Rattlers in the City of Music: The FAMU Concert Choir tours Vienna

Sweet melodies once sung by the ancestors and harmonies of modern genius trailed from the familiar voices of the FAMU Concert Choir as they traveled through Europe. 

Last November, the Florida A&M University Concert Choir (FCC), led by Mark Butler, D.M.A., the Director of Choral Studies & Activities, fulfilled their invitation to participate in the Festival Tour of Vienna Advent Sing 2023.

Advent Sing is a festival hosted by Music Connect. They host multiple destination festivals yearly for choirs to experience around the world. The 2023 Vienna Tour comprised five choirs from all different backgrounds and countries, including a children’s choir.

The life-changing experience included many adventures: a quick stop in Germany, historic landmarks, and community service, all bundled together in a five-day trip, perfectly orchestrated to provide the best experience for those in attendance.

DAY 1: GUTE REISE (good trip)

The trip began before the sunrise of a cool Wednesday morning. The crisp Tallahassee air was just the beginning of the new climate awaiting the choir overseas. With prayers and well wishes from loving faculty and staff, the FCC headed to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

After an eight-hour plane flight with dinner and breakfast, the FCC landed in Frankfurt, Germany. After a few bathroom breaks and “Hallos,” they were off again on a slightly more snug flight to the Vienna International Airport.

Greeted by their tour manager, Hannah; bright smiles and high cheeks could be seen throughout the tour bus on the way to the hotel. While some stayed behind to catch up on some missing sleep, others made their way to the Christmas market in Karlsplatz. The twinkling lights and frosted breath were the perfect way to ring in the holiday spirit. 

DAY 2: SIGHTS FOR SORE EYES

The following morning, starting with tangy, freshly squeezed orange juice and a full breakfast buffet, the Rattlers were on their way to their first full day in the City of Music. Perfectly, gleaming eyes watched as the first snow poetically fell on the first day of December. As laughter filled the ears of those standing by, the choir gathered to the bus for a tour of inner city Vienna. The 45-minute bus tour brought them through encapsulating architecture. Some included The Austrian Parliament Building with the statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, the Mozart Monument, and the graffitied canal walls used to encourage creativity. 

Next, it was time to zip up those coats as the rest of the tour continued on foot. Standing among the Viennese and tourists alike, all chins faced the sky embarking on the beauty of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Onward, they went to the Vienna City Hall, where they would have lunch with the other participating choirs from all over the globe. 

With community service being of the utmost importance, their first performance was at Haus Rossau, a senior living home. Accompanied by Joanna Sobkowska, D.M.A., a FAMU professor, on the piano, the choir began their show consisting of german choral music and solos. All together, they sang and ministered heart-warming tunes. 

“It was such a joy being able to sing for wonderful people in their language nonetheless,” said senior music industry student Keanu Hewitt.

Many heartfelt “Dankes” and handshakes later, the choir returned to their hotels in preparation for the big day ahead of them. 

DAY 3: VIENNA CITY HALL

The following day, curtains were pulled back, revealing what looked like clouds resting on Earth. As the snowflakes danced through the sky, the choir prepared for their second performance at the city hall.

The emotional showcase entailed legendary arrangements ranging from Bach to Butler and everywhere in between like He’s Got the Whole World by the talented Cedric Dent of Take 6. 

Professor Butler is no stranger to his arrangements being performed all over the globe, but this particular performance with his students touched him dearly. 

“For my choir to sing it under my direction brought a freshness, a feeling of warmth,” he said, “We were singing it in these historic, famous venues abroad; it’s just a wonderful way for us to collaborate.”

As the Rattlers stepped through halls of art and beauty that some have only seen through a screen, regality radiated from them. King and queens graced the presence of those in attendance and blessed their ears with enchanting harmonies. 

DAY 4: MELK ABBEY

For their final performance, the FCC journeyed to Melk Abbey, which sits atop a rocky outcrop, peeking over the Danube River. The bright yellow building shined through the blankets of snow during the winter sun. Before their performance, the choir was immersed in Viennese history by a guided tour of the Melk Abbey Museum.

After a walk through breathtaking architecture and celestial-painted ceilings, the Rattlers were back in Kings and Queens mode, ready to grace the church risers. Faces of amber stood among the lavish gold ornamentation of the church, complimenting each other in a poetic representation of the world. 

By the slight drop of Professor Butler’s hand, they brought forth their repertoire. The acoustics in the hall reverberated each note graciously in the ears of those listening. The congregation reciprocated with cheers after each piece.

The next stop was in Gumpoldskirchen, a wine village, where some of the other participating choirs would all have dinner together. Viennese roast pork, potatoes, and chicken were served with exquisite local wine and live music. 

Two gentlemen, one on the accordion and one on violin, kept spirits alive as they waltzed through the cozy tavern, playing Christmas hymns and classics alike. The choir was joined by members of the children’s choir, singing songs like Somewhere over the Rainbow and Golden Hour. They wrapped up a convivial night quite reminiscent of a most wonderful trip.

DAY 5: GUTE HEIMFAHRT (SAFE JOURNEY HOME)

The final night in the music city gave time for the members to reflect on the trip and squeeze in any last-minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Time was ticking closer to the 3 a.m. lobby call. Some slept while others stayed up and watched the clock go around. The choir took their leave and headed back to the airport. After another round of hours in the sky, the choir was in Atlanta Airport again, greeted by the FAMU bus to return to Tallahassee. 

BROADENING THE HORIZON

For some students in the choir, the trip brought about many firsts: first time out of the country, first time on a plane, and even first time out of the state. This opportunity, provided by administrators, faculty, and staff who care so much for the students, broadened the horizon for them to experience the open world and strive for more.

Sophomore music industry student Antonio Nelson expressed his gratitude for this first-time experience, saying, “This is my first time ever even being on a plane… and I am so happy that it can be with you guys.”

“My focus is always on paying for experiences… You remember experiences much longer than you’ll remember things,” said Valencia E. Matthews, Ph. D., dean of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH). “You have done it once; now you know it can be done again.”

Her voice held both pride and purpose, saying, “This is why I do what I do. What my heart does when I see you all so excited... I see the enjoyment, the thrill, the excitement as I participated in this event."

Dean Matthews added her praise for Professor Bulter's tireless efforts to expand the choir's endeavors. "He is always trying to find opportunities for the choir to broaden their horizons," He shared the same sentiment with her, saying, "That's something the young people need to understand - there's a world outside FAMU.”

"I was very elated and grateful," he confessed, "I am grateful to God that He allowed us to have that opportunity." 

FAMU administration made a unanimous decision to fund the experience for the students. The university also went above and beyond, assisting students with getting their passports for the trip and coordinating flawlessly with Music Connect. 

Their journey had been more than another choir trip; it was a cultural education, a musical pilgrimage, and a testament to the connecting power of music. Returning home, the FCC carried not only memories of snowy cobblestone streets and snitchzel but a deeper appreciation for their art and the echoes of Viennese melodies woven into the fabric of their voices. Their Vienna excursion wasn't an ending but a powerful beginning, propelling them forward as ambassadors of the FAMU Music Department, forever changed by waltzing Vienna.

A&M Magazine