Our group returned yesterday from Austria and I wanted to thank you for a wonderful trip! It truly was a great week for both students and adults. The venues were outstanding and worked very well for our choir and we enjoyed our tour escort, Bianca Cunia, very much. She was friendly, well-prepared and willing to go the extra mile when needed. The city guides were also very informative and professional. We especially enjoyed both guides in Vienna.

All of the venues were beautiful with gorgeous accoustics. Participating in the Mass at the first performance in Innsbruck was very special. Everything was conducted in German, so it was a bit tricky to follow; however, our host Micheal would signal me from the organ loft each time we were to sing. We enjoyed conversation with him at dinner after the concert - this was a highlight of the trip for me - getting to speak with our hosts and guides . I felt as if we were able to make connections as musicians and people - making the world seem like a much smaller place!

The Altkatolichekirche in Graz was an intimate setting, yet the audience was so warm and receptive. It was very interesting to have our guide translate each piece for the audience/congregation, which was all German speaking, except for our parents. One of the audience members brought me a bouquet of flowers from her garden. It was nice to finally meet Helmut in Vienna. He was very helpful. The Karlskirche was an amazing venue. It was thrilling to sing in the very spot where so many famous musicians performed!

In my opinion, one of the most meaningful opportunities was getting to sing impromptu pieces in the cathedrals and halls that were visited. The tour guides were very accommodating in helping us to arrange those. Usually a crowd would gather, and ask us to sing a few more songs, but for me it was really about giving the students the chance to make music where so many have gone before.

The activities on our trip were very enjoyable for all - there was a nice variety or tours, traveling and shopping. The hotels were nice - getting better as we moved east.

Thank you again to the staff at MCI for all the of the preparation that made our trip a success. I already have students and parents asking when and where the next trip will be!! This is going to have a big impact on the choir program at SCA!!

Please pass this along to your staff, and accept our thanks for this wonderful opportunity!!

I’ll be in touch,
Rachel Stoddard
Scottsdale Christian Academy