High School State Honors: Past, Present & Future

“You could say that I’m one of the originators of the project, which I was very proud to be. It was a lot of work, but that was my life.” – Stanley Nosal, 1968, 1972-1973 Orchestra Coach

“Green Lake was magnificent. Parents came to pick us up and we gave a preview concert in a big barn. While playing “Night on Bald Mountain,” a storm came up and the power went out and we finished the piece in the dark. It was so much fun!” – Susan Chandler, 1968 Orchestra, 1998-1999 Orchestra Coach

“Jack Pingel, percussion coach, was involved in everything in a very helpful way but also a prankster. He lived for laughter.” – Roger Tweiten, 1969-1972 Choir Coach

“I enjoyed the project so much that I used my experience to encourage my students to audition.” – George Utphall, 1970-1971 Choir

“Dad, Dick and Jack wanted to make the summer experience a ton of fun and give the kids time to chill out and do their thing. Then coming back in October was just great! The way they set it up was flawless and it stood the test time.” – Steve Houghton, 1970-1972, 2007 & 2014 Jazz Ensemble Conductor

“Singing in the 1970 WSMA Honors Choir was the start to a career in music education. Singing with the best singers in Wisconsin gave me the encouragement and confidence to study vocal music at Milton College. From 1975-2011, I led a fulfilling career in sharing my passion for choral music with students in grades 5-12. I directed the Green Bay Boy Choir from 1992-1997 and the Green Bay Children’s Choir 1997-2002.

The honors project has become apart of my family. My son sang in the choir for two years and my daughter played in the orchestra for two years. I also served on the Middle Level Honors staff. It is clear that the Honor Project has had a valuable impact on my life. Thanks for 50 years – keep going!” – David Wickert, 1970 Choir

“Our conductor, Morris Hayes, was so inspirational. He helped us grow as a musician and as a person. The memories I have of camp, our rehearsals and performances have lasted a lifetime!” – Timothy Schaid, 1973 Choir

“They plucked a kid from a tiny Wisconsin high school and put him amongst 99 like-minded kids. Two summers of creating stunningly beautiful music in Green Lake! Absolutely unforgettable experience. Went on to double major in Music and Theatre in college. Had a wonderful career as an actor, singer, composer and music director. “Schaffe in Mir, Gott!”” – Eric Ness, 1973-1974 Mixed Choir

“Wonderful years with Dick Gaarder and Jack Pingel. We laughed. We just laughed from morning to night. It was insane.” – Ernest Broeniman, 1974-1985 Band Coach & Administrative Team

“As a junior in high school, I decided to major in music education and become a music teacher. The Honors experience most certainly added to my musical inspiration and exposed me to an excellent conductor, musicians, and memorable literature. I met a fine clarinet player named Jill Kortum who was also in the honors band… little did I know, she would later transfer to UW-Madison (where I was also a student). We dated and have now been married for 35 years. Jill also graduated with a Music Education degree and retired from teaching after 30 years. She is a clarinetist with the Sheboygan and Manitowoc Symphony and earned her Doctorate in Clarinet Performance from UW-Madison.” – Brian and Jill Hanes, 1976 Band

“In those years, the summer rehearsals were held at Lawrence. I’ll never forget singing one of the Schutz double choir pieces with the two choirs facing each other on opposite sides of the balcony in the chapel – extraordinary!!” – Andrew Lambrecht, 1977-1979 Mixed Choir; parent of Addie Jo Lambrecht 2014-2018

“To be part of a group whose combined passions were focused on preparing and sharing music in a professional manner was a definite catalyst to my pursuing music as my career. Sharing and learning from one another as young people as well as from an esteemed line up of music professionals at that time was exhilarating and deeply rewarding on many levels.” – Diana Marie Iorio, 1979 & 1980 Orchestras

“I remember jumping all around my house when I received my acceptance letter, but nothing will ever replace the smell of the cow barn where we performed!” – Mary Ellen Keller (Bergner), ‘80

