Sisters musician on tour in Europe

Leigh Hoagland, a senior at Sisters High School, just returned from a two-week tour of Europe with some of the state's top student musicians.

The tour actually began with a three-day camp at Lewis and Clark College from June 21-24, according to Hoagland. The ensemble embarked for Europe on June 24, and returned on July 9.

"First we went to London, then Paris. Then we went to a little village in Switzerland, through Liechtenstein and to Austria. We had a day trip to Venice, then went to Germany," Hoagland said.

"We were supposed to play five concerts, but played only three. They were outdoor concerts and we were rained out in London and Austria," she said.

According to Sisters High bandinstructor Jodi Henderson, Hoagland was playing first French horn in the wind ensemble.

Henderson said the tour was lead by David Becker, director of bands at Lewis and Clark College.

"Many of the top band directors in the state look up to him," Henderson said.

Hoagland was chosen for the tour because of her talent and accomplishments, Henderson indicated.

"Leigh is a top student academically. She also plays in the Central Oregon Honor Band, made up of top students in Central Oregon; she plays trumpet in the Jazz Band, and with other students in a brass quintet.

"She is very enthusiastic. She assumes leadership roles when needed. She asks great questions and is always thinking ahead," said Henderson.

Hoagland said she "liked Switzerland the best. We stayed in a little village called Champery. It was surrounded by mountains and was very prettyThe concert in Switzerland was also the best. The people were very enthusiastic."