The Next Summer Adventure

The first time I left the country was back in 2008.

That summer before my freshmen year of high school, I left the U.S to attend the Royal School of Church Music in England with choristers from my church. My mother had attended the same program when she was my age and I couldn't be more excited to take such a trip.

The next time wasn't until 2010.

Just short of becoming a Junior, I left home to travel to Germany with the Okemos High School Orchestra. We gave many concerts, attended school and stayed with wonderful host families. It was on this trip that I met my "German Sister" who I still talk to today.

Most recently was last summer.

I had just finished my Sophomore year at Western and was accepted into the OperaMaya Voice Program held in Tulum, Mexico. Though it ended up not being performance-oriented, I made friends and had the opportunity to work with some wonderful teachers and coaches while enjoying paradise on the beach.

And now as I approach starting my Senior year of college, I'm leaving home again to attend the American Institute of Musical Studies Opera Studio Voice Program in Graz, Austria.

The AIMS program is one that since starting college I've always wanted to participate in. It is considered one of the best voice programs in Europe and one of the most attended by both undergraduate and graduate students from various schools and countries. I somehow never thought I'd actually be attending the program, even though I'd already made up my mind that I'd be attending sometime while in college. And now in two days, I'll head out again to take this next amazing adventure.

While in Graz, I will have weekly voice lessons and coachings, as well as diction classes, German classes, Masterclasses, various recitals and performance opportunities, discussions with professionals musicians and many more amazing opportunities.

My goals of attending this program are simple:

1. To learn as much as possible
2. To attend everything - all events and musical performances, even if I am not selected to participate
3. To make friends, create memories and have the trip of a lifetime

Unlike my recent excursion to Mexico, I will have full access to internet and various forms of technology that I will use to communicate with family and friends back home. I will also be updating my blog as much as possible in lieu of writing in my travel journal, so more people can read about my adventures and keep up to date with everything that happens over these next exciting six weeks! Check out my blog daily for new updates, stories and maybe a few pictures too!!

AIMS will be a new chapter for me. An opportunity to focus on my passion for six weeks which also serves as a "first look" into the career I continue to pursue. A time to grow both as a musician and as a person. And it all starts in just over 48 hours. Auf Wiedersehen!