Peter recently traveled across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 to attend a Global Conference, the ACIS’ equivalent of Encore Tours’ Prelude event. Departing from NYC got Peter in a New York State of Mind. Here’s what Peter had to say, “I was thinking of New York State of Mind because I recently sailed from New York on the Queen Mary 2 across the Atlantic Ocean. There is absolutely nothing more magical than slowly sailing out through the narrows and watching the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan disappear out of view. The opening piano riff of that song is something that takes me back to NYC in the early 80’s. To me, that song is a song about America and coming home to a place that you are comfortable with. I’ve always loved New York and feel that when I see it, I have that song traveling through my mind. Hence, New York State of Mind! It’s also a great song to sing.” What songs remind you of home? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to Encore Tours’ Backstage Blog for all things music and travel!
September 10, 2026 Encore Tours Custom Performance Tours, Built Around Your Ensemble Your ensemble has its own sound, its own goals and its own reasons for traveling. Your performance tour should reflect them. Backstage Blog Planning Your Tour
September 2, 2026 Encore Tours Taking Your Orchestra on Tour: A Free Webinar for Educators Taking an orchestra beyond its familiar stage can be one of the most memorable experiences a music educator offers. Backstage Blog Music Educator Resources
August 18, 2026 Encore Tours 7 Best International Band Trip Destinations for Student Musicians When a student performance tour is done well, it becomes much more than a trip. Backstage Blog