Chip Reyes to Tour with The Sound of America Honor Band
    By Staff Writers ~~The Monahans News, March 27, 2007

Monahans High School Senior Chip Reyes will tour Europe this summer with The Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus on their 32nd annual European Concert Tour.

"The organization has invited me for several years, but my mom thought I was too young to take the tour until now," Reyes said.

The program allows talented students from throughout the nation to represent America in a highly positive manner as they perform before large European audiences in many of the world's most famous cathedrals and most prestigious concert halls in all of Europe.

According to the Sound Of America Honor Band and Chorus organization, only students who have demonstrated outstanding musical ability and excellent character are eligible to apply for membership in the tour.

Reyes will arrive in Philadelphia on July 4th and spend several days of intensive rehearsal with the Sound of America Honor Band and tour orientation.

He will travel for two months with other high school students to  New York; Frankfort and other German cities as well as cities in Venice and France, including Paris, before returning to the states as the end of July.

Reyes has played the cornet for six years, four of those years under the direction of Monahans High School Band Director Jeff Whitaker.  He has won numerous awards at district, area, regional and state band competitions.

Reyes is the son of Raymond and Diana Reyes, a student teacher at a Sudderth Elementary and a member of MHS A Cappella Choir.  He performed with the Midland -Odessa Symphony for three performances on Easter Sunday at the Mid Cities church located near the Midland International Airport.

He received a three-year scholarship through the Association of Texas Small School Bands.  He plans to major in music education and minor in instrumental and vocal performance at Sam Houston State University.

Although the organization funds part of the expenses for the trip, the students are required to raise part of the money by asking for donations from individuals and businesses to help with expenses.

Anyone interested in with a donation may call 943-6914.

keyed by Jennifer Lario, Junior 07-08