Patti LaJoye, Co-Founder and Destination Planner
Patti LaJoye is a co-owner of Thornapple Travel LLC and is responsible for design and implementation. A retired music educator, Patti has over 40 years experience planning trips and understands the challenges of traveling with large groups. She will work tirelessly to ensure you have a safe, customized and rewarding experience while simplifying the process for you. This mother of six and teacher to thousands would want no less from a travel planner!
Karen Hoffman, Co-Founder and CFO
Karen Hoffman is a co-owner of Thornapple Travel LLC and is responsible for all things financial. Karen shares her skills as entrepreneur and CPA, and her experience as a band booster mom extraordinaire with all our traveling families. Her commitment to excellence leaves no stone unturned! Coupled with her love of adventure, Karen will ensure all the details of your trip are dealt with and your traveling experience will be rewarding.
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Joe LaJoye, New Orleans and Adult Group Specialist
With over 40 years experience as a professional musician, Joe LaJoye has experienced, as well as consulted on, many trips for instrumental ensembles from concert to jazz. He will work to assure that your experience will be perfect for your specific ensemble needs. As organizer of the largest non-competitive jazz festival in North America, Joe knows the importance of managing every detail.
With over 40 years experience as a professional musician, Joe LaJoye has experienced, as well as consulted on, many trips for instrumental ensembles from concert to jazz. He will work to assure that your experience will be perfect for your specific ensemble needs. As organizer of the largest non-competitive jazz festival in North America, Joe knows the importance of managing every detail.
Tour Directors
Joining Patti and Karen as tour directors are six amazing people with unique qualities; they are all retired educators and knowledgeable guides in the cities where they are taking you. Dan LOVES Disney and any adventure you can imagine. Joe LaJoye, a.k.a. Joe Jazz, wants to take on New Orleans every chance he gets and Mary Harrison can tell you many interesting stories about her native town of Chicago. Jerry, aka "Jerry on the Bari" recently retired as a school administrator and is a Veteran, travels all over the US and loves learning from the locals. Mark and Carolyn Greer have led groups all over the world! They can clinic your groups and meet with your families ahead of the trip, and they will accompany you from door to door.