Sun, desert skies, and legendary venues await your student performers in the Southwest. From mariachi to marching bands, the Southwest celebrates music in all forms — offering incredible cultural exchange opportunities and epic road trips for music groups.
🎺 1. Phoenix, AZ – Big City, Bright Desert
• Why it’s great: Great venues, warm winters, and growing music programs.
• Performance opportunities: Desert Ridge, State Capitol, Arizona State University.
• Must-do: Clinic with ASU music faculty or perform at a spring training game.
🎷 2. Santa Fe, NM – Art, Culture, and Atmosphere
• Why it’s great: Artistic heritage, stunning acoustics, and cultural depth.
• Performance opportunities: Downtown plazas, chapels, local festivals.
• Must-do: Attend a Southwest music or mariachi clinic with local experts.
🥁 3. Las Vegas, NV – Vegas for Students? Yes.
• Why it’s great: Family-friendly shows, endless entertainment, surprisingly affordable.
• Performance opportunities: Clark County festivals, school exchanges, Henderson Pavilion.
• Must-do: Tour a Cirque du Soleil stage or sound studio.
🎻 4. San Antonio, TX – Riverwalk Rhythms
• Why it’s great: Blend of Mexican and Texan music traditions.
• Performance opportunities: Alamo Plaza, Riverwalk, Market Square.
• Must-do: Perform in the Battle of the Flowers Parade or Fiesta events.
🎤 5. Austin, TX – Live Music Capital of the World
• Why it’s great: Student-friendly, full of musicians, and non-stop performances.
• Performance opportunities: Zilker Park, university stages, SXSW Youth Showcase.
• Must-do: Attend a taping at Austin City Limits or visit a pro studio.
🎼 6. Albuquerque, NM – Mountain and Mesa Music
• Why it’s great: Scenic and rooted in Native and Hispanic traditions.
• Performance opportunities: Balloon Fiesta Park, civic centers, Sandia foothills.
• Must-do: Tie your trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
🎺 7. Tucson, AZ – Laid-Back and Lyrical
• Why it’s great: University town with gorgeous desert views.
• Performance opportunities: University of Arizona, city events, Mission San Xavier.
• Must-do: Workshop with U of A wind or mariachi faculty.
🎷 8. El Paso, TX – Borderland Music Culture
• Why it’s great: Cross-cultural musical richness and affordability.
• Performance opportunities: Plaza Theatre, border festivals, downtown concerts.
• Must-do: Collaborate with a binational youth ensemble.
🎻 9. Sedona, AZ – Nature as Your Backdrop
• Why it’s great: Majestic red rocks, perfect for choir and acoustic groups.
• Performance opportunities: Outdoor chapels, art galleries, vortex parks.
• Must-do: Perform at the Chapel of the Holy Cross or Red Rock State Park.
🎶 10. Flagstaff, AZ – Cool in Elevation and Energy
• Why it’s great: A mountain town with strong music ed support.
• Performance opportunities: NAU campus, town square, music festivals.
• Must-do: Add a Grand Canyon day trip with a canyon-edge performance.
Thinking about planning a cruise or destination trip for your music program? SchoolMusic.Travel can connect you with trusted travel planners who specialize in music group travel.
