By Eleanor Sevigny
Published Oct. 17, 2024 in The Burg Newspaper
Galesburg High School Sophomore Alexandria Clark has been selected to participate in the Ambassadors of Music tour. Clark will play music in five countries across Europe (England, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria) in June of 2025.
Clark is a percussionist in the Silver Streaks Marching Band (bass drum), GHS Wind Symphony, GHS Jazz Band, and GHS Pep Band.
She chose to become a percussionist because “it started when I was little. We went to Northwoods Church. My entire focus was the Worship Band, specifically the drummer. In 6th grade I received an email about what instruments I would be interested in playing. I asked my mom what a percussionist was. Once I found out they play drums I signed up.”
The best part of being in band for Clark is “when you get your music down and it flows. It’s therapeutic to listen to.”
For the Ambassadors of Music Program Clark was selected by “my band director, Mrs. Baity, she sent me an email about the program stating if I was interested she could send me a Zoom meeting code. I wanted to see what it was all about, so I asked for the code and attended the meeting.”
“Mrs. Baity nominated Alexandria based on character, leadership skills, and musical achievements. She has a 4.0 GPA. In addition to playing in the Marching Streaks she is the bass drum Section Leader. She is also on the GHS Streaks Girls Tennis Team and Key Club Vice President. In February 2023 she was awarded the City of Galesburg's Youth Extra Effort Award. She has also received the 2023 Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award, 2022 Band Director’s Award, and the 2024 Principal Scholar Award for being in the top five percent of her class.” added Natalie Clark (Alexandria’s mom).
For Clark this trip means “expanding my horizons. I’ll be leaving the country for the first time. I look forward to meeting new people, experiencing different music, working with a new band, and seeing things for the first time.”
The country Clark is most excited to visit is “France. I love the culture, it's so cool.”
The cost of Clark’s trip is over $9,000. She is asking for donations through GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/a377a6ad).
“You don’t see many young people these days going out doing things. I want to go out and show people what my generation is capable of. I want to show people you can do really cool stuff out in the world. Inspire them to try something new. I need financial support to do this.” explained Clark.
“There’s more to it for me,” added Natalie. “Alexandria was born hearing impaired. That is one of the reasons she plays percussion; she can feel it which makes it easier for her to play. Even though she has physical pain, a hearing aid, and has had multiple surgeries she has been able to overcome all of it. Alexandria is a testament of hope to humanity that you can overcome your disability and still be out there doing things. It is powerful to see her not let her disability get in her way. She has always had the attitude that I’m going to show everyone that this is possible then she does it.”
Clark would like the Galesburg community to know “thank you for all the opportunities and support I’ve been given. I will do my best to represent our city, state, and country. A special thank you to Mrs. Baity, Mr. Empey, and Mr. Barshinger for your support, guidance, and all the opportunities you have given me.”
If you would like to donate to Clark’s trip, you can donate to her GoFundMe https://gofund.me/a377a6ad, or send checks/cash to 973 Knox Road 100 E Galesburg, IL 61401.
Clark’s Favorites
Class: Algebra
Author: Alice Oseman
Movie: Spirited Away
Coffee Shop: Orange Cup
Local Restaurant: The Landmark
Band: Arctic Monkeys
Music Artist: Alec Benjamin
Sport: Tennis
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