Music from the ground up in Waitsburg Schools

WAITSBURG-When Elizabeth Jagelski, or Mrs. Jagelski as her students call her, took on the K-12 Music Specialist position at Waitsburg School District two years ago, she had a very large to-do ahead of her. She was asked to build a music program from the ground up during a pandemic.

With 20 years of teaching experience, directing and acting in community theater, and being musically gifted, there wasn't a better fit for the job. Jagelski mentioned that after working in Walla Walla for several years, taking the position in Waitsburg "felt like coming home."

Since day one, Jagelski has been pouring her heart into supporting students, assessing program needs, teaching music fundamentals, making equipment improvements, and going above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to teaching her scheduled classes, Jagelski also volunteers time to teach choir before school and is involved in live performances at the Liberty Theatre.

Among the many hats she wears in the Music Specialist role, the Music Program Director hat is one she gets to put on three times a year. Starting off the school year is the Veterans Day Assembly, followed by the Winter Music Program, and finally the Spring Music Program. Jagelski explained that the Veterans Day program is her absolute favorite out of all the programs. She believes it is essential to teach students about what Veterans have done for our country and how we can honor them. Her students showcase the deep respect that Jagelski has for Veterans through her thoughtfully articulated programs.

With the Winter Music Program coming up this week, she has been busy working with her students and getting them ready to "WOW" the friends and family who will be coming to support them. Jagelski encourages the entire community to come and watch the students perform, as "music is what brings us together." And if I must say, there is nothing quite as heartwarming as children singing timeless Christmas carols for all to hear.

Another project Jagelski has taken on, is bringing back the marching band. The school has not had a marching band since the band teacher, Brad Greene, retired after 22 years in 2018. An immediate need is to purchase new marching band uniforms for the students.

Jagelski said, "if you look good, you feel good."

The old band uniforms are not exactly confidence boosters. The dismal astate of the band's uniforms is not the only problem. Jagelski explained that the largest uniform barely fits her smallest band student. One can see how it would be hard to outfit an entire band with the size limitations of the current band wardrobe.

Unfortunately, getting new uniforms is easier said than done, as it comes with a lofty price tag. To outfit the sixty students in the band will cost around $10,000. Jagelski spoke of working with the ASB President to develop fundraising ideas to help achieve this goal. She hopes to have the new uniforms by Spring so the band can dazzle in new attire before the final program.

With an unwavering commitment to her students and a longstanding involvement in community theater, Jagelski seems to fulfill her soul's purpose.

"They are the future of music," she remarked, describing her investment in her students. Jagelski aims to help guide each student along their unique path in the music world, where the possibilities are endless and creative expression has no limits. Through all her efforts, the purpose is to instill a love for music in her students.

Watch the Kindergarten through 5th-grade students light up the stage at the Elementary School Winter Program on December 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Waitsburg High School Auditorium.

The Winter Program for the middle and high schools will be hitting its perfect notes on January 12 at 6:30 p.m.