Heid Music has selected the Amherst Middle School and High School Band program as its January School of the Month.

This distinction is presented to school music programs that excel in emphasizing the importance of music education. The Amherst Middle School and High School Band program earned this honor for its passion for music and the dedication of its students through the leadership of band director Jolynn Wucherer. The Amherst Middle School and High School Band program includes students in grades 6 through 12.

When Wucherer first came to Amherst, there were about 30 students in the high school band, and due to scheduling conflicts, just five students in the band all year. This year, there are 80 members in the high school band and a thriving middle school program of more than 110 students.

Program highlights include concert band, state solo and ensemble events, high school drumline and numerous trips to state tournaments for football and basketball.

“Our band ‘sets the tone’ for our district, whether it is firing up fans at a sporting event, performing beautiful concert music, or charging up the students before an all-school assembly,” said Wucherer.

“Our community celebrates and respects the accomplishments and caliber of our band in the same manner that it does our championship sports teams,” she said.

High School Principal Mark Luetschwager also praised the group, saying the school experience is enhanced by the successful program.

“We are so proud of our band; the sound quality and number of musicians increases every year. The concert band and pep band sound has become so awesome, and the amazing things they do with the drum line has been fantastic,” said Luetschwager.

“In my 20 years of administration, it has become clear to me that your music program sets the tone for your building; if you have a great music program, you have a great school,” he said. “We have both.”

Middle School Principal Phillip S. Tubbs also credits Wucherer’s ability to reach students, provide them with that sound music education, passion and skill to enjoy and continue in the program.

“I think what sets our program aside from others is the ability of Mrs. Wucherer to get the students to buy in to her program and her ability to break down the skills so the students are successful,” Tubbs said.

“I am always amazed with the growth our beginning sixth-grade band students have from the first week of school until our first concert and then the end of the year,” he said. “I don’t know how Jolynn is able to juggle all the different instruments and the students’ abilities.”

Heid Music’s School of the Month program was created as a way to spotlight excelling music programs throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, and to congratulate student musicians and music educators on their hard work and dedication to their musicianship and music programs.

“As a local, family-owned music resource, we believe it is important to identify and commend both students and teachers for supporting and enhancing music education and sharing the gift of music with their communities,” said Todd Heid, president and third-generation owner of Heid Music.

School of the Month recipients receive a commemorative award along with recognition in all five Heid Music stores and across its social media platforms. In addition, selected schools receive vouchers to give to students for music product savings and instrument repair services, and are given school credit to help maximize music department budgets.

For more information on the School of the Month program, visit www.heidmusic.com/about/school-of-the-month. To nominate a deserving school for its achievement in music education, email [email protected]