AYWS Storms the Windy City: Chicago Tour 2026!
Following our successful international tour of Vienna, Prague, and Salzburg, the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony is thrilled to announce our next performance tour to one of America's most prestigious concert halls—Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, the home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra!
Dates: June 4-7, 2026
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Total Cost Per Student: $1,800
Itinerary & Highlights
(Please note: This is a preliminary list. A more detailed schedule will be added later.)
Performance at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center on Friday, June 5th at 8:00 pm.
Engage in numerous cultural events.
Present a chamber music recital.
Attend a concert of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Receive a behind-the-scenes tour of Threshold Acoustics.
Payment Schedule
For your convenience, payments for the Chicago tour can be made in three manageable installments. Please ensure payments are submitted by the following deadlines:
| Date | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Installment 1 | February 1, 2026 | $600 |
| Installment 2 | March 1, 2026 | $600 |
| CANCELLATION DEADLINE | March 15, 2026 | |
| Installment 3 | April 1, 2026 | $600 |
CANCELATION & REFUND POLICY: The deadline to cancel participation & receive a full refund is MARCH 15, 2026. To cancel, you must notify us in writing on or before this date at ayws@ayws.org. Cancellation requests received after March 15th are not eligible for refund.
Financial Aid & Fundraising
Create a Student Fundraising Account
Apply for Financial Aid
Limited financial aid is available from the AYWS Foundation.
RaiseRight Gift Card Fundraising
Earn dollars to offset the cost of your student's Chicago tour or for AYWS though the convenience of gift card fundraising. Use gift cards to pay for your everyday purchases. No selling. No extra time. Your earnings come directly from the brand, so no extra money from your pocket. Pay with your bank account or credit card (minimal convenience fee). RaiseRight now offers online shopping for certain brands as well.
Get Started Now!
Download the RaiseRight app from the App Store or sign up at https://www.raiseright.com/
Register with our AYWS code 4CTDDECHYQ92 and enter your student's name/instrument.
Browse the hundreds of brands available to find your favorites.
Purchase gift cards in advance or while you're in the checkout line.
Check your email and the app for BONUS offers from brands when you buy through RaiseRight.
Encourage your friends and family to join the fundraiser! You can provide them our code so they can download the app and start earning on your student's behalf. Make sure they enter the student's full name and instrument when they register in the app so we can associate earnings with your student. Alternatively, you can purchase a gift card for them and email it to them via the app (they pay you via Venmo, Zelle, etc.). The choice is yours.
RaiseRight Questions? Email aywsboard@ayws.org