This year during Spring Break the LHS choir, band, and orchestra students and teachers took a memorable trip to Northern Germany. Traveling from Berlin to Hamburg to Verden to Bremen, students experienced a mix of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and musical performance in some historical and beautiful locations.
From guided tours of major cities to exploring smaller towns, students were exposed to a culture both different from and similar to their own. One of the biggest differences they noticed was Germany’s strong emphasis on public transportation and walkable communities.
“In Bremen, this town that we had gone to for the last three days, the whole Main Street and center area had no cars allowed,” said Senior Jillian Simmonds, a member of the choir.
Many students also observed how community centered German towns felt. “It all just felt like it was based around a community, which I really liked,” said Senior Avery Krenz, who plays percussion.
Of course, one of the biggest parts of the trip was performing. Students had the chance to play and sing in historic churches and cathedrals, some of them hundreds of years old.
“One of the performances was in this ancient church and there was a huge echo,” said Junior flautist Lena Abbott.
Performing in places like that gave students a whole new perspective on music. The acoustics were completely different from anything they were used to, and it made their performances even more memorable.
Students also visited a German high school, where they saw some surprising differences. Instead of students moving from class to class, the teachers move rooms. The school even had things like goats, chickens, a garden, and a rowing club which made it feel very different from schools here.
Even with all the sightseeing and performances, a lot of students said their favorite moments were actually the simple ones.
“I just made a lot of new friends, it was really fun,” said Simmonds.
Whether it was playing cards at the hotel, talking on the bus or just hanging out, those in-between moments helped bring everyone closer together. Students from choir, band, and orchestra bonded in ways they normally wouldn’t during the school year.
Another thing that stood out was how much Germany values its history. Many buildings date back hundreds of years and you can tell they really care about preserving them.
For many, Bremen was a favorite stop. Its small streets, local shops and busy town made it feel welcoming and full of life.
Students also noticed something unexpected; graffiti. Unlike the U.S its often accepted as a form of art in Germany, adding color and personality to the streets.
Overall the trip was a mix of learning, performing and just having fun. It gave students the chance to experience something completely new while also growing closer as a group.
More than anything it changed perspectives.
“It changed how I see other cultures and even music,” said Abbott.
Trips like this show how important it is to step outside of your normal routine. For many LHS students Germany wasn’t just a place they visited, it’s an experience they’ll remember for a long time.
