SPOKANE, Wash. – Imagine representing your country on an international level. Now imagine doing that as only a junior in High School.
That imagination is reality for Dylan Loew, a member of the marching band at Central Valley High School. As a member of the award winning marching band, it is safe to say, Loew knows how to play.
He has been playing the saxophone for about seven years, but said he has only taken the craft seriously for about three years.
In those three years, Loew has accomplished quite a bit. He has received medals and certificates for excellence that have led him to a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Loew is one of 13 students representing the United States in Australia at the Pacific Honours Ensemble Program – or PHEP.
PHEP is an ensemble band program out of Brisbane, Australia. Loew and 12 others will have the chance to play with 300 Australian students under top composers and musicians. It all ends in a big show at the Sydney Opera House.
Loew’s success did not come without struggle. His mom said Loew lost his adoptive father a few years ago, and last October, had surgery that put his music career on hold.
Back on his feet, Loew said he can enjoy a trip to a new country, and his mother cannot be prouder.
“Apparently [Australia] is just like normal suburbs except it’s like tropical,” Loew said. “You’ll see these exotic birds just flying around instead of pigeons. I guess that’s what I’m most excited for besides going to the Sydney Opera House,” he said.
The cost for Loew’s trip is around $4,500. He has set up a GoFundMe account that has so far raised more than $1,500.
They said they want to not only raise money but to share his story.