Waukee High School students attend NAfME All-National Honor Ensemble

Seniors Jones Pfeifer, Mary Roodnisky and Will Adams attend the NAfME All-National Honor Ensemble in Orlando, Florida.

Three Waukee High School (WHS) A Capella seniors performed with 281 other students for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Honor Ensemble. After completing an audition process, Will Adams, Jones Pfeifer, and Mary Roodnitsky traveled 1,000 miles to Orlando, Florida in order to participate in the event.

“The best part about singing in the honor choir was not only being surrounded by extremely talented people with a passion for music but also being able to build relationships and have a magical Disney experience,” said Adams.

The three were the only students from Iowa selected to participate. As members of A Capella and Millenium, they were able to achieve this honor under the direction of WHS choir instructors Kathryn Mosiman and Jeffrey Knutson.

The performance took place on a stage at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. The choir was conducted by one of the most prestigious conductors and composers in the country, Dr. Z. Randall Stroope.

NAfME is a national music organization that encourages students to pursue their interest in all kinds of music. NAfME has connections to choirs all across the United States and provides resources to the parents of musical students.

“They worked extremely hard to be chosen for the ensemble, and they had a great experience,” said Knutson, “Providing students with an experience like a national honor choir is a part of Waukee High School’s larger emphasis to provide each student with a pinnacle experience.”