Ashley Holmes – Chenango Valley High School (Flute)

I just wanted to tell you how AMA was the greatest experience of my life and how much fun I had. I seriously learned SO MUCH and honestly I really do feel like a different person. I’ve made such close friends that I’ve been in constant communication with since we’ve been home (I already miss everyone so much! In fact, we already have a few planned get-togethers with the kids in the Albany area and the NJ kids). I have a feeling that we’ll stay friends for years.  By the way – I had my away message as “AMA Red Tour 09, miss and love you all!” and Holly Standard sent me a message saying, “For the record…I was AMA Red Tour 05 and I still think about it and miss it every day, and I’m still close with many of the friends I made from AMA. I’m glad you had a great time! -Holly.” So I thought you’d like to know that. 🙂  This trip has influenced me in numerous ways and I think I’ll always look at the world a different way now. I’ve been so inspired by everything that we saw and did. Specifically, before this trip I wanted to major in Spanish (Education) and now I think I’ll major in Foreign Language in general, because I want to learn other languages be able to communicate with different cultures. Oh, and John Uhl is pretty much my hero in life!”

            “Anyway, I just wanted to thank you and everyone else involved for the opportunity and experience of a lifetime, it was priceless and worth wayyy more than what we paid. I can’t wait to see Mr. Brisk in school and thank him for giving me this opportunity, as well. I’ll definitely recommend this trip to other kids in my school and musicians in other places that are also interested.  I had soooo much fun. This trip was the best ever! I’ll remember it for the rest of my life!