An astounding six concerts on a seven day tour through the Netherlands, Belgium and Paris sounds like an impossible feat, but this fast-paced performance tour is exactly what Jazz Director, Shawn Costantino, requested when he began planning his spring 2010 trip to Europe with Encore Tours.

From the Music Village Jazz Club in Brussels to Brasserie Printemps in Paris, Shawn and his 28-member jazz ensembles from the Harvard-Westlake School in California expertly performed to a diverse group of audiences, dined like locals, and even managed to visit one of Paris' most spectacular tourist attractions.

Learn more about Shawn Costantino and his experience performing abroad with Encore Tours.

Q: This was your first tour with Encore Tours. Why did you decide to travel abroad and how did you decide upon touring the Netherlands, Belgium and Paris?

A: Our consultant James Smith presented this tour as one of four trip proposals along with Italy, Australia, and Argentina. When the kids voted on it, Europe was most popular. We've traveled in the past, but this was our first jaunt overseas.

Q: How accepting were the European audiences of a jazz group from the US and why would you encourage other jazz ensembles to venture overseas?

A: European jazz audiences seem to have a little more understanding about the plight of an artist. They seem to appreciate the art form of jazz more than most Americans do and I strongly encourage other US schools to venture abroad. It is truly life-changing for both students and director.

Q: Your group had some unique, life-changing performance opportunities. Tell us about your experience performing at a children’s hospital in Paris and the homeless shelter in Bruges.

A: The community service component of our trips is very vital to me as a director. My career was marked several times by people who, through random acts of kindness, paved the way for the success I now enjoy at Harvard-Westlake. I think instilling this sense of compassion and service to community in my students is one of the most valuable lessons I can bestow upon them as they grow. As always my students seemed game for about anything. They handled the service concerts with grace, style, and dignity and I believe that they were very well received.

Q: Your jazz group performed in a joint concert with the New Haarlem Big Band. Can you tell us what this experience was like?

A: It was great. The New Haarlem band treated us with great hospitality and kindness and the Dutch fans were very enthusiastic.

Q: What was your performance highlight?

A: By far, the gig at the Music Village in Brussells. Great room, the bands were great, great night!

Q: Tell us about your tour manager, Chris Robson.

A: Chris was sophisticated, knowledgeable, kind, and was always our band’s number one advocate. I highly recommend Chris!