Board member William Travaskis, who teaches music at the Vinalhaven School, along with art teacher Heather White, took eleven high school students to Boston in February 2019 for a visit to the Boston Symphony, the Museum of Fine Arts, and two arts colleges in the area. After leaving Vinalhaven in a blizzard, they traveled by bus to Boston. Many of the students confessed that they had never before been south of Portland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a night in an Airbnb in Mission Hill, the group arrived at Symphony Hall for a rehearsal performance. They were allowed to roam the hall for about 45 minutes, then settled down to hear Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony performed by the BSO under Andris Nelsons. The conductor spoke about the piece, Bruckner’s composition style, and the history behind his death before its completion. Seated near the front of the hall, the students were treated to an extremely lush, dynamic performance by one of the world’s great orchestras. Many said they could hardly believe it was real.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later that day the group visited the MFA to explore the museum and view an exhibit of Ansel Adams photographs. They also had a stimulating guided tour of the Berklee College of Music. Following a visit to the Massachusetts College of Art the next day, they returned to Vinalhaven, exhausted but in good spirits. Summing up the student response, Travaskis said, “Their resilience was impressive to say the least. I think overall it was an incredible trip.”