"I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be exposed to music programs all over the world. I can truly say that the Glenelg, MD program is one of the finest I have ever seen."

• Maynard Ferguson

"A fine organization, this band really cooks! The Glenelg Band can really swing...they're slammin!!!"

• Frank Foster
  Director, Count Basie Orchestra (1986-1995)

"I have nothing but praise for the caliber of performance and character of this group. Under the inspired leardership of Barry Enzman, these dedicated young players represent the bright future of the American jazz traditon."

• Chris Vadala
  Director of Jazz Studies,
  University of Maryland

The Glenelg Jazz Ensemble was warmly welcomed throughout its 2004 European tour! The band arrived in Lyons, France on July 7 to begin its three-country tour, and quickly became accustomed to the schedule of live performances. After two concerts at Jazz àienne, the band loaded the bus and traveled to Montreux, Switzerland for the crown jewel of European Jazz Festivals! Lodged at a hotel on Lake Geneva in the heart of Montreux, the students enjoyed the festivities and the astounding variety of musical performers -- with a few students encountering the "star" of this years festival, Carlos Santana. When the Glenelg band took the stage for their two performances in Montreux, hundreds of concert-goers crowded the venues and cheered.

The band traveled on to Freiburg, in southwestern Germany, and was welcomed by members of the Freiburg Youth Orchestra, a jazz group who had traveled to Maryland in the spring. Billed as the Glenelg High School Big Band, the students gave an electrifying performance at the ZMF music festival. For the last concert, the band went back to France, to a town called Guebwiller in the Alsatian region. There, where a medieval monastery had been converted to a concert venue, the band performed their farewell concert in an enclosed courtyard. Giving new and original life to jazz classics such as Sing, Sing, Sing, and La Fiesta, the audience was brought to their feet and demanded two encores.

The students agreed it had been the experience of a lifetime -- not only seeing some of the most beautiful sights in Europe, but connecting with audiences through the universal language of music. For most, it was their first encounter with international travel and its challenges. The daily demands of communication as well as performances gave the students a unique appreciation for the outstanding opportunities offered by the Glenelg program. Many thanks to the families, friends and business partners who made this trip possible, and continue to support the students in their pursuit of musical excellence.