The group has been chosen as the only Oregon ensemble to perform in China at the Olympics. They will depart the United States July 31 and return August 11.

During their stay, they will perform in multiple venues affiliated with the games in Shanghai, as well as Beijing, in a round of performances that include the opening of the games.

This opportunity is an honor for a group that is no stranger to travel or accolades.

The internationally recognized ensemble has performed at The Sydney Opera House in Australia. They have been to New Zealand and Hawaii, as well as a long list of other venues to represent the United States.

They have won 12 State Championships in the past 22 years. They were nationally recognized in 2005 and 2006 as a Grammy Signature Schools Gold Award winner. In January 2007 the ensemble performed at a reception for the inauguration of Oregon's governor.

When the group was approached by World Projects International in conjunction with the Olympics to take the world stage, however, those involved knew that the ensemble would need the help of the community.

Chuck Baumann, the chairman for the China Corporate Sponsorship Committee for the trip, as well as many other parents and educators involved began a fundraising process to finance the trip, which will cost $5,000 per student.

"We began the fundraising project nine months ago," Baumann said. "And like the saying goes, it takes a village to accomplish something like this. We asked for help from the community, and I was struck by just how generous they have been.

"They have given on so many levels. We held a fundraiser in May and a great number of individuals and businesses stepped forward to donate goods and services. Through their efforts we were able to raise almost $12,000 towards the trip."

Baumann said that he found the outreach by the community inspiring, and he was not the only one.
Mary Lou Boderman has been the director of the ensemble since 1990. She said she has also been inspired by the efforts of the community, and sees the trip as an opportunity to give something in return by representing that community in front of the world.

"We have seen the support of the entire city in this," she said. "The trip affords us a very special opportunity to represent that community.

It is an honor to represent not only the community but the state and the nation."

Boderman said that she felt confident in the ability of the ensemble to make a good impression abroad.

"These are all good kids, and they are all-around nice people," she said. "They understand that they are representatives of Salem. They have seen the community's outreach, and it highlights in their minds that they are not only representing themselves but something far greater."

She said that the excellence of the group's music would also be another means for the ensemble to represent themselves and the community.

"Music breaks down so many barriers. It is a commonality that we all share. I think that we will find that the quality and talent of the band will also give a heightened level of respect through that commonality of music."

She said that there would also be a lasting impact and resonance in the students that would afford other opportunities to give back to the community through this experience.

"This will be the generation dealing with China in the future," she said. "They will have the opportunity to see kids such as themselves and create a cultural connection with farther-reaching implications for the future."

According to Baumann and Boderman there are still many ways to become involved in this community-enhancing experience.

For more information on the ensemble, the trip, or ways to donate or become involved, visit southhighchinaolympics.com.