Music, Independence, and a World Beyond the Classroom
Every other year, Crowden’s 7th and 8th graders carry their music out into the world. The first tour traveled to England and Scotland, the homeland of founder Ann Crowden. Since then, students have travelled across the United States, Europe, and beyond.
For many, it’s their first time traveling without their parents. Together, they navigate new cities, strange stages, and the particular vulnerability of performing somewhere far from home. They learn what it means to represent their school, support one another on stage, and bring music to communities far from home. They meet young other musicians from other places and discover that music makes instant connections possible.
Tour asks everything of them. Long days, difficult repertoire, the weight of showing up for one another when they’re tired and far from home. But something happens in that difficulty. Students find reserves they didn’t know they had. They listen more carefully. They hold each other up.
They come home different.
Tour is one of the most meaningful experiences Crowden offers, and it is provided at no cost to students. It is also one of the school’s most resource-intensive programs. Travel, instrument transportation, venues, and logistics all require significant support.
Every other year, Crowden’s 7th and 8th graders carry their music out into the world.
2026 Colorado
2024 Hawaii
2019 Pittsburgh, Rochester, Niagara Falls, and Toronto
2017 Chicago and Cleveland
2015 Québec and Montréal
2013 Washington, DC
2011 Scandinavia (Malmo, Lund, Stockholm, Copenhagen)
2009 Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, and Los Angeles)
2007 Northeast (Boston, New York, Nantucket, Plymouth)
2005 New Zealand
2001 Italy
1997 England and Scotland
