3 Local Students seek community support to sing in Europe

By Josh Jones
Times Tribune Editor 

[email protected] 

TROY — Three local students have been selected to sing in Europe through The Illinois Ambassadors of Music program and are seeking the community’s assistance with the funds needed to make the trip. 

Riley Hansen of Troy, Lyndsy Janning of Troy and Becky Dumar of Marine have been selected and are in the process of fundraising on Gofundme. Their goal amount is $30,000 ($10,000 per student). 

Freddie Rice, a staff member for the program, went into further detail. 

“The Illinois Ambassadors of Music offers talented high school musicians across the entire state of Illinois an unparalleled opportunity to explore and perform across Europe,” Rice said. “The tour typically includes between 200-400 exceptional high school performers.”

Hansen, who will be a senior at Triad High School this coming school year, said that her experience with singing started in children’s choir at her elementary school and she decided to keep with it. 

“It has now become a large aspect of my life,” Hansen said. 

Janning, who is also going into her senior year at Triad, said that she has always enjoyed music and naturally wanted to involve herself in the creation of it. 

“My voice quickly became my favorite instrument,” Janning said. “This upcoming school year I will be performing with the Triad chamber choir and concert choir. I plan on trying out for any solo opportunities that come my way as well.”

Dumar, is a recent Triad graduate and is planning to attend McKendree as a music major in the fall. She said she has been playing piano for more than 10 years now and has sang in her church since she was little.

“I’ve participated in musical theater since fifth grade and I joined choir my junior year since I finally had room for it in my schedule,” Dumar said. 

Reaching their goal would mean that the trio will be able to sing in five different European countries including England, France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Rice discussed the locations and types of music those in the program will be participating in. 

“The singers will perform their full, well-attended concert program in beautiful and historic locations, including iconic churches and cathedrals,” Rice said. “Their repertoire will consist of over a dozen pieces in various styles and languages, including both traditional and contemporary choral works. A goal of the program is to share American music with an international audience.”

Hansen discussed her thoughts on the type of music that will be performed. 

“I enjoy this style of singing because the sound acquired from a group is so much fuller compared to a solo voice,” Hansen said. “Harmonies blend so well and being able to take part in that is an amazing feeling.”

Janning also shared her thoughts on traditional choir music. 

“I enjoy that this style of music takes more than one voice to come to life,” Janning said. “Everyone is responsible for holding up their own part in order to really build the song.”

Dumar said that traditional choir music is fun to sing. 

“It sounds so cool when all of the parts are sung together,” Dumar said. 

There will also be opportunities during various community events to support the fundraising effort. The group is planning to fundraise at the upcoming St. Jacob Homecoming, Balloons Over Marine and is waiting for confirmation from Italian Fest. 

Janning said she is excited to go to Germany. She said over the past few years she has indulged in German metal and started to fall in love with the language. Janning also thanked those who have supported her. 

“I would like to thank both Linda Remiger and Veronica Rice for being excellent choir teachers. Having your support and guidance played a huge role in who I am as a musician,” Janning said. “I would also like to point out that my undying love for metal and rock has shaped me in ways that made it possible for me to go on this trip. My passion and drive developed due to the bands I have plastered all over my walls and I would love to be able to thank each and every member. God bless and long live heavy metal.” 

Janning also thanked her guitar teacher Scott Seymour, located at Swing City Music in Collinsville.

“He has been an inspiration for me to carry on with my love for music,” Janning said. 

Dumar said that she is most excited to see London. 

“I’m really excited to go to London and see Windsor Castle because my mom is going with me and that’s something that she has always wanted to do and I’m happy that she gets to share this experience with me,” Dumar said. 

Dumar also shared some advice for those who may see the same opportunities in their life. 

“I would say to take the chance and go because you may never get the chance to go and it looks really good on a resume,” Dumar said. 

Hansen gave her thoughts on this opportunity and also gave some advice to those pursuing music and the arts. 

“I’ve never been out of the country before, so I am excited to see everything. It’ll be an entirely new experience for me,” Hansen said. “When you join choir, please stick with it. Being in the arts will open up a huge amount of once in a lifetime opportunities for you, and it will introduce you to so many wonderful people.” 

Rice spoke highly of the program’s positive impact on the students who participate. 

“I have seen firsthand how impactful the experience is, and it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students – both musically and culturally,” Rice said. 

The fundraising will go until either the goal is met or until April 2025. For those interested in donating, people may visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-girls-sing-across-europe. For more information on the program people may visit https://ambassadorsofmusic.com.