April 2026 marked a signifi cant milestone for the Fountain Valley High School Troubadours and longtime director Kevin Tison. During spring break, a group of 42 students, chaperones and guests traveled to Peru, becoming the first American high school choir to tour the country.
The group spent much of its time in Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, presenting performances alongside local host choirs. One special performance took place during an Easter Sunday service.
Among the many memorable moments was a visit to Machu Picchu. Before sunrise, about a dozen students and Tison hiked portions of the ancient Incan Trail to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, which rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level. From the summit, they viewed the cloud-covered Andes Mountains and the archaeological site below before rejoining the rest of the group.
Beyond the alpaca encounters, stunning landscapes, and even the sight of guinea pigs roasting roadside, the true takeaway for many was the people. For some Peruvians, it was their first encounter with Americans—and their first experience with the level of artistry the Troubadours shared.
The kindness, generosity, warmth, joy, and authenticity of the people left a lasting impression on all of us. Despite having far less materially than what many students are accustomed to in the United States, the joy of the Peruvian people was unmistakable. As Mr. Tison often reminded the group, “This is definitely not Disneyland— but it just might be the happiest place on earth.”
Senior Troubadour Derek Nguyen reflected on the experience. “During my time in Peru and Argentina, I saw amazing places such as Machu Picchu and Iguazú Falls,” he said. “But what stayed with me most was visiting small cities and towns and gaining a deeper appreciation for South America’s people and for life’s simple things.”
Senior student director Scarlett English, who has been part of the vocal music program since fifth grade, also described the tour as transformative.
“I’ll never forget the beautiful sights and experiences the tour gave me,” English said. “What I’ll remember most was our final concert in Huaral. Seeing the impact our music had on the community reminded me why I fell in love with this program in the first place.”
Now completing his 21st year at Fountain Valley High School, Tison said the South American tour fulfilled a longtime goal. Since the program’s first international tour in 2005, the Troubadours have performed on six continents and earned recognition around the world.
“I’m not aware of any other organization, musical or otherwise, that has achieved this remarkable feat,” Tison said. “I’m confident these experiences have impacted lives in ways far beyond what we can fully understand. That, ultimately, is the goal.”