WHS Music Dept. notes significant increase in alum participation in college music programs
At least 20 WHS graduates currently play in college/university vocal & band groups
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAll the way from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee to just next door at Midland University in Fremont, Wahoo High School alumni are making themselves heard in concert halls and stadiums across the nation!
Currently Wahoo has at least 20 alumni involved in college music groups across the United States. These students perform in college pep bands, marching bands, jazz bands, show choirs, wind ensembles, and many other music groups.
For the past several years, Wahoo has had a few individuals in college ensembles, but, as of recently, we have seen a steep increase in involvement.
Kristin Callan is in her first year in the University of Nebraska Big Red Singers show choir. In talking about her experiences, she said, “Big Red Singers is like the group you never knew you needed. In the few short months I have been in the group, I have pushed myself to my limits and grown exponentially.”
Korena Edmonds is a freshman at the South Dakota School for Mining and Technology. Reflecting on her college band experience, she said, “It’s improving and challenging yourself as an individual, but also improving and challenging each other as a team.”
Cheyenne Moore is a freshman in the Cornhusker Marching Band. Reflecting on her marching experience, she commented, “All the practices never quite prepare me to walk into Memorial Stadium and see 90,000 people just losing their minds at the band. There is nothing like it.”
Cole Talbert is in his third year with the Cornhusker Marching Band. He says, “It’s a lot of early mornings, but it is worth it. I think of the Cornhusker Marching Band as a family, and performing on game day is an unforgettable experience.”
Of the 20 students involved in college music ensembles, five are pursuing a music degree. Also, most of the students listed are receiving scholarships for their involvement in music.
“It has been exciting watching these kids push themselves musically,” stated Wahoo Public Schools Band Director Jason Smith. “Hearing the alumni talk about their college experiences in their music groups has been fantastic. Getting scholarship money to perform is pretty nice too!”
WPS Choir Director Hunter Boe agreed.
“What a great example to our younger students, that music making can continue after high school! It’s wonderful to see these students continue to excel and share their passions in college ensembles,” Boe commented.