Columbus Catholic Students Compete at District Solo & Ensemble Competition

Friday, April 7th, 2023 -- 10:01 AM

After a three-year hiatus (due to Covid-19) Columbus students were at last able to compete in the WSMA (Wisconsin State Music Association) District Solo & Ensemble Competition on February 17, 2023 at Assumption Catholic High School in Wisconsin Rapids.

“In a nutshell, the musicians performed far better than I had anticipated,” said Tom Zimmerman, Band Teacher at Columbus Catholic Schools.  “Three years is a long time to go without a solo/ensemble performance and the band stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park."

"It wasn't just the results that were great, it was the support of each other in all the events the band performed in.  It was the congratulations in the hallway, it was the asking me how things were and asking if I needed help.  What a great first solo/ensemble competition after the elements of Covid!”

“The choir students worked very hard and had a great experience performing live for the judges,” said Mika Brunson, Choir Teacher at Columbus.  “They all grew as vocalists and performers and learned a lot.”

Out of the 78 Columbus Catholic Schools (CCS) band and choir “events” (individual soloists, duets, trios, ensembles, etc.) who competed, 19 are moving on to the state competition.  The Wisconsin State Solo & Ensemble Festival will be Saturday, May 6, 2023 at UW-Stevens Point. 

CCS band events who will be going to state include:

• Elizabeth Gruenloh: Flute Solo;
• Seth Roewe: Alto Sax Solo;
• Mira Torbey: Piano Solo;
• Mira Torbey: Trombone Solo;
• Emma Alcott & Lily Stratman: Flute/Tuba Duet;
• Anna Callaghan, Delia Trader & Katelyn Casperson: African Drums Trio;
• Lily Stratman, Hailey Zimmermann & Declyn Tracy: African Drums Trio;
• Appalachian Ensemble;
• Mariachi Ensemble;
• Trombone Ensemble;
• And Jazz Band.

CCS choir events who will be going to state include:

• Trinity Brunzo: Musical Theater;
• Kate Fieweger: Musical Theater;
• Elizabeth Gruenloh: Classical Theater;
• Makayla Haupt: Classical Theater;
• Ella Kadolph: Classical and Musical Theater;
• Mira Torbey: Classical & Musical Theater;
• And Madison Wittman: Musical Theater.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.