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
I travelled with America’s Youth in Concert in 1974 and I have wonder if the group existed anymore. I so enjoyed the whole experience, it changed my life!! Have there been any reunions??? I would love to see everyone again, please let me know and keep me posted on any up coming events or reunion.
Comment by Constance Burel — May 28, 2008 @ 2:37 am
I was in group L-6 I think!!! Anybody from 1974 or L-6 give me a holla!!! seanails2003@yahoo.com subject: AYC-1974!!!
Comment by Constance Burel — May 28, 2008 @ 2:43 am
Whoa. This is cool. I was on the 1976 AYIC tour to Europe (I sang in the choir…I was actually the alto soloist for the Mozart Coronation Mass).
My roommate - a girl named Candace from Wyoming - got a horrible case of hives in Innsbruck. Astonishingly (especially nowadays), our chaperones allowed us to stay at the hotel - unchaperoned! - while the rest of the group went to dinner. We had dinner at the hotel by ourselves…of course, with more than a couple of liters of fine Austrian beer…
The whole trip was awesome. I’ll never forget it.
Comment by Rat Fink — June 6, 2008 @ 10:54 am
PS - Last year, I got hold of Bill Ramsey (the choir director for the tour) and had a nice email conversation with him. He’s retired and loving it, as of about a year ago.
Comment by Rat Fink — June 6, 2008 @ 10:57 am
I was a member of America’s Youth in Concert Choir in 1974. It was a great experience! Unfortunately, I lost the album that we recorded at Town Hall in New York, upon our return from Europe. Is there a way to acquire a CD of our performance? Hello to Steve Beck, Chuck Bond, and Jim Shelton.
Comment by John Green — June 28, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
I travelled with America’s Youth in Concert in 1974 - the group that began in London and ended in Rome. What an amazing time of unforgettable music. I still have the album we recorded, so if anyone wants it, contact me via facebook (joni campbell). I’ve also started a group called All American Youth in Concert Tours, so all those who’ve toured, let’s connect there. Would enjoy finding several from 1974 - Adina, Darrel, to name a few.
Comment by Joni Welk — July 1, 2008 @ 12:05 am
I was in the 1972 America’s Youth in Concert group that toured Europe. I played trumpet in the Concert Band. I would love to hear from some people who toured with me.
Comment by Roger — July 4, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
Just dug out my 1978 book and album..what a fantastic time, we should start a directoty similiar to classmates.com
Comment by Dennis Benson — July 6, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
I was in AYIC in 1977 Bus R-7. Anyone out there from the same group?? We started in Rome and travelled to England. Dr. Gerald Mack was our choir director. What a fabulous trip! I’ve wanted to return ever since!
Comment by Jeannette Lindsey — July 9, 2008 @ 10:14 pm
There has been quite a few comments since the last I checked this sight! To Gene Gourdeau…I was a member of the 1979 group that started in Rome also, (in the choir). I, too, had the album, but cannot find it anywhere and would give anything to hear it again. And yes, the Battle Hymn of the Republic….wow, gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes every time. Has anyone found out if this program still exists and if we can somehow purchase the recordings? What an awesome experience!
Comment by Jennifer Haaven — July 23, 2008 @ 8:33 am
Hello 1979 America’s Youth In Concert Band/Choir Group. Glad to hear Jennifer, Beth and Gene’s comments. I would really love to get another recording of that tour, too. I had an album that has been long gone now. Any way I can get a copy? I played flute. Such a great experience. The choral music was amazing - “Alleluia”, the spiritual “Death Comes Creepin In My Room”….
Comment by Lisa Miller Sage — August 26, 2008 @ 10:41 am
I was in the 1974 group and would love to have a recording. I had the record for many years and had loaned it to a friend who was going to make a CD for me. Their house flooded when Katrina hit and it was lost. Our group started in Rome and ended in London and the final concert was in New York at Town Hall.
Comment by Maryelizabeth — September 20, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
Hello AYiC 1979! I was in the choir and toured with the orchestra - what an amazing experience! I still have my record, but after 29 years the quality is not the best. A big hello to Jill, Kelly, Tony and Priscilla!
