KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV) – A local orchestra celebrated 100 years of history on Thursday night.
The Kaukauna Area School District’s orchestra includes students in fifth grade through seniors, about 147 students in total.
“I think it’s really cool that we get to be here for 100th year and that we’re making another year of history,” said freshman musician Anna Bestul. “You know you’re part of a strong program that is going to be good to you.”
“It’s crazy to think about because it’s really hard to fathom 100 years sometimes,” said sophomore Kai Cook. “Just knowing that there were people 100 years ago that were playing the same instrument that I play is really cool.”
The centennial celebration doubled as a tribute to the seniors in the program. Students have spent the last few weeks learning about the history of the orchestra program. On Thursday night, the played a special song called ‘Echoes of a Century’ composed by Carrie Lane Gruselle.
Orchestra officials said when it first started back in 1925 there were just 14 students. Now there are 147 students.
“I mean it’s really cool to say that we have had orchestra in Kaukauna for 100 years,” said Kaukauna Area School District orchestra teacher Katie Nesemann. “We’re paying tribute to the past but also showing what we can do with current music as well.”
