Mr. Smith reflects on 2017 NE Ambassadors of Music trip
12 Wahoo students among 250 on 16-day, 7-country European tour
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Wahoo students pose on the London Eye, overlooking Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, which houses the United Kingdom's two houses of Parliament. Twelve Wahoo students toured seven countries this past June on the 2017 Nebraska Ambassadors of Music (NAM) European Tour.“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories." --Ray Bradbury
This past June, 12 Wahoo students crossed many new thresholds as they journeyed across Europe. The tour consisted of 250 students and adults from across Nebraska, who adventured out to seven different countries for a whirlwind musical tour.
The Nebraska Ambassadors of Music (NAM) is comprised of music students, parents, and educators from all over the state. Every two years NAM takes director-nominated students on this impressive tour of Europe.
The group is comprised of a band, choir, and orchestra, and this year the trip also included percussion ensembles.
The Wahoo High School students involved in this year’s trip were Kristin Callan, Kylee Edmonds, Maddie Rappl, Marshall Elder, Jackson Taylor, Emily Obert, Jack Krenke, Mary Privett, Braden Harris, Joe Scanlon, and former Wahoo Student Hailey Wagner. One Bishop Neumann student, Agnes Fairbanks, also was on the tour. WHS Band Director Jason Smith was the NAM staff member for these students and four adult travelers.
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 jsmith@wahoowarriors.org.