This summer, four talented students from Platteview High School had the experience of a lifetime as they joined the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music for a fifteen-day performance tour across Europe. Accompanying them was Platteview’s 7–12 band director, Mr. Alex Steinke, who served as percussion director and one of six bus leaders on the trip.

The group was part of an impressive ensemble of more than 200 high school musicians and vocalists from across Nebraska. Together, they shared their music in world-class venues throughout five different countries: England, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

The tour began in London, where students explored iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace before taking the stage for their first performance. From there, the ensemble traveled to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, onward to the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland and the Matterhorn, through the history-filled streets of Germany, and finally to Austria, where they experienced the birthplace of Mozart himself. At each stop, students had the opportunity to perform, connect with international audiences, and immerse themselves in the culture around them.

Mr. Steinke was one of 35 educators from across Nebraska who made the journey possible, guiding students both musically and personally throughout the tour. Reflecting on the trip, he shared his pride in Platteview’s participants and the unique opportunity they had to represent their school and community on an international stage.

The Nebraska Ambassadors of Music tour is designed to give students not only unforgettable travel memories, but also a chance to grow as performers and global citizens. As the organization explains, “Students travel by air, land, and sea to historic destinations and perform in world-class venues throughout Europe.”

We are so proud of our Platteview students who represented our community abroad with excellence, talent, and Trojan pride.

For more information about the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music program, visit ambassadorsofmusic.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A sincere thanks to Mr. Steinke for his leadership and commitment to our students throughout this remarkable opportunity. Do you have a story to share? Email us at spcscomm@spcsne.org.