A decision was taken to organise an educational visit to Bruges in July 2008. In May 2008 a pre tour inspection of the hotel, concert venues and places of interest was made by the Music Service. Places were offered to members of the senior orchestra, senior wind band and intermediate orchestra and after the year’s regular rehearsals and concerts had finished at the beginning of May, a 65 piece hybrid orchestra known as the North East Northern Ireland Youth Orchestra was formed and intense rehearsals commenced under the supervision of 9 orchestral coaches from the Music Service.
By the beginning of July preparations were almost complete. The Association of Friends raised a substantial amount towards the cost of the tour. Fund raising activities included a recital and dinner in the Templeton Hotel at which students and staff performed and a concert in Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt where the tour orchestra gave its first concert. Sincere gratitude is owed to the Association of Friends and to the students and staff of the Music Service who gave freely of their time.
The staff of the NEELB and in particular the Music Service worked beyond the call of duty to ensure that our young musicians received the experience of a lifetime. The orchestra members made the tour what it was. They performed to a high level, they behaved in a manner their parents, schools and the Board would have been proud of and they gave their time, support and friendship freely to one another. The warm responses from audiences were a wonderful reward for hours of practice and travel.
After the success of our educational visit to Belgium in July 2008 and in response to requests from orchestra members permission was granted to organise another orchestral tour to Europe in July 2009.
Destination - Rhine Valley and Moselle Valley, Germany.
Departure Date - 9th July 2009.
Duration - 6 days/5 nights.
