Every year, we’re moved by the stories our Ambassadors share when they return home from this life-changing experience. Each AOM student traveler, educator and staff member brings their own energy, creating a lightning-in-a-bottle feeling – each group develops its own vibe, and no two are alike!
Tim Libby, our Colorado Ambassadors of Music state coordinator, took his first AOM trip in 1998 and is preparing for his 13th AOM adventure this summer. He’ll join the nearly 400 travelers that make up the Colorado group and can’t wait to discover the spirit of this year’s bunch.
“Every trip feels different because of the chemistry of the students and the staff, too,” he shared. “So, while we go to many of the same places, every trip feels different. We experience something new every time.”
We recently talked all things Ambassadors with Tim – what he loves about the trip, what he can’t wait for students to experience this summer and why AOM is completely unlike any performance opportunity available to high school performers.
Tell us about your first AOM experience and what inspired you to join that first tour?
I went on my first Colorado Ambassadors of Music trip during my second year of teaching, in 1998. A staff member wasn’t able to go, and they needed somebody to come in her place at the last minute. So, they invited me to come, which was a life changer.
It was my first overseas trip. I’d been on a cruise that went to Cozumel, Mexico, but that was the only time I had been out of the country. AOM changed my life for sure! I’m a firm believer that everyone should travel because it changes your perceptions about places and people. You learn a lot about yourself and about your world.
What are some of your favorite moments from the tour?
Europeans have a different level of appreciation for live performance than we do in America. They appreciate the kids and they’re excited that we’re there. Even in times like these, it’s like, “Wow, you came all the way over to play this concert for us and to share your music.” And we play in remarkable venues with such history. So, it’s a combination of where you’re playing, who you’re playing for and the appreciation that you feel from the crowd.
One of my favorite moments, in honor of the Olympics coming up, was in London in 2012. We had a free afternoon in London and the torch was coming through and it was just unbelievable to be there while that was happening, just by being in the right place at the right time.
But really, most of my favorite times and fondest memories are just spending time with my students and the other teachers.
How does the Ambassadors of Music experience impact participants?
I noticed a difference in my students the day we got home. This trip changes kids’ lives. They’re going to be more responsible. They’re going to be more self-reliant. They’re going to learn some different skills.
But the biggest part is traveling with other kids from all over the state. You’re not just with the same kids you’ve been in band for years, and so you get out of your comfort zone quite a bit.
One of my students graduated from Cherry Creek and was going to the University of Texas at Austin. On move-in day, she was wearing her Colorado Ambassadors of Music shirt. She opened the door to her dorm room and her roommate was wearing her Ambassadors of Music shirt from her state, and they immediately had that connection.
That happens all the time. This community isn’t just your state; it’s many states.
What can you tell us about your Colorado Ambassadors of Music team?
Our staff is made up of some of the most experienced and most well-respected teachers from the state of Colorado – both band directors and music teachers. Many of them have been taking this trip since 1998, like me. It’s an opportunity for teachers from all over the state to get to know each other – and it’s an opportunity for students from all over the state to get to know each other too. There’s nothing like it.
I’ve got former students who are on the staff now. They chose to teach music, and I’m sure that that trip has something to do with that. I mean, that says it all, doesn’t it?
Thank you, Tim, for taking the time to share your Ambassadors of Music experience – we’re counting the days till your Colorado group takes off! We appreciate all that you and your team do to make this trip a memorable one for these talented Ambassadors.
Interested in learning more about AOM? To connect with the state coordinator in your area, visit our State page.