“My most memorable moment was the very first 5 minutes of my first rehearsal at Carroll College, under the direction of Dale Warland. The moment that all 100 voices opened their mouths to vocalize, my jaw dropped and I could not believe what I was hearing around me!” – Kathy Allan (Beer), 1981-1983 Mixed Choir

“Jack Pingel’s dance routine with coconut bra and flower taped to his head!” – Craig Gall, 1984 Band

“The honor to be appointed to the staff of this renowned project is the highlight of my teaching career. The commitment of the students to music and seeing and hearing the highest level of achievement has left me me speechless all of these years.” – Ken Dado 1985-1996 Band Coach & Administrative Team

“When I was asked to serve as a section coach for the Mixed Choir (2016 & 2017), I was so glad to be able to “give back” a little to this program that so positively impacted my life. It was a very gratifying and validating experience to be on the other side of the equation, helping passionate young singers pursue excellence, affirm their sense of contribution, teamwork, and leadership, and express themselves through great choral music. And the friendships I made with the students and colleagues I met were equally meaningful; MORE memories to last a lifetime!” – Brad Burrill, 1987 Mixed Choir, 2016 & 2017 Mixed Choir Coach

“I am so proud and excited that my son will have the chance to participate in the High School State Honors Band this year! My honors experience made a real, lasting impression on me, and I remember it as if it occurred yesterday. I never imagined that I would be so lucky as to have a child experience that same wonder and thrill one day!” – Amy Copeland (Foltz) 1987-1988 Mixed Choir, parent of Ben Copeland 2017 Orchestra & 2018 Band

“Being on Honors staff made me much more aware of the whole picture and what other directors were doing. There were so many things that I didn’t realize that I could and should be doing. I watched some of the most notable directors at work: Robert Fountain, Eph Elly, Andrew Thomas, Weston Noble and Charlene Archebek.” – Greg Dennis ‘87-99’

“I remember the first time hearing everyone singing together and getting chills down my spine because of how beautiful it sounded…especially the boys because we didn’t have very many boys in our small-town choir.” – Karla Svedarsky (Berg) 1988 Mixed Choir, parent of Halle Nicolett 2018 Mixed Choir

“It helped steer me toward a career and life in music. I still recall Eph Ehly’s face as we finished the Bruckner… priceless!” – Paul Gregg, 1992 Mixed Choir

“I was fortunate to be able to study great music with great peers and conductors. I remember performing Warren Benson’s “The Passing Bell” with Jerry Junkin. I got to tell him this year at Midwest how much that experience helped me develop as a musician. I am now 18 years into a teaching career.” – Ben Jaeger, 1993 Band & 1994 Orchestra

“I had been considering a career in music, but after my honors experience I knew that I wanted to be a band teacher. From auditioning to performing, the experience made me realize how powerful music is, how to always strive for the best, and how music brings amazing people together.” – Rachel Adams O’Donnell, 1994 Band

“I’ll never forget the first rehearsal of the honors orchestra… my jaw dropped in awe of the amazing sound. I couldn’t believe that I was actually playing with such an incredible ensemble! For a moment I thought someone must have mixed up my audition result with someone else’s… I’m fairly confident that between my year with the orchestra and band, I’ve never been surrounded by that much talent in the same room at a given time.” – Patrick Donahue, 1995 Orchestra & 1996 Band

“The year I was in the honors program, Rick Bjella was the conductor of the mixed choir. He pushed me to put my heart and soul into my singing. The pieces he chose stuck with me and I even used one of them as my entrance into the music education at UW Milwaukee. Even though I ended up teaching instrumental music, Rick inspired me by showing me what great teaching looks like.” – Rebekah Mueller (Nyenhuis), 1996 ML Band & 1999 Mixed Choir

“Auditioning for and singing in the State Honors Choir were defining moments in my high school experience. I will always remember the magic that happened on that stage in Madison, WI. The soloists…our director, Rick Bjella, and his brother who played in the string quartet…and of course, the music.

