(l-r) Austin Hood, Hudson White, and Daniel Baker at the Coliseum in Rome, Italy Photo courtesy of Hammond School

Forty-seven Hammond School students recently embarked on an incredible trip to Italy they will remember for a lifetime. The group, known as the Select Ensemble, was extended an invitation to sing during mass at St. Peter's Basilica. The opportunity to perform at the Vatican is a high honor for any group, especially a group of high school students.

Hammond's cho-ral director, Steven Hillard, arranged the trip through contacts in Rome he had maintained since a previous performance there with Trenholm Road United Methodist Church. High school groups are not typically selected to perform in this prestigious setting, but the Select Ensemble's performance quality and repertoire set them apart and earned them the honor.

As the Arch Priest spoke to the audience in a mix of Italian and Latin prior to the performance, the entire group from Hammond swelled with pride as they heard the only words spoken in English, which were, "Hammond School in Columbia, South Carolina."

Front row (l-r) seniors Steven Hillard, Morgan Jones, Katie Neuffer, Katie Davis, Katherine Helms, and Kristin Winters,and back row (l-r) Willy Bruenner, Brandon Knox, Henry McMaster, and David Bruenner in the Church of the Gesu after a big concert. Photo courtesy of Hammond School

The five-day whirlwind trip included two other formal concert performances in Florence and Rome, and of course, some touring. The students walked the ancient streets of Rome and saw the Forum, the Coliseum, and the Arch of Constantine. They also visited the walled medieval city of Sienna and were blessed by the Pope.

The young Columbians were ambassadors of sorts, and the response to them was gracious and extremely positive. When the performers took the stage at the Church of Gesu, they were overwhelmed to see more than 800 people waiting to hear them sing in one of the most famous venues in the world.

Chris Angel, Head of the Upper School at Hammond, said, "The reaction of the students was phenomenal. This type of trip is an incredible opportunity for more than the performances. It is in lock-step with Hammond School's experiential learning and augments our efforts to provide a very unique educational experience."

Members of Hammond's Select Ensemble are chosen through auditions. Most members are active in a variety of school activities from arts to athletics. They enjoy the opportunity to come together to share their vocal talents with others.

Last year, the group performed in Austria and Germany, and plans are already in the works for a trip to the Czech Republic next year to supplement the school's year-long study of that country.