Members of Saratoga High School's wind and string ensembles, along with their parents and school staff, are in the midst of a trip to Switzerland, Austria and Germany. For two weeks, the students will play music, sightsee—and showcase their talents at the Vienna International Music Competition.

"The whole trip is centered around the Vienna festival, and then everything else just falls into place," said Mike Boitz, instrumental music director. According to Boitz, the school last went to the festival in 1980. "Vienna is really one of the classical musical epicenters of the world."

Along with the Vienna event, the ensembles will also play at a center for the handicapped in Switzerland and at an ecumenical Mass in Salzburg. "Musically, it will be a wonderful experience for the kids," said Janet Verson, music department administrative assistant. Verson said she expects the musicians to view European culture "with different eyes."

"It's a wonderful opportunity for these students, and they'll have lifelong memories," Verson said.

"It's like going on a vacation with all of your best friends," said senior Andrew Kao. "It'll be a blast."

Kao, a trumpet player, said he had been excited about the tour since the beginning of the year. Not only was he looking forward to spending time with his bandmates, but Kao wanted to learn about European cultures and musical history.

"We're excited," said senior Megumi Nomura, who plays flute and piccolo. "We get to meet people from other countries. And our band will become closer and learn more about each other."

Senior Sue-Ting Chene said she hoped to hear other student musicians play. Slated to perform at the Vienna festival were bands from as close to home as Homestead High School and as far away as Japan. Chene, a flute and piccolo player, was enthusiastic about visiting the setting of The Sound of Music.

The students were also eager to travel with Boitz. "He's like one of us," Nomura said.

"He's just like a little kid," Kao added.

In the week after school ended, Boitz and the students spent hours in rehearsal and in logistics meetings. With several hours of practice per day, Boitz rehearsed songs that the students had already played during the school year as well as new pieces, including one written by an American composer in remembrance of the student shooting in Columbine.

"It's a reasonable balance. We're not getting out of school and learning all new pieces," Boitz said.

Verson, who is one of the adult chaperones on the trip, said the $3,150 cost was paid by each student; however, fundraisers such as sales for the Saratoga Music Boosters and performances at the farmer's market offset some of the costs.

The group left on June 27 after a send-off performance at West Valley College and will return July 9.

"There's something about traveling with band kids and orchestra kids that's just so fun," Verson said. "I love these students like they're my own."

Boitz, who has been to Europe before, said he will enjoy the trip but it is work for him. "At this time, it's almost like a full-time job on top of my regular teaching activities." Instead, he said the tour is more for the sake of the students.

"Oftentimes, kids don't really have an opportunity to travel outside their community," Boitz said. "Now, more than ever, I think the international cultural exchange and outreach is important for the kids to realize how unified the world has become, with the music as a backdrop."