For 15 days of summer vacation, they visited seven European countries. They climbed the Eiffel tower, saw the Mona Lisa for the first time, marveled at the wonders of the Alps, ate some of the world’s best chocolate and took a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. To the people of Europe, they just looked like tourists visiting the famous sites of Europe. In reality, however, they were Missouri Ambassadors of Music there to spread the universal language and use it to connect people from all over.

This summer, seven CHS music students went on the trip with band teacher Jennifer Shenberger to represent Missouri Ambassadors of Music along with 150 other student musicians from Missouri. This organization takes qualified student musicians to give them more musical experience.

“Music directors from across the state nominate their students for this honor,” Shenberger said. “Here at Clayton, Ms. Shelley and I required a written application process. The applications are screened and the potential candidates are then nominated. Once you are nominated, acceptance is guaranteed.”

Missouri Ambassadors of Music share in the cultures and traditions of countries across Europe through the common language of music. CHS alumnus Taylor Kloha was a member of the concert band this summer, and she saw it as an experience to try new things.

“It provides young people with the opportunity to expand their thresholds and gain a more global outlook,” she said. “I joined the Ambassadors group in order to connect with other young musicians from across the state as well as to experience the history and culture of Europe, which I had learned so much about in Mr. Harned’s AP European History class, firsthand.”

The countries they visited were London, England; Paris, France; Vaduz, Liechtenstein; Crans-Montana, Switzerland; Seefeld, Austria; Venice, Italy; and Rotenberg, Germany.

“It was fun being in London and being a part of the preparation for the Olympics,” Shenberger said. “While we were there, the Olympic rings were hoisted up underneath the Tower Bridge and it was really cool to be able to see that. If I had to pick one aspect that I didn’t like, it is the 5-hour bus ride to Venice.”

Kloha enjoyed the different cultures she was able to experience on this trip.

“I loved how this trip was so expansive; we were able to get the flavor of Europe as a whole while visiting so many different places,” she said. “This was also a disadvantage, however—we could only spend a limited amount of time in each country!”

Along with the wonderful sightseeing, Kloha also enjoyed the musical aspect of the trip.

“This trip has taught me a lot about the importance of being flexible as a musician,” she said. “Every venue for our concert was different, and required the band to respond in a different way, be it adjusting dynamics or watching the director rather than relying on listening. Some concerts, such as London, were performed in cloudy, windy weather; others, such as in Rotenberg, were in blazing heat. All the while, it was vital for the band to remain on their toes and a cohesive unit.”

Shenberger also thought that it was a great way for the students to mature as musicians.

“They definitely leave this experience with a whole new appreciation of what’s out there in the world and how much music can build a bond no matter how many languages are spoken in the venue,” she said. “It also makes me proud to be a part of this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for them. I actually see students change in so many positive ways as a result of the time spent on this particular trip.”

The schedule was always packed, but all in all, both Shenberger and Kloha thought it was a worthwhile experience.

“As the director of the Ambassadors put it, we rehearse, eat, rehearse, eat, sleep and then get up and do it all over again,” Shenberger said. “You come home exhausted, but overwhelmed and happy with all of the things you have seen.”

Kloha also felt that it opened her mind to countries, and saw the commonalities she shared with these diverse people.

“We made friends with many new people; the world became a real, dimensional place and not just a rather abstract concept,” Kloha said. “Because of this trip, I have gained a deeper understanding of the different ways of life that exist across Europe.”

The next Europe trip will be the summer of 2014, and both Kloha and Shenberger hope that students will be interested in this trip.

“We will begin sending information out this coming spring, so start saving your pennies because you won’t want to miss it!” Shenberger said.