Chorus Connection: Touring With Children’s Choirs

In January 2020, Tori Cook of Chorus Connection published an article about two children’s choirs with established traditions of international touring. Their experiences offer valuable lessons about preparing young singers, building a sustainable touring program, raising funds and using travel to support personal and musical growth.

A Touring Tradition Built Over Time

One of the featured ensembles was the Ohio-based Columbus Children’s Choir. At the time of the interview, the choir was preparing for its fifth trip with Encore Tours under the leadership of Jeanne Wohlgamuth, Artistic Director of the Columbus Children’s Choir and the New World Singers.

The choir’s touring program reflected a commitment to meaningful, high-quality music education and the belief that young singers can connect with people across cultures through a shared musical language.

What Directors Need From a Travel Partner

Ensemble directors are experienced problem-solvers, planners and multitaskers, but an international performance tour requires specialized support. Encore helps directors coordinate performance venues, audiences, accommodations, safety procedures, transportation, fundraising resources and the many musical details that distinguish a performance tour from an ordinary group trip.

Our goal is to give directors a responsive partner who understands their ensemble and can guide the process from the first planning conversation through the final performance.

“Their staff is accessible, friendly, and knowledgeable.”

Jeanne Wohlgamuth, quoted by Chorus Connection

A Tour Built Around the Ensemble

Every group has different artistic goals, interests and practical needs. That is why Encore’s choir trips are fully customizable. The itinerary can reflect the ensemble’s preferred destinations, repertoire, performance ambitions and cultural interests.

Venue selection is equally personal. An ensemble’s size, voicing, experience, repertoire and technical requirements all influence where it will sound and perform at its best. Encore works with directors, local concert managers and our international network to match each group with venues that support its musical goals.

Why International Travel Matters for Young Singers

Wohlgamuth highlighted experiences ranging from the International Festival of Music and Dance of Granada in Spain to a collaboration with the Vienna Boys’ Choir and participation in the International Kodály Choral Symposium. These were not simply memorable appearances. They gave the singers opportunities to collaborate, adapt, listen and experience how music creates connections across cultures.

Wohlgamuth explained that touring taught her singers to represent themselves and their community, embrace unfamiliar cultures, work collaboratively and approach challenges with greater maturity. The experience encouraged them to think beyond their own routines and recognize their responsibilities to one another.

“They begin to realize that the world is a much bigger place.”

Jeanne Wohlgamuth, quoted by Chorus Connection

Making the Tour More Accessible

Cost is one of the first questions most ensembles face when considering international travel. A successful fundraising plan can make the program accessible to more singers while building enthusiasm and shared ownership within the wider choir community.

Referral travel scholarships may be applied to eligible future travel with Encore Tours or ACIS and are not available as cash. Eligibility is subject to program terms and the rules of the referring educator’s school, district or organization.

Taking Your Music Program to New Places

Successful music programs and meaningful performance travel go hand in hand. A well-designed tour gives young musicians a reason to work toward a shared goal, strengthens relationships within the ensemble and allows them to experience how their music can resonate with people far from home.

Explore Encore’s destinations and sample itineraries for ideas, then work with one of our program consultants to create a tour shaped around your ensemble.