The American Music Abroad Independence Community Tour 2025 welcomed adult musicians from across the United States for an inspiring 11-day European concert and cultural program. Led by Keith Hodgson, the tour reflected AMA’s long-standing tradition of connecting people through performance, travel, and meaningful musical experiences.
From the alpine villages of Austria to the river valleys of Germany and the cathedrals of France, every stop combined music, community, and reflection. Participants, ranging in age from their twenties to their eighties, performed with passion, formed new bonds, and celebrated the joy of lifelong music-making.
The Independence Community Tour 2025 was designed for adult musicians seeking both performance excellence and cultural immersion. The ensemble rehearsed, performed, and explored in some of Europe’s most historic and scenic destinations.
The journey began in the Austrian Alps, where rehearsals in Westendorf set the tone for a cohesive ensemble sound. Over the following days, musicians performed in striking venues from the Tux Center in Austria to Eglise St. Nazaire et Celse in France, before concluding with an open-air concert in Engelberg, Switzerland.
Between performances, participants visited cultural landmarks such as Dachau Memorial, Königsbourg Castle, and the Rhine Falls, each offering moments of learning, connection, and perspective.
Tour Dates: July 22 – August 1, 2025
Head Director: Keith Hodgson
Musical Directors: Keith Hodgson, Jennifer Hodgson, Scott Uddenberg, Regina McAdams
Countries Visited: Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland
Contact: staff@americanmusicabroad.com
AMA Office: (610) 431-3311
The Independence Community Tour began in Westendorf, a scenic alpine village framed by the Tyrolean mountains. After flights from New York, Boston, and Chicago, participants gathered for an orientation meeting in the local church and evening rehearsals that marked the beginning of their shared musical experience.
The following days balanced rehearsals with opportunities to enjoy the charm of Westendorf’s shops and trails. Musicians rehearsed in the Band Hall and Church, preparing for their first European performance. A day trip to Rattenberg introduced them to traditional glassblowing before ascending by gondola to the glacier for stunning mountain views.
That evening, the ensemble performed at the Tux Center, surrounded by local audiences who welcomed them warmly. The night ended with a Tyrolean Evening filled with folk music and local hospitality, a true celebration of cultural exchange.
Leaving the Austrian Alps, the tour continued to Munich, where participants enjoyed free time in Marienplatz before visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. The visit served as a powerful moment of reflection on the connection between history, humanity, and the enduring voice of music.
The group then traveled to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval towns. Here, musicians performed in the historic Marktplatz, surrounded by cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.
The journey through Germany continued with a stop in Heidelberg, known for its romantic old town and riverside setting. Musicians enjoyed leisure time exploring before departing for France.
In Strasbourg, the ensemble settled into the Hilton Strasbourg, preparing for another evening of artistry and discovery. Musicians explored the city, enjoyed local cuisine, and attended the Cathedral Light Show, an awe-inspiring display that merged sound, light, and architecture.
The next day’s travels took them to Königsbourg Castle, where panoramic views stretched across Alsace. After lunch in Ribeauvillé, the ensemble returned to prepare for their livestreamed concert at Eglise St. Nazaire et Celse in Herrlisheim.
That evening, as the final notes echoed in the church, the group felt a shared pride, proof that music can bridge cultures.
Crossing into Switzerland, the tour’s final days were filled with both reflection and celebration. A stop at the Rhine Falls allowed participants to witness Europe’s largest waterfall before continuing to Engelberg, a charming alpine town surrounded by peaks.
In Engelberg, the ensemble performed their final concert in Kurpark, a serene outdoor setting. The next morning, they enjoyed an alphorn performance in the town center, a nod to Swiss musical heritage.
The farewell dinner at Mt. Brunni brought laughter, stories, and gratitude. By the time flights departed from Zurich, every musician carried home new memories, stronger artistry, and a renewed sense of purpose through music.
The American Music Abroad Independence Community Tour 2025 was a shared experience of cultural discovery. Musicians became family through rehearsals, bus rides, and the universal language of performance.
From the alpine rehearsal halls of Austria to the riverside towns of France and the peaks of Switzerland, every destination deepened the group’s connection to music and to one another.
The tour was open to adult musicians aged 21 to 85+, representing community ensembles, educators, and performers from across the United States.
It combined performances with cultural experiences designed for adult musicians who value artistry, travel, and shared learning.
The Independence Community Tour lasted eleven days and included Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
