KeeGan Johnson practices his saxophone during music class.
Encampment freshman KeeGan Johnson is preparing for a trip overseas this summer. He will be traveling with the 228 adult and student members of the Wyoming Ambassadors of Music. The group will visit seven countries in 15 days.
Johnson was nominated by his music teacher, Kara Sandlian. “I nominated everyone who was eligible,” Sandlian said.
Johnson was the only student to be accepted and is the first of Sandlian’s students to be in the Ambassadors of Music program.
Johnson said he thought it would be a fun experience going to different countries.
“I like working and I knew I had to work to earn enough money to go,” Johnson said.
He received his acceptance letter one year ago and since has raised $5,500 for the trip. Now he needs $1,500 for the remainder to help pay for extras and meals not covered.
His grandmother, Roxana Johnson, donated a quilt and he sold raffle tickets at basketball games and at the Xi Beta Epsilon Christmas Bazaar in November.
A local business and organization has donated money too. Encampment Lions Club and the Sagebrush Senior Center donated $100 each.
Johnson is planning another fundraiser, similar to the one Jacob Wells is doing for his down-under trip. Johnson also plans to approach businesses for donations.
Johnson has been playing saxophone for four years. “It’s a fun instrument to play with the complicated fingering,” Johnson said.
He has signed up for the jazz band, too, although he doesn’t have a lot of experience in jazz and there are some extra qualifications. Sandlian said the competition is really tight for the jazz band. He is waiting for confirmation.
Sandlian’s mom has played with the Ambassadors of Music band for the last four years. Sandlian said Johnson will be able to play in some fantastic venues.
Johnson said he is really excited. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” Johnson said, “being a freshman and being able to go is mind boggling.”
Sandlian said he is going to have the time of his life. “To have the opportunity to go to Europe as a high-schooler is incredible. He will have stories for the rest of his life.”
Johnson will travel to England, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy and Germany during his trip June 15 - 30.
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