For the first time, 30 student musicians will travel internationally on a class trip to London and Paris in which they will both perform and visit tourist attractions. The week long trip is during spring break from March 27 to April 3.

According to Orchestra director Miriam Edgar, after its previous trip to New York in 2011, students and parents decided to  travel overseas unlike any Park music group. Edgar said because they would already be overseas it seemed economical to visit more than one place.

The group is to arrive March 28 by air to London and is scheduled to travel on March 31 from London to Paris by train. In England students will perform for  visitors at Warwick Castle. Students are to participate in master class where they will learn and perform in front of director, composer Colin Touchin at the Royal College of Music in London.

Junior orchestra student Jordan Gemilere said he hopes this trip will provide him with an engaging experience in London and Paris.

“I’m looking forward to getting a feel of what it’s like in another country and  to perform in front of a foreign audience,” Gemilere said.

Edgar said she thinks the class will provide students with a cultural and musical experience.

“This class gives us a lot of opportunities. Everybody’s musical training is different and this gives us the benefit of learning new and different methods,” Edgar said. “My goal is for us to grow as an ensemble and as musicians on this trip.”

In France, student will visit the Paris Conservatory, in addition to touring other attractions such as the Palaces of Versailles.

Overall, Edgar said she is very grateful for this opportunity and is proud of students’ extensive work fundraising and practicing in preparation for this trip.

“I never thought that we could have this amazing opportunity,” she said. “I am really proud of all the effort students have put in this year.”