Austrian Adventure For NHS Choral, Orchestra Programs

By Larissa Lytwyn

 For some students, spring break translated to extra hours at work or, if lucky, endless sunshine and surf.

  But luckiest of all were members of Newtown High School’s choral and orchestra program.

  From April 16 through April 26, students are enjoying a ten-day whirlwind tour and performing in some of Europe’s finest cities — specifically the homeland of famed classical composers including Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss.

  During the school’s recent districtwide strings concert, orchestra director Michele Hiscavich emphasized the opportunities abundant through the choral and orchestra program, including trips to places like Austria.

   “These students will be walking in the steps of Mozart, among other great composers,” she said.

   The approximately 95 students, accompanied by some faculty members and parents, will visit many historic locations, including Innsbruck, Salzburg, Steyr and, of course, Vienna.

    The tour will also include performances at famed Austrian concert halls and cathedrals.

    Before rushing with bags and luggage to depart, the chorus spent about 45 minutes rehearsing the selections they planned to perform while in Europe.

  Sophomore choral member Corey Stokes looked on with pride.

  “Aren’t they great?” she cried. “They’re going to have a great time!”

  While she couldn’t afford the trip this year, estimated to be about three thousand dollars per student, she hopes to save for a future trip when she is an upperclassman.

  “It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “It’s wonderful to travel!”

     Ms Hiscavich and choral and drama director Sabrina Post coordinated the trip.