I still remember all the songs we learned and how hard we worked to get them to sound just right. I went on to study music, and am now in my 13th year of teaching middle and high school choirs!” – Christina Conn (Burgess), 1999 Mixed Choir

“The only reason I auditioned for Honors was because of the encouragement of my high school director. This was a huge event to shape my life, musically and socially. I had NEVER played in an orchestra until this point, so imagine being from a small town music program and being able to play “Symphonie Fantastique” and “Russian Easter Overture” with a huge group of high school musicians from across the state. It shook my world!” – Stacey Zwirlein (Krueger), 2000-2001 Orchestra

“The honors choir experience reinforced my need to have music as a big part of my life.  It helped inspire my desire to go into music education and help share that love with others.” – Schuyler Pietz (Gardner), 2003 Treble Choir

“Being selected for the honors experience gave me confidence in my abilities as well as the push I needed to go to college for music education. As a music teacher, I am proud to share my knowledge of the experience and value of the project with my students so that they are inspired to audition.” – Jamie Mills (DeGolier), 2004 Mixed Choir

“Being chosen to sing in this fantastic group solidified my decision to pursue a career in Music Education after graduation. I was exposed to beautiful music and amazing women, and have been able to share my fond memories with current students going through the audition and performance processes.” – Libby Secard (Bragee), 2005 Treble Choir

“Our conductor, Gary Green, and the late Chris Werner (who was on the honors band staff at the time) invited composer David Maslanka to one of our rehearsals to help us interpret his piece, “Give Us This Day.” – Anne Proescholdt, 2007 Band

“My Honors experience opened my eyes to literature that I would not have been exposed to or have the opportunity to play otherwise. I was given a world class experience having the opportunity to play with other musicians at and above my level. Additionally I was able to learn from talented, knowledgable section coaches and world class conductors. By attending the exhibit hall during the State Conference, I was able to make connections with future professors and professional musicians.  My Honors experience gave me incredible music experiences, and further solidified my decision to become a music educator.” Julia Hertig, 2010-2011 Band

“I made lifelong friends and colleagues. It greatly influenced my decision to become a music teacher, as it showed me quality choral music that holds special memories. I now teach high school choir, and I can’t wait to share that music with my students.” – Chloe Gorma, 2011 Mixed Choir

“My honors experience taught me how to work closely with others regardless of how long we have known each other. I remember how proud I felt after performing a concert with people I only knew for a few days. This helped me with my transition into college and professional life. I learned to feel comfortable around new people thanks to my honors experience.” – Colleen Galligan, 2012 Jazz Ensemble

“Honors opened my eyes to the world of advanced musical performance, and really expanded the originally small group of friends who love music as much as I do. Although I’m only a senior in High School, I know that the friends I’ve made and experiences I’ve compiled will be with me for the rest of my life. In addition to this, I accredit WSMA with the choosing of my major, which will be Music Education in a High School or College setting.” – Tucker Hennlich, 2012-2016 Mixed Choir

“This group gave me the experience of playing with an advanced orchestral ensemble that I never would have gotten if not for this organization.” – Michael Winkler, 2014-2015 Orchestra

“The Honors program has helped me branch out and find more people who have the same passion for music. It has created life long friendships that will guide me. Working with the conductors who fuel and care for every person in the choir gave me the passion to keep going and persue a music education. They have shown me what a great influential music students and teacher looks like. I feel truly honored to be apart of the program! I thank everyone for everything!” – Vicky Harris, 2016-2017 Mixed & Treble Choir

“The Honors experience was truly life changing. I made so many new friends that I still am in contact with and worked with not only fantastic national conductors, but high quality section coaches as well. My tenor section coaches as well as the rest of the honors staff that I have met have inspired me to pursue music education as a career, and my friends from Honors have continued to help fuel my passion for music. It’s always really good to reconnect with a lot of my honors friends at Solo & Ensemble and other music events throughout the year around the state.” – Alex Steinhaus, 2016-2017 Mixed Choir

“It made me enjoy music, and it helped me realize that the music you make is bigger than yourself and the orchestra in your school.” – William Coffey, 2019 Orchestra