“Performing with the Catawba Singers over the course of the last three years has been a unique and rewarding experience.  I am more proud to have contributed to the sounds we make, the things we do, and the people that we are than any other experience in my life.  I do not think of myself as being prone to hyperbole or emotional outpourings, but I know I can use a well-guarded term in describing my experiences in Europe, as a member of the Singers, and as a Catawba student:  ‘They will be with me forever.’ In spite of my aversion to things like visiting dusty old churches, I have seen more beautiful cathedrals than I knew existed, though my greatest love is to take stage and share what I can give with an audience.  I have taken the time to listen and have been moved by the ability, passion and joy that my colleagues have shared with me in performance.  I can admit that I am quick to judge and quicker to insulate myself with my own interests and values, (but) inside this group, I have shared love and been rewarded with love in return.  I travelled often as a child, but I now know that I did not appreciate those experiences as I should have.  Over 10 days, I have made sure to take in every sight, sound and feeling s a potentially life-changing experiences.  A crowd in Wangen, Germany gave more of themselves as an audience than some ever do in performance.  A path less travelled in descending an Austria peak had its merits despite the fear my companions had that we might find a new country down the “wrong” side of the town in which it was located; the journey led to a chance to learn from an Irishman that it’s important to know the difference between the “turf and dirt,” tasting notes of scotch.  Of all the churches we visited as part of our planned itinerary, my favorite was one I discovered on my own in Germany.  The space was ornate, but intimate, and the presence of God was apparent.  To summarize my time here in a tidy catch phrase or even a well-regimented essay format would be at best difficult, and perhaps impossible, however, I can say this:  sharing this time with these people has been an uncommon joy.  As a recently graduated senior, I can only hope that other students value the opportunity to travel and learn with their friends in the Catawba family – turning one down would be a grand mistake.”