2027 – Perform Across Europe
Sounds of Summer
Music Travel Program
Perform across Europe in the summer of 2027! Join the Sound of Summer Ensemble on an excursion to Europe, where you’ll tour incredible landscapes, explore fascinating historical sites, and be able to showcase your talents on another continent!
Let Your European Music Journey Begin
About The Sounds of Summer Student Tour
United Kingdom
- 3 nights accommodations in the London area
- Visit Buckingham Palace and see the Changing of the Guard
- Visit to Trafalgar Square
- Admission to the Tower of London
- Visit Tower Bridge and walk across the Thames River
- Tour of the Globe Theatre
- Admission to ride the London Eye
- Free time at Piccadilly Circus
- Visit to Covent Garden
- Visit the British Museum
- Ticket to a West End Show
France
- 2 nights accommodations in Caen Area
- Visit to the White Cliffs of Dover
- Visit to the Seaside Town of Honfleur/France
- Admission to the Museum of Embarkment in Arromanches
- Visit to site of the Normandy Invasion
- Visit to the American Cemetery in Normandy
- Visit to Mont St. Michel
- Admission to Norman Benedictine Abbey
- 2 nights accommodation in Paris
- Free time on the Champs Elysees
- Admission to Arc de Triomphe
- Visit to Montmartre
- Visit to Sacre Coeur
- Admission to the Palais Garnier
- Visit to Notre Dame Cathedral (Outside Only)
- Visit to Le Marais
- Admission to Seine River Cruise
- Admission to the Eiffel Tower
Italy
- 3 nights accommodation in Florence
- Visit to Parma, Italy
- Parma Cheese Factory Tour
- Walking tour of Florence city center
- Admission to the Accademia
- Visit to the Florence Duomo
- Admission to Basilica di Santa Croce
- Visit to Boboli Gardens
- Visit to Ponte Vecchio
- Visit to Piazza della Signoria
Switzerland
- 3 nights accommodations in Switzerland
- Guided tour in Lucerne
- Guided Walking tour in Interlaken
- Ticket to the Harder Railway Funicular in Interlaken
- Visit to Grindewald
Sounds of Summer 2027 – Daily Itinerary
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
You’ll meet your ETA Tour Manager and begin your trip!
First you’ll take a panoramic city tour of London, featuring Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge and more!
DAY THREE
You’ll visit the Tower of London, one of the world’s most famous fortresses, and Tower Bridge. Grab lunch at the vibrant Borough Market and take a tour of the iconic Globe Theatre.
DAY FOUR
Today you’ll perform at a public venue.
Then you’ll visit London’s World Famous Covent Garden and the British Museum. In the evening you’ll see a show at the West End show in London’s theatre district.
DAY FIVE
You’ll check out of your hotel, board your bus and drive to France.
You’ll stop to see the White Cliffs of Dover before you arrive in Honfleur, a charming coastal town in Normandy, and check into your hotel.
DAY SIX
DAY SEVEN
You’ll check out, board your bus and drive to Paris.
You’ll visit iconic French sites such as Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacre Coeur.
DAY EIGHT
You’ll visit the Palais Garnier, setting for the world famous book and musical Phantom of the Opera. You’ll see the Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Marais Neighborhood. Then you’ll enjoy a narrated river cruise on the Seine. Following dinner, you’ll visit the Eiffel Tower.
DAY NINE
You’ll check out of your hotel room, board the bus and drive to Switzerland.
DAY TEN
You will embark on a guided walking tour through Lucerne and uncover the city’s rich history and captivating charm.
You’ll perform at a public venue.
DAY ELEVEN
Embark on a walking tour through the enchanting Alpine town of Interlaken. You’ll get a chance to ride up the mountain in a funicular.
You’ll continue your drive and reach Grindelwald, an Alpine village reminiscent of a storybook.
DAY TWELVE
You’ll check out of your hotel room, board the bus and drive to Florence, Italy.
During your drive, you’ll stop for lunch in Parma, Italy.
DAY THIRTEEN
DAY FOURTEEN
Today you’ll visit Boboli Gardens, one of the largest and most elegant Italian style gardens. You’ll also visit Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, and Piazza della Signoria, Florence’s main square.
DAY FIFTEEN
You’ll head to the airport for your return trip home.
