“This was the most significant experience I have offered my students in 30 years of teaching. The concerts, activities and cultural exchanges, changed our lives. There is no way to measure what a profound impact this tour had on us. To be able to share what is most human in us, and to recognize it in others so far away and so different from us, is humbling.”

-Lygia Topolovec, Orchestral Director

“The most exciting moment was when we sang at the Goden Sail Concert Hall and outside the Temple of Heaven.”

-Evan Mayhew, Choir Performer

“The trip was perfect! We were always on the move and never bored. We saw so many excellent things thanks to the Chinese-American Cultural Bridge Center.”

-Cori Montesanto, Choir Performer

“The incredible things I learned and experienced amounted to a feeling of joy I have never felt before in such a capacity.”

-James Held, Student Performer

“This trip was truly a dream come true for me. It was a time in my life that I will never forget and will cherish in my heart forever.”

-Gabby Walters, Choir Performer

“Everyone we met liked us. I was treated like I was famous!”

-Melanie Wagner, Student Performer

“It was wonderful meeting the kids in Tianjin High School. I felt so welcomed and loved there.”

-Brittany Sanders, Student Performer

“We were able to experience China first hand, where as most kids are only able to experience it in a text book.”

-Kelsey Mack, Band Performer

“My proudest moment was playing Stars and Stripes at the last concert. It was a life-changing, breathtaking experience.”

-Laura Como, Band and Orchestra Performer

“I really liked seeing all the Chinese people exercising at the park. It was great experiencing what a different culture is like.”

-Ali Freita, Band Performer

“I loved that we could talk with the

Chinese students and play tug-o-war.”

-Justin Pleva, Band Performer

“My most exciting moment was at the No. 80 High School in Beijing. After the concert, we joined their band and orchestra on stage. We got to learn sign language and converse with them. It was just such a powerful experience to talk with people our age who have the experience of another culture to share.”

-Kevin Keadle, Band Performer

“I loved seeing the Great Wall and the mountains, but just as much, I loved talking with the people and students.”

-Jake Ennis, Band Performer

“This was a trip of a lifetime! I got to experience things at age 16 that some will never experience in their entire life. I gained new respect for things in America that I took for granted. It truly was a life-changing experience.”

-Carlie Stiger, Band Performer

“Seeing people come and connect to our music at the Great Wall was fun for me.”

-Sam Tang, Orchestra Performer

“This awesome trip to China not only met my expectations but surpassed them. I learned so much about the Chinese culture and their history and I am very interested in learning even more now. My tour guide Jenny made the trip the best it could be. She was so helpful, friendly and informative. I would definitely do this trip again and I highly recommend it to others. I enjoyed the mix of having fun, being entertained and learning about China.”

-Maria Nagel, Orchestra Performer

“I would definitely return to China. I was treated very respectfully while there. The most exciting moment of all was seeing the Great Wall with my own eyes!”

--Rebecca Fernandez, Orchestra Performer

“The environment was so comfortable, the sites like the Beijing Zoo and the Forbidden city were thrilling and the people and their cultural differences were amazing. The architecture while driving through the city was mesmerizing. Meeting the students from the high schools and learning about their day to day culture was also very exciting.”

-Katie Nagel, Orchestra Performer

“China was an amazing, eye-opening experience. It was so much fun and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

-Susannah Bickle, Orchestra Performer

“My proudest moment was out last concert when one of the Chinese students played the clarinet with our band. This entire experience changed my view on life. I’ve seen how the other side of the world lives. In America, we take thing for granted, but no more. I’m glad to be a part of my huge family.”

-Jaine Pena, Orchestra Performer

“I would tell anyone to go to China if they had the chance. To see the poverty really makes you thankful for what you have. The most exciting moment was at our first concert. All the people watching loved our performance. Also, shopping on Wangfujing Street was amazing.”

-Sophia Velimirovic, Orchestra Performer

“Throughout the entire trip I felt completely safe. There was never any time I felt unsafe or was being treated poorly. The people there were nice and very helpful.”

-Greg Zaloom, Orchestra Performer

“The way of life in China is quite different compared to America. I enjoyed the trip very much. My proudest moment was getting to perform for the Chinese people and share American music with them.

-Sarah Miller, Orchestra Performer

“China has a lot to offer. It was fun seeing and learning different things I have only read about in the past. I now can share many of the beautiful things China has shared with me.”

-Kathy Miller, Orchestra Chaperone

“The architecture of the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden city and the Summer place was so beautiful. What was exciting was when it really set in that I was actually in China and the people there actually wanted to come to see us play!

-Renee Gagner, Orchestra Performer

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