| The link with Chattanooga was set up through Monsignor Leo Herbert and other church leaders in Lookout Mountain.
Major fundraising was undertaken to cover a shortfall of £25,000 and sources included the SELB Youth Service, local Councils and the Craigavon Sister City committee plus donations from schools, businesses and the general public.
Musical director Darren Canmore gave careful consideration to the choice of music for the tour, combining a taste of American music with music from home.
Groups were formed from within the orchestra to perform traditional music as well as in brass and percussion ensembles. Members formed a choir and were invited to sing at church services. A suitable selection of music from America and across Europe was prepared, ranging from the Mozart Bassoon Concerto to Billy Joel.
As well as the preparation of high-quality musical performances, other outcomes intended from this project were the development of social skills through team-building and leadership activities, integrating into families in different economic and cultural settings, and the forming of friendships and greater understanding.
The venture was considered extremely successful in each of these regards as the tour brought together a diverse group whose conduct and attitude was praised as exemplary by their hosts and others.
The great hospitality and warmth of the hosts was much appreciated by orchestra members and staff alike. Fantastic friendships were formed and continuing contact between many of those involved is evidence of the real relationships built.
Both the music – including performances at Masses, in concert, at barbeque evenings and at pool parties – and the whole American experience were cited as highlights of the trip.
In between engagements in what was a packed programme, the group got to visit the Wildlife Safari Park in LaGrange and Chattanooga Aquarium as well as white water rafting.
In their tour testimonies, orchestra members spoke of ‘a wonderful experience which will never be equalled’, ‘the best two weeks ever’, ‘a brilliant tour’ and ‘a completely unforgettable trip’. One said: “I could never have imagined when I was younger playing in America in such a well-trained orchestra.
Comments from hosts, parents of orchestra members and staff were equally positive and a spokesperson for the SELB Music Service said that great praise was due to everyone involved in this successful venture.
The spokeperson said: “The orchestra members were clearly excellent ambassadors for Northern Ireland and made memories and friends which money cannot buy. They will have learned a lot from this trip and remember with great pride and affection the tremendous performances they gave and the warm ovations they received.” |
