An Italian Overture
by Justin Yang ‘29
Music has the power to travel, and during Lion Term, St. Mark’s students proved just how far it can go. The St. Mark’s School Orchestra, Choir, and Jazz Band embarked on an unforgettable journey to Italy. Traveling through the beautiful cities of Florence, Cremona, and Venice, the ensembles had the opportunity to perform in historic venues, collaborate with local young musicians, and experience Italy in a way few students ever do.
The trip started in Florence, a city known for its art and stunning architecture. The students explored the area around the famous Duomo, corner cafés, and gelato shops. Although many got “lost” in the bustling stores, it was great to share laughs while discovering the city together. After a nervous but successful concert in the Basilica of Santa Trinita, St. Mark's hit the road to Cremona. There, students visited the Museum of Violins and heard a 300-year-old Stradivarius violin being played. However, the best part of Cremona was the experience of performing with a local youth orchestra. On stage and offstage, the groups shared stories and formed connections despite language and cultural barriers. The final stop was Venice, where traveling by boat made the experience even more memorable. The group had the opportunity to explore San Marco Square and see the St Mark’s Lion, a symbol shared by both the city and the school.
Beyond the performances and sightseeing, the trip carried a deeper significance for everyone involved. It pushed students out of their comfort zones, whether that meant performing in unfamiliar spaces, navigating a new country, or connecting with people from Italy. Trips like this also strengthen the sense of community within the ensembles. Long bus rides, rehearsals, and even getting lost in Florence all became moments that brought people closer together. Choir member Si Ah stated, “It was an amazing and beautiful opportunity to share our music… also to ‘babysit kids’ in Italy.”
St Mark’s School does an amazing job providing opportunities for student travel every year, allowing students to grow outside the classroom and experience different cultures. The Music Tour to Italy is only one of the many trips during Lion Term. Perhaps most importantly, these trips help students prepare for the future as global citizens.
Special thanks to St Mark’s for providing this opportunity, Mr. Fontes and all faculty chaperones, and everyone who made this trip special.
