most reporters leave them out)
- Chaperones (6+)
- Equipment goes by truck. Working instruments do not go in airline baggage and survive. Most likely the band has a semi dedicated trailer with special protection for them. Add the cost of a semi with driver both ways with layovers.
Its much more expensive than many realize. Its also one of the best activities a a child can do in high school.