This summer, five music students from Phoenix’s John C. Birdlebough High School experienced the opportunity of a lifetime when performing, learning and traveling to Europe as a part of the American Music Abroad program.

The students, who are current choir/band students recommended by their teachers, spent 20 days with the program, which is not a school-sponsored organization and is comprised of nearly 100 students from the Northeast. They experienced Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Italy during their time abroad. Students who were recruited for the trip included Mirabella Beerman, Sonny Cannata, Kerrigan Hendry, Jaz Jandzio and Bella Whitehead, joined by EJD music teacher Carrie Wilson.

While abroad, students preformed seven total concerts, including two choir performances inside famous cathedrals.

“The tall ceilings and marble floors in those centuries-old buildings carried the notes on forever,” Wildon said. “It was just breathtaking!”

Cultural highlights of the trip included staying in Medieval cities, visiting historical landmarks, exploring the Alps and glaciers, attending an outdoor opera performance and taking in the culture that surrounded them in famous cities like Dresden, Leipzig, Prague, Vienna, Verona and Venice.

“This was truly an eye opening, core memory experience for the students,” Wilson said. “I hope they take away lasting friendships with new people, confidence in their independence from navigating on their own in different countries, and music that lives on in their spirits indefinitely. When they hear the trumpet fanfare from “Aida,” they’ll be instantly transported back to Verona. Whenever they see a croissant in a bakery, they’ll remember our fabulous European breakfasts. Even waiting for the green light to cross a busy street will bring back the quote ‘red man-dead man’ from our time in busy German cities. “

The students returned to the states with a stronger love for musical arts, an appreciation of culture and history, new friendships and excitement to continue practicing music throughout the new school year.

“There’s a big, bright, beautiful world beyond our wonderful Phoenix community, and I’m so glad they got to explore this piece of it,” said Wilson.

For more information on Phoenix’s choir and band programs, please visit Phoenix's Music Page.