See The Sounds of Summer Texas Staff Below
Executive Director, Sounds of Summer
Jason Dimiceli
Jason Dimiceli is the Executive Director of the Sounds of Summer program for Educational Travel Adventures, and the Tour Director of the 2027 Sound of Houston European Tour. He served on the staff and as Tour Director for several Texas-based European performance tours for high school students, and is bringing these life-changing experiences to ETA. These trips include tours through England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Jason served as a high school band director in Texas for 23 years, mostly at McNeil High School in Round Rock ISD. His marching bands were finalists in numerous Bands of America Regionals, the 2024 St. Louis and San Antonio Super Regionals, and they consistently earned UIL First Division ratings. His concert bands were TMEA 6A State Honor Band Finalists, Mark of Excellence National Winners, and consistent UIL Sweepstakes award winners. His Wind Ensemble was featured at the 2023 Music For All National Concert Band Festival, and the McNeil Saxophone Quartet performed at the 2024 Midwest Clinic. These groups commissioned several new band and chamber works that premiered on these national stages. In addition to his band director duties, he served as the TMEA Band Division Chair for Region 26.
Since leaving the classroom, Jason has joined the Music For All event staff, working several Bands of America competitions and the National Concert Band Festival. He is excited to work as a field supervisor for student teachers for the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music, observing and mentoring future band directors. Jason is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout Texas, and has presented at the Midwest Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA) Summit. These presentations discuss the importance of creating a culture of positivity in music programs to achieve student success.
The Sounds of Summer
Texas Leadership Team
Jason Dimiceli –
ETA
Sounds of Summer Program Director
Jason Dimiceli –
ETA Sounds of Summer Program Director
Jason Dimiceli is the Executive Director of the Sounds of Summer program for Educational Travel Adventures, and the Tour Director of the 2027 Sound of Houston European Tour. He served on the staff and as Tour Director for several Texas-based European performance tours for high school students, and is bringing these life-changing experiences to ETA. These trips include tours through England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Jason served as a high school band director in Texas for 23 years, mostly at McNeil High School in Round Rock ISD. His marching bands were finalists in numerous Bands of America Regionals, the 2024 St. Louis and San Antonio Super Regionals, and they consistently earned UIL First Division ratings. His concert bands were TMEA 6A State Honor Band Finalists, Mark of Excellence National Winners, and consistent UIL Sweepstakes award winners. His Wind Ensemble was featured at the 2023 Music For All National Concert Band Festival, and the McNeil Saxophone Quartet performed at the 2024 Midwest Clinic. These groups commissioned several new band and chamber works that premiered on these national stages. In addition to his band director duties, he served as the TMEA Band Division Chair for Region 26.
Since leaving the classroom, Jason has joined the Music For All event staff, working several Bands of America competitions and the National Concert Band Festival. He is excited to work as a field supervisor for student teachers for the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music, observing and mentoring future band directors. Jason is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout Texas, and has presented at the Midwest Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA) Summit. These presentations discuss the importance of creating a culture of positivity in music programs to achieve student success.
Jason Younts – Champion High School
Band Tour Director
Jason Younts – Champion High School Band Tour Director
Jason Younts is enjoying his 17th year of full-time teaching and his sixth as the Head Band Director at Samuel V. Champion High School in Boerne, TX. At Champion, his ensembles have consistently earned Superior Ratings, participated as a UIL Area H Marching Contest Finalist multiple times, and set multiple School Records for number of students Region and Area positions. The Champion High School Wind Ensemble performed at WIBC 2022, YOSA Invitational 2023, and UIL State Wind Ensemble Festival 2023 & 2024. Mr. Younts is an in demand clinician presenting in a variety of settings including Midwest 2022, TMEA 2023, 2024, & 2026. Additionally, Mr. Younts was honored as a 2023 Grammy Educator of the Year National Quarter-Finalist, 3 time Teacher of the Year Finalist at Champion High School, and currently serves as Fine Arts Department Chair.
Prior to coming to Champion, Mr. Younts was the Director of Bands for Fredericksburg ISD 2018-2020 and spent seven years on the Band Staff in Fredericksburg. Students of Mr. Younts enjoyed success competitively including 2019 State Winners of the ATSSB 4A Outstanding Performer Series Concert Competition, 2019 3rd Place of the ATSSB 4A Outstanding Performer Series March Competition, State Record for most students in the ATSSB All-State Jazz Ensemble (4) in a year, and FISD Record for All-State Band Chair Winners in a single year (9).
Mr. Younts maintains professional memberships in TMEA, TFAA, TMAA, TAJE, and Texas Exes. Mr. Younts holds degrees from UT-Austin (BS’01), UT-San Antonio (BA’09), and Texas State University-San Marcos (MM’11). Additionally, Mr. Younts holds Texas Grade 6-12 Music Certification and Mid-Management Administrator Certification.
Outside of the Band Hall, Mr. Younts has been married to his lovely wife Stephanie for 17 years. Together they have two daughters Ella (15) and Adelynn (10). Mr. Younts enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, baking, and traveling.
