Provided by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir © By Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Used by permission.
Why We Partner with Indian Trails: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
This January 20th marked one year since the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed at its 7th inauguration of a United States president.
And although the request to perform came a bit later than it had in the past, Barry Anderson, the choir’s administrative manager/controller, knew exactly whom to call to transport the group to the swearing-in ceremony: Indian Trails.
Anderson—whose responsibilities include overseeing travel logistics for the world-famous, 360-member choir and its 200-member orchestra—had his fingers crossed that enough of our charter motorcoaches would be available for the occasion. The choir and orchestra needed about a dozen coaches, and they’re normally booked well in advance.
“I received a call back within a day from (Indian Trails President) Chad Cushman that they could do it. We were so grateful,” says Anderson.
For the occasion, the choir requested our “airport transfer” service, where we caravan the required number of buses to an airport location—this time in Washington, D.C.—pick up the charter group, take them to wherever they need to go, and back to the airport again.
The availability of our veteran driver Luis Garcia, who’s worked with the choir in the past, was an added benefit. “Luis really knows the D.C. area and was able to navigate us in and around the district, and then back to the airport despite the added traffic and crowds.”
About the Choir
The award-winning, all-volunteer Mormon Tabernacle Choir was founded in 1847. Its orchestra was formed in 2001. The group was nicknamed “America’s Choir” by the late President Ronald Reagan. They have appeared all across the United States and around the world, including at World Fairs and Expositions, and the 2002 Olympics. Its program “Music and the Spoken Word” is broadcast live each week on TV and radio, streamed over the internet, and available 24/7 via website and social media.
“The weekly program is non-denominational and is aimed at providing an inspiring message of hope and peace,” Anderson notes.
Because the choir and orchestra are made up of volunteer members, its national and international tours are planned every other year during the summer months, when it’s easiest for the performers to take vacation time from their jobs in order to travel. Fees charged for the group’s appearances are used solely to cover administrative expenses, transportation, accommodations and meals.
Its 2018 Classic Coast Tour this June and July will include performances in California, Washington and British Columbia.
Why Indian Trails
Anderson began his work with the choir 17 years ago. He learned about Indian Trails when he began researching charter bus companies large enough to accommodate the choir and orchestra.
“We flew to Michigan and met with Ken Henry (our now-retired vice president of operations) and Chad at the company headquarters. We struck up an agreement that we’ve built on over the years. Indian Trails is so accommodating, responsive and easy to work with. We so appreciate their expertise, suggestions, and willingness to bounce ideas back and forth.”
When traveling together, the group typically numbers 600 members. In addition to the 11 or 12 motorcoaches needed to transport them, they’re accompanied by four tractor-trailers that carry orchestra equipment, risers, and an organ that replicates the famous Tabernacle pipe organ. “It’s almost like ferrying everything you’d need for a Broadway show,” says Anderson.
Going on Tour
Besides airport transfers, Anderson charters Indian Trails coaches for extended tours in the Midwestern, Southern and Eastern parts of the United States and into Canada. “They get the job done and done right,” he says. “They are truly our partners. I can’t imagine getting the same level of service from anyone else.”
He first puts together a “skeleton itinerary” two years in advance of a tour, and then collaborates with the Indian Trails team to refine the details as the travel time grows closer—when and where to stop for performances, breaks, meals, overnight stays, and so on.
Anderson called on us for the choir’s 2015 Atlantic Coast Tour. “The buses met us in Maryland and we performed there, in New York at West Point, Carnegie Hall, and at a Yankees game, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and then Boston.”
Because of the long-term relationship, the choir’s members often see the same drivers at the wheel of our motorcoaches. “They do a wonderful job and are so well-trained,” says Anderson, adding that a number of our drivers have been made “honorary members” of the choir. “They’ve gotten to know us and how we like to do things. We want them to feel part of the group.”