Unleashing the Rhythmic Genius: Wausau West Students Craft Captivating Musical Masterpieces

In the heart of Wausau, Wisconsin, a group of Wausau West students are embarking on a musical journey that is redefining the boundaries of creativity. Through a unique class focused on sound exploration, these young artists are harnessing their passion for music and transforming it into a symphony of innovation.

Crafting Harmonious Melodies, One Note at a Time

Discovering the Power of Sound

At Wausau West, students are immersed in a world of sound, where they are given the freedom to explore and experiment with various musical genres and techniques. The introductory and advanced audio classes offer a platform for these budding musicians to unleash their artistic potential, allowing them to create their own songs, electronic compositions, and even podcasts.For Wausau West senior Miciah Mathias, the journey into the world of music began at a young age. "I've played drums for about 10 years," Mathias shared, "I used to always bang on random stuff around my house like pots and pans." This early passion for percussion has now blossomed into a full-fledged musical endeavor, as Mathias and four other students have formed the "Warrior Brass Band."

Crafting a Harmonious Ensemble

The Warrior Brass Band's latest single, released on Spotify, showcases the group's ability to seamlessly blend various instruments, including guitar, bass, trumpet, saxophone, and drums. "We will record each part individually and then Micah will mix them all together and put it into a finished product," explained Wausau West senior and band trumpet player Ryan Volkers.This collaborative approach to music-making allows the students to explore the intricacies of sound engineering and production, honing their skills in the art of mixing and mastering. "For me personally it's going on a whim, like if there is a tune going on in my head I try to listen to the tune and see what I can add to it," shared Wausau West audio class student Tyler James Simpson, highlighting the spontaneous and creative nature of their musical endeavors.

Embracing the Challenges of Collaborative Composition

While the process of creating music together comes with its fair share of challenges, the students of Wausau West find immense satisfaction in the final product. "At the end when get to sit in the room with everybody that made it and just vibing to the song, it's great," said Ryan Volkers, reflecting on the joy of witnessing their collective efforts come to life.For Miciah Mathias, the journey into sound engineering and mixing began long before the audio class. "I've always been interested in music, and I've played music for basically my whole life, but I was also very interested in engineering when I was younger," he explained. Mathias took it upon himself to learn the necessary software and techniques, honing his skills through online tutorials and hands-on experience.

Fostering a Diverse Musical Landscape

The audio classes at Wausau West are designed to cater to a wide range of musical interests and skill levels. "The class is unique and different than anything they are doing at school and it's all project-based," said Wausau West audio class teacher Dan Emerson. This open-ended approach allows students to explore their individual passions, whether it's creating their own songs, experimenting with electronic music, or delving into the world of podcasting."I like the project — how it's going so far — and I cannot wait to be doing more in the future with it," shared Tyler Simpson, echoing the enthusiasm and excitement that permeates the audio classes at Wausau West.As the Warrior Brass Band continues to captivate audiences with their infectious melodies and harmonies, the students of Wausau West are proving that the power of music knows no bounds. Through their dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit, they are redefining the boundaries of musical expression and inspiring their peers to embark on their own musical journeys.