Brookfield Basics

Elmbrook's Solo and Ensemble

Posted by Tom Gehl on March 22, 2009

Saturday, March 14th was a blast.

We volunteered at the Elmbrook School District's Solo and Ensemble, held at Wisconsin Hills Middle School.  Many thanks to Alderwoman Lisa Mellone and to Shirley Dubats who recruited, organized, and directed a small army of community and parent volunteers to staff the event.  Hats off to Jane Peavler for coordinating lunch for a full building, and to the dozens of other parent/resident volunteers.  The Wisconsin Hills PTO supported the event financially, as did several area businesses.  The Fresh Market, Aldi's, Einstein Bagles, Brennan's, and Caribou Coffee, gave generous donations of beverages. money, and good things to eat.  My sincere apologies if I have missed any contributors - I would be happy to add them if I did.

A large contingent of Elmbrook students came to perform, from singers to violin players to electric guitarists.  Walking through the gymnasium where many were warming up, I heard pieces ranging from a Bach Concerto, to the unmistakable chords of Jimmy Page's Stairway to Heaven.  The combined energy from the students and the music was almost tangible.

Music teachers from the schools were on hand to direct and encourage their charges, and it was heart warming to see High Schoolers re-united with their prior instructors, and reminiscing about times, lessons, and performances past.


It was an exhilirating event, and congratulations to all the students who earned spots in the coming State Competitions. 


Only two notes of regret:

I didn't think to bring a camera, so I can't post any pictures. 


And despite weekly dedication of multiple pages to our sports teams, Brookfield Now did not cover this jewel of an event which, using the platform or our students' music, unites so many people from our schools and our community.

Next year, perhaps we'll see some coverage.

PLEASE???