Attending the 2003 International Children’s Choir Festival with my choir in Canterbury, England, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. From the very second I arrived in England, I entered a whirlwind of music and friends.

Our dormitory, in a building that resembled a castle, was pleasantly situated facing Canterbury Cathedral. On several occasions, my roommate and I would sit in the windowsills of our room and breathe the summer air while listening to someone singing down the hall.

Each time our voices joined in concert, beauty rang off high ceilings in the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and then in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, bridging the cathedral's vast history with our choir.  Notes flowed from our bodies to the walls of the majestic structures that had stood for centuries and had heard so many voices before ours. Those cathedrals are part of me now, just as our performances are part of their history.

Topping off the already-wonderful experience, we all enjoyed the personalities and wisdom of two well-known directors, Henry Leck and David Flood. Mr. Leck met with our choir in a grand hall and hosted a master class. I recall, on one particular day near the end of our time there, he asked us to sing one of our pieces; and he sat calmly listening and smiling as we sang.  Mr. Leck thought we sounded wonderful; but as any seasoned teacher would do, he urged us to improve. He asked us to hold hands in a circle and sing our song without a director. He wanted us to sing it from our hearts and from each other. We stood in a circle, looking into each other’s eyes, holding hands. I could feel the heartbeats of my peers, as we sang together. Across from me, a friend of mine was singing and my eyes met hers. At that moment, a tear rolled down her cheek. A tear rolled down my cheek. Soon enough, tears were in everyone’s eyes, as we sang. That moment was so emotional and beautiful that I will never forget it. I learned what it means to sing from your heart. It was the best moment of the whole trip. There were many similar moments, and they made the trip magical! The friends I made on that trip are friends I will have forever. It was the greatest week of my life.

But a trip like that takes lots of preparation. Preparing for an international trip with 30 kids is an incredible task, especially when considering the 60 or so parents traveling with them.  Sending a child to a foreign country with minimal adult supervision is frightening, causing many parents to be over-protective and potentially somewhat meddlesome with the plans for the choir. The amount of child responsibility is an issue, as far as keeping track of passports and money. Chaperones and parents agree that the bearing of the passports is a huge issue, and the proper way to handle it is different for every choir.

In co-ed choirs, parents tend to become squeamish, nail-biting, worrywarts when it comes to roommates and sleeping arrangements. On past trips, I have experienced parents not wanting boys and girls to even be on the same floor in a hotel. Chaperones and parents often disagree on whether or not there should be a chaperone in every room. Some argue that there needs to be a high degree of supervision, but others say that adult interference can keep kids from bonding and forming strong, everlasting friendships.

Many parents want to travel right along with their child, instead of with the accompanying "shadow" tour, which opens up another can of worms. Should parents room with their kids, or does that take away from the formation of friendships? The amount of parent involvement during the trip can become confusing and stressful. This is a tender subject and must be handled according to each specific choir’s needs.
The choir director should decide and make clear beforehand what they want their choir to get out of the trip. Stronger friendships, memories, new experiences, and especially the performance of great music are all part of a trip; but deciding how to achieve these things and get the most out of them takes much consideration and planning.

Travel is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive due to recent global terror threats and the depreciation of the American dollar against the Euro. Food, lodging, ground transportation, insurance, and airfare are just several of the things to consider. Although travel agencies can help to arrange costs to best benefit the choir, and parents agree they would like to send their child on a choir tour, money often is an issue. 

Fundraisers naturally become part of planning for a choir tour. Choirs can choose to come up with a way to pay for a healthy portion or all of the cost of travel. Fundraising committees are suggested to brainstorm, organize, and implement the plan. Being creative is essential: Hold recitals and charge for admission or ask for donations; sell candy, magazines, wreaths or items from fundraising companies; teach classes; organize other fundraising events. By putting heads together and working hard, anything is possible.

When traveling, choir members must be on their best behavior. Each person represents not only himself, but also his or her country and choir. Several choirs enforce a dress code when they are traveling. This is a simple way to avoid offending anyone or crossing any cultural boundaries. Uniforms may be advised when traveling with the choir. Uniforms help identify people in the group and they make the choir look sharp and professional.

If traveling to a place where another language is spoken, knowing some necessary phrases can be very important. Be able to ask for a restroom, food, directions back to your lodging, and how to get help in an emergency. Not only will this aid in your daily activities, it will make the local people more willing to give help if necessary. Carrying a business card or a note with the address of where the choir is staying is also a great idea.

Another extremely important element of being prepared as a choir is knowing the music.  Before arriving in England, our choir practiced for several weeks and gave two home concerts of the tour music. We knew what was expected of us, and we delivered. When we arrived, our choir was the best prepared out of many and it made us feel proud. It also gave us more of a chance to enjoy the sounds of all the choirs coming together, rather than worry about learning our part.

Another important consideration; should something go wrong on your trip, don’t be afraid to try and make it right. Just because you are in another country doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be assertive. At one place I stayed with my choir, they did not have enough beds for everyone in our group. The hotel staff was difficult to deal with, but eventually things were straightened out. Do be polite and remember you are a guest, but do not let such events go unjustified.

Yes, a choir must be well prepared in order to successfully travel and I have only covered a few topics. The preparation is an arduous task, but it is well worth it. The memories created during your travels, as well as the personal growth, are priceless. They more than make up for all the hard work involved. I recommend a trip to every serious choir, so that they can showcase their talent and experience the fun and rewarding experience of being a touring choir. M.S.