A festival with an education mission
The New York Wind Band & Orchestra Festival is an educational gathering with a mission to “present young musicians with an experience that offers the opportunity for musical growth while creating lasting memories,” in historic Carnegie Hall.
“For about a year, I’ve been discussing with the students some unique options we could apply for, and this event was suggested,” Stewart says.
“Four high school ensembles were selected to attend the festival; they will spend the other days in various educational sessions, and all of us will perform on March 9. We will have the chance to perform for these young students and their families on one of the world’s biggest stages, and they will see for themselves the caliber of the UW-Eau Claire music program,” Stewart says.
The show of a lifetime for Blugold students
For senior music education major and percussionist Fletcher Myhre, the Carnegie Hall news represents an unforgettable opportunity.
“I started playing drums when I was four years old, and music has been in my daily life ever since,” the Eleva native says. “It's incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to perform at such a prestigious and historic venue. Many videos and iconic recordings that I hold near and dear to my heart took place at Carnegie Hall, and the opportunity to play on that same stage is a true thrill.”
Like Myhre, senior clarinet performance major Micaela Huesemann says it’s hard to express how excited the symphony members are about this chance of a lifetime.
“We are simply ecstatic to have the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall,” Huesemann says. “It’s a chance that a lot of other musicians, professional or not, may never see. We are truly honored.”
Huesemann, a native of Valders, will pursue graduate school and a professional performance career. She says there are few more exciting things than looking forward to the spring Carnegie moment.
“There is no greater feeling for me than performing beautiful music with some of the people I care the most about,” Huesemann says. “The chance to do that on perhaps the biggest stage in the country with some wonderful colleagues and friends and a passionate, caring conductor is very special.”
Senior trumpet performance major Adeline Goeltl is, of course, proud and excited about performing in New York City, but she also recognizes the unique opportunities they will have to take in more professional music performances while in the city.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play in Carnegie Hall,” the Somerset native says. “As a musician, I’ve spent hours listening to recordings and trying to emulate what I hear. The opportunity to travel to New York and hear the New York Philharmonic will help me develop my concept of the orchestra sound more than a recording ever could. Being able to hear that level of professional musicians in person is an irreplaceable experience."
Another important element of the trip is the fact that the festival in question is in support of high school students and their music education. This is especially impactful for senior Mira Torbey who plans to be a music teacher herself.
“I knew this application was in the works for a while, but I didn’t think it could actually happen!” says the trombone player from Marshfield. “In the future, I hope to teach middle or high school band, and possibly pursue an advanced degree at some point,” she says. “The whole experience will be a mind-blowing way to cap off my last semester in ensembles at UW-Eau Claire. I am so grateful to all the people who are working to make this happen.”
A fundraising match from a dedicated music alumnus
Stewart says there is still much planning to do and funds to be raised for this trip to all come together, but he’s grateful for the efforts of a generous alumnus who has been wanting to help big things happen for Blugold music students for some years now.
“An alumnus in our department from 1973, RG Conlee, asked me years ago what goals I had for the department, what dream experiences I had for students,” Stewart says.
Stewart says he offered the idea of a big performance in New York City as the loftier of his many goals, and Conlee sort of “took it from there” in finding a way to make it happen.
In the ensuing years, Conlee reached out to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation about ways to make the dream a reality, and now that the Carnegie invitation has arrived, Conlee is set to step up with a major gift.
“He has pledged up to $25,000 in a dollar-to-dollar matching gift for all that we are able to collect — it’s remarkable support,” Stewart says.
Conlee spent a long career split between music teaching and later, corporate information technology. After a span of disconnect from campus, Conlee says he was contacted by former music faculty member Ron Keezer and has since been much more engaged with the music programs.
“My many UWEC experiences were some of the best preparations for my various careers,” Conlee says. “I want the current students to have those types of experiences, and I want the Eau Claire music department to become well known in the country. I’m at a point in life where I can help, and it is my goal to do so.”
Stewart says that along with the Carnegie Hall performance, the students will have many transformative experiences like Conlee hopes while in New York City. They will see a Broadway show, interact with high school music students in Brooklyn, visit Ellis Island and more.
Alumni or community members interested in supporting this Carnegie Hall experience for the Wind Symphony can visit the fundraising page set up through the Foundation to learn more.
