Twenty-six Wahoo band/choir students tour Europe in 2023 Nebraska Ambassadors of Music trip
16-day, 5-country Summer 2025 NAM trip now being planned; Contact Mr. Smith for more information
“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
This past June, 26 Wahoo students performed for hundreds of world travelers on their 16-day tour of Europe. The tour consisted of over 300 students and adults from across Nebraska, who adventured out to seven different countries for a whirlwind musical performance 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 this year the trip also included percussion ensembles.
The Wahoo High School students involved in this year’s trip were Logan Scott, Jozef Sommer, Jack Jones, Cadence Bailar, Henry Lauck, Collin Bales, Nash Beasley, Katie Elder, Riley Beck, Alicia Foster, Isaiah Foster, Madison Hajek, Lexi Jonas, Hailey Pfligler, Anthony Rowe, Hayli Ruble, Gabby Raney, Seth Obert, Lea Govind, Dawson Rafteseth, Lily Rafteseth, Sophia Rafteseth, Megan Steele, Delaney Wusk, Madden Dwerlkotte.
The trip began in Wayne, where students participated in an intense three-day camp. At Wayne State College students rehearsed what would become their European tour performance. The students worked long days and put together an amazing show! The staff included a resident composer by the name of Larry MacTaggart. The band and choir both performed pieces composed by Mr. MacTaggart.
“It was a real joy to be instructed and conducted by the composer of the music. For our students to experience the full intent and scope of a piece of music from the person that created it is very special,” said Wahoo High School band director Jason Smith.
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, Germany, and finally Austria.
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!
The next Nebraska Ambassadors of Music trip adventure will be in the summer of 2025. If you or your families are interested in joining this adventure, please contact WHS Band Director Jason Smith at jsmith@wahoowarriors.org.