TEACHERS PARTICIPATE IN EUROPEAN MUSIC TOUR

Carol McDowell and Kendra Ruesler, both formerly of Jackson, recently completed a two-week European tour with the Pennsylvania Ambassadors of Music.

The tour included stops in Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

The Pennsylvania Ambassadors of Music included an orchestra, jazz band and swing choir. McDowell, a flutist, and Ruesler, who plays keyboard and percussion, were part of the music managing staff and performed with the orchestra and jazz band. Acceptance into the organization was by audition.

McDowell is a graduate of Jackson High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in music education and flute performance from Southeast Missouri State University and a master's degree from The Florida State University. She teaches elementary music, band and choir in Riverview Gardens school district in St. Louis County. She is the daughter of Joe and Erma McDowell of Jackson.

Ruesler graduated from Jackson High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business education at St. Paul's College in Concordia, Mo. She teaches business education at Caruthersville High School and is head organist at Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. She is the daughter of Harold and Rosemary Ruesler of Jackson.