With two large bands and three choirs as part of its curricular offerings, FVL’s music program is exceptional! Furthermore, students looking for an additional opportunity to develop their musical talents are given the option to join the school’s Jazz Ensemble as one of its 18 cocurricular activities. Jazz is open to students in any grade level from freshman to senior as long as they have ability or experience with one of the jazz instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or rhythm section.
“The level of musicianship is outstanding,” director James Neujahr commented. “It is very exciting to see how they improve throughout the course of the year. This year, we are playing music that is both challenging and fun. The jazz members love to be with each other, and it makes directing this group very rewarding.”
The group explores a number of different genres of music, but most years play some latin or samba, funk, ballad, and swing. Students have the opportunity to display their talents at multiple concerts throughout the year including FVL’s Musicfest (held this year on February 2), an FVL spring Jazz Concert (May 12, 2025), and Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Jazz Festival every January. At this festival, FVL’s Jazz Ensemble partners with programs from several other WELS area high schools for two days, filled with rehearsals, clinic sessions, master-classes, and an Honors Jazz Ensemble. The festival culminates in a concert on the WLC campus. This year’s concert is on January 18 at 7 PM.
One student commented, “I am a part of this group because I love music and I will always take the opportunity to play more music. I also do it because I have a lot of friends in it and I like the social aspect of it.”