England Bound: Two Rockwood Orchestras Join to Perform Near London During Spring Break

At the end of last week, 42 students from Eureka and Marquette high schools traveled to England to showcase their orchestra talents. Under the direction of James Nacy, of Marquette, and Patti Fleer, of Eureka, students will perform three concerts that feature a mixture of English and American music, ranging from Purcell to Lady Gaga.

Participating students paid their own expenses for the trip through combinations of personal financing and fundraising.

Fleer said the students were excited about having this opportunity to travel and perform in England.

“The prospect of sharing their talent and love of music with other people in another country will be the best part of all; I’m sure it will be a highlight of their high school experience,” said Fleer. 

“To quote one of my students, ‘it’s totally awesome!'"

Nacy said it was the first time his groups had partnered with another high school for an orchestra trip. “In addition to performing, the students will be immersed in local culture as they participate in guided tours and learn about the country’s amazing history.”

The students are scheduled to perform at the Guild Hall in Salisbury, University Church of St. Mary the Virgin at Oxford University and the Ark Theater in Borehamwood. The group will see a variety of scenic icons, including Stonehenge, Old Sarum Celtic hill fort, Roman Baths, and Christ Church College—Oxford's largest and grandest Renaissance College founded in 1525.

London is the largest city in Europe, and the group will be exposed to different facets of it, such as a Thames River Cruise, Westminster Abby, Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral and Harrod's.

Students will return on March 22.