What do the pope, the Coliseum, the Sistine Chapel, delicious carbonara, Michelangelo’s Moses, the Marching Comets and the Gospel Choir have in common? Soon, they’ll all be in Rome, Italy, and The University of Olivet alumni and friends are invited to join.
The Marching Comets will be traveling Dec. 28, 2019, to Jan. 4, 2020. The Gospel Choir will be traveling March 8-14, 2020. There are a limited number of spots available to alumni who are interested in this remarkable experience. Trips range in cost from $3,500 to $4,050 for double occupancy.
The Marching Comets trip will include eight days of travel with six days in Rome and three performances, highlighted by a performance in the Rome New Year’s Day Parade. The opportunity comes through Youth Music of the World, an organization that focuses on performance travel programs. Excursions will help students and guests explore Rome, Pompeii and Frascati.
“Traveling with the band is always an exciting adventure,” said Director of Bands Jeremy Duby. “It is an opportunity to watch students absorb and actively engage in a new culture. We get the chance to perform in some of the oldest cathedrals and march on some of the oldest roads in the world, all while contributing to the lives of a brand new audience. Alumni will have the opportunity to participate in this growth and to tour one of the greatest cities with fellow Comets. Much gelato will also be had!”
The Gospel Choir trip will include seven days of travel with five days in Rome and three performances. Performances will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel music complete with a live band. The choir was invited to Rome by Music Celebrations International (MCI), an organization that aims to raise the level of musicianship and dedication to the performing arts around the globe. The MCI vision embraces Ludwig Van Beethoven’s statement that, “music can change the world.” While the organization offers performance opportunities to many choirs, very few gospel choirs are hosted. Excursions to explore Rome, Florence, Montecatini and Siena on the trip are planned.
“Rome is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world,” said Gospel Choir Director La’Rae Trice. “Unlike most large cities, the buildings and monuments you see standing were there for many generations before us. Whether you’ve been there before or not, alumni will have an opportunity to engage with Italian history and culture, and even witness it with many students who have never been out of the country before. Alumni are also welcome to practice and participate with the choir for our performances. It’s all about making beautiful music together!”
Both ensembles will not only perform in Rome, but will tour the historic city, experience the local culture, dine on classic Italian dishes and much more.
Sign up for this remarkable experience now.
Learn more by contacting Samantha Pearl ’00, director of alumni engagement, at alumnirelations@uolivet.edu or 269-749-7644.