Pulaski Band Members In Spotlight

From the Green Bay Press

"3 Pulaski band members receive national honor
They were selected for Army All-American Marching Band

By Malavika Jagannathan • mjaganna@greenbaypressgazette.com • October 10, 2009

PULASKI — Three Pulaski High School band members will represent their school and their state on the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, which performs during an all-star high school football game next year.
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Seniors Blake Smith, Colin Duke and Kevin Ripley are three of the 97-member band chosen from across the country, and the only students in the state who will head to San Antonio in January. At a school assembly Friday morning, their peers, their teachers and representatives of the Army recognized the three for their selection.

"Most states have one or two representatives," said Jon Gilliland, president of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association. "It's amazing to have three guys from the same high school accepted into this organization."

All three students credited the district and community's commitment to music education as part of the reason they were chosen. More than 1,300 applicants vied for the 97 spots.

"It says a lot about what kind of music program we have," said Duke, 17, who has been in the music program since sixth grade. "I think it shows that we have a great program, one of the top in the state."

Ripley, 18, and Smith, 17, said the music program has boosted their confidence and given them leadership skills and, for Smith, even a possible future career in music.

After band director Tom Busch nominated the three students, they had to submit an application that included a memorized piece of music, a videotape of their marching skills and an explanation of why they wanted to be a part of this marching band.

"There was no question that these guys were the ones I wanted to nominate," Busch said.

"Pulaski has been very fortunate in that our music program has always had commitment from students and the district. And that goes way before I got here.""
 3 Pulaski band members receive national honor | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette

Way to go guys!