MAIN ENTRANCE For Music Directors & Educators For Alumni Description Make a donation Contact To view the website without frames, scroll to the bottom of the page. What is the Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus Summer Music Program? The Sound of America is a concert band and concert chorus comprised of talented high school instrumentalists and vocalists from across the United States of America. Each year, a new group of students are chosen for the annual European Concert Tour which takes place each summer.
SOA is a federally registered not-for-profit organization which focuses on the musical and cultural enrichment of outstanding musical students, selected by musical ability and character. The Sound of America has non-profit status of 501 (c)(3) and does not discriminate against race, religion, or sex.
The SOA honor band is directed by Mr. Clyde M. Barr (President of North American Music Festivals), and the chorus will be under the direction of Dr. Nancy Klein. This coming summer of 2009 will be the 33rd annual tour of the Sound of America. (For more information on our directors, visit our staff pages.)
After a rehearsal period of several days in the U.S., the ensemble presents two grand Bon Voyage concerts, after which the entire group travels to Europe to present high-quality concerts of goodwill in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and France, before thousands of Europeans. The musicality level of the ensemble (band & chorus) is of "all-state" calibre.
The tour enables talented students from throughout the nation to represent America in a highly positive manner as they perform before large European audiences in many of the most unique and finest concert halls in Europe. Over 6000 Sound of America alumni, representing every state in America, can attest to the incredible musical experience and personal growth development they have received under the leadership of the S.O.A. Directors and Staff. Most consider their tour experience the happiest and most significant enrichment experience of their lifetime.
The purpose of our program is multi-fold. We seek to provide a positive, growing experience for talented young musicians, in which improved musical performance, appreciation of history, art history and different cultures are all attained goals. By bringing high quality musical performances not only to stage in Pennsylvania, but from the United States to Europe, we have a unique opportunity to showcase the best of young America and bring together people of different cultures. Our national-scope musical program improves intercultural and international perspectives and attitudes.
We have numerous pages on our website to answer your questions . For example: What type of music do we perform?
What have past participants thought of the tour?
Who are the students who have traveled with us and what have they done since?
Is it safe this year? What are the europeans like towards Americans?
How can I learn more about SOA and can I contact former participants from my area?
We invite you to contact us directly to receive information for your finest students. You may e-mail us with nominations as well. Inquire about our demo CD (free for directors), which features music from recent concert tours. It will demonstrate the quality of our musical groups as well as the type of music we perform.
Please visit North American Music Festivals for spring festivals for your band, choir or orchestra. Browse through our site to learn more about our directors, music, student selection, FAQs, special Patriotic CDs, special alumni, distinguished alumni comments, comments from previous tour members from every state and more!
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Contact the Sound of America at 717-245-2826 (phone) or 717-245-9822 (fax) for more information. Thank you for visiting the SOA web site!
THE SOUND OF AMERICA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 50 Brookwood Avenue Carlisle, PA 17015 Return to top of page
2007 Highlights / 2006 Highlights / 2005 Highlights / 2004 Highlights / 2003 Highlights / 2002 Tour Highlights / NEWS / 2007 Itinerary / SOA FAQ's / Directors & Staff / Comments from Participants / Eligibility / How to apply / Cost & Inclusions / Non-Profit Information / Music / Photo Gallery / Fun websites / 2001 Tour Highlights / 2000 Tour Highlights / '99 Tour Highlights / '98 Tour Highlights / '97 Tour Highlights / ALUMNI news / Safety & Sept 11 / Special Alumni / Distinguished Alumni comments
Site hosting by This site was originally created by D.R. Cook 8/12/97 and modified by Terri Davis 6-10-09.
