Hitting a high note

Published 5:00 pm Monday, August 26, 2013

JOHN DAY The musical trip of a lifetime had a local high school choir member touring Europe this summer.

Hannah Andrews, a Grant Union Junior-Senior High School senior, was nominated by her choir director Mary Ann Vidourek to join the Oregon Ambassadors of Music (OAM) program.

Hannah is an outstanding choral student, Vidourek said. She is a leader in our own choir, and her love of choral music goes beyond the classroom.

Vidourek said she usually travels with the group, but couldnt attend this year due to a wedding in the family; however, she helped Andrews prepare her music for the event.

This year, around 200 of Oregons top band and choir students joined in the adventure with Oregon State University music department staff directing the group.

Voyageurs International LTD, out of Colorado, organizes the trips for ambassadors of music programs throughout the U.S. A family member helped Andrews finance the trip.

The 19-day adventure began with a three-day music camp at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, the group arriving in London on July 4.

It was a great opportunity to meet kids from all over the state who enjoy music, and it was a wonderful opportunity to travel and learn of other cultures and go to many places Ive always dreamed of visiting, said Andrews, who sings alto.

The group attended Phantom of the Opera at Her Majestys Theatre in London, she said, as well as several art and history museums.

Stops included Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower; Switzerland, where they saw the Matterhorn and had a memorable fondue party; St. Marks Cathedral in Venice, Italy; as well as stops in Austria and Germany.

Andrews said her group mainly sang in churches and sometimes in the streets, inviting people to the concerts prior to their performances.

Now that shes back, Andrews says she plans to continue with choir at Grant Union.

I look forward to having more experiences like this one as I continue with music, she said.