Parkland’s top young musicians will soon take their talents from local stages to some of the world’s most iconic performance spaces, as the high school chorale and honors orchestra prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy next year.

The Parkland School District Board of School Directors recently approved a trip for the high school chorale and high honors orchestra to travel to Italy from June 21-28, 2027.

At an April committee meeting, Dr. Renee Mosser, director of visual and performing arts, explained that Italy was selected to provide students with the opportunity to perform in world-renowned venues. Planned performances include a cathedral in Florence, a Mass at the Vatican, and a joint concert with a local choir in Tuscany.

Mosser emphasized the educational value of the experience, noting that performing in historic spaces such as stone cathedrals can elevate students’ musical development. “The experience of listening to themselves in a stone cathedral echo will help build students to another level,” Mosser said.

The estimated cost of the trip is between $4,300 and $4,500 per student. The fee will cover airfare, hotel accommodations, two meals per day, rental of large string instruments, museum admission fees, concert promotion, and luggage handling.

According to Mosser, music groups plan a large trip approximately every four years and participate in extensive fundraising efforts to help offset costs. Mosser added that Italy will offer more performance and cultural opportunities than other potential destinations.

Approximately 50 to 100 high school students are expected to participate in the trip. During the April 21 school board meeting, several Parkland students were also recognized for earning state honors in music.

Among those honored were Griffin Donham (clarinet), Kaustubh Kashyap (trumpet), and Clarke Ray (tuba), representing the concert band. Andrew Diven (flute) and Daniel Collier (piano) were recognized for their participation in the wind ensemble. Students representing Parkland in orchestra included Jayden Yao, Brian Diven, and Eddy Zhang (violins); Ivan Ly and Anna Ryozzi (violas); Genevieve Vasquez (cello); and Daniel Schiffert (bassoon). In addition, Rae DeWein, Luke Hauck, Liam Gravetz, Tristan Walsh, Madelynn Wascura, and Angelina Zaiter were recognized as members of the state chorus. Two students, Caiden Gieraga and Anle, were also recognized for receiving a Gold Key in photography through the National Scholastic Art Awards program.

High school principal Nate Davidson praised the students for their accomplishments. “Thank you to all of our fantastic kids and fantastic talents,” Davidson said. “Thank you, too, to all our parents.”