Waitsburg HS and MS spring concert

WAITSBURG-The Waitsburg high school and middle school bands and choir, with director Elizabeth Jagelski, presented a spring concert on Monday, May 8, in the Waitsburg High School Auditorium.

The sixth-grade band began the program by playing "Symphony No 1" by Brahms, "Erie Canal Capers," and "Bungo." The choir sang "The Old Mill" and "Shenandoah."

The sixth and seventh grade mixed intermediate band presented "Frere Jacque" in a round, "Sawhill Mill," and "Jump Street Boogie." Senior Natalie Teal followed with her solo of "Feelin' Good" by Nina Simone.

The 8th through 12th grade band performed "Summon the Heroes, "Fancy Like," and "Two Gun Medley."

Director Jagelski then acknowledged the four seniors in the band, Sarabeth McGowen, Dia Adkins, Natalie Teal, and Brandon Leroue, for their hard work and willingness to help wherever needed. 

All three bands played "Firework" and "Our Director" to close the show.

Music Specialist for Waitsburg's K-12 students, Jagelski, said, "My students have come a long way since last year."

The Times asked Jagelski how the community can help support this essential school program.

"We are doing our best to get new uniforms and new instruments. The ones we have been using are worn and not in very good shape," said the educator.

To outfit the sixty students in the band will cost around $10,000. In a Times article from December 2022, Jagelski said she was working with the ASB President to develop fundraising ideas to achieve this goal. She had hoped to have new uniforms before the final program.

While that didn't happen this school year, with community help, the goal could be met for next year's winter concert. Donors have already stepped up to begin the drive. For more information or to show your support for the music program, email Jagelski at ejagelski@waitsburgsd.org.