About the MHS Band Program
The Mukwonago High Band Program has been directed by Emma Angoli since 2014. In this time it has been recognized as a program of excellence through its dedication to artistry in performance.
The concert bands are the heart of the program at Mukwonago. The Wind Ensemble has performed the Wisconsin premiere of a number of works including: “Freedom” by Jeff Herwig and John Mackey’s “Harvest: Concerto for Trombone”. In 2018, students participated in the commissioning of composer Nathan Daughtrey, giving the World Premiere of "Movers and Shakers" for combined band. choir, and orchestra. Annually, the concert bands are adjudicated at a WSMA Concert Band Festival where they have consistently received high scores.
Members of the jazz program are exposed to a wide range and styles within the genre. Students perform in both big bands and combos, which allows them to develop their skills as both section and solo performers. Improvisation is a core element of the curriculum. The jazz ensembles have competed at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, the Wisconsin Lutheran Jazz Festival, and WSMA District and State Solo and Ensemble. The program prides itself on regularly hosting guest artists, most recently Ron Carter and Carl Allen.
The Mukwonago High School Marching Band competes throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. In 2015 they captured the coveted “Best Percussion” trophy at the Wisconsin School Music Association State Marching Band Championships. In both 2018 & 2019, the marching band was recognized with YIMMY awards at the Youth In Music Band Championships in Minneapolis, MN.
One of the major goals of the band program is to expose students to excellence through guest artist residencies. In the past four years, students have worked with:
Dr. Mike Forbes, Composer & Performer
Carl Allen, Drum Set Artist
Dr. Nathan Daughtrey, Composer
Dr. Joseph Greer, Principal Trombonist - La Crosse Symphony Orchestra
Maestro Filippo Salemmi and his masters students from Bevagna, Italy
Dr. Ron Carter, Professor Emeritus - Northern Illinois University
Dr. James Ripley and the Carthage College Music Faculty
Mrs. Mary Buscanics-Jones, Horn Player with the Elgin Symphony
Graduates of the Mukwonago High School Band program excel in music post-high school, often receiving scholarships to continue their studies at the university level. Members also regularly compete in the highest levels of marching circuits: Winterguard International and Drum Corps International.