Dr. Caroline Beatty – Dir. of Bands, Tx St Univ.
Band Coordinator
Dr. Caroline Beatty – Dir. of Bands, Tx St Univ. Band Coordinator
Caroline Beatty holds the position of Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Texas State University, where she conducts the TXST Wind Symphony, leads the graduate wind band conducting program, teaches undergraduate conducting and band literature courses, and provides primary oversight for the comprehensive band program. Performances under her direction garner consistent accolades from audience members, composers, and fellow performers for their artistry, excitement, and craft. The Texas State University Wind Symphony has been recognized for musical excellence through multiple invitations to perform for the National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association, the Southwestern Division of CBDNA, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
Dedicated to the perpetuation of ensemble art, Dr. Beatty maintains a vibrant conducting and teaching schedule outside of TXST, connecting with professionals, university students, and secondary students nationally and internationally. Conducting engagements have included concerts with Concordia Santa Fe, Interlochen World Youth Wind Symphony, All-State ensembles, and regional honor bands across the state and nation. Teaching invitations have included providing workshops on conducting for the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association and universities across the U.S. as well as numerous educational presentations. Dr. Beatty is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator for secondary school bands and is a contributor to the recently published fourth volume of Rehearsing the Band (Meredith Music Publication).
Prior to her current position, Dr. Beatty held the position of Associate Director of Bands at Texas
State University and Northwestern State University-Louisiana. Her secondary school teaching
experience includes thirteen years as a high school band director in the Houston area. Dr. Beatty holds a DMA degree in Conducting from the University of Michigan and both a MM degree in Conducting and a BM degree in Music Education from The University of Texas at Austin. She has served as the President of the Southwestern Division of the College Band Directors National Association, holds membership in the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association, and is an elected member to Phi Beta Mu and the American Bandmasters Association.
Dr. Joey Martin – Dir. of Choral Activities Tx St Univ.
Choral Coordinator
Dr. Joey Martin – Dir. of Choral Activities Tx St Univ. Choral Coordinator
JOEY M. MARTIN (conductor/director/pianist) is Professor of Music at Texas State University where he serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Associate Dean for Faculty and Research in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. He directs internationally acclaimed Texas State Chorale and teaches graduate courses in conducting, choral literature, and rehearsal technique. Dr. Martin has conducted honor choirs and presented master classes and clinics in 31 of the United States and in 17 countries on 6 continents with several invited performances for prestigious conferences including the Texas Music Educators Association, the southwest division and national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and the International Kodály Festival. For seven years he served as Repertoire and Resources Chair for College/University Choirs for the ACDA and currently serves on the board of directors for the Austin-based Grammy Award-winning choral ensemble, Conspirare. Professional engagements include artistic leadership roles with the Victoria Bach Festival, the Mid-Texas Symphony Chorus, the Alamo City Men’s Chorale, and numerous positions with churches including his current appointment as music director/organist for New Braunfels Presbyterian Church. In 2022, the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA) recognized Dr. Martin for his fierce commitment to the choral profession and presented him with the TCDA Choral Advocacy Award. In his spare time, he dreams of culinary school.
Band Staff
Patrick Aguirre
Brandeis High School
Evan Berry
Pieper High School Band
Carter Calkins
Georgetown High School Band
Hugo Escobedo
Harlan High School Band
Joseph Espinoza
Sotomayor High School Band
Spencer Gregg
Stony Point High School Band
Madeline Kendall
Hutto High School Band
Chase Ramsey
McNeil High School Band
John Rauschuber
Hays High School Band
Nate Smith
Lehman High School BAnd
Jordan Stern
CT Johnson High School Band
Amanda Stevenson
Churchill High School Band
O.D. Wilson
Pflugerville High School Band
Choir Staff
Racgel Rabon
Champion High School Choir
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Why Travel with Educational Travel Adventures?
For more than 35 years, we’ve been planning student trips and learning what it takes to get every detail right. After 600,000+ student travelers and 10,000+ custom itineraries, that experience shapes how we plan, anticipate challenges, support educators, and create smoother trips from start to finish.
Customized
We create custom performance tour packages to match educators’ goals, offering a variety of opportunities to join global music events, parades, festivals, and competitions.
Performance Expertise
Our team includes experienced music educators, band directors, and professional musicians who understand the unique needs of traveling ensembles, from instruments and equipment to performance schedules and educational opportunities.
Trusted & Accredited
We are active members of the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) and the National Tour Association (NTA), both industry associations of professional tour companies committed to excellence.
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