1. Heritage Festivals
New Orleans

2. Location
New Orleans is a major United States port city and the largest city in the state of Louisiana.
The city is named after Philippe II, Duc d’Orleans, Regent of France, and is one of the oldest
cities in the United States. It is well known for its multi-cultural heritage, its cuisine,
architecture, music (particularly as the birthplace of jazz) and its annual Mardi Gras
celebration. The city is often referred to as the “most unique” city in America.

3. New Orleans Sightseeing
French Quarter: The oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans.
Jackson Square: An open park the size of a city block at the center of the French Quarter. On the opposite side of the square from the river are three 18th century historic buildings, which were the city’s heart in the colonial era: St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo (the old city hall), and The Presbytere, built to match the Cabildo.
Preservation Hall: A noted jazz performance hall located on Peter Street in the French Quarter. It hosts nightly concerts featuring a rotating roster of bands.
Audubon Zoo: A zoo in New Orleans that covers 58 acres and is home to 2000 animals.
Mardi Gras World: A tour that allows a peek into the nuts and bolts of the Carnival parade, with craftspeople constructing and painting the characters that have defined generations of Mardi Gras floats.

4. Entertainment
Music: New Orleans has always been a significant center for music, showcasing its intertwined
European, Latin American, and African cultures. New Orleans also gave birth to an indigenous music:
jazz. In New Orleans you are sure to be entertained on streets, in restaurants, and more
with this city’s love and appreciation of music.
Food: New Orleans is world-famous for its food. Unique specialties include square-shaped fried
pastries that could be called “French doughnuts” known as beignets (locally pronounced “ben-
yays”), Po’boy sandwiches, jumbalaya, and gumbo, and of course, red beans and rice.

5. Natchez River Cruise Awards Ceremony
Natchez has been the name of several steamboats, each named after the city of Natchez,
Mississippi. The current Natchez has been in operation since Heritage Festival groups
are able to take a Saturday evening dinner cruise as part of the Awards Ceremony. In addition
to the dinner, a dance will take place on the cruise as well.

6. Your Personal Team
A knowledgeable and friendly Festival Selection Advisor is your first point of contact, helping you select the ideal performance opportunity and location for your group.
A helpful Destination Specialist focuses on the logistical details of your festival – from making hotel reservations to arranging additional activities – so you are free to concentrate on your group’s performance.
Once your festival day arrives, a courteous Host Festival Director welcomes you to the event. This person is also available in the months preceding the festival to answer any questions you may have regarding your festival, equipment needs, or performance schedule.
Lynall Pitts
Festival Selection Advisor
Kerri Ewing
Destination Specialist
Kyle Naylor
Host Festival Director
*For the specific individuals who will work with you, please contact WorldStrides Heritage Performance.

7. Venues Choral Instrumental Temple Sinai Destrehan High School
1 Wildcat Lane
Destrehan, LA 70047
(985)
Choral
Temple Sinai
6227 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504)
*Venues are subject to change.

8. Inclusions Performance in a national music festival
Positive, constructive adjudication with taped and written comments
On-stage mini clinic
Awards dinner and presentation
Quality hotel accommodations
Gift and group photo for the director
Commemorative gift for each student
Professional performance recording
Liability, health, and accident insurance for all travelers
One free participant for every 25 packages purchased
Free professional development for directors
Opportunity for directors to earn graduate credit
Free high school academic credit for students
*Inclusions may vary by festival and are subject to change.