Get ready to experience the joy of the season at the 4th Annual Holiday Extravaganza on December 12 and 13 at 7 pm at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center! This Holly Jolly Fundraiser brings together the incredible talents of the MHS and MMS Choirs, MHS Jazz Band, Theater, Comedy, and more for two unforgettable evenings of entertainment.
Tickets are $10 with reserved seating. These shows have sold out in past years, so audiences are encouraged to purchase early at https://monroeschoolspac.ludus.com/index.php. All proceeds support Monroe High School Choir, Band, Theater, and Monroe Middle School Choir programs.
What began as a simple fundraiser to offset rising musical licensing costs has evolved into a two-show spectacular involving more than 275 performers, crew members and volunteers. “It’s a massive undertaking,” said MHS Choir Director Alex Lentz, “and I’m so proud and thankful for the hard work and passion of our production team and students. The community’s generosity has allowed us to reduce solo and ensemble fees and create even more performance opportunities.”
A K—12 Commitment to Musical Excellence
Lentz credits the strength of Monroe’s music program to the collaboration across all grade levels. “If we’re going to teach them how to run, they need to learn how to crawl and walk first,” he said. “Our entire K—12 music staff works hard year after year, and the foundation built in elementary and middle school is what allows our high school ensembles to thrive.”
One unique feature of the program is their “Switch Days,” where Lentz and Middle School Choir Director Ingerid Kvam trade places, and Band Director Erin Hanke and Middle School Band Director Brian Bruggeman trade places, one to two days each month. This allows Lentz and Hanke to connect with younger performers while Kvam and Bruggeman reconnect with their former students. “Both programs benefit from a different set of eyes and ears,” Lentz explained. “It helps us grow stronger together.”
Choir Tuning Up for Success
Lentz shared, “Our middle school program is performing high school-level repertoire, and that allows our high school ensembles to tackle music you’d hear at the collegiate level.”
The results speak for themselves: last year, 64 events competed at district solo/ensemble, with 28 advancing to state, and senior Jack Tran earning an Exemplary Performance Award, which is an honor Lentz says he’s only seen three times in his eight years at MHS.
Additionally, each December the high school choirs also spread holiday cheer across the district, caroling at every school. Last year, more than 50 singers filled two buses to bring music and joy across the community.
“Our choirs would be nowhere near their musical potential if we didn’t have the talented, hard working and passionate students that we have here in our music program. There are too many students to name that have on many occasions stepped up to build culture, care for others, run extra rehearsals, come early and stay late, and overall do whatever they could in service of the group rather than themselves. I am so grateful that I have been able to work with so many wonderful young adults that I know will be pillars of our community,” he added.
Band Program on the March
At the high school level, the MHS Band, under the direction of Erin Hanke, continues to impress audiences. The band performs in four annual parades, including Homecoming, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and Memorial Day, and definitely feels the appreciation of the community.
Last year, multiple students and ensembles advanced to the state solo and ensemble festival. Hanke is proud of the students who advance to state, but also particularly proud of all the band students who prepare a solo or duet and perform in front of the judges. “It takes a lot of courage.” Adding to that pride, she shared that the instrumental judge at last year’s festival told her Monroe’s students were particularly well-prepared and professional.
Senior Frank Wolf has also made his mark by composing and arranging original music for the band, including Dragon Hearted and an original jazz tune performed at the 2025 Concert of the Bands.
Beyond performance, Hanke takes pride in the growth of Monroe’s music culture. “Each summer I help with the 6th-grade beginning band camp, and it’s such a joy to see students start their journey and later succeed in high school,” she said.
Every December, the Jazz Band tours the elementary schools, performing for excited young audiences. “The energy from the elementary students is amazing, and the band loves sharing their music with them,” Hanke said.
The Heart of Monroe Music
Behind every performance, both directors agree, are the students. “Our choirs and bands wouldn’t be where they are without their dedication and teamwork,” Lentz said. “We have students who come early, stay late, and go above and beyond to help their groups succeed. They truly care about each other and the program.”
From the first note in elementary school to the standing ovations at the Performing Arts Center, the Monroe Music Department continues to grow in excellence, passion, and community spirit.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the season and support these outstanding young musicians at the 4th Annual Holiday Extravaganza!
— Cara Carper is the School District of Monroe Student Occupation and Academic Readiness (SOAR) Coordinator. She can be reached at caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us.
