Ava Daum and Sullivan Rothenberger performed with the U of M Honor Band.
Click on the above image for more photos from the event.

January 28, 2025 — Mound Westonka High School senior Sullivan Rothenberger and junior Ava Daum were selected to the 2025 University of Minnesota High School Honor Band. Members of this prestigious ensemble were chosen by audition in November. 

The honor band is a wonderful opportunity for the Upper Midwest’s finest high school wind and percussion instrumentalists in grades 10, 11 and 12 to study music with UMN music faculty on the stage of Ted Mann Concert Hall. The weekend event was held on the Twin Cities campus Jan. 24-26 and concluded with a concert in Ted Mann Concert Hall on Jan. 26.

"I'm always so proud to see how our students represent Westonka at these opportunities,” said band director Gretchen Chilson. “Their musicianship, teamwork and leadership skills shine when students are brought together from all over the state!”

MWHS band students have also been nominated for, and participated in, many other honor bands this year, including those at the University of St. Thomas, University of Northwestern, St. Olaf College, in Delano for the Wright County Conference, and in Edina for Minnesota Junior Winds. Band students will also represent MWHS in the South-Central Minnesota Band Directors Association honor band in February.

“It's especially gratifying to have students participate in select bands that are audition-only, like the U of M honor band,” added Chilson. “Auditions ensure that everyone in the ensemble is performing at a high level, and it makes for a wonderful experience for all involved!"