Brass and Percussion Week

January 19-24, 2025

Trip details

  • • For high school-aged musicians with a parent, or student musicians over 18

    • Rehearse and perform chamber music along with your Cuban peers

    • Participate in a weeklong intercultural experience with teaching artists from the Minnesota Orchestra

    • Receive 6 hours of service learning by volunteering in schools and/or packing/delivering humanitarian supplies

    • Learn outside your comfort zone and get to know the Cuban culture

    Looking for more info on the parent experience? Click here!

    Download sample itinerary

  • • Airfare (with logistical assistance from CAYO) and passport expenses (or opt for the group flight with CAYO for a $650 supplement)

    • Meals while en route to and from Cuba

    • Spending money for souvenirs or personal purchases including alcohol (adults)

    • Tips for local guides

    • Vaccinations and medications needed for travel

    • Any transportation, lodging, or meals outside of the group

    • Mini-bar expenses in individual rooms

    • Donation of supplies, musical equipment or humanitarian items (up to $250)

  • Student/parent pricing at $2095 each includes:

    • Cuban tourist visa, required for entry

    • Room/en-suite bathroom in private casa

    • Classes and workshops with US and Cuba teaching artists

    • Visits to schools for the performing arts

    • Cultural activities and excursions

    • Private lesson with teaching artist

    • Ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off

    • All meals

    • Opening reception and supply distribution party

    • 6 hours community service

    • Final evening reception

    • CAYO t-shirt

    Round-trip airfare on group booking with CAYO is available for a $650 supplemental fee; please indicate on registration form if you are interested in this option

  • Expect a Zoom call with CAYO leadership in advance of your trip, where you will receive a detailed itinerary and pre-travel information specific to Cuba.

  • CAYO works directly with owners of independent houses for rent (casas particulares) in the safe and quiet neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar. These comfortable, well-appointed homes offer daily breakfast, air-conditioned bedrooms, and a staff on site for any traveler needs.

    Need a visual? Take a look!

  • Donation list

Ready to reserve your spot?

  • Make your non-refundable, tax-deductible deposit of $500 per traveler by December 15. This deposit is transferable to future trips in case of cancelation.

  • Fill out the registration form.

  • Mark your calendar for Monday, December 23 at 7:00 CT for a Zoom Q&A with CAYO.

  • Check out our list of suggested donations and ask your friends, colleagues and neighbors to contribute to the musical and humanitarian needs of students in our partner schools.

Benefits beyond expectations

Travel to Havana, Cuba with a select group of your American peers alongside nationally-recognized CAYO teaching artists. Work side-by-side with Cuban students in a weeklong intercultural experience alongside peers at one of the island’s performing arts high schools, such as Escuela Nacional de Música and Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán.

  • Students under 18 travel with a parent.

  • Scholarship assistance available upon request.

  • Have additional questions? Please inquire at info@cayomusic.org

Participant reactions

“The week exposed me to how people in Cuba experience life much more differently than we do.”

— Jules, October 2024

“It was absolutely one of the most – if not the single most impactful weeks of my entire life.”

— Philip, May 2019

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