Though summer break seems incredibly far away, details have already been set for the music department’s large-scale Europe tour. After weeks of practice in June and July, members of the band, orchestra and choir will perform in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands from July 13-26.

Some major points along the tour will be Aachen, Utrecht, Kerkrade and Amsterdam.

According to band conductor Jason Shiuan, the band will be competing as a concert band in a festival called the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, where various bands, such as field bands, marching bands and brass bands hail from all over the world.

They will also have the honor of performing at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore the clinics and other performances.

The orchestra and choir also have many performances during the tour, some of which will take place in the grand, centuries-old cathedrals of Europe, as well as many other magnificent concert halls.

“I think it’s a very formative experience for students, and an important part of bringing the kids out of Saratoga and seeing the world,” Shiuan said. “I went to Europe when I was in high school here, and it’s still one of my favorite memories.”