Scarsdale High School Choir and Chamber Orchestra recently returned from a performance tour to Argentina. We asked Group Leader, John Cuk, about his experience performing overseas and what it's like collaborating with Encore. From performances with packed crowds to a private empanada party to Tango lessons and more, here's what he had to say:

Q: Why did you choose to travel to Argentina?
John Cuk: I'd been there many times before and thought my students would enjoy the culture, food and layout of the city. The city is safe and the citizens are very welcoming. Music is very important to the people and I also thought we’d be well received. Without seeming boastful, I was right on all accounts.

Q: Tell us a little about the performance venues.
John Cuk: We performed in two large prominent churches in Buenos Aires: Catedral Metropolitana and Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.  We also did a shared informal concert at the Conservatorio of Buenos Aires and a Masterclass in the hotel with Gabriel Senanes, a well-respected composer and conductor from Buenos Aires.

All venues were packed with enthusiastic audiences who sought us out after the concerts to congratulate us. This was also during the peak of their summer. I don't know where they [Encore] got the crowds, but they did.

In addition, the stage crew was magnificent. Many of them were borrowed from the opera house. I didn't even lift a music stand.

Q. What were the highlights of your tour?
John Cuk: There are too many to list here. I would say the single most important thing that happened to my group was that they became "Argentine-philes." They embraced the country with open arms. No one wanted to go home...and they were incredibly proud of what they did and learned there.

Q: Tell us about your fundraising efforts.
John Cuk: What we did was tried to identify individual needs and address requests for assistance on a case-by-case basis.  I then offered partial scholarships through the 1:10 free trip ratio, stipends I received from Encore, funds available to me from both our principal's discretionary fund and our parent support group (which does fund raise).

[Learn more about how Encore helps ensembles raise money.]

Q: What advice would you give to other ensembles traveling overseas?
John Cuk: Well, this might be a bit long winded. I guess the first thing is to make sure that there's an interest not only from your students (and their parents), but from the administration. It’s senseless to put in the kind of effort that even an exploratory plan takes if you don't have the support of these groups. Also take a "gut check."  Are you willing to put in the organizational time, deal with all of the artistic issues, the endless questions and "concerns," and cope with the stress of such an endeavor from the moment you present the project to the public till you hand back their children when it's all over? 

Having done 8 concert tours...it's a lot of work. However, what your students will reap from this is the ultimate reward for you and for them. They will never be the same.  Nor will you be.

Q: What made you choose Encore again for your tour?
John Cuk: Encore takes away a great deal of the stress and worry.  You never feel that you’re out there alone, especially if a doctor needs to be called or if a tuning peg sticks. They’re sensitive to the needs of students and musicians. I’m treated like a world class artist when I'm on their tours, right down to whether I need water or coffee in my dressing room. I've traveled with other companies before.  Encore makes sure my needs and my students’ needs are met, from the initial planning to the day after we're back. Many companies will try to sell you one of their "canned trips."  Encore will customize it to suit the needs of your group.