by Dexter MacBride, JD
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“The world is a great book. of which they who never stir from home read only a page.” ...St. Augustine. Within the last few weeks, several readers of this column have chided me for “being too serious” and “too concerned about National and global issues.” These criticisms are appreciated and understood. Hence, this month’s discussion will not dwell upon the projected U.S. 2006 Budget deficit of $423 Billions; nor our $6 Billion monthly cost of the Iraq war and lost lives; nor the U.S. Current Account Trade Deficit of $804 Billions; nor the 10,270 empty trailers not used for Katrina’s homeless; nor U.S. cities exercising Eminent Domain “takings” to raise city tax revenues. This column is about youthful Hope, Dreams, Music, Travel, Education. It is about an organization, “The Sound of America,” celebrating it’s 30th year producing “one of the finest and most successful European. Concert Tour Programs” in America. Throughout the U.S., student musicians have applied and auditioned for membership and participation; they are “screened” to assure outstanding musical ability and excellence of character. This July, the Honor Band and Chorus of “Sound of America” will start on a 25-day Concert Tour of six European countries, and will perform in Concert Halls and Cathedrals in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Luxembourg. One of the High School students selected to participate is sophomore Caitlen Kemble (GPA of 4.5; Diamond Ranch High School; Diamond Bar). Caitlen and two Senior High friends – Meredith Morris and Genessia Holquin – are excitedly anticipating the wonderful opportunity to visit (and perform in) the cities of Paris, Innsbruck, Strasbourg, Venice, Verona and Luxerbourg. |
What a magical opportunity; a dream come true! Caitlen Kemble’s excited anticipatory comments reminded me of the magic of “The Wizard of Oz”...visions of beautiful castles, resplendent countrysides, sparkling historic cities, “different” people-indeed, a “new world”..an educational wonderland! True, there is a serious, pragmatic responsibility these high school students must face.... each tour participant must raise approximately $6,000 by the end of May. Caitlen and her friends are “...working very hard these next few months to raise enough money for the trip.” Fortunately, friends and well-wishers, various corporations, businesses, civic and fraternal organizations are assisting the students with some degree of financial assistance. (Contributions are tax deductible; “Sound of America” is a non-profit, tax exempt corporation). In recognizing the expense and effort...and balancing these with the educational experience and personal enrichment involved, the words of Henry David Thoreau are relevant: “Only that travelling is good which reveals to me the value of home, and enables me to enjoy it better.” Thoreau’s words are sparse and basic, but they become the building blocks that permit Travel, and Music, to form educational steps to Achievement, Fulfillment, Realization of Life’s treasures. Have a wonderful trip, Caitlen and Meredith and Genessia...I believe you will meet the challenge; arrive on the campus of Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania on June 30th; appreciate the “four days of intensive rehearsal and orientation”; and leave John F. Kennedy Airport headed for your first concert performance in Frankfurt Germany. What a wonderful 25-day tour...with ten performances in some of Europe’s finest Concert Halls and major Cathedrals! An experience to cherish for a lifetime! |