Meet the Team
Jesse Backes
Assistant Director of Sales
Jesse Backes is an Indianapolis resident, living happily with his fiancé Alison and his two wild Boston Terriers Charlie and Goomba. Backes comes to MTC after almost 20 years in music and education as a performer, teacher, designer, clinician and judge. He holds a degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
Growing up near Chicago, Backes began with his high school program and quickly moved into the independent competitive arena. He performed with Green Thunder Percussion (2007-09), the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps (2010), Gateway Indoor (2011), and The Cavaliers (2011-13). This time included a DCI high percussion award and performances at the Midwest Clinic, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and abroad in the Czech Republic and Germany.
As Jesse wrapped up his performance career, he moved on to teach with Green Thunder and then Cavaliers Indoor Percussion (2012-18), Phantom Regiment (2014-16), Marian Catholic HS (IL) (2013-18). He was also a freelance percussion teacher, working as a percussion director with multiple programs, providing clinics to nearly a dozen others and maintaining a private lesson studio of around 50 students.
Most recently, he was the percussion director at Fishers HS (IN). During his tenure the group earned two WGI Percussion Concert World Class gold medals while the marching band achieved its first BOA Grand National Finals appearance in 2022. Jesse’s first year with Fishers included the joy of traveling with Fishers and MTC to Disney World and the Macy’s Parade in 2023.
After his time with Phantom Regiment, Jesse returned home to join The Cavaliers percussion education team in 2017. He was a presenter with The Cavaliers at the 2020 PASIC. Outside of drum corps, he has designed for nearly a dozen high school and collegiate marching band and indoor percussion programs and judges in multiple marching band circuits.
Through his career as a teacher, many of Jesse’s most endearing memories are of traveling because of music. Forty-seven states and three countries later, Jesse is excited to be a part of the MTC team helping many more travelers create these same joyous lifetime memories. In his free time, Jesse enjoys his time with Alison and the boys, playing disc golf, exploring wineries, experiencing live music and chasing the dogs around yards.
Are you looking for Travel for your students?
At Educational Destinations, each student trip is custom-designed to meet your group's wishes. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on your students learning while traveling on your dream trip. Leave the travel planning, logistics and on-site trip management to us! ED is led by accomplished educators that anticipate needs to deliver memorable experiences. We are with you every step of the way!
Reach out to one of our ED Travel Designers
Let's plan your educational and memorable trip for your students.
The Trip Account app is offered to our groups as they travel.
Included in your trip, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.
Powerful Director Tools
Interactive Checklists, Pop Up Communications, Emergency Notifications.
Tools for all travelers
Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery and much more.
Everything you need for your next trip.
The Trip Account app is available for iPhone and Android.
See our difference
It’s no surprise that Educational Destinations sets and exceeds student travel standards. We aim to provide the best service, communication, experience and safety for all of our groups. When researching for your travel provider, please download this PDF checklist HERE to ensure that your group is taking advantage of all of the essential building blocks of a successful, safe, and FUN trip! If you have questions or are ready to get started on your next trip, please call 800.616.1112 or request your customized quote.
Custom Designed Trips
ED will create a custom designed trip for your group that is shaped by your priorities, goals and wishes, and powered by your passions. ED is committed to listening and working one-on-one with you to build the perfect trip for your students. There are no stock trips here - just your trip.
Group Travel Specialists
Led by award-winning teachers, ED exceeds the needs and expectations of students, teaching staff, parents and administrators. ED anticipates group needs and delivers group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs. Our experience and expertise enable us to bring the best quality trips, events, experiences and opportunities to your group.
All-Inclusive Price
ED’s custom trips are cost-effective and inclusive, without hidden costs – a great value for your travelers. Charter coaches, flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing, events, taxes and gratuities are covered for each traveler. A 24/7 Emergency Contact System is included for each traveling group.
Cutting Edge Technology
Through ED's parent company, ED is the only student travel company providing its own free, secure, proprietary Trip Account App to all travelers: students, staff, parents, chaperones and administrators. Features include real time itinerary, messaging for updates, reminders and check-ins, opt-in geo-fencing and payment system.
Personal Tour Director
A signature feature of every trip is the ED Tour Director, always right by the teacher’s side, managing all travel aspects of your trip: transportation, events, meals, lodging, tickets and more. Our TD’s training and management skills let the teacher focus on the students and education.
