Who knew that becoming a band geek could take you so many places.

Four of Mrs. Murphy’s students were nominated by her to take a sixteen day trip through

seven countries this past summer.

    “My little heart was so thrilled to know that four of my students were going to get this

opportunity. I only wish I could go with them next time. I made this tough decision based on

which kids would be good to travel with,” said band and choir director, Mrs. Murphy.

    Rebecca Hedges, Riley Johnson, Duncan Law, and Becca Moore were the “chosen ones”

who spent several days up at Lewis and Clark University for rehearsals before boarding a very

early flight that landed in Heathrow Airport, in England.

    “I enjoyed spreading music to the people of Europe and destroying whatever preconceived

notions of American’s they had,” said french horn player, Duncan Law.

    The seven countries journeyed through included England (specifically London), France

(but only Paris), Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy (just Venice, or Venezia as they call

it), and finally Germany.

    Clarinetist Becca Moore said, “Switzerland was my favorite country. The concerts were

amazing because there were so many people playing. The trip was lots of fun and I made a lot

of friends.”

    Besides just sight-seeing and doing the touristy stuff, the group, collectively known as the

Oregon Ambassadors of Music, also played several concerts, one per country, minus Italy and

Liechtenstein.

    Some of the main attractions viewed on this trip included the Tower of London, Big Ben,

Prince William (yes, the Prince William), the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, the Alps, the

Matterhorn, a small walled city, and of course, Venice!

    The OAM Europe tour occurs every other year, which means that this coming summer,

there will be no trip. Though we had no choir students attend this past year, they are able to

go. Advice for future Europe hopefuls: stay in band. It can take you much farther than you

ever dreamed.