THOMAS JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL SENDS RECORD NUMBER TO WSMA

The Port Washington/Saukville School District will be well represented at the Middle Level State Honors Music Project this weekend. Six music students and their teachers will be participating in the event.

“We’re incredibly proud of these students and this recognition,” said Abby Raaflaub, Coordinator for the All State WCDA Middle Level Choir and Choral/General Music/ Musical Theatre teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. “It is great exposure for them to work with students from all over the state and to learn from highly accomplished directors.”

Only music students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are able to audition for the Honors Project. In Spring of 2022, nearly 1000 students auditioned for the 305 available positions. Five of the students being sent by the TJMS Music Department: Adeline Dahl, Austin Knapp, Jack Mitchell, Jack Schwengels, and Madelyn Szolwinski, will be participating in the Choir Ensemble. Only Tegan Timberlake was chosen for the Orchestra and will be participating as one of only four trumpets in the entire ensemble.

Adam Hackbarth, who was Timberlake’s Band/Jazz Band teacher last year, commented, “This is a pretty big honor - not just for Tegan but for our school and entire music department. She’s a hard-working and accomplished musician who earned this recognition.”

Music for the Honors Project was sent out in August, but students will have just one day of rehearsals together before their performance. Students are expected to take this opportunity seriously and to show up fully prepared. When asked about the students from TJMS, Raaflaub expressed no doubts. “The students who were chosen are committed to music. This weekend is the reward for that.”

The current and former TJMS students will be traveling to Verona, Wisconsin this weekend with financial support from the TJMS Music Boosters. Tuition for this
event includes meals, lodging, coaching, music, tshirt, etc. This year’s Middle Level Band Ensemble will be directed by Dr. Erica J Neidlinger, associate professor and wind conductor at DePaul University in Chicago. The 2022 Middle Level Honors Choir will be directed by Dr. Jabarie Glass, Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Frank M. Diaz, associate professor of music at Indiana University will direct the Middle Level Orchestra.

On November 18th and 19th, the TJMS orchestra will participate in MARY POPPINS JR., which will be performed at the Port Washington High School PAC at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday.  Tickets will be available at the door, but may also be purchased online at ​gofan.co/

About TJMS Music Boosters
The TJMS MUSIC BOOSTERS are committed to promoting, supporting, and subsidizing musical education and the dedicated educators providing it. Port Washington is recognized nationally as a top community for Musical Education by NAMM. Students have the opportunity to participate in general choir, select choir, a capella choir, band, jazz band, marching band & color guard, and musical theater throughout Middle School.  TJMS Music Boosters are actively fundraising for facility improvements, staffing, and instruments. For information on how you or your company can contribute, please contact [email protected].