The Commack High School Music Department has been nominated to join the prestigious music program, American Music Abroad (AMA). 

AMA is an organization that travels to Europe with students who play music in concerts during the summer for 20 days from July 13th, 2026 to August 1st, 2026.

AMA is an educational music program whose main goal is to spread American culture and music to Europe through concerts, student tours, and much more. Founded

in 1976, they have performed countless concerts with many high school and college musicians who are touring again this upcoming summer. This event was heavily advertised in the music department as an opportunity for students to grow and enrich their experience of the music industry and cultures around the world. 

 “AMA is an opportunity for all musicians of all ages in school to actually take a summer and take a period of time out of the summer to actually travel around Europe and perform music in some of the nicest European concert halls,” said band director, Andrew Scheiner.

AMA is largely supported by the music department and was heavily influenced by the students and what they do at the high school. Teachers love teaching students every day and seeing their progress throughout their years at the high school.

“I’ve been teaching for four years now. This is my fourth year. This is my third year here in Commack and the experience has been amazing […] and through all of my experiences, I have gotten to watch the progression not only of musical development, but also of just development in general. It’s really inspiring to me to see what people are able to do once their real potential is realized and once they’re able to know exactly what they’re able to do when they’re given the correct tools,” said Scheiner.

By going to AMA, the students help increase the school’s reputation as a whole. Their performances and skills showcase Commack’s passion towards music, as well as the effort put into the music department.

“The students are a representation of what this school is and what the school has to offer. And the quality of our music program is not based on me. It’s not based on any of us teachers. It’s based on the quality of the music that the students are making. And so the students are going and they’re getting this opportunity and they’re playing challenging music with other people from outside of their own world here at the high school,” said Scheiner.

AMA tours go to various countries in Europe that help students experience different cultures and societies. 

“We flew into Germany and then we went to France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria […], and the Czech Republic […]” said senior Grace D.

Students who went to AMA shared their positive experiences they had going on this musical adventure. Students were able to make long lasting friendships that established strong connections.

“I went with two of my best friends […] they had a full orchestra […] I had a really great time […] made some lifelong friends that I still […] keep in touch with […] we had just finished our freshmen year and we became really close friends with people going into their senior year […] and freshman year at college,” said Grace.

Additionally, AMA has been a great organization for students to portray themselves and their musical talent in an organized, professional program.

“Everybody always has a good experience. I’ve never really heard a negative experience from AMA […]. The logistics are planned out very well, the venues are planned out very well, the rehearsals are planned out very well […].​​ I think it’s a great opportunity for [students] whether it’s chorus, band, or it doesn’t matter, it’s a great opportunity that I think more people should take advantage of,” said Scheiner.

According to students who went in the past, AMA would have many benefits for students who plan to go in the upcoming years.

“Traveling is a great opportunity that they can get; and you get to see so many different cities, different countries in such a short amount of time,” said senior Sophia E.

Students also say that AMA is beneficial beyond the fact that they get to see new places and things; as students can develop even more musical ability.

“Not only the fact that you get to experience different countries and cultures and go to different historical sites […] looking at it from a musical perspective […] [you have the] opportunity to meet with other high schoolers in different states, and travel Europe, celebrating your love and passion, [it’s] a one in a lifetime experience,” said Grace.

There are many learning opportunities that students can expect on the AMA program that will provide them with more historical knowledge of the countries they visit.

“In the Czech Republic, we went to a concentration camp […] [it was] very interesting to learn about […] really big on history. In Northern France […] saw cities that were bombed during World War II […]. In Prague we learned about a lot about historical sites,” said Grace.

Students who go on the AMA program should expect to play fun and interesting music for people.

“I was playing with the orchestra […] but I definitely think that the music was really great. We played ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ which was hard, but […] we loved that song. We also played a Broadway Medley […] but it was really amazing music,” said Grace.

Although AMA is a wonderful program for music students, there are some things that students should keep in mind when considering the trip.

“There’s a lot of rules since kids aren’t with their parents. We were not really allowed to just start conversations with teenagers on the street. We were kind of warned against that […]. We were in Northern France […] in this bakery […] I felt really bad for two workers working there […] [there were] eighty Americans where only five would speak French […] and they didn’t know English, ” said Grace.

Students who participated in AMA gave important tips for future students that plan to endeavor in this program.

“I would definitely say go for it. Tips: practice your music and maybe do a little research on the places that you’re going to. Just because when I went there I didn’t have anything specific I [wanted] to do. It’s kind of like wandering around all these countries when we have time. But I would definitely say look into it if you there’s specific stuff that you want to see,” said Sophia.

There are also some other general tips that students should keep in mind before leaving for AMA in the summer.

“Know when the program is […] and find out as much information as possible and make sure you have your passport […] and also just have fun and enjoy it. You know, it’s not only about the music making, but it’s about the music making while you’re having all of these other experiences,” said Scheiner.

The people who you meet along the way will become the most memorable on the trip; according to students.

“Overall, I just think one of the best parts was the people […] me and my friends went together. We both say that being on the coach bus was one of our favorite parts just because we got to talk with everyone and hang out with everyone for like hours every day,” said Sophia.

There’s also plenty of other experiences that students can have at AMA and some unexpected people that you can meet along the way.

“We were on the bus with other people from Long Island. And at the same time, the chaperones on the bus were a couple. And the teacher was a teacher from Farmingdale […] her name was Mrs.Hartman [...] her daughter, Ms. Hartman is now teaching in our school district […] it was really cool [that] I traveled across Europe with her three years ago,” said Grace. ◼️