Safety is Priority #1
ED is pro-active on safety, sending the Tour Director World Aware® alerts, sharing best practices in travel safety, emergency procedures and travel hints with chaperones and staff, ensuring traveler accountability, monitoring vendor service/performance and tellng travelers of changes or emergencies with the Trip Account App.
Trusted Leader in Travel
ED is an active member of these respected travel suppliers and organizations: Walt Disney World & Disneyland, Universal Orlando, American Bus Association, National Tour Association, Student Youth Travel Association and more. View all ED’s partners and awards here.
Doing the right thing
ED is deeply committed to high quality educational group travel. We love what we do, and we work hard to do it better than everyone. Creating memorable performance trips that leave positive, life-changing impressions on your students and community is a privilege that we don’t take lightly. Please talk to us about your next trip.
Blog Posts
An Engaging NYC Theatre Adventure with Avon HS
Students from Avon HS (IN) had an engaging theatre adventure in NYC this month... learn more
Experience FIRST Robotics Championship with ED
Robotics teams from all over the world gather each year to compete at the FIRST Robotics Championship in Houston, TX. Students qualify depending... learn more
Ireland: A Dream Educational Student Travel Destination
Ireland offers student groups a destination where history, culture and breathtaking landscapes come together... learn more
Welcome to the Ultimate Hands-On Learning Adventure
When planning a school trip, educators and trip organizers seek destinations that blend education with excitement. If you’re looking for an interactive, engaging and unforgettable experience... learn more
Top Five Destinations Visited in 2025
Every year, students across the country step beyond their classrooms to explore, learn and grow through travel. While every educator’s goals are different, one thing is clear... learn more
Embark on an Epic Adventure at Universal’s Newest Theme Park
Universal Epic Universe combines five thrilling fantasy worlds into one must-visit destination... learn more
Introducing Gift Link
This no-fee personal fundraising option transfers 100% of collected financial gifts directly into your trip account, providing you with the gift of travel... learn more
Check out our featured STEM destinations.
Encourage your STEM students as they participate in discovery labs, live shows, exhibits and hands-on educational experiences. learn more
Meet the ED Travel Designers
Our team is focused on creating custom trips that provide relevant, memorable and rewarding student travel experiences. learn more
Discover our featured history destinations.
Your students are ready to learn about the American Revolution and how Boston led the nation in fighting... learn more
Explore our our featured art destinations.
How about discovering a feast for the eyes with around 35,000 pieces of artwork at the Louvre... learn more
Check out our featured language immersion destinations.
Your Language Immersion students are ready to embrace the culture of France and participate in... learn more
Discover our featured adventure destinations.
Imagine your students as they kayak along the stunningly scenic coastal route along the Costa Verde in Brazil... learn more
Explore our featured theatre destinations.
Are your theatre students ready to participate in an actual Broadway Musical Theatre Workshop... learn more
Travel with Special Considerations or Dietary Restrictions
When a group is focused on its education, it is easy to overlook issues with accessibility. learn more
Top European Destinations
With the world full of fascinating educational destinations, just choosing the perfect spot for your students can present quite a challenge. Here are some of our cleints' must popular top European destinations. learn more
Getting parents involved in your educational trip.
Having parents involved in the program it a vital piece of the puzzle to be successful. learn more
Getting Groups Through Airport Security
Here’s how to get your students through security, smoothly and efficiently. learn more
Motor Coach Travel Advice for Students
Make the most of your ride with these insider tips. learn more
Choosing the right educational student group travel company.
When a student gets to experience to new locations, new cultures and new people with education being the focus, the revelations and the eye-opening impact that develop are priceless. learn more
Disney on Broadway with Educational Destinations.
Breathtaking! Amazing! Phenomenal! These are words you have probably heard time and time again from friends, family, and others when seeing a musical on Broadway. learn more
The Value of Education with a student Disney trip.
Have you ever wondered why opportunities involving educational trips to Disney are so abundant? The significance of education brought feeling and heart into... learn more
Health Tip: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, or deep venous thrombosis, (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, predominantly in the legs... learn more
Fund Raising for your educational student trip.
Time for some heavy lifting. Before your trip becomes a reality, some homework has to be done. Don’t worry, Educational Destinations is here to help... learn more
See why teachers are excited about Educational Destinations...
At Educational Destinations, each student trip is custom-designed to meet your group's wishes. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on your students learning while traveling on your dream trip. Leave the travel planning, logistics and on-site trip management to us! ED is led by accomplished educators that anticipate needs to deliver memorable experiences. We are with you every step of the way!