When in Rome

This past summer Waukee took a group of 72 students including sophomores, juniors, and graduated seniors, and about 35 chaperones including families and directors to Italy. They took 3 sets of music including an encore, their entire performance consisted of 14 pieces of music with 3 pieces being sung in a different language. This choir sang all over the country during the course of 10 days. Including many esteemed cathedrals such as the Vatican and Saint Mark’s Basilica. The group performed at 3 catholic masses and 3 concerts for the people of Italy that many attended. They also enjoyed lots of free time in the country. And many wonderful breakfast and dinners throughout the trip! 

On days 1 and 2 (because of the time difference) they started traveling. They took two sets of buses and planes. But we all started at the high school then to Chicago and then to Rome. One flight group flew through Amsterdam and the other through Zurich. The second flight to Zurich had some issues which resulted in a very long layover and the group missing the first tour of Rome. But they were able to fit it into our schedule later. Both groups got to see the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. On day 3 they took an ancient Roman tour where they were able to see all the fallen structures and the history of Rome while also seeing the Colosseum. Day 4 they transferred to Vatican City where they took a tour of the city and went to the Vatican museum where they saw many famous paintings including the Sistine Chapel. 

On day 5 the group traveled from Rome to Assisi. The group participated in a tour and before you know it they were back travelling again. On day 6 of the trip the group traveled to Florence there the group enjoyed another tour. On Day 7 they went to the Accademia Gallery where they saw Michelangelo’s David! Next on day 8, the group traveled once again to Venice where we rode “vapporettos” or water taxis to and from the city. On day 9 they enjoyed their last day in Italy with some students even choosing to ride the gondola (the famous long boat) while they were there! On day 10 the group said goodbye to their tour guides who had organized and been with them on the entire trip and headed back to Iowa. One group went back through Zurich while the other went through Paris. Finally, they all made it back to the school parking lot where they began it all! 

Our director of this trip Mr. Knutson shares why international tours are a good experience for students. “For students who attend the international trip, I feel many would say this was one of their favorite memories from their time at WHS. Also, I think it’s important for students to understand the historical aspect of vocal music. We perform music from all eras, and knowing how major moments in history impact music is crucial to everyone’s understanding of how it should be performed and interpreted.” But if you didn’t get to go on this trip don’t worry because Waukee takes international tours every four years! Next directors and administration are thinking of going to Germany, France, or Spain!  

This trip was full of unforgettable sights that students will take with them for the rest of their lives. Seeing people’s day to day on the other side of the world is an experience that can shape these students forever. With all the beautiful culture it’s hard not to embrace it. Students had many different favorite memories of the trip including a fight that they witnessed in one of the cathedrals! Junior Alexis Moore shares her favorite memory of the trip! “The most memorable part of the trip in my opinion was one of our very first performances. I remember being extremely nervous about singing in such an echoey space, but those nerves turned into excitement when people began flooding in from the street, and more people would stop by just to listen to a song or two.”

One of the things that concerned chaperons was that seniors had already graduated so they might be more inclined to not follow the rules because they are free from the school. And finding that balance between a vacation and a school trip is especially tricky for them. Brie Campbell, a graduated senior, shares why she thinks seniors should be able to go on this trip even after they have graduated. “I think that seniors should have the option to be included in the trip because it is a trip of a lifetime that you’re probably never going to be able to create again. It was also a super powerful experience for me, and I feel like other seniors should have that option as well.”

This trip and international tours in general provide students with such a deeper understanding of music and where it comes from. Singing in such esteemed places is a humbling experience that is hard to put into words. Apart from that, getting to hang out with your friends while in a different country is super cool. Getting to hear a priest at the Vatican thank Waukee specifically and watching parents and random Italians cry at every concert is surreal. We are so fortunate as a school to be able to take these tours and I am excited for more students down the line to get to experience these amazing countries and what these trips have to offer. So I encourage you the next time that this opportunity comes up to take it and get your name down on that list because any student or chaperone who went to Italy last summer will tell you it’s worth it!