Comment by Patty Wenke Graham — October 16, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
I was with AYIC in 1976, and had a BLAST!! Hello to friends from back then!
Comment by Pam (Irvin) Llewellyn — November 5, 2008 @ 6:15 am
1978 Choir member, started in London tour. Wow, I don’t know why I googled AYIC, reminiscing I guess. I still have my album, not a scratch on it and will be putting on a CD soon. Hello to my fellow 78 participants! I’ll look for an alumni site out there, I hope one exists. Best wishes all!
Comment by Brian Clark — November 7, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
I’ve been thinking about my choir group and wondering how everyone is doing! 1973 America’s Youth In Concert was an awesome summer. Sue Kelly are you out there?!
Comment by Vikki — November 23, 2008 @ 1:35 am
Is this the same group that was the American Youth Band & Chorus (I went in 1966)? It was a wonderful trip.
Comment by Dianne — November 24, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
I, too, lost everything in Katrina related to my AYIC tour, which would have been in 1973 or 1974. Then living in Monroe, La., I played viola in the orchestra; we toured from Rome to London with a final performance at Town Hall in New York (with choir joining us). I recall Nixon still being in office because there was talk of our playing at The White House after leaving New York (so I must have played in 1973 since he resigned August 1974.)
Anyway, I would love to buy a copy of the CD and ANYTHING that anyone could add to tangible memorabillia of this trip. Thanks in advance!
Comment by Jess Moore — January 3, 2009 @ 6:30 am
I was just showing my daughter the pics from my 1978 choir tour. They are starting to yellow, but my memories are still fresh. Lori Efford, Kevin Kishimoto, David Armant, Julie from Washington, Tammy from Utah (?), Bob from Florida–the other names aren’t coming to me–I would love to hear from you to see where life has taken you. Let’s get in touch.
Bette (Bushore) Maybee
Comment by Bette Maybee — January 6, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
I was with the AYIC in 1976. I sang baritone in the choir We started in London and worked our way to Rome. It was awsome!! I recently developed a way to convert my LP’s to CD and have the choir. It’s scratchy, but the music is there!!
Comment by Terry Williams — January 9, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
I was with the AYIC in 1976. Practice in Princton, and started by perfoming at the Bi-Centenial celebration, and Carnegie Hall. Then it was off to London and through most of western Europe to Rome. I would love to be able to reconnect to my other choir members, and share the pictures. If you are from this tour, e-mail me at soreec1@gmail.com Thanks, Eric
Comment by Eric Sorenson Sr. — January 20, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
I was with America’s Youth in Concert in 1979. I was in the choir with the LL group. I’d love to hear from anyone from the tour! Any fellow “Dukes” out there? I still have my album, and I’d be happy to make a CD for you. I really wish I had kept in touch with the great friends I made. Man, what a great time we had!! Email me at guitarmandf@yahoo.com
David (Mr. Electric)
Comment by David Floyd — January 31, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
I was a member of the 1976 AAmerica’s Youth In Concert Band that started it’s tour in Rome. What a blast and a great experience. Unfortunately, i have lost touch with everybody, but would love to hear from you! Feel free to e-mail me at bob@coffeymusic.com
Comment by Bob Coffey — March 18, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
I wasin America’s Youthin Concert 1973. The group that started in Rome and ended in London. Paula from Rye, NY was my roommate from time to time. We were the concert choir that got delayed in NYC and had to stay overnight before we flew out to Rome. Anyone out there? Sang Michael Haydn Tenebrae and a J. Haydn Mass….
Comment by Lynne Warfel — April 13, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
ASOJECOM RWANDA IS AN ACCOUNTANT YOUTH ASSOCIATION WORK IN RWANDA FOR FIGHT AGAINST :UNEMPLOYEMENT,CORRUPTION,POVERTY,DROGUE,AIDS.
