A group of 18 musicians from Southeast Missouri will represent the state as members of the Missouri Ambassadors of Music during its 16-day, seven-country tour of Europe.

The Missouri Ambassadors is comprised of a highly select concert band, choir and jazz band. Students are invited to participate on the recommendation of their high school music teacher. In addition to the 130 students participating, 20 state band and choir directors will accompany them as instructors and chaperons. Dr. Robert M. Gifford, professor of music at Southeast Missouri State University, who is organizing the tour, will serve as tour music director and conductor of the concert band.

The bands and choir will present a farewell concert Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Academic Auditorium on the Southeast campus, then depart for Europe the following day and return July 3. The tour itinerary includes concerts and sightseeing in London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy.

"Being a member of the Missouri Ambassadors of Music is a unique experience from two perspectives," said Gifford. "On one hand, it provides a rare opportunity for a concert band, a jazz band and a choir to combine their talents and share their music with people in many of the major cities of Europe. Perhaps even more important, it will provide an educational and cultural experience that cannot be duplicated in the classroom."

Local students participating in the tour from Cape Girardeau are: Kyle Chasteen, son of Fletcher & Betty Chasteen; Vicki Eller, daughter of Gordon & Ann Eller; J.J. Haycraft, son of Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Haycraft; Emily & Kara Hastings, daughters of Lionel & Amy Hastings; Shelley Holyfield, daughter of Butch & Vicki Holyfield; Laura Krone, Robert & Joanna Krone; Sara Moore, daughter of Sandra Moore; Kristi Nettleton, daughter of Clarence & Delores Nettleton; Matt Shivelbine, son of Mike & Kathy Shivelbine; Mandi Tally, daughter of Ben & Jo Tally; Kristina Thompson, daughter of Edward & Marsha Thompson; Christy Wetzel, daughter of Lee Wetzel; Tamara Jones, daughter of Judy Jones.

From Oran, Amy Bryeans, daughter of Dwain Bryeans; Fara Caudle, daughter of Barbara Caudle; Mark Hobbs, son of George & Marilyn Hobbs; Rebecca Nothdurft, daughter Glenn & Susan Nothdurft.