Who We Are

Bruce Rickert is the Owner and President of Peak Group Travel (formerly Peak Performance Tours) where he has been planning Middle School and High School Band, Choir and Orchestra performance tours in the USA and abroad for over 25 years. Additionally, he is the Owner and President of American Music Abroad – organizing international music tours for student and adult groups throughout Europe. He holds both a B.S. and M.M. in Music Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. His professional affiliations include the Student Youth Travel Association, Music Educators National and State organizations, as well as an alumni member of both Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi. Bruce is married with two sons – they enjoy relaxing at the beach and visiting major league baseball parks on their travels.

Beth Beccone, CSTP is the Director of Sales and Marketing here at Peak. Beth joined Peak in 2019 after several years as a Festival/Event Director. Beth attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and was a member, and Drum Major, of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band. She is the current President of the Band Chapter of the West Chester University Alumni Association, an alumni member of Tau Beta Sigma, and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Student Youth Travel Association Youth Foundation. Beth graduated from Penn State University with a BS in Psychology. She lives with her partner, Aaron, and they enjoy music, movies, pinball, and, of course, travel.

Charlie DiCarne: With over 18 years of experience in music education, Charlie DiCarne is the Sales Manager for Peak and brings a unique perspective to the world of travel. A proud alumnus of Mansfield University, where he earned his B.S. Music Education and member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Charlie combines his passion for music with a love for exploration. Charlie has been nominated multiple times throughout his career for the Grammy Music Educator Award. Charlie’s extensive background in music education has equipped him with exceptional communication skills and innate ability to connect with people, ensuring that every client feels valued and understood. Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife, Krysten, and his two daughters, Emma and Isabella. He is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and has a passion for cooking

Christa Smith is our Operations Manager at Peak Group Travel. Christa has been with Peak for over 17 years. Her attention to detail and vendor relations make our tours exceptional experiences for all of our travelers. Christa enjoys a good binge on Netflix with her family, time at the beach whenever possible, and doing stained-glass art projects.