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 Conference and numerous State organizations, as well as an alumni member of both Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi. Bruce and his wife Pam have two sons, Jonathan and Matthew. They enjoy relaxing at the beach and visiting major league baseball parks on their travels.
Trisha Budlong is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Peak. Trisha has her B.S. in in Music Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania as well as her MM in Vocal Performance and Performance Certificate in Opera from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. After teaching middle school general and choral music and having a performing career, Trisha and her husband Steve started their family and she switched gears to work as an adjunct voice teacher at two liberal arts colleges in PA. It was at this time that Trisha also joined Peak as a Tour Specialist. After more than 20 years of working for Peak traveling with more than 150 schools, in 2024 she enthusiastically moved into her current role. She is dedicated to ensuring the Operations team is fully supported and that every itinerary is crafted to meet the needs of the client. Trisha continues to travel as a Tour Specialist when her schedule allows, as bearing witness to how educational travel enhances not only the lives of the students, but the energy of the program is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of Peak. When Trisha is not at work she enjoys reading a good book, going for a hike or a bike ride, going to the theater, spending time with her family and friends and planning her next personal trip, so maybe she never really leaves work at the office!
Beth Beccone, CSTP is the Director of Sales and Marketing 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 Immediate Past President of the Band Chapter of the West Chester University Alumni Association, an alumni member of Tau Beta Sigma, and Secretary 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 husband, 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.
Victor Holladay – Victor combines a lifelong love of music, hospitality, and travel in his role as Corporate Travel Manager at Peak Group Travel. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from West Chester University and spent nearly 30 years teaching in public schools. After seven years in hotel management — during which he also worked part time for Peak Group Travel — Victor joined the team full time in 2024. He now ensures every client’s trip runs smoothly, coordinating hotel and flight arrangements with care and attention to detail.
When he’s not planning travel, Victor enjoys Broadway shows, concerts, exploring new destinations, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He shares life with his wife, Erin, and their three grown children — Benjamin, Evan, and Ryann Olivia.
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.
Emily Galloway is an Operations Specialist at Peak Group Travel, where she uses her background in music and education to make each group’s experience both meaningful and memorable. Emily enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping, crocheting, and hanging out with her two golden retrievers.