The Bolles School Choir recently participated in the Four Freedoms Choral Festival in Washington, DC. The festival was a tribute to FDR’s famous “Four Freedoms” speech celebrating Freedom of Speech, Freedom from Want, Freedom of Worship, and Freedom from Fear. This concert was also the world premiere of A Destiny of Liberty by Ethan Wickman. Below are some highlights from the Bolles School’s tour.

Tour Managers: Ed Hansen & Justin Hillman were extremely well-versed in their facts and time estimates at each place visited. There was an excellent balance of “fun facts” and historic ackground given. Both were very warm and welcoming, and both answered each question posed by members of the group to the best of their knowledge. 

Performance Experiences: The Four Freedoms Choral Festival performance was one that the students will always remember. It was a joy for them to sing with the orchestra.

Sightseeing: The students gave the sight-seeing an A+. 

MCI Team: Bill, Ashley, and Erin are consummate professionals. If a question was asked, they consistently did everything possible to provide the best information. They went the extra mile in making sure that the group felt welcome to the Festival, and always with pleasant smiles and demeanor. My interactions via e-mail were also absolutely first-rate. 

Personal Highlight: My personal highlight was having the opportunity to meet Ethan Wickman, and hear A Destiny of Liberty live. The highlight for the performers was really the sum of all things – blending the satisfaction of working with others toward a goal of outstanding performance (and history coming alive) with a visit to the national monuments (especially FDR Memorial and Arlington) for a memorable experience. 

bolles-school

Bolles School Choir and Gary Schwartzhoff