Washington DC is about 235 miles from my home in Northern, NJ. On a number of occasions I've driven down in the morning, stayed for an event in the afternoon, then driven back that evening. Bus trips are even easier.

With over a YEAR before the trip, this orchestra could have worked it out.

The saying goes "where there is a will there is a way". Unfortunately for these folks the way was to whine and play the vicitim and try to dredge up sympathy.