The Kelly Walsh High School a Cappella Choir from Casper, Wyoming toured Italy as part of the American Celebration of Music, March 28-April 3, 2017. Performances included a formal evening concert at the Chiesa San Filippo Neri in Florence, a recital at the Chiesa de San Pietro and The Pantheon in Rome, a formal evening concert at the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, and finally participation in Mass at the Vatican’s historic St. Peter’s Basilica.
The choir’s director, Katrina Rooney, shared the following feedback from the experience:
We were thrilled with our performance opportunities. This is my top priority in travel and I felt that all locations and opportunities were incredible – each for their own reason.
St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican
We were only going to have five opportunities to perform which turned into six. And in the mass [at St. Peter’s Basilica], we were only supposed to sing four pieces but due to a large number of people participating in mass they asked us to sing a fifth piece. I could not be happier with our performance opportunities – they were perfect!
Our favorite concert was at the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva! Simona asked if we would be willing to do a charity benefit concert – which we loved! We love the idea of being able to help in this way, and it gave a larger audience. A beautiful venue and for most of my students it was their favorite performance.
Kelly Walsh Choir at the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva
[The Italian Tour Managers] Flavio and Helga were amazing! They were excellent in their organization, information, interactions with both students and parents, and we really appreciate all of their work! They suggested adding San Gimignano to our itinerary on our day from Montecatini to Rome. This actually ended up being many participants favorite part of the trip. When we entered Flavio was able to get us into the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano to sing a couple of pieces.
Our local Italian tour escorts were amazing! They were excellent in their organization, information, interactions with both students and parents, and we really appreciate all of their work! We loved all of the sightseeing opportunities. Many of our adults commented on how good the guides were in each city (their knowledge and ability to relate to us). We really appreciated the balance of time between performing, tours, and free time. Our time in Florence was perfect – giving ample shopping and eating time. I had many adults comment on the value for the money spent. They felt that it was very affordable for everything that we got to do and see.
Florence Cityscape
It is hard to pick just one highlight! For me, every performance is a highlight. I am always struck with joy in the middle of performances with the thought, “I can’t believe we get to do this! We get to sing in this amazing space and if only these walls could speak!” For many of my students, they echo this sentiment.
The highlight sightseeing wise was Florence, Roman Forum Coliseum, and San Gimignano. Loved San Gimignano and for almost all of my students and parents, this was a favorite. It is so unique and different.
Piazza del Duomo in San Gimignano
I had such an amazing experience working with MCI the first trip (to Ireland) that I knew I wanted to continue working with MCI. I appreciate the communication, the honesty, the staff, the commitment to quality performances in quality spaces. I have worked with other music travel companies in the past that had only one contact and really poor communication. I really appreciate the communication from MCI and its employees. I love that there are several people who specialize in different areas. Thank you for your answers to MANY emails and MANY calls. I really appreciate that our interactions are always informative, professional, and personable.
Katrina Rooney, Choir Director
Kelly Walsh High School
Casper, Wyoming
This is an amazing opportunity for up and coming performers. A chance to show their talent and gift!!