After experiencing some of Europe’s breathtaking views and beautiful landmarks, the 17 members of the Minnesota Ambassadors of Music Tour of Europe are back – having gained more than what they could have bargained for.
Their journey began on July 6 at around 10:20 a.m. as the group departed from Minneapolis to their first destination – London.
Upon arrival, the group had the opportunity to sightsee and discover some of London’s greatest sights such as the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, Buckingham Palace, as well as other historical landmarks.
Many group members also had the opportunity to see a musical of their choice with options including critically acclaimed shows like: “The Lion King,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Wicked,” and “Les Miserables.”
But the fun did not stop there, for it had just begun. Throughout their 16-day trip, the group would go on to travel most of continental Europe while making a few stops in countries like France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Germany.
However, although it appeared that the group was mesmerized by the cultural surroundings, they came together when it came time to perform as a choir or as a band.
“The participants who performed in the band and/or choir on the tour really did an outstanding job,” commented YME choir teacher Jeff Iverson.
Iverson, who also sang in the choir, shared that the music was not the easiest to learn, but he thought that the experience was hugely rewarding in the end.
The choir, representing the Ambassadors of Music, performed seven concerts in cities like London, Paris, and Tyrol, Austria.
For many choir members, like Mary Virnig, performing at the St. Marks Cathedral in Venice left her speechless. “It was just . . . wow,” she said truly amazed.
She also recalls that at other times, they would spontaneously perform at various occasions.
“At one point our director, Bill Krinke, had us sing in a town square before we left,” said Virnig, who along with the rest group was delighted to do so.
But it was one of the group’s performances in Switzerland where a powerful moment occurred that perhaps changed the whole meaning of the trip.
“At the concert in Switzerland, members of the audience who showed up because they loved music stood up and waved a large American flag while the band played ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever,’” described Iverson.
That significant moment, to Iverson as well as many of the group and audience members present, was “one example of how the tour could bridge gaps between nations and celebrate our similarities rather than fight over our differences.”
In a trip that brought both vast appreciation to the diversity the world has to offer or the occasional inside joke like saying “sorry” over and over again in the orange bus for no apparent reason (Virnig), the Minnesota Ambassadors of Music Trip of Europe 2010 was a thrill of a lifetime for those who participated and it will surely remain a lasting memory for all.
In order to qualify for the Minnesota Ambassadors of Music Tour of Europe, an event that occurs in July every even-numbered year, high school students must be involved in band and choir. They must show musical and academic excellence to be and be nominated by the respective teachers, who must make selections under strict guidelines.
