Boulder High School (BHS) orchestra students like Jane Boeve, a pianist and violinist, and Jarrett Taylor, a bassist, kicked off their summer vacations with a trip to Europe. A total of 41 BHS students and alumni performed at venues in Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck during their 10-day "Historical Royal Hertitage" trip June 12-21.

Students performed inside auditoriums and outside in the cobblestone courtyards for the many passersby. Playing in front of a crowd didn't seem to bother Jane Boeve. She said, "I just hoped we sounded good for the listeners. "

Orchestra students had prepared a few select pieces since fall of last year for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Music selections performed abroad, such as Aaron Copland's "Hoedown" were more technically difficult said Dr. Katharine Mason, Director of Orchestras at Boulder High School, which is why she acquainted her students with complex music early on.

BHS students primarily performed American compositions such as a compilation piece from "Pirates of the Caribbean." One exception was a Mozart piece that Mason said was used to celebrate and honor Mozart's recent 250 th birthday; the famous composer was born January 27, 1756.

Mason sent an audition CD to officials at Schonbrunn Palace to secure a spot for her aspiring musicians to perform at the highly prestigious venue. Choir students from other schools and colleges also preformed at the palace, said Mason.

Mason said it was uplifting to hear praise from strangers. She said one person even thanked her for performing songs from American movie soundtracks because that genre of music is rarely heard. "To go to a place where the music is so appreciated was a huge compliment," said Mason.

Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg, Austria, will likely have a lasting effect on her students. Whether these kids decide to pursue their musical endeavors in college or beyond is unclear, but what is clear is that the trip abroad inspired these young travels in many ways. "The trip brought to reality what students were learning in orchestra classes," said Mason.

Jarrett Taylor said his experience was one not to be forgotten because "it opened new horizons" for him and he enjoyed being in a place where Mozart once played and composed music.

Young travelers like Taylor were quick to notice how different the quaint towns and narrow streets of Europe were as compared to Boulder. "It was an experience to see all the historical places," said Jarrett Taylor.

Students like Taylor worked hard to save enough money for the trip, said Jarrett's mom and professional photographer, Brenda Taylor. "My son paid for his whole trip though fund raising; I was very proud of him," said Brenda Taylor. "It was a great opportunity to see another part of the world."

Fund raising efforts were sponsored by the Boulder High School Instrumental Music Parents Association (IMPA). Mason said IMPA donated endless amounts of time and generosity.

Upon returning to the states, students said they now have a much different appreciation for music, travel and the world out there. "I think everyone should travel, it's the best education ever; you learn so much about different cultures," said Boeve who really enjoyed Prague and Cesky Krumlov.