One summer evening in 1993 I stumbled across a performance of an orchestra playing on the radio.  It happened to be the Homecoming Concert of the 1993 IYSO being broadcast on Blue Lake Radio.  As I listened to the comments of the announcer and realized how young, yet how good, the group was, I went and got my husband and oldest daughter to come listen.  We were all amazed.  My husband and I told our daughter that this was a group she might be able to be part of if she worked hard on her horn!

Fifteen years later, in 2008, our 5th and youngest child, Jacob, traveled with the IYSO.  All 5 of our kids have been blessed with the unforgettable opportunity to play under the direction of Mr. Stansell.  This was in itself a remarkable experience.

As parents, we have found the International Program to be a wonderful investment in our childrens’ lives.  The program is highly organized and managed meticulously.  Expectations of the participants are very high, both musically and socially.  We’ve always had complete confidence in the safety and well-being of our children while they were gone.  We knew they would have excellent supervision.

Our children have benefitted greatly.  Their love of classical music, particularly orchestral music, has grown.  They have gained confidence in dealing with new experiences, different cultures and foods, and in being gracious.  They have made great friends and memories along the way, and will be better prepared for life because of this wonderful experience.

-Joel and Teresa Hunsberger-International Tours
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