Brass Quintet

Student-Led RAHS Brass Quintet Finds Harmony in Friendship and Faculty Support

By, Jack Meyer

REEDSBURG, WI – When the Reedsburg Area High School Brass Quintet took the stage at the recent spring band concert, the audience witnessed something rare: five students delivering a professional-level performance without a single cue from a teacher.

The quintet—comprised of Damon Luke ‘26 (trumpet), Jonah Porter ‘26 (trumpet), Max Monte 27 (French horn), Dillon Hansen ‘26 (trombone), and Kai D’Ambrozio ‘27 (tuba)—is entirely student-led. Their self-directed preparation recently earned them a perfect score at the district Solo and Ensemble festival, punching their ticket to the State Solo and Ensemble competition in Platteville on April 25.

“We chose to do it on our own because we get to choose what we play and we get to decide when and how to practice,” said Luke. “Having us lead it gives us the ability to decide what happens. I think it’s just more fun that way.”

While the group operates independently, the members are quick to credit the foundation provided by the RAHS music department. They attribute their ability to "go solo" to the years of training and encouragement from band director Mr. Scott Bruer and choir director Mrs. Kristen Sporakowski.

“Our music staff is just really supportive,” Luke said. “Mr. Bruer and Ms. Sporakowski truly care about what we’re doing. It gives us the motivation to know they have our back if we need help on anything.”

That support often takes the form of what the group called "fine-tuning" sessions. Even though the students pick their own repertoire—ranging from classical works by Victor Ewald to contemporary Beatles arrangements—they often seek a professional ear to polish their sound.

“If we’ve been stuck, we go to Mr. Brewer,” said D’Ambrozio. “He listens and gives us tips on stuff we can change to make it even better—even the stuff that’s already amazing.”

The group's chemistry is rooted in more than just music; it is built on a lifelong friendship. Most of the members have been playing together since elementary school, creating a level of comfort that allows them to critique one another without ego.

“I think a lot of it comes from the fact that we’ve been friends for years,” said Porter. “You can see how friendly we are with each other, and you can see how that shows in the music.”

This camaraderie was on full display during the spring concert, where the group "exuded infectious enjoyment," according to attendees. For the musicians, the thrill of the performance is secondary to the feeling of collective achievement once the final note fades.

“The second we’re done and all five of us put down our instruments and look around to people cheering and laughing, it’s just an amazing experience,” Luke said.

As they prepare for State, the quintet isn't just aiming for a high rating. They are chasing the Exemplary Performance Award, an honor given to the single most outstanding performance a judge hears during the entire day of competition.

For these students, the drive to be the best comes from within, but the opportunity to succeed is a community effort.

“I’m usually happiest when I’m playing and performing,” Porter said. “All stress goes away when I’m on stage. I know I have to play well, and I know I can play well. It’s just something inside of me that loves music.”

Members of the RAHS Jazz Quintet astounded the audience at the recent Spring Jazz Festival with their stellar three song performance. The group heads to State Solo and Ensemble in Platteville on April 25 seeking an “Exemplary Performance Award” as their collective goal.