The Hills Are Alive…with the sound of the Silvertones!
Next year, the select singing group will travel to the Austrian cities of Salzburg, Linz, and Vienna to partake in numerous singing and sightseeing adventures.
The elite choir previously performed a biannual concert tour in Italy under the direction of Mr. John Shankweiler, but is spicing things up with Ms. Lindsey Reinhard Silva as the new choral director.
As for why Austria was selected as the highly anticipated, brand-new destination? Silva was drawn to choosing the European country for a variety of reasons.
“Crowds love to support choral music in Austria,” Silva said. “Given all of the musical history that exists [in Austria], it’s a really good way to start.”
With the trip being less than a year away, choral students are already buzzing with anticipation. From planning outfits to researching landmarks, there is a lot for students to be excited about. For example, freshman Asha Miller is fascinated by the distinctive construction in Austria.
“I’m really excited to see the buildings. I know there’s really cool architecture and churches that we’ll sing in,” Miller said.
Being immersed in another culture is another thing students are looking forward to. According to sophomore Wyatt Stevens, this aspect of the trip will connect back to his academics at Haven.
“I think it’s going to be a good social experience [to hear] a different language, because I take German, so I’ll be able to use some of it,” Stevens said.
In addition to learning experiences and group bonding, Silva is excited for the unique possibilities that traveling to a foreign country will bring for the singers.
“We’ll be searching for opportunities to collaborate with another high school in Vienna,” Silva said. “The Sound of Music was filmed in Salzburg, and I’m sure we’re going to see the Sound of Music sites.”
Unfortunately, traveling overseas does not come at a cheap price. That’s why the Silvertones have already gotten creative in planning fundraisers, as maintained by sophomore Madeline Garson.
“We did Singing Valentines and we have some restaurant fundraisers,” Garson said. “Hopefully we’ll do Revelry, which is our biggest event next year that helps raise money.”
Along with fundraising preparations, changes to rehearsal times are already underway. Silva hopes that these changes will benefit the group of singers and prepare them for the trip.
“We’re going to add in a Monday evening rehearsal,” Silva said. “I think that will allow students to sleep in. That expanded rehearsal time will really allow us to dive deeper into our music.”
Not all high schools have a program that supports international travel. Silva looks forward to pursuing a distinctive experience for her and her students.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to take students abroad and to represent Strath Haven,” Silva said.