ASOJECOMRWNDA IS AN ASSOCIATION OF YOUTH WICH HAVE STUDY ACCOUNTING IN SECONDARY BY TEY HAVE NOT FAUND A CHANCE TO CONTINUE IN UNIVERSITY BECAUSE OF FINANCE MEANS,AND THEY HAVEN’T JOB(ARE JOBSEEKER).
THEIR ACTIVITIES:
1.TO HELP THE LOCALL TRADER IN THEIR ACCOUNTING ACTIVITIES(FINANCIAL STATMENT:BALANCE SHEET………)
WE ARE LOOKING FOR NGOs,FONDATIONS,FIRMS,ASSOCIATIONS,OR ATHER WHO CAN HELP US IN FORMATION OR ATHER WAY ,OR WHO CAN ENJOY TO BE OUR PARTNERS,OR OUR HONORS MEMBERS.OR SOME ONE WHO CAN SUPPORT US.
OUR ADRESS:
CAUNTRY:RWANDA
CITY:KIGALI
DISTRICT:KICUKIRO
SECTOR:MASAKA
CARTIER:KABUGA
EXECUTIVE STAFF:
CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER:
MUGISHA FONTAINE
TEL:+2500788886081
EMAIL:mugaine2008@yahoo.fr,asojecom@yahoo.fr
POBOX:80RWAMAGANA
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND CUSTOM SERVICE
NSHIMIYE ERIC:+250783409675
REGARDS
Comment by ASOJECOM RWANDA — May 11, 2009 @ 8:15 am
What college sponsored the AYC tours?? I went in 1974
Comment by Constance Burel-haggerty — May 26, 2009 @ 10:58 am
The American Youth Band and Chorus under the direction of James H. Smith went to Europe from 1962-1976. Look for links on facebook under American Youth Band/Chorus.
Comment by Gina Smith Bennett — June 17, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
I was in the AYIC 1978 Choir tour - we began in England. Tour Bus 4 - the disco bus! I loaned my album to my college choir director and he lost it. Would absolutely love to have a copy it! My room mate was Rhonda Schnyder. Wow what fun that whole ecperience was.
Comment by Carolyn Swilley — June 19, 2009 @ 10:10 am
Just stumbled upon this website. I was in the choir in 1976. Had the time of my life. Found all of my “stuff” a few weeks ago and made me want to try to get in touch with the old crew. So if any of you remember me please e-mail me at jdevries77@yahoo.com Would love to reconnect!!!!!
Comment by Jaime Ostraat — July 7, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
I too just happened to stumble across this web-site. I played in the orchestra in 1978 (violin). It was a great experience although I will admit that I got homesick being away from home for so long for the first time(smile). If I remember correctly, we all met at Rutgers and had our first performance at Carnegie Hall. We then flew to Rome, and took the bus to Venice, Switzerland, Paris, took the ferry to London where we had our final performance. I too would love to get a recording of the Carnigie Hall performance. That was truly an exciting time. Take care all…
Comment by Debra — July 13, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
ANyhone remember where the 1973 Choir stayed in Rome? It was a former convent with a beautiful but overgrown series of terraces gardens? We rehearsed in a marlbe chapel with the most amazing acoustic. We sang in St. John Laterano and ended the summer in London at Uxbridge University. Anyone otu there?
Comment by Lynne Warfel — August 2, 2009 @ 5:29 am
I was a member of the 1977 AYBC, We started from Pittsburg and flew to London. Practiced at Cambridge University London, preformed and travel
across the channel and started our European Tour in Amsterdam.
Would like to hear from and members
Comment by Tony Reinhard — September 22, 2009 @ 9:53 am
I was a member in 1976. Incredible experience. Our European tour started in Rome and ended in Amsterdam. Any one interested feel free to contact. Still have pictures and slides (yes slides) from the tour.
Comment by John Brock — October 29, 2009 @ 7:21 pm
I was in the band in 1978 — one of the leaders was Mr Babcock of Fort Atkinson, WI — I would also like to get in touch with others. We started in Rome and ended in London.
Comment by James Keller — October 30, 2009 @ 8:00 pm