Campus Connection

Wind Ensemble earns national recognition

UWL junior Caitlin Krueger has a hard time bragging — despite big news from UWL’s Wind Ensemble. Still, her excitement is evident. “I’m getting goosebumps about this,” the wind ensemble member says. The College Band Director’s National Association (CBDNA) honored UWL’s Wind Ensemble as one of ten programs in its “Small Program Band” competition. About 100 schools participated. The group had very high ratings in receiving top honors from CBDNA. Tom Seddon, the Wind Ensemble director, compares this honor to an athletic team winning a national championship. He says the group played the piece at a very high level, conveying more than just the notes and rhythms but a strong musical message. Senior Anton Lenertz believes this recognition is a testament to Seddon’s leadership and ability to push the students beyond their abilities. “To see where this program has come since my freshman year — it’s been great.” Seddon will travel to the CBDNA conference in March as part of the recognition. “We are very fortunate to have some of the finest student musicians in the country right here at UWL,” wrote Chancellor Joe Gow in an email to the campus.