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A Look At Recent Reviews From Casterbridge Music Directors
As groups return from their great concert tours, we are always heartened to read the latest comments that are noted on the tour evaluation forms or e-mailed directly to us. We hope that you find these music director comments useful as you prepare for your 2011 or 2012 travel.
“Thank you so much for all of your work throughout the course of last year in planning our wonderful trip to New Orleans. We are still amazed by the incredible beauty of the city and the diversity of its people. Every experience we had was rewarding, starting with the service days and continuing on throughout the trip.”
D.S. – Choir Director – NY – LA – July 2010
“Casterbridge always exceeds my expectations in terms of customer satisfaction, venues, and the entire touring experience from start to finish!!
Singing at St. Peter’s Basilica was an unbelievable experience. The hosts were extremely easy to work with. The majesty of the building coupled with the literature we were singing was simply breathtaking. As a conductor, I am not sure that I could ever conduct in a more musical environment. The acoustics were simply fantastic and obviously enhanced the music! It was a fantastic experience. Thanks!”
T.G. – Director of Choral Studies – IN – Italy – May 2010
“Thank you once again for planning such an outstanding tour for our group. It was a delightful time from beginning to end. Flights went smoothly, transport was comfortable, and the hotels were very nice indeed.
Richard was a superb tour guide. He provided interesting information along the way, led wonderful tours in the various towns and cities, and had a charming personality. As he learned, a few in our group did enjoy striking out on their own from time to time. Richard handled all of this with structure and flexibility.
The musical portions of the trip, which you planned for us according to the cathedral musicians’ availability, were all that we had hoped for.
You provided a tour that satisfied a diverse group of 35 people, and that’s no small task.”
K.K. – Organist & Choirmaster – NC– UK – June 2010
“It was a great trip indeed! And thank you for all of your hard work in arranging the venues. Personally, I enjoyed the little hall at Bad Schmiederberg and our last performance on the outskirts of Vienna the most, but each performing venue was unique and special. Although it was tiring at times, we saw a lot and learned a lot. Again, thank you for your labors behind the scenes.”
R.F. – Choir Director – PA – Germany, Austria, & Czech Republic – May 2010
“Both the site and the hosts at this venue were tremendous. The Chiesa was beautiful and we were thrilled to have the Mayor introduce us and to have the chance to hear a performance by some Italian students. We would love to come back and perform at this church again in the future.”
M.G. – Band Director – CT – Italy – April 2010
“Our trip was fabulous! You did a great job planning the itinerary. The venues were really good – REALLY GOOD! – and the hotels were very nice. Casterbridge has done a marvelous job. I feel you have really gone above and beyond our expectations. Everything we asked for or wanted was checked in to and included if possible. Once again, Casterbridge has exceeded our expectations!”
S.K. – Choir Director – OH – Spain – April 2010
“This trip was the best we have ever taken, and I’m not saying that because of the countries and places we visited, but rather of the level of efficiency and caring that was consistently superb throughout the voyage. I cannot list enough superlatives; simply assume that I’m using them all. Every aspect of the project, from the first communication with Casterbridge to the last moment of departure, was professionally and expertly carried out. We continually remarked to each other how pleased we were with your organization, planning, advice, flexibility, and every other aspect of what you are doing.”
B.C. – Choirmaster – NH – Brussels, Paris, & Luxembourg – Feb/March 2010
“Thank you for such an incredible tour. Our students loved it! I’ve heard nothing but good feedback from everyone. I’m so glad to have met you and am already looking forward to planning our next trip – this is extraordinary because I usually do nothing but moan about the planning! Part of that feeling is due to the tour company we worked with; Casterbridge thought of (almost!) everything. You were detail oriented and answered every question and I know I had a lot of them. You also laid out deadlines well in advance, making the planning easier too. Thank you so much. I do think this was our best tour ever! Thanks again for all your hard work.”
M.L. – Assistant Principal – NJ – UK – March 2010
“The tour exceeded my expectations. I received so many positive comments from the students and parents on the trip… they were so happy I had put the trip together… and I owe all of their positive comments to Casterbridge. Thank You!!”
J.R. – Band Director – MI – UK – February 2010
“It was a terrific tour. We especially appreciated the performance venues and the pre-publicity. Our tour guide was absolutely the best! Thanks for everything.”
B.C. – Arts Coordinator – FL – UK – February 2010
“The tour was wonderful. the most impressive aspect was the performance venues. Extremely impressive. Wonderful experiences for all of us. This has again been a wonderful experience. I look forward to the next one.”
C.R. – Music Director – VA – Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary – January 2010
“Our children’s choir traveled with Casterbridge to Scotland and most recently to Austria and Germany. Every aspect of both trips was handled extremely well, but in both cases I was especially impressed with the historical, architectural, and acoustical quality of our concert venues and with Casterbridge’s ability to attract a sizable number of enthusiastic people to the concerts. How wonderful for the children to share their music with appreciative audiences!”
S.S. – Group Leader – OH – Austria and Germany
“Our travel with Casterbridge was simply the best I have experienced in a long time. The pre & post trip communication was top-notch, the sight seeing agenda was superbly organized, our accommodations were elegant and the food at every hotel was fantastic. Our guide was with us 24/7 from arrival to departure and was knowledgeable in every aspect of our tour. The performance venues were classy and the audiences were great. We could not have asked or hoped for a better trip overseas.”
