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Flute opens door to travel for one Lakewood student
By JOANNE B. WALKER © St. Petersburg Times, published January 21, 2001 Dust off that musical instrument and plan to travel. Seventeen-year-old Lisa Knudson found her ability to play a flute provided an opportunity to go abroad last summer with other musicians. Now applications are available for a 2001 tour of England, Scotland and Wales. Music International Tours offers band trips to people of all ages who can play an instrument. Lisa was the youngest traveler at age 17. Joe McAuliffe of Texas was the oldest at age 87. No audition is necessary. It sounded too good to be true. During Lisa's sophomore year at Lakewood High School, a guest talked to her band class about traveling to faraway places. The trip was for high school students who could play an instrument. Lisa's parents persuaded her to wait until after her junior year to apply. Weeks before departure, the tour was canceled. "Only five kids signed up," explained Lisa. Her mother sent her to the Internet to find a substitute. "I did so many searches for like two weeks," said Lisa. Finally she found Music International Tours for people of all ages. Lisa learned to play clarinet in elementary school, but a band director at Riviera Middle School developed her talent. "Mr. Mason deserves all the credit," said Michelle, Lisa's mother. "He really turned her on to music." David Mason instructs several levels of band at Riviera and has more than 100 students. Lisa added playing flute to her skills. "He pushed me to try harder and get myself ready for high school," said Lisa. Although she dropped high school band after a year, Lisa continues to teach herself. She's learning violin and bagpipes. Lisa toured Germany, Russia, Estonia and Finland. She and 46 others met for the first time in Munich, Germany. That's also when they saw what music they would be playing. Band practice the first day lasted three to five hours she said. "It didn't feel like it. It was the most fun," said Lisa, "I couldn't believe how good we sounded the first day. I thought this is just the coolest band." The band played in gazebos and parks. It entertained people on the street and encouraged audience interaction. Music International began in 1984, founder Herbert L. Schultz said from his Vermont home. Combining concerts with lots of free time is the lure. "The purpose is to bring people from all professions together and give them the opportunity to travel and perform together," Schultz said. "We've had dentists, doctors, lawyers and retired schoolteachers." High school students are welcome, but few apply. During the 15 days, Lisa said they were scheduled to play seven times. Two Finland concerts were rained out. Music varied from Wizard of Oz to Russian ballet. Tours are offered year-round and include wind bands, jazz bands and a community band. A band group ranges from 45 to 75 members including some non-playing family and friends, Schultz said. Russia made the biggest impression on Lisa. "Their pizza was really gross," she said. It was cheese cooked on dough with curry ketchup instead of tomato sauce. She was surprised to find Galactic Bowling in the Russian hotel. They had to pay for ketchup in the Russian McDonald's and couldn't drink fountain Pepsi-Cola because it was made from local water Lisa described as "tinted, filthy, and it smelled." Lisa said other than two 18-year-old boys, band members were over age 40. It didn't stop her from making friends, however. She met local teens, visited museums, churches, shopping areas and fun spots such as Planet Hollywood in Munich. She noticed a car shortage everywhere. "We don't walk anywhere, and they walk everywhere," she said. People tended to follow Americans with curiosity. "I can't believe we have this effect on people," explained Lisa. "It taught me to be so grateful for all the things I have 'cause those people are so poor. Theythink all Americans are so rich." Touring England, Scotland and Wales is Lisa's goal for July. Tour prices are about $3,000. She thinks fondly of an older Russian woman who cried while the visiting Americans played in the park. The emotional woman kissed some of them after the performance. "I practice all the time now," said Lisa, who is considering studying criminology after graduation. "We have so much over here." - For information about Music International, check the Web at MITours.com or e-mail hlschultz@aol.com.
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