Spartanburg High School - Spartana Yearbook (Spartanburg, SC)

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Mountain scenery and centuries old architecture, like the Castle Nymphenburg along Germany’s Rhine River, caught band members' attention wherever they traveled. Music — a universal language While most high school students were lying out in the sun. the band was visiting the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Germany on a twenty-three day European tour. Singer for the group was Meredith Thomason. She sang Flashdance” and the medley from The Sound of Music. When asked about the trip, Meredith said she thought is was best going with the band, becaused it was a planned out trip. She was with her friends and making new friends. She stated, Band members became closer and more independent because we were on our own. Sometimes there was a problem communicating. but Senior Mark Anthony said he and his commrads learned a little German. French. Swiss, and Fresian. He claimed that he had to re-learn English when he got home! While the students were in Buitenpost, Netherlands, they stayed with families. Buitenpost is a small community, so everyone was within walking distance. Band members became closer and more independent because we were on our own. Guy Evans said. It was a great experience. He also said if he could go back he would visit Zermatt, Switzerland because he thought it was the most beautiful place they stayed. Tracy Hubbard would like to revisit the Eiffel Tower and tour Paris. She spent most of her free time shopping, and her biggest problem was running out of certain kinds of money. Band members thought they played well, and everyone had a feeling of pride. Mark Anthony said he felt the most pride when the band played in St. Lo as part of the D-Day celebration. French President Mitterland attended the ceremonies. When asked if he would ever go back, Mark Anthony's reply was, Give me a ticket and I’ll be gone!!” He stated that. The band and Orchestra are fulfilling important functions by going overseas and meeting with other people and cultures. We can make lasting friendships and try to understand why a certain nation will react a certain way.” The evening concert at Schrannensaal in Dinkels buehl. West Germany, included The Gallant Seventh” featuring the trumpet section. Band Tour 9

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Europe's older cities and narrow roads are scenic, but they are a challenge for pedestrian tourists and automobile drivers alike in Dinkelsbrehl. West Ger many. Touring the Dachau Concentration Camp, where more than 31,000 person were murdered, brought to mind history lessons of the horrors of World War II. A reception honoring the Viking Band allowed the musicians to relax after their 3 00 P.M. concert in Vire. France. Students had the opportunity to talk informally with the city’s dignitaries. Paris’s famous Jardin du Luxembourg was the setting of the band's first European concert on June 5. Hundreds of Parisians sat under the trees and enjoyed their music. One of retiring band director James Smith's last chances to conduct the Viking Band was at their outdoor performance at Kasser. West Germany. 8 Band Tour

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This towering cathedral, with its intricate design and stained glass windows, exemplifies the beauty of European architecture. Students marveled at buildings dating back thousands of years. The ■’efficient” van of Mr. Richard Fowler received many hard glances from passers-by. It must have been a funny sight bumper stickers plastered on the back, thirteen people stuffed inside. This horse-drawn taxi was typical of many that at tracted tourists on the scenic streets of England. The Alps in Switzerland were a favorite sight. This magnificent view of the contrast between the snow-capped mountain and the grass-covered one was a common sight during students' stay with the Swiss. Europe's magnificent architecture, unlike anything to be found in the U.S.. treated students and other tourists to one spectacular sight after another. This is the Opera House in Paris. 10 European Trip The Eiffel Tower is only one of the major sights seen in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe. the Champs Elysees. and the Notre Dame Cathedral were also highlights of the group's tour.