On Thursday, March 27, 42 LT choir students will be heading to a guided tour experience in Ireland. They plan to explore Cork, Killarney, Galway, and Dublin. This trip will be filled with numerous performances, sightseeing, and learning opportunities.
“Choirs are meant to share their music,” choir teacher John Musick said. “Nothing is more thrilling than sharing our music together internationally.”
Once in Ireland, the choir students will have the opportunity to display their talents in numerous places around the country. They have the opportunity to attend a choral masterclass and perform at the Cork School of Music, as well as perform at St. Nicholas Collegiate College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A joint workshop with a local choir and performance at the Athenry Music School are also on the itinerary.
“I attended the trip to New York [last year], and my favorite part was making friends with people I had never been close to before, which is why I’m looking forward to traveling [to Ireland] and singing in once-in-a-lifetime places,” choir student Charlie Wichman ‘26 said.
Students must be enrolled in a choir course at LT during the 2024-2025 academic year to register and participate in the trip. The cost is $3,859 per student, double occupancy. Students must complete the full registration and pay prior to the trip. It is also required for students to have a valid passport to enter Ireland.
“My favorite part is watching our singers have the opportunity to form lifelong memories together [and] learn about culture, art, and community,” Musick said.
Some of the trip highlights include visiting the Blarney Castle. Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle is most known for being home to the Blarney Stone. The Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive around Ireland’s high mountainous terrain, and the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most famous locations, are also attractions. In their last few days, they have the opportunity to visit Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Students have free time over the week to explore Ireland and decide how they want to experience and learn about the Irish culture.
“My favorite part of being in choir is not only what I get to learn and grow in vocal ability and cultural knowledge but also the atmosphere and teachers that make it so special,” Wichman said. “I’ve learned my vocal range and how to excel in singing as well as how to be a leader in a group of similar people.”