Aubrey Dyson's IAM Band Tour

Hello!

My name is Aubrey Dyson, a current Junior at Mater Dei High School in Evansville, Indiana.  Recently, I was given the great honor of being nominated by my band director, Mr. Dan Klipper, for a opportunity of a lifetime. I have been given the chance to tour Europe with Indiana 's Ambassadors of Music's  Concert Band, all over Europe in June of 2016.   It is a honor to be chosen to represent Indiana high school musicians and my country in this event!  I can't wait for all the experiences that I will have during this trip! This has always been one of my dreams growing up, and now that I am given the opportunity, I can't believe it!  Touring Europe, doing what I love ... playing music!

The students involved in this program will be touring seven different countries of Europe over the course of 16 days. These countries include: England, France, Switzerland, Liechenstein, Austria, Italy, and Germany.   I will be given the chance to experience amazing sites and historical places for the  first time, such as seeing Big Ben, riding on a gondala through Venice, visiting the Louvre, and even hike through the Alps.  Not only will this give me memories to last a lifetime, but from this, I will earn college credit, helping me pursue my musical endeavors.  While visiting each of these countries, our band will play concerts for the citizens, sharing our universal love of music!!!  What a memorable experience to share with people from around the world!!!

I have been involved in music since the 5th grade, and it is has been all that I could ever think about for the past seven years.  I have focused my life on music, being in everything that I can revolved around it.  I have been involved in Solo and Ensemble for the past six years, getting a gold each year I have participated.  I have even moved onto the State level , my 8th grade year, earning a gold there also.  I have moved to State level every year since then, getting another gold my Freshman year and a silver my Sophomore year.  In the 7th grade, I was asked to join the Mater Dei High School Marching Band, and I decided to be involved.  I have been in the Marching Band, five years now, and it has been one of the best decicions I've ever made!  My Freshman year, I was even given a solo in the show, and now I have been blessed with another one this year!   Each year that I have been in the band, we have gone to State finals.  Each year continues to surprise me concerning the creativity and progress our high school members show when making our final shows!  During Spring Break 2014, I traveled to Disney World with the Marching Band to play in a parade on the streets of the Magic Kingdom. This was a dream of mine, and it too, came true!!!  What an honor it was to play on the streets of the Happiest Place on Earth!!!  This year, my Junior year, I have been  named one of the drum majors of the Mater Dei Marching Wildcats.  I look forward to leading our group and sharing my love of music with our members!   I enjoy performing in the orchestra pit, each year, for my school's musical productions -- Shrek and Oklahoma!  -- and have found the music challenging and fun, at the same time! I've been involved in the Mater Dei Arts Department's last two stage shows, having a solo in both productions. When it's not Marching Band season, someone can always find me at all the Pep Band games or even helping out the Mater Dei Jr. Band every Wednesday. On the weekends, I am also involved in Saint Wendel church masses, either singing or playing my saxophone in the ensemble.


 As you can tell, music is my world and I enjoy the happiness it brings to others!!!

I have received many awards through my musical journey including the Director's Award for Marching Band. both my 7th and 8th grade years.  In 2013, my Sophomore year, I was even awarded the Woody Herman Jazz Award by my director.  Now, I take lessons from Monte Skelton, an Evansville native and professional musician, and have been under his guidance and instruction for the last six years. I  even played at a wedding, having my first "gig" as a Freshman.  In the future, I hope to continue in the field of music, going to college to become a music teacher, or maybe even a music therapist.  Whatever life brings, I know my love of music will be used to bring people's spirits up and happiness in their hearts!

I want to personally thank you all  for taking the time to consider my cause and help me make my dreams come true!!  Even the smallest donation will make a difference in achieving my dream.  Have a great day!!!

"Music produces a kind of pleasure that human nature cannot do without."  
                                                                    -Confucius