Sioux City, Iowa -- Summer 2023 was one to remember for East High School student Isabelle Barrett. The musical junior traveled the globe, one note at a time.
Last year, Isabelle was nominated for the Ambassadors of Music program, an ensemble of student performers from across the nation. The program gives students the opportunity to nurture their love of music while sharing their talents abroad. The only Sioux City student selected to join the Ambassadors of Music, Isabelle was also selected as the first chair of the euphonium section.
“The top players in every section got to play a piece called America the Beautiful,” recalls Isabelle. “I was very happy when I was named lead euphonium.”
With only one month to practice the music – and pack for her whirlwind adventure, Isabelle felt the pressure, though it wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle.
In addition to the euphonium, Isabelle plays the trombone for East High’s jazz and show choir bands and the Sioux City Youth Symphony. She is also learning how to play the alto-saxophone for East High School’s concert band. Isabelle plays soccer, is a member of the student council, and participates in the Sioux City All American Band.
If that wasn’t enough, Isabelle works part-time at Ray’s Midbell Music in her spare time with her dad Tim.
“My dad was who sparked my interest in band. He played multiple instruments during high school,” says Isabelle, who kicked off her experience with Ambassadors of Music during a three-day band camp at Cornell College before starting a once-in-a-lifetime tour across Europe.
The Ambassadors of Music held concerts in five countries: England, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. In between concerts, Isabelle and her fellow student performers went sightseeing. They rode the London Eye, saw the Eiffel Tower, sampled gelato in Germany, and celebrated with a cheese fondue polka party in Switzerland. On their last day, they celebrated with a dance party in Austria.
The schedule was fun but grueling.
“It was challenging because we did a lot during the day, and it was difficult to stay awake at times,” adds Isabelle who encourages other student musicians to speak with their band or choir directors about Ambassadors of Music.
Congratulations, Isabelle, on this amazing experience!