FOR HUB CITY TIMES 

MARSHFIELD — After a three-year hiatus (due to Covid-19 restrictions) Columbus Catholic students were able to compete in the WSMA (Wisconsin State Music Association) District Solo & Ensemble competition Feb. 17 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,” he added. “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, Columbus Choir Instructor. “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.) which competed, 19 are moving on to the state competition. The Wisconsin State Solo & Ensemble Festival will be Saturday, May 6, at UW-Stevens Point. 

CCS band events which will be going to state include: Elizabeth Gruenloh, Flute Solo; Seth Roewe, Alto Saxophone Solo; Mira Torbey, Piano Solo, 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; Jazz Band.

CCS choir events which 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; Madison Wittman, Musical Theater.