To play the National Anthem at athletic events is always such an honor for high school band students as fall sporting events resume, but to get to play at a Brewers game? Now that’s a story every high school band would like to tell for years to come! On September 17th, buses left Belleville High School with band members and fans ready to cheer on the Belleville High School Band. They were headed for Milwaukee to take part in “Band Night” hosted by the Milwaukee Brewers after sending an audition tape last spring to the Brewer organization for consideration. The Belleville band earned the privilege to play the National Anthem at the game based on that audition video. 

To be selected to play the National Anthem for a professional sporting event in front of thousands of fans is a little overwhelming for a small high school band, but the Belleville High School players took their place on the field and on the Jumbrotron screen with enthusiasm and brought their best game with profound musicianship!  

Band Student Adalynn Hendrickson reflects, “My favorite part of playing the National Anthem at the Brewer game was being able to represent our school and honor the service of people in our country. It was so impactful to see that the song we were playing was able to reach so many ears, all belonging to people who were able to unite as one if only for a few seconds.”

Under the directorship of Stephanie Meir, they were well prepared and their performance offered an amazing experience for high school musicians to share their talents with the greater Wisconsin community. It was an honor for Belleville High School to be selected and have this recognition. For the Belleville fans that went to cheer them on, it was a fun night to watch their students in action as well as to watch the Brewers take on the Phillies and support their school music program! The BHS Band also used the event as a fundraiser, receiving a portion of the proceeds from the tickets they sold over the summer months to attend the game.

Band Director Stephanie Meir notes, “I am so incredibly lucky to be the director of this group of band students. I have worked in the district for eighteen years and have always appreciated the students’ enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to try new things in music class. 

We play the Star Spangled Banner many times throughout the year, but this opportunity to play in front of such a large crowd was very special. The students worked hard to play their best and had the biggest smiles on their faces once we finished playing that evening. After the anthem we got to kick back, eat some hot dogs, watch the game, and be together with our family and friends. 

I would very much like to thank the administration: Jim Schmitt, Kyle Loshaw, and Elizabeth McGowan for not only supporting the music program but also for coming with us that night. Thank you to Rodger Goke and Kevin Long for driving the buses and being with us as well. Thank you to the family and friends who attended the game and bought tickets to help support our music program. Through this event/fundraiser the Belleville Music Department raised over $2000! The Belleville community has a long history of supporting our growing musicians and I am truly honored to be a Wildcat!”

District Administrator Jim Schmitt not only attended the Brewers game on September 17th, but he rode the fan bus to and from the game in an effort to support and get to better know the students in Belleville. Schmitt loved seeing such an incredible kick-off event for Belleville knowing so much planning went into it!

Schmitt says, “This was an incredible night for the Belleville community. The band had a strong performance in a very unique environment in front of a professional sports audience. Getting to the field took significant perseverance leading up to that night and at the stadium. Mrs. Meir and the band conducted themselves with wonderful grace throughout the process.”

Even though it wasn’t the best night for the Brewers, it was a great night for Belleville’s musicians knowing the BHS Band got to play their hearts out and then sit down and enjoy the game, will be a forever memory for the students, Mrs. Meir and the larger Belleville Community. After all — it’s not whether you win or lose, but it’s about how you play the game. On September 17th, Belleville High School Band played it well!

— Marie Perry is the Communications Director for the School District of Belleville. She can be reached at perrym@

belleville.k12.wi.us.