In the music department, it has brought the attention to the SCPA staff and students, that there will be no tour for the current 2009-2010 school year and possibly, for the next few years. Last year’s tour put ASB in debt due to students not being able to pay for tour expenses, which has caused teachers to conclude that there will be no tour this year for the instrumental department or vocal music department. This has shocked and upset many students because they have lost their motivation to participate in class, as well as ruined the excitement of performing in a different area. The competitions that the music department had entered was a way for students to be more competitive, which acted as a motivation for them to work harder. Without tour, there is a possibility that instrumental groups will not be able to perform at their best in recitals and concerts.

Last year, Advanced Women’s Ensemble participated in their first tour at the Heritage Festival at Anaheim. The experience was undoubtedly one of the best they've ever had. It was marvelous performing up on stage, just as watching different choirs, bands, and orchestras from all over the Unites States show how great they could be. To be honest, tour was something everyone looked forward to each month and as months turned into weeks and weeks turn to days. However, as those weeks turned into days, the choir was stepping their game up. We wanted to do our best and not waste our months of practice. Those high-maintenance practices were worth it, as they were able to receive Gold in both the categories of classical and jazz. It was amazing finding out that we were very successful in the end.

Tour is a renowned tradition on campus and now it is ruined. To those we are not capable of paying for tour shouldn’t even be in the class no matter how talented they are. Tour is part of the commitment when placed in a performing group, which is why they had contracts in the beginning of the year. We do understand that money is very hard to receive, especially in the recession we are having, but it causes more trouble to the students who actually do pay for the whole tour which is about the majority. That’s why we should have a tour this year because hopefully, we will do better.