A Tour Years in the Making
The director of McGehee School Choir, Cassie Schmitt, has been planning this tour since 2019, but COVID resulted in delays. Cassie herself had once studied in London, and ever since, she had dreamed of bringing her students to the city to experience its rich musical and cultural traditions firsthand.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to help finally get this tour off the ground. McGehee School holds a special place in our heart, as the alma mater of Sacha Bryan, our Business Development Senior Manager. It made seeing those singers’ dreams come true feel all the more personal.
Those dreams expanded even further when McGehee School developed a relationship with Shrewsbury School in the UK. With pen pals already exchanging messages ahead of the trip, anticipation built quickly. This wouldn’t just be a tour, but a true cultural exchange.
A Royal Welcome
After a direct flight from New Orleans to London, the group was greeted by their Tour Manager, Chris, who immediately immersed them in the city with a visit to Buckingham Palace. It was the perfect introduction to the destination: iconic, historic, and unmistakably different from New Orleans.
From there, the group checked into their hotel in the heart of Kensington. Chris led an optional walk through Kensington Gardens, where the students strolled past Kensington Palace and delighted in spotting ducklings along the way. It was one of those simple but unforgettable moments that often become trip highlights.
A relaxed dinner at the hotel and a good night’s sleep set everyone up for the busy days ahead.
Musical Dialogues Across Cultures
That afternoon, the group gathered at Southwark Cathedral for their performance. Their thoughtfully curated program reflected both their home and their destination, blending English composers such as Thomas Tallis with modern selections like The Beatles and Amy Winehouse, alongside music rooted in New Orleans tradition. Every row was occupied as local listeners gathered to experience the choir’s transatlantic program. It was a powerful musical dialogue between cultures—exactly what makes these tours so impactful.
After the performance, the group opted for some well-earned free time back in Kensington, choosing local shops over larger department stores to soak in the neighborhood atmosphere. For those still eager to explore, Chris offered an optional visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, which stays open late. A group of students took advantage, wandering through its incredible collections until closing time.
The days ahead were filled with music and meaningful connections.
From taking in the grandeur of Westminster Abbey—where they attended the Evensong choral service—to cruising along the Thames and stopping at landmarks like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, every moment was thoughtfully planned to ensure this trip was worth the wait. The students even made a pilgrimage to Abbey Road, an essential stop for any music lover.
After years of anticipation, delays, and careful planning, this tour was a testament to perseverance and vision. By the time they boarded their flight home, these students carried more than souvenirs. They returned home with new confidence and deeper musical insight, ready for whatever stage comes next.
