Five lucky music students from Leyton and Creek Valley will get an opportunity of a lifetime as they prepare for Nebraska Ambassadors of Music “We’ve Got Rhythm” concert tour of Europe.
Kelsey Arrington, Jessica Ernest and Jake Nelson of Leyton and Seth Oliverius and Aaron Woodman of Creek Valley will head to Fremont June 6-8 for music camp to prepare for their concert overseas.
Students were nominated by a music teacher for their citizenship and musical talent.
Students auditioned for entrance into the Ambassador’s program on March 28.
The 2009 Ambassadors consist of 254 students statewide, 39 adults and 39 staff members.
Five of those students are from Leyton and Creek Valley, 14 from Scottsbluff, 6 from Mitchell, 3 from Bridgeport and one from Kimball.
Kelsey is the youngest student from the area to be nominated.
“I want to improve my trumpet playing and singing ability,” she said.
While she has traveled throughout the U.S., Kelsey said this is her first time overseas.
“I will be playing in the band and singing in the choir,” she said. “I am nervous about the flight.”
She said she has been to many other music camps prior.
Kelsey’s mother Pam Arrington said she will accompany the group.
She said 36 states participate in the Ambassador program and that half of those states take turn each year going to Europe to give concerts.
The group will be traveling to Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy and Germany.
This program is administered by Voyageurs International, Ltd. in Wheat Ridge, Colo.
This is the first year that an orchestra and string ensemble will be performing with the group.
In previous year the tour has included two bands and one choir.
A Bon Voyage concert is scheduled at the Nell McPherson Theater at Fremont Senior High School before the students fly to Europe.