Out To Lunch
A note of distinction for Prairie du Chien vocal group
By Ted Pennekamp
Prairie du Chien High School’s long-standing vocal jazz group “Out To Lunch” has earned yet another noteworthy distinction. The a cappella group will be one of only three music groups which will perform at the Wisconsin State Education Convention in Milwaukee which runs from Jan. 21-23.
“It is a huge honor,” said High School Music Vocal Director Phil Stiemke. “There’s so many people, you really want it to be positive.”
Stiemke said that Out To Lunch will perform the morning of Jan. 23 right before Governor Scott Walker addresses the convention. Stiemke also noted that there will be between 1,000-1,500 school administrators among those in the audience at the Wisconsin Center.
The 15-member Out To Lunch will be the only vocal group at the convention. The others include a jazz band and an orchestra.
Out To Lunch will be performing for approximately 15 minutes, said Stiemke. Their lively set will include “Java Jive” by Manhattan Transfer, “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield, and “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes. “We’ve been practicing a lot, so hopefully, everything will go well,” Stiemke said.
Stiemke noted that numerous schools from throughout the state had groups audition by sending CDs to the Wisconsin School Music Association. The two other schools with groups chosen to perform are Westby and Cedarburg.
Stiemke said that Out To Lunch made their recording in St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, which has great acoustics.
Out To Lunch has earned its share of honors over the past 17 years, and performing at the State Education Convention is another top achievement.
“This is definitely right up there,” said Stiemke. “It’s nice to be recognized. We’re hoping it all goes well. The kids have been working hard. It should be fun.”