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He and fellow Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra member Joel Laber, 16, of Metamora, will travel to Lyon and Paris, France to perform with Flint's sister orchestra at the Limonest Music School. Both will be heading overseas for the first time in their lives March 28 through April 5.

"It's pretty cool," Bunch said, and added there was no doubt in his mind he would be going.

Since 1990, the Flint symphony travels overseas every other year to perform with other students in different countries and learn about their cultures. Worldwide orchestras they've performed with include the Lisieux Youth Orchestra in France, the Gunma Junior Philharmonic in Japan, and the Repton Chamber Orchestra and the Huddersfield Youth Orchestra in England. They've also performed at the infamous Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1992 and 2000.

This year's symphony will spend three days each in Lyon and Paris, playing six total concerts. Concerts include a solo children's event where the Flint symphony will play in front of 500 school children, and a joint concert with the Limonest Music School.

Music they'll play ranges from "Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun" by Claude Debussy, "Grand Canyon Suite" by Ferde Grofe, to music from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Faculty in Lyon will also hold master classes for the orchestra, and some of Flint's staff will make the trip to teach the Limonest Music School's students various lessons.

"That's what's so thrilling," said Davin Pierson Torre, director of the Flint School of Performing Arts. "They rehearse and work so hard here and have the opportunity to share it all with friends and family. But to see what it means to them, not only the music but the culture with students and families in France and other countries. It's really exciting."

Students will also have a chance to see popular tourist attractions in France including the Eiffel Tower and various museums.

Bunch, a 17-year-old senior at LakeVille Memorial High School, has played percussion for the past eight years. Watching high school students bang away on the drums during his middle school days inspired him to play percussion. He plans to continue is musical career in the University of Michigan-Flint music program.

"I'm looking forward to seeing all different kinds of stuff and playing with the people over there," he said. "Their main thing is music over there."

This is the sixth year Laber has played the trombone after learning how to play it at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lapeer. The junior at Lapeer East High School is excited at this opportunity.

"I'm looking forward to it," Laber said. "I'll probably see all the sights and all there is to see in France, teach with students, and learn their culture."

Nearly 50 students in the orchestra will make the France trip. Other Lapeer County youth involved with the Flint symphony include Mitchell Aikens of Lapeer on clarinet, Hope LeGalley of Columbiaville on clarinet, Hilary Long of Imlay City on cello, and Alaina Tindall on violin and Austin Tindall on trumpet, both of Metamora.

The FYSO will host a Bon Voyage concert at 3 p.m. March 16, playing music they will perform on the France trip. It will take place at The Whiting, 1241 E. Kearsley St. in Flint. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students. They are available by calling (810) 237-7333.

"When they're there, they will be sharing culture and sharing music that will speak volumes about American youth," Torre said. "They'll make new friendships that will last a long time, and they'll see the power of their music making."

The Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra is made up of string, wind, brass, percussion, piano, and harp players. It can be seen on the Web at www.thefim.com.

Jeff Hoard can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8127 or jeff.hoard@lapeergroup.com.