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The Sunderman Conservatory’s Winter Break in the Baltics

By Jack Kane, Contributing Writer

Sunderman Conservatory in the Baltics (Photo provided)

Sunderman Conservatory in the Baltics (Photo provided)

During the winter break preceding the Spring 2023 semester, the Sunderman Conservatory of Music’s Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra ensembles of 66 members embarked on a performance tour over the Baltic region. During the tour, they visited Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Students and faculty expressed their diverse and significant experiences during the trip. 

Tour conductor and director of bands Dr. Russell McCutcheon described his experience succinctly as, “outstanding!” 

For others, the performances offered an opportunity for their first international trip to Europe. 

I am so grateful I got to do it with such an amazing group of people,” said flutist Erica Messinger ’24. 

The tour was not without its fair share of challenges and obstacles, however. From dietary needs and room assignments to the weighing and measurement of musical instruments for international travel, the Conservatory had to take into consideration a variety of factors to guarantee a safe, productive, and engaging experience. 

“All of us in the Conservatory and throughout the College worked diligently to ensure our students were ready to travel, both musically and personally,” said McCutcheon.

Other factors aside from planning and preparations were also considered, especially those concerned with global matters and interactions. 

“I had two main concerns. [The first was] the current political climate of Eastern Europe and [the second was] COVID/other illnesses. I overcame these concerns by staying informed of international news and having open and honest communication with those coordinating the tour,” said oboist Alex Michua-Brooks ’25. “Looking back, I am very glad that I made the decision to go.”

For many of the students who attended, the trip provided unforgettable memories. 

“My favorite place was Vilnius because we were there close to the city’s anniversary of being the capital of Lithuania, so it was really special time,” said Megan McCook ’23, a trombonist. 

The experience not only impacted the students who attended the trip, but it also provided an opportunity for students to connect with the people around them through music. 

Messinger shared, “at the end of the first concert of the tour, in which the Wind Symphony performed, an elderly Lithuanian man came up to me to ask for my autograph, which was quite a touching moment for me! It made my heart happy that I inspired someone that much with my music.”

One of the pieces played during the Wind Symphony concerts, “Shrine of the Fallen: Kiev 2014” by Brian Balmages, held special significance to honor Ukraine amid current conflict. 

“I could feel the impact that our music had,” said Michua-Brooks. “Sharing music with people abroad helped me remember the reasons why I love making music.”

McCutcheon encouraged students interested in similar international travel opportunities to seize those chances.

 “If given the opportunity, take advantage of it and go!” said McCutcheon. 

Author: Gettysburgian Staff

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