Making memories with music

Anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing Maggie Wachowiak play her flute knows what beautiful music she makes. It’s that talent and her nine years of lessons that enabled her to also share her gift with the people around the world this summer. Wachowiak was honored to travel as a member of the Iowa Ambassador of Music European Tour for 16 days, performing in a variety of settings.

It all began with a nomination by Wachowiak’s High School Band Teacher Justin Schwake. After being accepted, intense practices and auditions followed for Wachowiak, earning her a second chair placement for the trip (which means she was the second best flutist in the entire group). Four days before their departure (June 29), the 300+ young musicians from around Iowa met up in Grinnell where they spent long days practicing to make their performance together perfect.

“It was really hard hitting,” Wachowiak said. Finally, on Monday, July 2, all of their hard work paid off as they gave their first official performance in Grinnell as a group - for their parents and loved ones. At the completion of the Farewell Concert, the kids took down the stage, headed back for a quick shower, and were loading the bus by midnight, headed to Chicago to catch their early morning flight to adventure.

For the full story, see this week's Eagle Grove Eagle. Subscribe by calling 1-800-558-1244 ext 122 or email Deb at circulation@midamericapub.com or by clicking here.