Milwaukee City Wire

Riverside University High School's drumline recently had the opportunity to perform at two significant events in Wisconsin. The students played for Governor Tony Evers and state legislators during the State of the State address on January 22, and again for the Biennial Budget Message on February 18. This marks a unique achievement as they were invited back within a short span of time.

Jeremy Reyes, an MPS traveling music teacher who instructs the Riverside drumline, expressed satisfaction with their performances. “I just feel we left a good impression, that they asked us to come again,” he said. The students performed choreographed routines despite limited space in the Capitol rotunda.

The experience was described as rewarding by Riverside sophomore and drumline captain Theodore Davis-Shelby. “It's an honor to be selected to be a part of some cool stuff in the state," he remarked. Keshaun Robinson, another drumline captain, highlighted the growth of their group: “Watching the band and drumline grow has been one of the best things.”

Their repertoire included "Hot Sauce," a challenging piece from North Central University made famous by its inclusion in a movie scene, alongside compositions by Reyes and the students themselves.

Reyes noted that this is likely the first time a high school has been invited for consecutive performances under Governor Evers' administration. He emphasized how such experiences can open doors for students beyond music careers, sharing his own story about attending college on a band scholarship.

The trips also marked new experiences for many students who had not traveled beyond suburban Milwaukee before visiting Madison's Capitol building.