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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!
We've had more people added to the Joining Us list, and added more to the Definitely Maybe list (people who want to join us but couldn't commit quite yet).
You have until Dec. 1 to get your deposits in, but please let us know now if you plan on, or hope to join us so we can get a head count.
This is going to be a unique and exciting experience to see some of the most beautiful parts of Europe combined with your love of music and the piano.
We will be traveling in comfort on a bus made for touring (with an English speaking guide). Although piano and music are the focus, we will also be sure to take in the incredible scenery, architecture, food, and people of the areas we visit. And yes, there will be plenty of opportunities for picture taking (and shopping if you are so inclined).
What are you waiting for? Exclusive and unique trips like this don't come along every day. Go ahead, add your names to the list.
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
I would love to go. This trip looks spectacular! Alas, my finances will probably not allow for it. I will tell anyone that would be interested and can afford to go for you.
Regards, Jason
“Whether You Think You Can Or Think You Can’t, You’re Right.â€- Henry Ford
frank, what an incredible trip you've put together. clearly a lot of careful thought and planning went into this.
i did a similar tour in 2005 alone, and i can tell you the logistics were extremely challenging to do this on the cheap and figure out everything yourself. just the service of having it all planned out is worth a lot of coin.
if my financial situation improves significantly by next spring, i'd love to join you, but i am pretty sure it won't have improved enough to make a dec. 1 commitment.
to all those who are posting that the trip could be more affordable--certainly it could, but to plan such a trip on your own is incredibly complicated and time consuming--what is your time worth?
it can be very affordable to travel in europe, but that also presents a whole host of other challenges.
i just want to say that i've been to bayreuth and the steingraeber factory--the most exquisite pianos! and the factory itself is like stepping back in time--everything is done by hand. the city is so beautiful.
i've also been to the deustche museum and have played the mozart era piano there. the curator is an incredibly gracious person and the visit to this piano collection alone is worth going on the trip for.
i've been to several of the other stops on the tour, but missed out on going to vienna, and that alone would make me jump on going on this trip, if i could.
so while i, being a poor freelancer, cannot manage the costs right now, i certainly see the incredible VALUE that frank is offering. and i encourage people who are on the fence to consider it from this perspective.
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
I have been searching Vienna area for a possible continued stay until Sun. There is something to do both east and west of Vienna. Will probably fly out of Munich as there is a direct route to Boston from there.
It would be nice to visit a cathedral/church on Sun to hear a nice old church organ. Looks like that would be Bayreuth on the 12th (and for extended stay, either Vienna or Salzburg). Anyone else interested or know about an early morning service and church?
Edit The old church in Bayreuth is All Saints Church - Schlosskirche. Martin Luther's tomb is there. Didn't see anything about the organ yet. Service is at 10
Last edited by lilylady; 10/07/1008:03 AM.
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."
We are considering an extra day or two. Thinking about heading up to Estonia to visit Indrek's place.
We have members who live in Vienna, perhaps they will chime in with more details about the churches and pipe organs.
I love the sound of a big pipe organ, it's a shame they let the one at the Hammond Castle fall into disrepair. I heard it played by Virgil Fox and E. Power Biggs (separate concerts) years ago. Amazing.
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
My 60th birthday is in January 2011 and I'm taking early retirement at the end of March. You know what?... I'm thinking this tour would make a wonderful treat to myself in this special year. And, as I live in northern Germany, the logistics wouldn't be too difficult.
Please count me in as a definite maybe for the time being... I'm just off to do some Euro-Dollar conversions or, could I pay directly in Euros?
We'd be happy to have you join us. You can check directly with our travel agent about the Euro/dollar question.
Tour Arrangements Made Through Hills Travel, St. Petersburg, FL
Hill's Travel Service has been around for over 80 years helping make travel dreams come true. With personal relationships with thousands of airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts and premier destinations worldwide, you are guaranteed the best pricing and service available. To learn more about Hills Travel or to contact them with questions... visit www.hillstravel.com or contact Kimberly Winters at 727-896-7161 or Kimberly@hillstravel.com .
Putting you down as a definite maybe, please let us know when we can move you up to a "Joining the Tour" status :-)
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
Alas, having done the calculations, this wonderful tour is out of my financially reach and so I must confine my participation to the Hamburg element, where I hope to join you all for the Steinway visit.
Also, I'm already planning a return trip to New York (went there in February this year) and another visit to Carnegie hall.
My very best wishes to all participants for what will, I've no doubt, be an unforgettable experience.
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
I'm still trying to make this work, so I am a maybe (with spouse). Will there be some fine beers tasted during the trip:)
Sounds like fun!
Great ryawarr!
I see this is your first post. Tell us a little about yourself somewhere here on PW! I see you own a Schimmel from your sign-in. I bet there will be more than one beer tasting evening! Me? I wanna try the wines!
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."
By the way, if any of you know of any travel, social sites, other piano/music sites, etc. where you can mention this one-of-a-kind tour, please feel free to help us promote it.
We would certainly appreciate the help, and you'd be doing piano/music lovers a favor by letting them know about this adventure.
The more people we have the better the pricing for everyone.
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...
Please note that although the first payment is due by Dec. 1st, you will still have until March 1st to change your mind.
(cancellations between Dec.1 and March 1 will be subject to a $100.00 handling fee).
Come on folks, you know you want to join us. Just look over the itinerary and check out some of the pictures. This is going to be a very memorable adventure.
Join us, and please tell your friends about the piano & music tour of Europe.
My Keyboards: Estonia L-190, Roland RD88, Yamaha P-80, Bilhorn Telescope Organ c 1880, Antique Pump Organ, 1850 concertina, 3 other digital pianos ------------------------- My original piece on BandCamp: https://frankbaxtermrpianoworld.bandcamp.com/releases
Me banging out some tunes in the Estonia piano booth at the NAMM show...