Brass Week

January 19-25, 2025

Trip details

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

    • Participate in a weeklong intercultural experience alongside peers from Cuba’s schools for the performing arts

    • Receive 6 hours 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

    • 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 $2500 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

  • Expect two Zoom calls 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!

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.

Participant reactions

“The week clarified to me the why of becoming a musician.”

— Student Ambassador, May 2024

“Everyone I met was extremely talented, upbeat and welcoming. I'm grateful to have been part of such a positive musical environment.”

-Student Ambassador, October 2023

Two students giving "peace signs" with their hands as they pose with their instruments

Reserve your spot

A non-refundable, tax-deductible deposit of $500 per traveler is required by November 1 to reserve a spot. Please email info@cayomusic.org for additional details.

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