The Tour
The European Tour
Blue Lake International Exchange Program’s
European tours are three to four weeks long,
depending on the ensemble. Blue Lake
ensembles visit five to seven communities and
perform at least one rehearsal and concert in
each location. Depending on the ensemble and
program, some students may also participate in
select chamber ensembles or featured repertoire,
either as a part of the primary performance
or a smaller concert event. In some instances,
groups are given the opportunity to perform for
community officials, dignitaries, and leaders.
Performance Venues
The Blue Lake International ensembles have
appeared on some of the finest and historically
relevant stages in Europe, as well as in community
centers, schools, churches, and amphitheaters.
Blue Lake groups may perform in front of sold
out, ticketed audiences in large concert halls,
as well as participate in local music festivals
and community celebrations.
Homecoming Performance Day
The tour concludes with an energizing performance
at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s Stewart Shell for
the camp community, family members, and
concert goers. Homecoming performance days
include an afternoon of rehearsal time, reuniting
with friends and family, sharing tour stories,
and celebrating time together. Homecoming
performances may be broadcast on Blue Lake
Public Radio, which covers a ten county radius
in West Michigan and streams all over the world
from the Blue Lake website. The homecoming
performance is the perfect way to end an
incredible musical journey and say farewell to
new found friends.
Host Communities and Families
Well established and vetted community leaders, dignitaries, and educators serve
as hosting representatives for our groups. These representatives coordinate Blue
Lake’s visit by organizing special events, rehearsals and performances, and
most importantly, our host families. Host families are selected from the hosting
organization, such as a school, community artistic ensemble, or church. Personal
data is collected from Blue Lake students in order to make an appropriate host
family assignment based on age, gender, instrument, and personal interests.
Blue Lake students essentially become members of their European family for
three days. Sightseeing, shopping, home-cooked meals, and community events
are all part of a Blue Laker’s schedule in each host community. At the conclusion
of the stay, tears are common as students bid farewell to their host family and
the motor coach departs for the next community.
Preparing for Tour
The Blue Lake International Exchange Program holds several rehearsals throughout
the year. Rehearsals take place on one Sunday in November, one Sunday in
April, one weekend in May, and one week in early June. All rehearsals take place
on the campus of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Students are expected to practice
regularly on their own to master their music before arriving at rehearsals.
Orientation, mini language classes, recitals, recreation, and typical camp fun
are all part of the Blue Lake International rehearsals. At the conclusion of the
rehearsal week in June, International ensembles offer a Bon Voyage performance
for family and friends before boarding the motor coach and heading to the airport
to begin their European adventure.
