After nearly seven years of playing the flute, senior Andrew Lord was excited to improve his skills abroad. 

“It was definitely a new experience,” Lord said. 

Lord was one of three Eudora students to travel with the Kansas Musicians Abroad in June. Lord, senior Nate van Foeken and junior Autumn Baethke spent two weeks traveling through Europe, performing with nearly 100 other band, choir and orchestra students from Kansas. 

The students performed in four countries: England, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The group also visited France, but did not have the chance to perform due to weather. Lord said it was interesting playing for an audience of strangers. 

“We always play here at home with people that we at least know from the community,” he said. “There’d be just crowds of the locals there and it’s just a different experience because you don’t know how people are going to react.”

Baethke said it was nerve wracking performing for new people in the beginning. 

“We literally just kind of played and people from the streets just sat there and watched. But it was definitely a lot more fun once you got used to it,” Baethke said. 

Baethke also played the flute with the band.

“My playing has definitely improved,” she said.

Van Foeken played saxophone in the band, but also performed with the choir while traveling. Although the band only performed four times, van Foeken said the choir would perform songs whenever they had the chance. 

“The choir would pull out, like, a couple songs that we had memorized and sing those wherever we were,” he said. “The choir got a standing ovation in Austria, and that was pretty cool to feel that accomplishment.”

When they weren’t performing, students went sightseeing and learned more about each country’s culture. Lord said his favorite memory was either going to a church service in London or visiting the Matterhorn in Switzerland. 

“It was definitely a really cool experience. Just seeing the different cultures and traditions and everything that they do over there,” Lord said. “I think it’s definitely a trip that, I think, everyone should at least have the opportunity to do at some point.”

Lord said this was his first time traveling to Europe. He said the trip not only improved his musical skills, but also taught him life lessons. 

“We had to learn a lot of music in a short amount of time, and I think I’ve really, you know, challenged myself,” he said. “It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Baethke said the entire trip felt surreal. She said her favorite part was hearing people speak with different accents and in different languages. 

“It was definitely kind of like a once in a lifetime for me,” Baethke said.

Van Foeken said he feels lucky to have gotten this opportunity. 

“I just loved seeing all the scenery in Switzerland and Austria. That was really cool,” he said. “I’m glad that I was able to go on it.”

Lord said he would encourage other students to go on a trip like this if they have the chance. 

“If you have an opportunity, take it,” he said. “It could be the most life changing thing you’ve ever done.”

Reach reporter Ryn Drummond at [email protected]. 

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