This year, spring break photos created an album to remember for Indian Hill High School students in choir and orchestra. During March, 39 Singing Braves took center stage during six international performances with travels including Austria, Germany, and France.
“This was a once in a lifetime experience,” said freshman Claire Andrews.
“My experience in Europe was unlike any other, day after day we visited another amazing place and had six great performances. Overall, the friends and memories I've made on the Europe tour will stick with me for life,” added senior Marko Petrovic.
Performance venues included the Imperial Church and Peterskirche in Vienna, the Salzburg Dom in Salzburg, St. Michael’s Church in Munich, Eglise Saint-Thomas in Strasbourg, and the American Church in Paris.
“This Europe tour was an unforgettable experience where lifelong memories were created for our students,” said Indian Hill Vocal Director Jeff Clark. “We were able to come together to experience amazing sounds, sights, and develop an appreciation and respect for many international cultures abroad, while also learning so much about ourselves. This was an incredible culminating experience for our amazing Singing Braves!”
While choir students were singing across Europe, 35 orchestra students traveled to Hawaii. Honolulu became their temporary home as they performed two concerts on center stage at Ala Moana Center and next to the U.S.S. Missouri.
“It was really special to play next to the U.S.S. Missouri at Pearl Harbor and be a part of the flag ceremony,” said senior Ava Egnaczyk. “It made me realize how impactful our orchestra is for others.”
“From swimming in the ocean to hiking up scenic mountains, from browsing local street markets to exploring a private island, the orchestra Hawaii trip was truly an amazing experience in all aspects,” said junior Claron Wang. “Not often in school do you get the opportunity to travel away from home, but traveling with this group, playing music together, and sharing experiences – I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my spring break!”
Student-musicians also took part in an orchestral clinic at the University of Hawaii.
“The orchestra's performances were as gorgeous as the beaches of Hawaii, but what stood out most was the sense of belonging and togetherness that was cultivated through shared experiences and time together,” said Indian Hill Orchestra Director Trista Emmons.