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Seven Tullahoma High School students and one of their band directors had a unique summer, as they took part in the American Music Abroad (AMA) Stars and Stripes Tour, performing in six countries throughout Central Europe in June.

Nevaeh Todd, Will Childers, William Dawe, Knox Grimes, Hunter Roberts, Brayton Arant and Elise Gleason were the seven Tullahoma High School students selected for this three-week European tour. To participate in the American Music Abroad Stars and Stripes Tour, students were nominated by their high school band, choir and orchestra directors. In total, 29 schools from Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky were represented during the international performances.

“This tour was a transformative journey for our Tullahoma students,” said THS Band Co-Director Justin Scott. “From emotional performances at historic landmarks to meaningful connections with people and places along the way, our students experienced the world in a way that deepened their understanding and broadened their perspective. They return not only with unforgettable memories, but also with renewed passion, musical growth, and a global mindset that will enrich our band program and inspire those around them in Tullahoma.”

Students began their journey at Tennessee Tech University in early June and spent two and a half days rehearsing for their musical tour. The 2025 American Music Abroad Stars and Stripes Tour featured three performing ensembles – the Symphonic Band, Chamber Singers, and Chamber Strings. Before hopping on their international flights, the journey began with a farewell concert for parents and family at Tennessee Tech University.

The next day, students departed for Normandy, France, to launch the European leg of the trip. Students performed eight concerts in six countries. The tour itinerary included performances and sightseeing in the Normandy region of France; Bruges and Ghent, Belgium; Delft and Kinderdijk, Netherlands; Petange, Luxembourg; Trier and Wiesbaden, Germany; Salzburg and the Tirolean region of Austria; and a visit to the 10,000-foot glacier at Hintertux. The adventure concluded in Munich, Germany, before students returned home.

“This trip was the greatest experience of my life so far,” said senior Will Childers. “As a friend said, ‘People can take a lot from you, but they can never take away that experience.’ I’ll cherish this trip forever.”

“AMA meant a lot to me. It helped with my self-esteem, confidence, and I made several lifelong friends on the trip,” added sophomore William Dawe. “I never thought I could be so happy in a new place with new people, but I found a group that meant a lot to me, and it truly made the entire trip amazing.”

For 45 years, American Music Abroad has provided high school musicians with exceptional performance and travel opportunities, reaching more than 43,000 participants. Concerts have been warmly received, horizons broadened, and lifelong memories created for students – including many from the Southeast – who often describe the tour as one of the most enriching and educational experiences of their lives.

“From the beaches of Normandy to the Austrian Alps, we made music together in the most beautiful venues,” said AMA Director Jen Zimmerer. “Audience members went out of their way to thank our students for sharing their gifts and being ambassadors of American music. I think our students could feel how special that connection was. This was definitely a summer they’ll remember.”

The American Music Abroad “Opportunity of a Lifetime” Stars and Stripes Tour will continue its adventure in 2026, returning to some of our favorite stops in central Europe and adding new locations. New stops for 2026 include the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The tour will return to Germany and Austria.

Applications for the 2026 Stars and Stripes Tour are already being received. Information meetings will occur at local high schools throughout Tennessee beginning in September. To learn more about AMA’s opportunities, visit americanmusicabroad.com/SS. For additional information, contact Jen and Frank Zimmerer at ZimmererAMA@gmail.com.