Help McKenna Join the Ambassadors of Music Europe Trip

* The following information was created by my daughter, McKenna, in order to raise money for an educational music experience in the summer of 2026. Please consider looking at the presentation she created here: Information Slides

The Ambassadors of Music trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel internationally, while also playing with talented musicians from across the US. I am so honored to have been nominated for the Summer 2026 trip with my high school. It combines my two passions, travel and music. Unfortunately, this trip comes at a high cost, and I need to raise (approximately) $8,000 in order to attend this amazing musical and cultural experience.

How it Started:

In 4th grade, I was given the option to join band for the next year. Since my friends were joining, I decided to go for it. I began playing the clarinet, eager to get better, and began taking private lessons. When I was building my schedule for middle school, I narrowed down my elective options to ASB and band. I wasn’t yet convinced that band was my thing and I was bummed to not be accepted into ASB, so I ended up giving band a chance. I switched to saxophone and immediately fell in love it and with the music program at my middle school. I then joined the jazz band, picked up the bari sax, and took music lessons from multiple teachers. By the time I left middle school, I was fully committed and knew it was something I would enjoy for a lifetime.

How it's Going:

In high school band, I have the opportunity to make so many new friends, join different ensembles, and learn more instruments. I primarily play the Bari sax, but also play the tenor in Jazz, combo, and in the community ensemble I am a part of. I have picked up the flute and the alto sax recently and dabbled with a trumpet.

I love playing alongside of experienced musicians in the community band, as well as challenging myself to grow in my musicality, and I’ve met so many cool musicians from bros to pros!

Where I'm headed:

I hope to participate in this amazing experience in 2026. After returning, I will begin the process of applying to college, where I will hope to major in music. I can't wait to see where music takes me after high school!