PHS students attend state honors band and choir camps

  • Posted July 23, 2024
PHS students attend state honors band and choir camps

The Pulaski High School Music program was represented June 19-22 in the Wisconsin School Music Association’s (WSMA) High School Honors Summer Camp.

Choir members Emma Ahlswede and Saige Wirtz were chosen for Treble Choir while Kaden Brown and Elizabeth Dornfeld were accepted into Mixed Choir. Band Members Zeke Butler, Patrick Reynolds and Ryan Symons were chosen for the Band Ensemble. In addition to the Mixed Choir, Treble Choir and Band departments, there is also a State Honors Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. 

Twenty-one out of the 1,466 high school students that auditioned to partake in this prestigious High School Honors Project were from Pulaski, and seven out of the 429 positions were filled by Pulaski members. Auditions were held in early February. 

The WSMA High School Honors Summer Camp was held at UW-Eau Claire and participants stayed in recently remodeled dorms. “It was interesting to see where the college students lived. I also enjoyed meeting new people who have a strong appreciation for music,” said Elizabeth Dornfeld, Pulaski High School junior, who has participated at the high school level for two years. 

Also a two-time participant, PHS senior Ryan Symons enjoyed his time at camp. “This was a really cool opportunity where I got to work with really talented musicians from all across the state. I made a bunch of new friends and met a bunch of very well known composers and conductors.” 

Pulaski sophomore Patrick Reynolds said his first time participating at the high school level was  “Really cool and fun to meet good young musicians.” 

Kaden Brown, a senior at PHS, took part at the high school level for the third year in a row. “I was given a different perspective on music and the effects that it can have on people.” 

After the three-day camp, students performed a “Work-in-Progress Concert” which shows parents and family members what the students have been working on. This also gives students and conductors a chance to see what still needs to be worked on in the October rehearsals before their final concert in Madison.

(Naomi Wilson of the Pulaski News wrote this article.)