Encouraged to audition by their professor of music, Dr. Carmichael, at Western Kentucky University, three of Logan County's finest musicians went on to represent the county in a forum of music that few can imagine: an invitation to play in Russia.

Daniel Thomas, who plays trombone, Jon Paul Lack, a man of the trumpet, and Allen Kennedy, also trombone, went on to make us proud, even if it was miles away.

Although they were originally scheduled to play for President Bush and other prominent people of the like while in Russia, they were replaced at the last minute by a band from the U.S. Army base in Germany.

However, numerous parades ensued, all the while emerging our hometown familiars in an entirely different culture proving that a memorable experience was still possible.

During formal performances, the young gentlemen were required to wear tuxedos but retained their collegiate parade dress for parades, which means Western Kentucky University's regalia was represented for all to see.

"We played a lot of American music and pep band stuff, too. A lot of 20th century pieces as well. But they'd really go wild when we'd play Russian music. As long as we played their songs at the end, they were happy," according to Daniel Thomas, one of the three, who says he's been bitten by the travel bug after his trip to this new country.

After traveling so far to represent their school, you wonder what's next for these symphonic homegrown Logan Countians.