Going on tour; High school senior raising funds for European choir trip

It's going to be a busy summer for Fort Scott High School student Joshua Woolsey.

Woolsey, son of Rozemma Perry and Steven Woolsey and a junior at FSHS, is attending the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program in June at Kansas State University. He's one of five area students participating in the week-long camp that focuses on the inner workings of state government.

When Woolsey returns from Manhattan June 9, he'll have a little more than a week in Fort Scott before he embarks on his next trip -- a 23-day tour around Europe with the internationally acclaimed Sound of America Honor Band & Chorus.

A bass II singer, Woolsey was one of seven students nominated from each vocal section for the opportunity following his success at District Choir. After participating in the Kansas All-State Honor Choir, Woolsey earned himself a spot on the 36 Annual European Concert Tour.

"It's extraordinary to be able to be one of just a handful of students who are selected to begin with and then to make it to be able to do extraordinary things like this, it's just amazing," Woolsey said of his acceptance. "I don't know what else to say about it."

Carlisle, Pa.-based Sound of America Inc. is a music program that aims to enrich aspiring musicians through international performance and education, its website said. Compromised of high school and college instrumentalists and vocalists, the band is directed by Clyde M. Barr, president of North American Music Festivals, and the chorus will be under the direction of Nancy Klein, professor of choirs, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va.

Acceptance to the tour is limited to students who exude elite musical talent and character.

Woolsey will join about 100 choir and band students from across the country who will tour Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and France performing in cathedrals and concert halls.

Students will meet on the campus of Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pa., for three-a-day rehearsals before departing across the pond.

Having never left the country, Woolsey said he's excited about experiencing the cultures of the various countries, especially Italy.

"I've always wanted to go to Venice and that's one of our stops," he said.

The trip costs $6,000 but does not include meals or spending money.

Rozemma Perry, Woolsey's mother, said the family has organized fundraisers such as a computer clean-up, sponsored by All Tronics, and food sales to help offset trip costs.

They will be selling baked goods like cakes, cobblers and pies at the Fort Scott Farmers' Market on May 19, Perry said, and they will be raffling off donated items that include a pair of tickets to a Kansas City Royals game.

Perry said she told her son if he got accepted, she would help him find a way to go.

"He's worked so hard to keep his grades up, and because he has worked so hard to participate in the choir ... I think it's important that he has an opportunity to be able to reap what he's sown," Perry said.

Last year, about 150 students went on the tour, including FSHS student Ackland Milton.

Lyn Barr, executive secretary for Sound of America, said the program only accepts the most prestigious students.

"Not everyone is accepted," Barr said in a telephone interview from her office.

FSHS Choral Director Pat Harry said she is excited for Woolsey and his opportunity.

"He is a fine musician and he is a fine scholar, as well," Harry said. "It's a great opportunity for him to see more of the world and get to sing in some beautiful places."

Sound of America has been recognized by former presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush, and Hillary Clinton, former first lady, New York Senator and current Secretary of State.

Internationally, the program has been applauded by the Cultural Minister of the U.S. Embassy of Paris and Consul General and Minister Counselor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy, according to the website.

Mulling over his emotions, Woolsey said he's a little nervous.

"Honestly, I don't see myself as an extremely good singer and I'm nervous to sing with some who are," he said. "But a lot of people say I am."

To help sponsor or make donations for Woolsey's trip, contact Rozemma Perry at (785) 223-2257.