T.C. – Band Director – WI – UK April
“We could have not been more pleased. Everything about the trip was PERFECT!!”
M.G. – Choral Director – VA – Austria and Switzerland
“The Leipzig International Choral Festival was the experience of a lifetime. To sing in the Gewandhaus and in Bach’s own church is something I will never forget—it’s like standing on hallowed ground. To hear the choirs from Germany, Switzerland, England and the USA sing music that they passionately believe in broadened our appreciation of the power of music. To sing for enthusiastic audiences in beautiful acoustics is a real treat. Casterbridge Tours could not have done a better job in organizing and running this festival, and I would definitely book with them in the future.”
J.C. – Choir Director – NC – Leipzig International Choral Festival
“Every single member of the group, without exception, had nothing but the highest praise for the festival – the concerts, the accommodations, the workshops, all of it. Many said they were ready to come again next year.”
D.T. – Choir Director – MA – Leipzig International Choral Festival
“The marching band had a LOVELY time in Ireland. Our students had a fantastic life-altering experience and I know they’ll remember it for the rest of their lives. Casterbridge, once again, did an outstanding job of directing our trip and performances. Students and parents alike were delighted with the entire experience. Thanks for all of your hard work and attention to detail. You did a great job!”
H.R.D. – Band Director – WI – Ireland
“We had a lovely experience thanks to your hard work, the work of the staff in the UK and Janet and Eleanor as well. The choir did well with such an awesome responsibility! The people of Wells were so welcoming! The hotel staff was lovely at White Hart and Ancient Gatehouse. We could not believe the hospitality of the cathedral staff and the wonderful guides at so many of the sites. It was a pleasure and an experience we will treasure!”
C.K. – Director of Music – TX – July 2007
“The performances at Capital Wesleyan, the Basilica, and the Medical Center were wonderful, and we regretted that we couldn’t spend more time with each of them. My kids said that this was ‘the best trip ever and that is an indication that it was a successful tour. I thoroughly enjoyed it. We enjoyed all of the sightseeing, and the kids loved the whale watch. I will plan to use Casterbridge again in the future.”
C.L. – Choir Director – IN
“Thank you for all you did. All the details were handled with care. No stone left unturned when exploring the possibilities. And the result was a trip of outstanding quality. Even the chaperones, all of whom have traveled extensively talked about how it was one of the best experiences they have ever had!”
R.G. – Music Director – CT – Italy
“We’ve never had as good publicity as what Casterbridge provided! This trip has brought the band together on a personal level, something that has never happened before. The trip may be over, but the spirit of being a group and not just a collection of musicians who rarely talk to each other lives on. Thank you, and when we plan our next big trip to Europe, we will be sure to contact you!”
D.C. – Concert Band Director – VA – Britain
“I cannot begin to thank you for organizing such a fantastic experience. From the moment we walked off the plane to the moment we said goodbye to our Tour Manager we had the trip of a lifetime! The concert venues were terrific, the tour guide knowledgeable, the food outstanding and the hotels perfect.”
J.P. – High School Choral Director – OH – Glee Club
“I just wanted to let you know that our tour to Ireland was wonderful!!! The weather was good, the people were friendly, and the performances went very well. I would like to thank you for your professional handling of our tour. I would definitely book another trip with Casterbridge in the future. It is a wonderful company to work with.”
J.S. – High School Choir – NJ
“I just wanted to let you know how pleased I was with the concert venues on our recent England concert tour. The audiences were very appreciative, and of course singing in Bath Abbey and Christ Church Oxford thrilled everyone. Our final concert appearance at the Royal Military School of Music is an experience that none of us will ever forget. Thanks for your help. We were extremely pleased with every aspect of Casterbridge Tours during our trip. I certainly will be using your company again. The tour certainly met and exceeded my expectations. The venues and pacing of the trip were excellent. Everything was handled very smoothly and efficiently.”
M.L. – High School Choral Ensemble – DE
“It is extremely difficult to express how completely satisfied I was with our recent tour with your company to Germany and Austria. Every aspect of the tour; from airline connections to hotels; meals to sightseeing tours; and, of course, our performances were handled with professionalism and pride. Everyone on the tour had a wonderful time, including all of the chaperones. Your escorts were fantastic, and connected with both the students and adults. Our performance venues were wonderful, and the time frames involved with each of the performances allowed the choir to feel as though they were truly there to perform, especially when they witnessed the advertising that you did for them, creating an audience.”
J.W. – High School Concert Choir – NJ
“Our entire group sends many thanks for your planning and support of our choral tour during March. Just one week ago tonight we all gathered at the church for show and tell of many interesting snap shots & videos. It was quite obvious that a good time was had by all. Thanks again for all your help. Our group had an excellent experience and a great bonding with your personnel – Robert, Simon and Alan as well as with one another.”
D.D. – Church Choir – NY
Register to plan a Casterbridge performing tour, either online or by calling 1-800-522-2398. Start planning your performing travel program today!
