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HERE'S WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE TOUR....
"Playing with PSYWE for the last time in the Vienna Concert House was an amazing experience I will never forget. I remember holding back my tears of joy as I walked off stage."
-Michelle, euphonium
"On our competition day we played a piece called Rest, written by Frank Ticheli.... Before we got on stage, Dr. Whitmore made sure that we weren't playing to win, but we were playing to make music...So we got up on stage, and we performed Rest. There were tears in the audience, in our ensemble. The feeling was indescribable and was absolutely incredible. You could tell that our ensemble as a whole was sending a message that everyone could feel. I had goosebumps literally everywhere and got the chills several times. Just knowing that we had walked into a room full of people from all over the world....and make them feel the same things we felt, without uttering a single word, now that is absolutely mind blowing. Music IS a universal language, and...[on this tour] we got to witness exactly how powerful and how meaningful music can be."
-Heera, bass clarinet
"It was a privilege of a lifetime to accompany the members of PSYWE on their trip to Austria. The inspiration of the sights and sounds of Vienna could be heard in their music. Their performance on the stage of the Musikverein touch me so deeply that I had tears rolling down my checks...This experience has had a tangible impact in the lives of each of the members."
-Barbara, parent chaperone
"This trip has been a meaningful one in so many ways. As a speaker of German and Japanese, I found myself leading my group of friends when we were touring and it's taught me a lot about not just my friends, but about myself and doing things I've never though I'd be able to do. That's why I'm so happy I went on this trip because as a person, I grew so much, more than I expected. Interacting with other country groups (Osaka in particular), playing wonderful music with Dr. Whitmore, and experiencing a culture I never really knew with some of my dearest friends, there is nothing I can ask for more."
-Heejun, clarinet
"As one of the chaperones on the recent Vienna Tour I am so appreciative of this opportunity for all the students and families of PSYWE. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and the memories will stay with us forever. In addition to the amazing performances and musical opportunities, we were able to get immersed in Austrian culture, history and heritage. Seeing our students playing in such fabulous locations and their faces during and after the events was priceless."
-Angela, parent chaperone
"I can't express how much this trip meant to me both as a person and musician! Because of this trip, I was able to experience a different culture first hand - from the delicious food to the specific style of the Radetzky March. Of course there were some amazing memories made of being on great stages, but there were also fun memories of bonding with my fellow ensemble members that will be cherished as well, such as jumping into the hotel pool at night. This was definitely the chance of a life time."
-Ariel, flute
"Seeing my daughter participate in this incredible experience before she goes to college meant so much to me as a parent. This tour was an eye-opening opportunity for her; she learned a lot about music, experienced new cultures, and made a lot of friends, which provided her with a lifetime of unerasable memories. I believe that what she learned from this trip will not only help her become a better musician, but will also help her become a better person."
-Emily, shadow tour participant
"Even though every moment on this trip was unforgettable (especially the coffee!), my special moment was, without question, our final performance at the Vienna Konzerthaus. Although it was a short, one-piece performance, it was one that I will always remember, for it truly displayed the culmination of all the hard work that PSYWE has put in over the years to arrive at this moment of pure joy. I started to tear up a bit as we played our last note in this gorgeous hall (and again afterwards when all the hugs were being exchanged); not only was it the end of our exciting trip, but it also marked my final performance as a member of PSYWE after being in this life-changing ensemble for 4 years...[This was] the greatest, most unforgettable send-off imaginable."
-Ryan, French horn
"The visit was a life changing experience. The city is filled with music and getting the opportunity to witness our students performing in the famous and opulent concerts halls of the MuTh, Musikverein and konzerthaus where Mozart and Strauss performed was so incredible! I was moved to tears to hear their music. Also watching the students faces light up with wonder as they entered these venues was priceless. Experiencing the warm reception of the local people of Stadt Groß-Siegharts for the town performance was amazing. There were so many fantastic moments...I also very much appreciated Dr . Whitmore's thoughtful and insightful life lessons given to our children to help them understand and appreciate different cultures."
-Shireen, parent chaperone
"Having the opportunity to go on this tour at the end of my high school career meant so much to me; all the years of getting to make music with this incredible group culminated in such a wonderful celebration of our accomplishments and amazing wind ensemble literature. I've learned so much from being in this ensemble; getting to travel to Vienna, where traditional western music originated, taught me the value of what is behind the notes that are on the page. Vienna's beautiful architecture, landscapes, and cultural history, which inspired so many composers hundreds of years ago, continues to inspire us musicians and reaffirmed my desire to continue to study music."
-Sophia, oboe
"We loved watching how the kids bonded with each other as a group and played so well under
Dr. Whitmore's leadership and guidance. Being in the shadow tour, we got a chance to make friends with so many incredible parents and staff."
-Mehul, shadow tour participant
"We've traveled often, however, nothing will ever compare to the happiness a parent feels when they see their child love what they do. Traveling to Vienna with my son was an incredible experience. I really didn't know what to expect. I was impressed by the caliber of talent from students from around the world. I made some wonderful friendships with other parents. I can safely say this adventure was absolutely priceless. Thank you to PSYWE, its benefactors and all of our hardworking, extremely talented students!"
-Didi, parent chaperone