Ohio Student Musicians to Showcase Talents Across Europe in Summer 2026
In an exciting cultural exchange initiative, talented high school musicians from the state of Ohio are being recruited for a transformative performance journey across Europe in 2026.
This will be the first trip from Ohio since 2019, when a similar group last traveled as the Ohio Ambassadors of Music™. This biannual tour began in 1997. The new touring ensemble will be known as the Ohio Musicians Abroad.
Returning to direct the tour and conduct the Honor Band is Dr. Bruce Moss, recently retired Director of Bands at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Well known throughout the state for leading the group on 13 similar tours, Moss will join forces with Dr. Mark Munson, long-time Director of Choral Activities at BGSU, who will conduct the Honor Choir.
The tour will consist of diverse ensembles of high school musicians representing various genres of classical and popular music including concert band, concert choir and string orchestra. The tour will begin with a 3-day Pre-Tour Rehearsal Camp followed by flights overseas and two weeks of performances and sightseeing the will take students through iconic European cities renowned for their vibrant musical heritage and historical significance.
“We are thrilled to once again bring music from Ohio to audiences across Europe,” said Moss, coordinator and conductor of Ohio Musicians Abroad. “This tour not only celebrates our state’s musical diversity but also fosters international cultural exchange through the universal language of music,” he said. “I have personally witnessed through many similar tours the lasting impact of these ventures for students. Hundreds of participants attest that this travel has been life-changing and a truly significant part of their youth, musical training, and understanding of world cultures. Many of the sites and experiences are truly breathtaking,” Moss said.
The itinerary will include stops in major cultural hubs such as Paris, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, where the Ohio musicians will perform in outstanding venues while experiencing the culture, cuisine and beauty of each country. Each concert will offer audiences and performers a memorable musical experience.
“We believe that the power of music transcends borders and creates meaningful connections world-wide. This tour represents a significant opportunity for our musicians to share their talents on an international stage while also learning from the rich musical traditions of Europe.”
– Dr. Bruce Moss, Ohio Musicians Abroad Coordinator, Band Conductor
Ohio Musicians Abroad is one of several states and regions that participate in a biannual European tour. Musicians Abroad is a division of Music Travel Consultants, an Indianapolis based Tour Operator, led by accomplished scholastic music directors and musicians with over 165 years combined travel expertise within the United States and worldwide.
For more information on the Ohio Musicians Abroad tour or to follow the journey of these talented artists, visit Musicians Abroad or contact Musicians Abroad Senior Director, Scott McCormick scott.mccormick@musiciansabroad.com.
