The Austrian city, famous as the backdrop for the classic film The Sound of Music, is one of four locations in Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary that will be treated to performances by the West of the Divide school group which includes a 40-member choir and 60-strong concert band.

"They'll be performing in places they may never play in again and that's what's so exciting,” Tamworth-based NSW Department of Education arts co-ordination officer Di Hall said.

This year will be the first time the group has included a vocal ensemble and instead of competing, will be putting on public performances in cathedrals, concert halls and plazas in Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest and Prague.

Eight regional schools are represented, including Warialda High and Moree Secondary College. 

Performers had a week of intensive 10-hours rehearsals over school holidays. The next time they are all in the same room will be the day before they fly out for Munich.

Ms Hall said the 12 days in Europe would be packed with performances and workshops led by professional musicians, with sightseeing squeezed in where possible.

She explained the trip was never designed to be a European vacation. “Music, music, music - that's what it's all about.”