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Eight Wahoo High School band and choir students experience European trip of a lifetime

2015 NAM trip takes 249 Nebraska student musicians/adults to 7 countries

August 08, 2015

Wahoo students pose with Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Privett in front of the Matterhorn at Zermatt, Switzerland. This was one of the highlights of the 2015 Nebraska Ambassadors of Music trip, which allowed students to experience 7 countries in 16 days.

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Wahoo students pose with Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Privett in front of the Matterhorn at Zermatt, Switzerland. This was one of the highlights of the 2015 Nebraska Ambassadors of Music trip, which allowed students to experience 7 countries in 16 days.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." --Mark Twain

There definitely was no vegetating for a group of Wahoo High School musicians this past summer, who enjoyed an opportunity to broaden their horizons well beyond small-town Nebraska . . . big time!

In June a group of eight WHS band and choir students, along with 241 other Nebraskans, traveled to Europe for a life-changing experience.

The Nebraska Ambassadors of Music (NAM) is comprised of music students, parents, and educators from all over Nebraska. Every two years the Ambassadors take director-nominated students on this whirlwind tour of several European countries.

Wahoo students, along with other members of the Green Coach, pose at the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

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Wahoo students, along with other members of the Green Coach, pose at the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

The Wahoo High School students involved in this year’s trip were Raegan Andresen, Kristin Callan, Korena Edmonds, Makayla Foster, Katie Pace, Matti Pfeiffer, Lydia Privett, and Alex Wagner. WHS Band Director Jason Smith was the NAM staff member for these students, three Bishop Neumann students, and Mr. Privett.

Wahoo students and Mr. Smith enjoy a ride on the famous London Eye, with a view of Big Ben and Parliament in the background.

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Wahoo students and Mr. Smith enjoy a ride on the famous London Eye, with a view of Big Ben and Parliament in the background.

The trip began in Fremont, where students participated in an intense three-day camp. At Fremont High School students rehearsed what would become their European tour performance. The students worked long days and put together an amazing show!

After the third day everyone flew out of Omaha and eventually landed at Heathrow International Airport in London, England, where the adventure began.

From England, the trip continued on to France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Italy, and finally Germany.

The trip lasted 16 days. In that time the ambassadors performed for hundreds of people in city parks and beautiful cathedrals, observed ancient ruins, breathtaking architecture, priceless works of art, and countless other experiences. Students were exposed to different cultures, customs, and mouthwatering cuisines.

Students that participated in this trip gained experiences that they will talk about for a lifetime!

If you or your families are interested in future Nebraska Ambassadors of Music trips, please contact Smith at jasmith@esu2.org.