Students Join Birch Creek

Sean Moynihan.

Sturgeon Bay High School student Sean Moynihan and Sevastopol School student Ty Zawojski are attending Birch Creek’s Jazz I session under Program Director Jeff Campbell.

Moynihan, now 16 years old, started playing alto saxophone at 10. He recently earned a 1st rating on a saxophone solo at the Wisconsin State Music Association, and he attended the Bay Area Music Association Honor Band for the past three years. Moynihan plays in his school jazz band under the direction of Heidi Hintz.

Fourteen-year-old Zawojski has attended Birch Creek concerts since he was three and picked up the trombone six years ago. For the past two years, he participated in the St. Norbert Honors Band, and one of his goals is to earn a first-place rating at state solo ensemble. His music instructor at Sevastopol is Tanya Hasenjager.

Anthony Zawojski.

The application and auditioning process for students applying to Birch Creek is challenging. Applications must be submitted along with teacher recommendations. Jazz students audition for placement within various combos. They perform approximately 10 public concerts and must possess the skills to keep up with a demanding repertoire and schedule.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center is a summer music school for advanced young musicians. With a performance emphasis, students are taught by nationally known performers and educators during the day, and perform alongside them in concerts at night. Five sessions focus on percussion and steel band, symphony, big band jazz, and vocal jazz. Applications are welcome. For more information visit birchcreek.org.