Musicians from the Central Lakes College Music Department recently concluded a profoundly transformative international music tour, enriching their understanding of global cultures and fostering unparalleled collaborative music experiences beyond traditional rehearsal settings. This ambitious travel-study initiative aimed to broaden horizons and deepen musical perspectives for all participating ensemble members, providing an immersive educational journey that spanned continents.
The expedition commenced on a brisk June morning from Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota, where 47 participants, including students, community members, and professional music educators, embarked on their journey. Their initial destination was Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, marking the commencement of an unforgettable cultural exploration across Europe and Asia Minor, a testament to the department’s commitment to global learning.
Led by esteemed Central Lakes College Music Instructor Jonathan Laflamme, this marked the second consecutive year the department has organized such an extensive international music tour. A significant component of the journey involved boarding Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, described as a “floating hotel,” which offered immense pedagogical and logistical advantages by seamlessly managing meals, hydration, and safety, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in each destination.
The itinerary was meticulously designed to blend cultural immersion with musical inspiration. Early days included an in-depth exploration of the historic Acropolis in Athens, providing profound insights into ancient Greek civilization. Subsequent visits to breathtaking locations such as Santorini offered a unique blend of history, geology, music, and local cuisine set against the island’s iconic caldera cliffs, creating a rich tapestry of experiences for the Central Lakes College travelers.
Further along the journey, the group delved into the historical wonders of Naples, Italy. Many explored Pompeii’s remarkably preserved frescoes and mosaics, while others ventured into ancient catacombs and aqueducts, gaining firsthand appreciation for millennia of human ingenuity. Culinary explorations revealed the foundational origins of pizza, underscoring the deep historical connections embedded within everyday life.
Laflamme articulated the profound philosophy behind these tours, stating, “This was never about checking destinations off a list; it’s about shaping global citizens and inspiring musicians to hear, feel and interpret the world differently.” This perspective underscores how shared experiences beyond the rehearsal hall inherently lead to better ensemble performances, fostering deeper connections among the Central Lakes College music community.
This ethos has guided Laflamme’s two decades of leading international travel experiences for students, building on the success of the Central Lakes College Music Department’s 2023 tour to Spain, France, Monaco, and Italy. Looking ahead, the department is actively planning a 2027 itinerary between England and Western Europe, with a proposal currently under review for early 2026, promising continued enriching opportunities for students and community members from Brainerd.
The Central Lakes College Music Department proudly boasts ten performance ensembles, comprising professional music educators, music majors, and lifelong learners from the Brainerd Lakes Area community. Their commitment to excellence was recently recognized with an invitation for the Central Lakes Wind Symphony to perform at the prestigious 2025 Minnesota Music Educators Association State Convention, further solidifying the department’s distinguished reputation. Interested individuals, including PSEO high school junior-seniors, CLC students, and community members, are encouraged to inquire about joining a musical ensemble or participating in future travel opportunities by contacting Jonathan Laflamme.
