All American Youth in Concert Tours Ireland
The All American Youth in Concert Youth Band & Orchestra toured Ireland this past summer. All American Youth in Concert is an annual summer touring ensemble which provides accomplished youth band and orchestra musicians with opportunities to practice their art in some of the most exciting venues of the world while at the same time experience culture in the great cities of Europe on a first-hand basis. These outstanding youth bands and orchestras have been highly praised by critics and educators throughout America and Europe. In 2007, the AAYC touring ensemble will be heading to Italy, to participate in the American Celebration of Music in Italy.
Below is what Dr. William H. Silvester, conductor, wrote about their recent experience in Ireland.
After 35 years of regularly touring to Europe, I finally acquiesced to traveling to Ireland. I had been hesitant until recently because of the troubles I envisioned due to the ages old religious and civil conflict. What a marvelous surprise I had in store for me and the young people who travel with All American Youth in Concert. Once we were there, that anxiety I had simply dissolved in a matter of a few hours.
Our two weeks in Ireland were filled with special experiences. We found the people to be tremendously receptive to us and our music and they very willing to go out of their way to assure us the very best of times. Music Celebrations International arranged terrific concert venues which were well publicized and well attended. The young people in the ensemble were able to meet and converse with many locals their own age. It was a very revealing and uplifting experience for all of us to personally be involved in Irish cultural events.
Of course the countryside is simply beautiful beyond words. The Irish reflect their land in mood and appearance. The contrast between the United States lifestyle tempo and that of the Irish was initially almost a shock but one that became very agreeable without much effort on our part. I can honestly say that our tour to Ireland was a wonderful experience in all respects; musically and culturally. It was just another example of how MCI takes special care in all their arrangements. I look forward to traveling there again in the very near future.
-William H. Silvester, Director, All American Youth in Concert
I performed with America’s Youth In Concert Choir in the summer of 1976. Do you have any information about this group or are you connected in any way? We rehearsed at Princeton University and performed in Philadelphia and New York at Carnage Hall before we traveled to Europe.
Comment by Mary Hawthorne — September 16, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
I, like Mary, was a member of America’s Youth in Concert, but in 1973, and went to Europe as well. Does the original America’s Youth in Concert still exist?
Comment by Rex Tobler — November 11, 2007 @ 11:44 am
I was with the group in 1978.. I am ineterested in the activites and if they have copies of all the recordings available.. I would love to own them again!!
1978 Choir!!
Comment by Eric — December 6, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
I was a member of America’s Youth In Concert in 1979. I would love to have CDs of both the choir and band, if they are available. It was truly a wonderful experience for me, and I would like for my son to have the same opportunity.
Comment by Beth Cole — January 28, 2008 @ 10:53 am
I have been trying to find out, also, how a person could get a CD from 1979. Beth, we must’ve been in the same group! I really would LOVE a copy of the recording we made in Carnegie Hall! I do remember a Beth…hmmm
Comment by Jennifer — February 11, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
I was also in the 1979 group. There were 3 groups that summer, two groups with a band & choir starting in London and going to Rome, and our group, the middle group - a orchestra and choir, that started in Rome and went to London. We had a combined concert with the third group in Innsbruck, Austria. One of the combined songs we performed was the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I believe I have the record that was made for our group. It sure was a memorable trip.
Gene
Comment by Gene Gourdeau — March 13, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
WOW. I am thinking about people who was in my group on the A-2 bus in 1972. I was one of five who was from Ohio. Ireland would be a place to go, but I treasure my only trip to Europe. I lost the uniform, but I still have my pictures and music sheets.
Comment by mary — March 14, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
WOW, I haven’t heard from anyone for years that was in our 1972 group. That was one of the most memorable summers of my life. One of the moments was in the London airport on the way back when myself, Fernando Perez and Jeff (his last name escapes me) ran into Charlton Heston and (not at all confident that we knew who he was) asked…Aren’t you someone famous? His reply was “I’m kind of famous, are you? We laughed and got his autograph. He passed away this weekend and of course sent me off trying to remember where that autograph book was at…never did find it. Anyway, I wish we could have some kind of a reunion. It would be great to see some of the friends I made on that trip.
Chris Kuhs - 1972
Comment by Chris Kuhs — April 7, 2008 @ 8:49 am