THE MARIST BAND TO TOUR AUSTRIA, GERMANY, & CZECH REPUBLIC IN SPRING 2027
Marist Band Announces 2027 Central Europe Tour
Chicago, Illinois, October 2025 — After a lot of hard work, patience, and time, the Marist High School Band is thrilled to announce that they will be touring and performing in Central Europe in the spring of 2027! This exciting opportunity will mark the band’s first-ever performances in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
For over 60 years, the Marist High School Band has been a staple in the Chicagoland community. Founded by Mr. Frank Manna in 1963, the band has carried on a proud tradition of bringing “honor, glory, and fame” to Marist High School through its commitment to musical excellence and performance. The internationally recognized ensemble tours annually and has appeared at prestigious events such as the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, the National Vietnam Veterans Day Parade in Honolulu, and even The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The band has also performed at Disney World every four years and at Chicago White Sox Opening Day ceremonies.
Following the band’s recent successes in Hawaii, Director Mr. Andrew Creagh ’04 and Assistant Director Mr. Patrick Keelan are preparing for this next milestone. The seven-day tour will feature performances and sightseeing across Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague, including visits to Mozart’s birthplace, The Sound of Music filming locations, and several historic churches and castles. Students will also have the opportunity to attend a symphony orchestra concert during their travels.
“We are so blessed and fortunate to be able to perform internationally,” said Mr. Creagh, who is celebrating his 20th year as Band Director at Marist High School. “Our band is known for touring every year, but once we performed in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, we knew that our program was ready to perform in new and exciting places. These amazing tours would not be possible without the work of our current students, as well as our Marist Band alumni who came before.”
A Marist alumnus himself, Creagh graduated in 2004 and holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music and a Master’s in Teacher Leadership from the American College of Education. He currently leads a program of about 100 students across all grade levels.
“I enjoy working with kids and helping them experience and perform music,” Creagh shared. “It’s inspiring to see students grow musically throughout their four years in the program.”
Students in the band are equally enthusiastic about the upcoming trip:
“For our upcoming tour next year, I am excited for the possibility of performing in different parts of Central Europe and even seeing Mozart’s house. I really look forward to experiencing the rich musical history of this area!”
— John Alfano ’27, Trombone Player
“I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Marist Marching Band family and now to travel overseas to represent our school. I was in complete shock to learn that we will be touring three countries. I have never been to Europe, and to be able to go with my friends and play my flute is so exciting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am ready to make unforgettable memories.”
— Julia Bishop ’27, Flute Player and Drum Major
Creagh expressed his gratitude to the many individuals who make the band’s success possible.
“I would like to thank the administration at Marist, our band parents, our band alumni, and most importantly, our band students for helping make these trips possible.”
If you are an incoming freshman or current Marist student, consider joining the Marist Band and being part of this historic tour! No prior music experience is required. For more information, please contact Mr. Andrew Creagh at cr***********@****st.net.
