Testimonials

​Have you been a student, parent, or friend of the Sun Prairie Band Program? If so, we would love to hear from you! How has the Sun Prairie Band Program made a difference in your life?

"The motivation to always be doing more was key..."

"I would not be where I am today without the constant push from the Sun Prairie music programs. I learned so many invaluable lessons about musicianship from my instructors, my peers, and my experiences. But, one point I feel I should highlight is that the motivation to always be doing more was key in my growth as a student. From Solo & Ensemble to Chicago Bass Festival, from NIU Jazz Camp to Essentially Ellington, and from jazz combo to Grape Salsa, my involvement in music apart from school has been just as important as, if not more than, my involvement in school ensembles. But if it were not for my educators and my fellow students motivating me to practice, to be on-time, and to take these opportunities, I would be an entirely different person with not half the achievement. And for this I give my sincerest gratitude to the music teachers at Sun Prairie, and to all my friends still there or doing excellent things elsewhere. Thank you!"
~ Sam Olson

"I utilize these skills everyday..."

"As I begin my career in New York City I am endlessly thankful for the guidance and training I have received. An incredibly important part of my education was my experience with the Sun Prairie Band program. Through concert band and The Sound of Sun Prairie I learned musicality, leadership, discipline and the importance of working as a team. I utilize these skills everyday and value them as tools that make me the performer and person that I am. I am overwhelmingly thankful and excited to be starting my career with Peter Pan Live! and I can't wait to share this wonderful experience with all of you!"
~ Michael Hartung, former SOSP drum major

"This program is more than just music..."

Supporting Music Excellence in Sun Prairie Schools. The mission statement for Sun Prairie music department, but I must admit it is not completely accurate. The mission statement should read Building Character Excellence in Sun Prairie Schools. I could write some long sappy nonsense about how band programs are necessary for understanding the arts, and if we don't have art then are is our nation worth preserving and all that worn out monologue. Unfortunately you wouldn't believe it and neither would I. So, how has the Sun Prairie Band Program made a difference in our community? They have demanded excellence in all their students. My senior year of high school was an absolute treat, first hour study hall. I would come sign into study hall in the band room, sometimes fifteen minutes late and it would show up as if I had been on time. Pretty sweet deal right? It was until Mr. Sveum put his foot down by making it perfectly clear that this was unacceptable and that late into school year this still wouldn't fly. I--as as senior-- was supposed to be a leader and role model to all our underclassmen, heck even a leader for our senior class. One illustration to depict four years of expectation, doesn't really do it justice. The point is that excellence in our studies, our musics, our self-respect, and our integrity was the bare minimum. I would not advocate for a system I didn't believe in, but this program is more than just music. This program is challenging both younger and older students alike to strive for excellence, and never stop until we have achieved it. It may be a hard case to keep the band program at full capacity if it was only about the music, but it's not. It is about this program building young men and women of character all day every day no exceptions. As one who went through and discovered the truth, the question is always is it worth it? In this case, yes, yes it is. ​
~ David Alberts