Leo Young selected to perform with The Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus

Leo Young, the son of Scott and Stephani Young of Hillsboro, has been selected to perform with a national organization known as The Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus.

The Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus, celebrating its 36th year in 2012, is recognized as one of the finest and most successful European Concert Tour programs in existence. It has received international acclaim for its exemplary success in achieving outstanding cultural relationships with European countries.

Sound of America has been the recipient of letters of commendation from former United States Presidents George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, former Under-Secretary-General to the United Nations Dick Thornburgh, former Governor of Pennsylvania and U.S. Director of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Leo has been a drummer/pit percussionist in the Hillsboro High School marching band for four years, as well as a drummer, guitarist, and pianist in the high school jazz band for three years, and a percussionist in the concert band for five years.

This year, he is going to the state competition with the Hillsboro High School Concert Band. In the past, he has been a part of two student-led ensembles at the OMEA Solo and Ensemble adjudicated event, both of which were rated superior. He has been selected as a percussionist in the Land of Grant regional honor band for the past four years. Outside of school, he has played drums and guitar in the Hillsboro Methodist Church Band, and currently manages a sound engineering company called Sound Bytes.

Sound of America will begin its 2012 European Concert Tour in July. The group is scheduled to present nine performances in some of Europe's finest concert halls and major cathedrals during its 23-day concert tour.

The students will experience the cultures of six countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Luxembourg. Some of the exciting locations that will be visited during the tour are Paris, Venice, Salzburg, Stresa, Verona, Rothenburg, Grindelwald, Luxembourg, and La Chaux-de-Fonds

Students who have qualified for Sound of America membership are responsible for all costs involved with the trip. Frequently, however, local businesses and civic clubs who have an interest in helping deserving students will offer some financial sponsorship to the student representing their community.

To contribute, you could consider hiring Leo’s company, Sound Bytes, to DJ at birthday parties, graduation parties, or weddings; 50 percent of the profit will go to Leo’s Sound of America costs. Call (937) 708-1569 for information and booking.

The Sound of America, Inc., is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit corporation. With your help, Leo can proudly represent Hillsboro and the United States on this tour through Europe.

Donations made on behalf of the student should be made payable to “The Sound of America,” and given or mailed to Leo Young at 8355 Stoney Point Road, Hillsboro, Ohio, 45133. Donations in Leo’s name can also be mailed directly to Sound of America National Headquarters 50 Brookwood Avenue Carlisle, Pa. 17013.