Thorp Middle School Students Participate in UW-Eau Claire Middle School Honors Band

Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 -- 12:00 PM

On Friday, January 26, fourteen Thorp Middle School Band students performed in UWEC MS Honors Band.

There were 400 students nominated from across Wisconsin, so there were 3 separate ensembles that were directed by Dr. John R. Stewart, Dr. Phillip Ostrander, and Chris Gleason.

Dr. Stewart is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Concert Bands at the UWEC where he conducts the Wind Symphony, teaches courses in conducting and repertoire, supervises student teachers, coordinates the concert band program, and serves as the Wind and Percussion Division Coordinator.

Dr. Phillip Ostrander is Professor of Trombone and Bands at the UWEC where he conducts the Symphony Band, teaches private trombone, and trombone ensemble. Chris Gleason is the Arts and Creativity Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

He is the 2017 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, 2017 and 2022 semi-finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award and the first Wisconsin teacher to be named a National Teacher of the Year finalist in 50 years.

The 14 selected students demonstrated excellence in band through their musicianship, leadership, attitude, work ethic, and ambition to participate in musical opportunities outside of the regular music classroom.

These students have put in a lot of time over these past few weeks as they prepared for this event. On Friday, they spent a full day rehearsing with their designated groups and rehearsing in sectionals. They even attended masterclasses for their instrument, led by UWEC students.

It was a remarkable day filled with smiles, laughter, and great music making as they learned from these amazing educators. Congratulations to Allie Haas, Lily Schraufnagel, Lauren Kroeplin, Lainey Burkhardt, Jersey Irwin, Ryker Moskiewicz, Chaselee Swope, Nolen Luzinski, Kaylie Stratton, Anthony Kotecki, Calli Martin, Lily Batteen, Laurena Sauer, and Hailey Ciolkosz.

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