By Mrs Jones (Music Teacher)
In late July, 35 students and four staff members set off on a five-day music tour to Germany, combining performances with cultural visits and plenty of shared experiences. The choir and orchestra, made up of students from Years 7 to Upper Sixth, enjoyed the opportunity to perform in new surroundings while also building friendships and memories along the way.
The tour began with an overnight coach journey to Dover and a ferry crossing into France, before travelling onwards to accommodation near Cologne. Spirits stayed high during the journey, helped by games, singalongs and entertainment on board. Mr Page shared historical insights throughout the trip, while Mrs Jones provided light-hearted German radio-style interludes! The return ferry crossing featured the “Germany Tour Talent Competition,” with both students and staff taking part.
The ensemble gave three concerts in very different locations. The first was in Königswinter, a town on the banks of the Rhine, followed by a performance at the Drielandenpunt near Aachen, where Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet. The final concert took place in Monschau, a town with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets close to the Belgian border. Each concert was warmly received, with audiences showing genuine appreciation for the students’ music.
A highlight of the tour was the opportunity to sing during Friday prayers at Cologne Cathedral. Performing in such a significant and historic setting left a lasting impression on both students and staff.
Alongside the concerts, the group explored key cultural and historical sites. In Bonn, they visited Beethoven’s birthplace and learnt more about Germany’s musical heritage. Cologne provided time to admire its Gothic architecture and enjoy views across the Rhine from the cable cars, while a trip to the Lindor Factory offered the chance to discover the story behind the famous chocolate brand. At Drielandenpunt, students stood at the meeting point of three countries, a popular moment for photographs, and Monschau provided time to enjoy its distinctive setting after the final performance.
The tour brought students together across year groups, encouraging teamwork and developing confidence as performers. Whether performing to new audiences, learning about German history or sharing laughter on the coach, the trip offered a rich and rewarding experience.
Akaiya (Year 8) said: “The Germany tour was such a great trip where I learnt new skills and enjoyed travelling around Germany. I especially liked singing to others and seeing how engaged they were. The music tour was so much fun and I would definitely do it all over again.”
Ella (Year 9) added: “I had a really enjoyable time in Germany. I made lots of new friends from different year groups and learnt more about music. It has been my favourite trip in my six years at BGS.”
View photos here.
