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The Sound of America Honor Band & Chorus European Concert Tour
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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, Inc. is a music program designed to enrich aspiring musicians through international performance and education. The concert band and chorus is comprised of talented high school and college instrumentalists and vocalists from across the United States of America. Each year, a new group of students are chosen through musical audition and recommendations for the annual SOA European Concert Tour which takes place each summer.
NON-PROFIT: 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.
LEADERSHIP/DIRECTORS: The SOA honor band is directed by Mr. Clyde M. Barr (President of North American Music Festivals, former President of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association), and the chorus will be under the direction of Dr. Nancy Klein, (Professor of Choirs, Old Dominion University, Virginia). This coming summer of 2012 will be the 36th annual tour of the Sound of America. (For more information on our directors and our experienced and caring staff, visit our staff pages.)
WHERE: After a rehearsal period of several days in Pennsylvania, 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. Concerts are extremely well received by the European audiences.
SIGNIFICANCE: The tour enables qualifying 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 6500 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.
PURPOSE: 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 objectives. 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.
RECOGNITION: SOA has been recognized for excellence by former Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush, as well as from former Pennsylvania Governor & Under-Secretary-General to the United Nations, Dick Thornburgh, former Pennsylvania Governor & Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, former First Lady and New York Senator and current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
Additionally, diplomats at foreign and local posts have also applauded the work of SOA. Those include the Cultural Minister of the U.S. Embassy of Paris and Consul General and Minister Counselor for Public Affairs of the US Embassy, Superintendents of the U.S. Cemeteries, and numerous mayors throughout Europe.
We have numerous pages on our website to answer your questions . For example: How can I learn more about SOA and can I contact recent former tour members from my area?
What type of music is performed?
What have past participants thought of the tour?
Who are the students who have traveled with us and what have they done since?
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 call us at 717 245 2826 or email us with any questions or concerns regarding your student.
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!
The Sound of America is registered with GuideStar: the leading source of information on U.S. nonprofits.
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Contact the Sound of America:
THE SOUND OF AMERICA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 50 Brookwood Avenue Carlisle, PA 17015 PHONE: 717-245-2826
FAX: 717-245-9822
Thank you for visiting the SOA web site!
NEWS / 2012 Itinerary / FAQ's / Directors & Staff / Eligibility / How to apply / Cost & Inclusions / Non-Profit Information / Music / Safety & Security
Special Alumni / Distinguished Alumni Talk about SOA / Testimonials from Past Tour Participants, by state
2011 Highlights / 2010 Highlights / 2009 Highlights / 2008 Highlights / 2007 Highlights / 2006 Highlights / 2005 Highlights / 2004 Highlights / 2003 Highlights / 2002 Tour Highlights / 2001 Tour Highlights / 2000 Tour Highlights / '99 Tour Highlights / '98 Tour Highlights / '97 Tour Highlights /
ALUMNI news / Photo Gallery / Fun websites
This site was originally created by D.R. Cook in 1997 and most recently modified by T. Davis 1-25-12.
